7-Day England Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Leeds to York, Windermere, Liverpool, and Stratford-on-Avon
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Description
Explore the best of England on a 7-day road trip! Uncover hidden gems and experience the rich culture firsthand as you journey through Leeds, York, Keswick, Rydal, Windermere, Ambleside, Liverpool, Chester, Stratford-on-Avon, and Bourton-on-the-Water. This road trip itinerary in England seamlessly combines exploration with relaxation.
This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in England takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 2 nights in Leeds, 1 night in York, 1 night in Windermere, 1 night in Liverpool, and 1 night in Stratford-on-Avon. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!
With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in England. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have got you covered.
Upon arriving in Leeds, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover England on your own terms.
An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in England. Royal Albert Dock Liverpool and Chester Zoo are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery. Marvel at the remarkable Lake District National Park, learn more about the unique National Railway Museum, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of York Minster.
As you hit the open road and drive through Leeds, York, Keswick, Rydal, Windermere, Ambleside, Liverpool, Chester, Stratford-on-Avon, and Bourton-on-the-Water, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of England. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in England.
Throughout your road trip in England, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in England.
This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodation, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.
The best services in England fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in England today!
Itinerary summary
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Day 1
- Leeds - Arrival day
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- Park Square
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Your road trip adventure in England begins as soon as you reach Leeds and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Leeds for 1 night and explore the best things to see and do, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.
Leeds is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Park Square or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.
Find your way to your hotel in Leeds. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in England. Settle in and make plans for the evening.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Leeds, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Enjoy a delicious meal at HOME, a highly-rated dining destination in Leeds. If you're eager to try something different, consider The Whitehall Restaurant & Bar, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Premier Inn Leeds City Centre (Leeds Arena) hotel. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Leeds this evening.
After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Pixel Bar Leeds, known for its inviting atmosphere. Wax Bar is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, North Bar provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.
Raise a toast to the start of your 7-day road trip in England!
Day 2
- Leeds
- York
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Drive 47 km, 1 hour 20 min
- National Railway Museum York
- York Minster
- Shambles Market
- Jorvik Viking Centre
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Dive into day 2 of your remarkable road trip in England. Today you will explore York, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in York. You’ll stay here for 1 night.
Today's adventure in York promises more breathtaking discoveries and enriching experiences!
When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Leeds, you’ll hit the road in the direction of York. This drive usually takes around 46 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.
Head to National Railway Museum, a well-known museum in York. Explore its photogenic features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next sight, York Minster. This well-known church is a top recommendation in the area. When you’re ready to explore more, Shambles Market is an excellent choice. Spend some time discovering what some claim to be the most visually striking market in the region. Next, continue your sightseeing at the popular Jorvik Viking Centre and discover what makes this museum unique.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in York. York offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Take some time to relax before you head out to explore.
Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of York's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.
Savor the flavors at Yakamoz, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, House Of The Trembling Madness beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Turtle Bay York. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in York tonight.
After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to The Habit Cafe Bar, known for its inviting atmosphere. Shambles Tavern is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Pivní York provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.
Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in England!
Day 3
- York
- Keswick
- Rydal
- Bowness-on-Windermere
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Drive 254 km, 4 hours 7 min
- Castlerigg stone circle
- Rydal Cave
- The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction
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On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in England, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 4 destinations, Keswick, Rydal, Windermere, and Ambleside. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Windermere, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.
Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Keswick today.
Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings.
Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Keswick, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from York to Keswick may take around 2 hours 19 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Keswick, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.
Take your self-guided tour to Castlerigg Stone Circle, an intriguing archeological site that everyone visiting Keswick should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings.
Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Rydal. This car ride takes around 23 min.
Savor the rest of your day by heading to Rydal Cave, a frequently visited cave that draws visitors from near and far.
When you’ve had your share of Rydal, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Windermere. Your travel time is around 17 min.
Your self-guided tour starts at The World Of Beatrix Potter Attraction, an increasingly popular museum that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Windermere, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.
As you explore more of Windermere, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.
Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in England!
Day 4
- Bowness-on-Windermere
- Liverpool
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Drive 141 km, 2 hours 25 min
- World Museum
- Royal Albert Dock Liverpool
- Museum of Liverpool
- The Liverpool Waterfront
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On day 4 of your road trip in England, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Liverpool. In the evening, you’ll end up in Liverpool, where you will stay for 1 night.
Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Liverpool. This car ride takes around 1 hour 44 min.
Your self-guided tour starts at World Museum, a locally renowned museum that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey. Next, head to Royal Albert Dock Liverpool and admire its history-steeped features. When you’re ready, continue to Museum Of Liverpool, a popular museum beloved by locals and tourists alike. Don't miss out on The Liverpool Waterfront, another highlight of the area that promises a memorable visit.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Liverpool. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.
As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Liverpool. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.
Have a fantastic dining experience at KURDINA RESTAURANT AND BAR, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Rudy's Pizza Napoletana - Castle Street offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, The Quarter is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Liverpool.
Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Brass Monkey. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Sanctuary Bar, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, The Underground Gin Society provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.
Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in England!
Day 5
- Liverpool
- Cheshire West and Chester
- Stratford-upon-Avon
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Drive 253 km, 3 hours 19 min
- Chester Zoo
- Chester Cathedral
- Eastgate and Eastgate Clock
- Chester City Walls
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Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 5 of your road trip in England. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Chester. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Stratford-on-Avon, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.
Set your GPS to Chester and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 41 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Chester beckons with new experiences!
Savor the rest of your day by heading to Chester Zoo, an interesting zoo that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue on to Chester Cathedral, where you can soak in the stunning surroundings. Next, explore Eastgate And Eastgate Clock, yet another worthwhile place to see in the area. After the monument, make time to go to Chester City Walls. This historic historical landmark is well worthwhile the visit.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in Stratford-on-Avon. Stratford-on-Avon offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Take some time to relax before you head out to explore.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Stratford-on-Avon. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the town, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Garrick is an excellent place to start.
Head back to your accommodation in Stratford-on-Avon and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in England!
Day 6
- Stratford-upon-Avon
- Bourton-on-the-Water
- Leeds
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Drive 296 km, 4 hours 11 min
- Shakespeare's Birthplace
- Stratford Butterfly Farm
- Cotswold Motoring Museum
- Birdland Park & Gardens
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 6 of your road trip in England. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Stratford-on-Avon and Bourton-on-the-Water. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Leeds. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.
Stratford-on-Avon is home to plenty of attractions that offer fun adventures, photo-friendly spots, and history-rich sites! Start at Shakespeare's Birthplace, a notable museum that is worthwhile a visit in the town. Nearby, you’ll find Stratford Butterfly Farm, enchanting visitors with its mesmerizing appeal.
Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Bourton-on-the-Water. This drive usually takes around 41 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.
Head to Cotswold Motoring Museum, an underrated museum in Bourton-on-the-Water. Explore its respected features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next sight, Birdland Park And Gardens. This locally appreciated zoo is a top recommendation in the area.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Leeds, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.
After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Leeds's best restaurants.
Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Cosy Club, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Clayton Hotel Leeds? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Riva Blu Italian Restaurant & Bar, Leeds as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Leeds.
Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Power, Corruption & Lies, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Brudenell Social Club provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Whitelock's First City Luncheon Bar offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.
Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in England!
Day 7
- Leeds - Departure day
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- Tick Tock Unlock - Leeds Live Escape Rooms
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Day 7 of your road trip in England is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Leeds before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
Explore local shops for souvenirs to remember your trip or find unique gifts for loved ones. Discover boutiques offering an array of stylish fashion choices. For those seeking luxury items, check out the area’s high-end stores.
Leeds is home to plenty of attractions that offer family-friendly attractions and much more! Start at Tick Tock Unlock - Leeds Live Escape Rooms, an up-and-coming escape room that is worthwhile a visit in the city.
Before you conclude your road trip in England, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Leeds.
Dine in style at Gaucho Leeds, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Bill's Leeds Restaurant boasts a menu that's sure to impress.
You’ll then say farewell to Leeds. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in England!
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