Affordable One-Week Relaxed England Road Trip Vacation from Southampton to London

Your slow-paced and relaxed road trip through England begins when you reach Southampton, where you’ll stay for a total of 3 nights.

Southampton is an outstanding hub for culture, comfort, and exploration. The city offers travelers plenty of experiences to look forward to, including the magnificent Bargate. Around 631 visitors have rated this fascinating city gate and travel destination an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Take your pick and make it your home during your leisurely tour of the city.

Exploring the food culture in Southampton offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

An excellent example is Lakaz Maman. This restaurant offers a menu of comforting meals and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 845 customers.

Soleto Bistro serves great food and is a favorite among hungry travelers and locals. This popular restaurant in Southampton has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 358 reviews.

Ennio's is another one of the city’s best restaurants. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 587 customers, Ennio's is sure to provide you with an unforgettable dining experience.

If you’re curious about what Southampton looks like at night, a trip to some of the best bars near your accommodation is what you need next. Experience the local nightlife at The Hobbit Pub, our top recommendation in the city. Customers have rated this bar an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,568 reviews.

Firehouse offers a variety of refreshing drinks and is one of the best places to relax in Southampton. This well-known city bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 510 customers.

Locals like unwinding at The Guide Dog. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 357 customers and is a perfect place for socializing.

Free your mind of worries and enjoy your first taste of relaxation in England! Expect more to come as you continue this laid-back and relaxed road trip in England!

On day 2 of your relaxed road trip across England, you'll explore the best attractions in Southampton at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Southampton, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 2 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Guildhall Square. This incredible park has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 441 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in England by seeing another popular site in Southampton, the wonderful SeaCity Museum. This maritime museum is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 441 travelers.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 2 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in England. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Southampton itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through England extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Southampton. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, The Bedford. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 758 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at Smugglers Bar & Restaurant, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. Smugglers Bar & Restaurant is rated 4.7 stars out of 5 by 382 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended Bill's Southampton Restaurant. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,388 food lovers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Southampton and unwind at the coolest bars in the city. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular Beards & Boards Craft Beer Bar. This vibrant bar is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 211 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular London Hotel. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 470 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Another recommendation you shouldn’t miss is Heartbreakers. Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks. Heartbreakers has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 372 bar goers.

Enjoy the rest of day 2 of your relaxed road trip across England, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

On day 3 of your laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure, you’ll have the chance to visit two remarkable areas in England. Since this self-drive tour offers freedom and flexibility, you can decide how much time you want to spend in each place to enjoy the memorable travel destinations in England.

Your first destination is the beautiful city of Portsmouth. As the day progresses, you’ll continue your in-depth tour of the country in the city of Leavesden. You’ll spend 4 nights in London.

Take the opportunity to relax while admiring what the city has to offer. While on a relaxed road trip, one of the best places to explore in the city is the remarkable Mary Rose Museum. This maritime museum and popular sightseeing spot has an average rating of 4.8 over 5 stars from 5,672 visitors.

Another top sight worth checking out is the amazing HMS Victory. This first-rate and go-to attraction has an average rating of 4.8 over 5 stars from 7,050 travelers.

If you’re looking for another unforgettable attraction to explore during your laid-back trip, the wonderful Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is the perfect place for you. This military museum and travel location has received a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 14,679 reviewers.

While exploring the city of Portsmouth, we highly recommend you join one of its top-rated tours. Joining a tour will allow you to better understand the local culture in England, meet new people, and create memorable experiences, while you comfortably enjoy.

After a fun experience in Portsmouth, buckle up and enjoy a relaxing drive to your next stop, the incredible city of Leavesden. This is your opportunity to create more unforgettable memories in England and discover the wonderful Leavesden.

While in Leavesden, take a break at one of its best attractions, the great Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter. This exhibition room and popular site has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 82,133 reviews.

This travel spotis a go-to place in Leavesden.

As this day of your laid-back exploration of the best attractions in England comes to a close, continue your relaxed road trip adventure in London. Drive leisurely, enjoy the views, and listen to some good music. In London, you’ll choose from the best hotels and places to stay in the city and restore your energy.

After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, take it easy and have a wonderful dinner at one of the best restaurants in London. Check out Cahoots London, a top choice in England due to its excellent meals and service.

Another London restaurant to try is a local favorite, Bill's Soho Restaurant.

If you’re looking for another must-visit option, Estiatorio Milos is a perfect choice. This popular restaurant in London has a score of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,065 people.

After dinner, many travelers enjoy hanging out and unwinding at some of the top bars in London. The popular Bar Américain has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 697 customers and is the perfect place to fully appreciate your unhurried and relaxed road trip vacation in England.

You could also relax with a drink at another popular bar like The Connaught Bar. This hang-out has an average rating of 4.7 from 654 individuals.

If you want to visit another place, the locals of London recommend Bar Polski. Due to its local reputation, this bar boasts an average rating of 4.6 over 5 stars from 480 individuals.

Celebrate another day of your relaxing road trip through England with a toast at a top-rated bar in London!

On day 4 of your relaxed road trip across England, you'll explore the best attractions in Westminster at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Westminster, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 3 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Hyde Park. This incredible park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 126,766 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in England by seeing another popular site in Westminster, the wonderful Buckingham Palace. This royal palace is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 126,766 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible St James's Park. This park has received an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 55,261 visitors.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 4 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in England. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Westminster itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through England extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Westminster. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, The Palomar. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,537 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at Berners Tavern, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. Berners Tavern is rated 4.5 stars out of 5 by 1,817 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended Burger & Lobster Leicester Square. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,454 food lovers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Westminster and unwind at the coolest bars in the city. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular Artesian. This vibrant bar is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 657 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular American Bar. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 667 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Another recommendation you shouldn’t miss is Old Shades. Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks. Old Shades has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,047 bar goers.

Enjoy the rest of day 4 of your relaxed road trip across England, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

On day 5 of your relaxed road trip across England, you'll explore the best attractions in London at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in London, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 2 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Madame Tussauds London. This incredible wax museum has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 71,843 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in England by seeing another popular site in London, the wonderful Trafalgar Square. This square is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 71,843 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Big Ben. This cultural icon has received an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 61,373 visitors.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 5 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in England. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your London itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through England extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in London. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Rules. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,824 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at Hawksmoor Seven Dials, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. Hawksmoor Seven Dials is rated 4.6 stars out of 5 by 3,084 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended Simpson's in the Strand. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 830 food lovers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in London and unwind at the coolest bars in the city. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular Scarfes Bar. This vibrant bar is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 883 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular BFI IMAX. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,382 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Another recommendation you shouldn’t miss is The Old Bank of England. Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks. The Old Bank of England has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,562 bar goers.

Enjoy the rest of day 5 of your relaxed road trip across England, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

On day 6 of your relaxed road trip across England, you'll explore the best attractions in London at your own pace and immerse in the neighborhood's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in London, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 1 night will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Tower of London. This incredible castle has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 101,481 travelers, and is visited by 2,741,126 people every year.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 6 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in England. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your London itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful neighborhood. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through England extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the neighborhood, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in London. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Smith & Wollensky. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,343 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at Hawksmoor Air Street, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. Hawksmoor Air Street is rated 4.6 stars out of 5 by 3,216 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended Premier Inn London County Hall hotel. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,858 food lovers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in London and unwind at the coolest bars in the neighborhood. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular The Ship & Shovell. This vibrant bar is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,465 customers.

Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks.

Enjoy the rest of day 6 of your relaxed road trip across England, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

Day 7 of your relaxed road trip across the beautiful country of England will take you on a self-paced journey to two incredible places in one day. See some of the best attractions in England, taste the most delectable foods and exquisite drinks, and make incredible memories as you go!

You’ll begin your day and sightseeing in Winchester, and continue your explorations in the city of Eton. The charming Southampton is where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Your first stop is the great city of Winchester, where you will see the amazing Winchester Cathedral. This famous anglican or episcopal cathedral has an impressive 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 8,901 people.

Give yourself the opportunity to see more of Winchester than meets the eye by joining a top-rated tour. Put your relaxed road trip to a halt in favor of an in-depth exploration of the city’s best sights and hidden gems while connecting with locals and fellow travelers.

After exploring the city of Winchester, it’s time to hit the road again and continue your relaxed road trip to another city in England, the lovely Eton!

In Eton, you’ll find the magnificent St George's Chapel, Windsor. This popular castle chapel has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 5,434 visitors.

Find out why many travelers love Eton by checking out another of its famous tourist destinations, the spectacular Windsor Castle. This popular site is a wonderful historic house museum that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 53,263 travelers.

After exploring all these beautiful places, drive leisurely to the beautiful city of Southampton for some much-needed rest and relaxation. Here you can choose from the best selection of hotels and places to stay as you get to know more about this spectacular city.

After a long day of driving and exploring some of the best places to visit in England, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Southampton.

We highly recommend going to Anesti Limited T/A Sulas Greek Taverna. This place is a popular restaurant with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 505 customers.

Another great restaurant option is Everest Cuisine. This food place is often recommended by travelers and has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 505 customers.

You can also eat at the top-rated CRIB Shuffleboard Cocktail & Pizza Bar. Offering great food and amazing service, this restaurant has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 108 customers.

After dinner, it’s time to fall in love with the amazing nightlife in Southampton and unwind at some of the best bars in the city.

Let’s toast to day 7 of your laid-back self-drive in Eton! Celebrate this unique opportunity to enjoy a memorable road trip adventure across England!

Day 8 of your relaxed road trip in England is your departure day. If you have a flight to catch, you’ll drop off your rental car well in advance before your departure. Choose a late flight to enjoy a stress-free last day in Southampton.

Depending on when you need to leave, you might be able to fit in some sightseeing or shopping. Embrace the beauty of Southampton once more and find some souvenirs to help you remember your time in the city. To end your relaxing road trip in England on top, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Red Funnel Ferries is an extraordinary attraction that is perfect for your last day in Southampton. This top sight is a popular best-rated sightseeing destination, rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 8,788 visitors.

Unwind and look back at the past 8 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Southampton or just grab something light to keep you going.

Check out the menu at The Rockstone. Dining at The Rockstone is one of the best food experiences you can have in Southampton. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,200 customers.

Another top recommendation in Southampton is Piecaramba! If you go to Piecaramba!, you can expect delicious food, a nice ambiance, and great service. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 546 customers.

Alternatively, you could also go to a place like Piccolo Mondo. If you haven’t yet, a trip to Piccolo Mondo is your opportunity to have a lovely meal before leaving the city. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 618 customers.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Southampton and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 8-day relaxed road trip in England is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.