7-Day England Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Manchester to York and Windermere
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Escape the ordinary with this exciting 7-day road trip through England. Explore the diverse landscapes, lively cities, and beyond. Pack your bags, hit the road, and prepare for an unforgettable journey!
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 Manchester, 1 night in York, and 3 nights in Windermere. 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 Manchester, 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. Chester Zoo and National Railway Museum are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery. Marvel at the remarkable York Minster, learn more about the unique Science And Industry Museum, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Heaton Park.
As you hit the open road and drive through Manchester, York, Windermere, Keswick, Near Sawrey, Ambleside, Rydal, Grasmere, Coniston, and Chester, 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!
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Day 1
- Manchester - Arrival day
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- Northern Quarter
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Say hello to Manchester! Your exciting road trip through England is just about to start. Navigating the top places to see in the region is a breeze with a car. The rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for pickup upon your arrival in the city. You will stay in Manchester for 1 night before you continue your adventure!
Manchester 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 Northern Quarter, a must-see neighborhood, and 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 Manchester. 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 Manchester, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Don’t miss out on dining at Premier Inn Manchester Central hotel, a top-rated dining destination in Manchester. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Fazenda Manchester, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Peaky Blinders Manchester. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Manchester this evening.
To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Kimpton Clocktower Hotel after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Corbieres Bar, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Directors Box also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.
Raise a toast to the start of your 7-day road trip in England!
Day 2
- Manchester
- York
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Drive 119 km, 1 hour 55 min
- Manchester Art Gallery
- Science and Industry Museum
- Heaton Park
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 2 of your road trip in England. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Manchester. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in York. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.
Get ready to discover some of the most iconic wonders in Manchester, including an art gallery, a museum, and a park. Start your day at Manchester Art Gallery. This instagrammable art gallery is an intriguing place to see in Manchester. Then, wander over to Science And Industry Museum. If heritage-rich sites excite you, this museum will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Heaton Park. This history-steeped park is a favorite among visitors.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in York. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in York. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Yakamoz, a top-rated dining spot in York. If you're in the mood for something new, try House Of The Trembling Madness, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Turtle Bay York. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in York.
After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at The Habit Cafe Bar, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Shambles Tavern. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Pivní York, another top-rated place in the area.
Relax and reminisce about your day in England and look forward to more memorable moments to come!
Day 3
- York
- Bowness-on-Windermere
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Drive 179 km, 2 hours 59 min
- Shambles Market
- Jorvik Viking Centre
- York Dungeon
- York Minster
- National Railway Museum York
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Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 3 of your road trip in England. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of York. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Windermere, which will be your home away from home for 3 nights.
Get ready for a day filled with family-friendly attractions, photo-friendly spots, and budget-friendly activities in the charming city of York. Your adventure starts at Shambles Market, an interesting local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is Jorvik Viking Centre. This popular museum is known for its visually striking appeal.
After soaking in the highlights of these sights, take some time to wander York's streets and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. When you're ready to continue your sightseeing adventure, head to York Dungeon. This photogenic haunted house offers a fascinating experience that many visitors find memorable. York Minster is also worth visiting, along with National Railway Museum. These standout landmarks offer unique experiences that add to the day’s enjoyment.
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.
After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Windermere's best restaurants.
With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Windermere.
As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in England.
Day 4
- Bowness-on-Windermere
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Drive 99 km, 2 hours 20 min
- The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction
- Castlerigg stone circle
- National Trust - Hill Top
- National Trust - Tarn Hows
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Wake up to day 4 of your extraordinary road trip in England. With 2 nights left in Windermere, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the town’s surroundings!
Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Windermere today. One of the most locally appreciated attractions included on the itinerary is The World Of Beatrix Potter Attraction. This photogenic museum will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Castlerigg Stone Circle and learn what makes this historic archeological site unique.
Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the often recommended National Trust - Hill Top. After exploring the museum, head to National Trust - Tarn Hows. This curiosity-inducing lake is a highlight in Windermere.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Windermere and your accommodation.
After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Windermere. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.
As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in England.
Day 5
- Bowness-on-Windermere
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Drive 56 km, 1 hour 39 min
- Stock Ghyll Force
- The Bridge House
- Rydal Mount & Gardens
- Rydal Cave
- National Trust - Allan Bank and Grasmere
- The Ruskin Museum
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On day 5 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Windermere, where you'll stay for 1 night more.
Stock Ghyll Force is must-visit waterfall and a great starting point for the day. Next, continue your journey to The Bridge House, a worthwhile historical landmark, located just a leisurely stroll away. Next, head to Rydal Mount, a visually striking museum, also available for your discovery today.
Each stop on today’s itinerary promises to leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for Windermere. When you're ready, let your sightseeing route take you to the frequently visited Rydal Cave. If you’re looking for more, National Trust - Allan Bank And Grasmere is also an underrated attraction that is worthwhile a visit. Lastly, don’t miss The Ruskin Museum, a place of history-steeped interest in the town.
When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Windermere.
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.
Head back to your accommodation in Windermere and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in England!
Day 6
- Bowness-on-Windermere
- Manchester
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Drive 242 km, 3 hours 14 min
- Chester Zoo
- Chester Cathedral
- Eastgate and Eastgate Clock
- Chester Roman Amphitheatre
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On day 6 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 Chester. In the evening, you’ll end up in Manchester, where you will stay for 1 night.
Windermere is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a zoo, a church, a monument, an archeological site and much more! Begin your sightseeing adventure at the popular Chester Zoo and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Chester Cathedral, a breathtaking church that draws visitors from far and near.
Continue your journey to Eastgate And Eastgate Clock, one of the city’s most up-and-coming spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the worthwhile Chester Roman Amphitheatre.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Manchester. Manchester offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.
As you explore more of Manchester, 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.
Dine in style at MR THOMAS'S CHOP HOUSE, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Sam's Chop House boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Annies. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Manchester.
To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Arcane after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to The Liquor Store, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Atlas Bar also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.
Head back to your accommodation in Manchester and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in England!
Day 7
- Manchester - Departure day
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- Manchester Cathedral
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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 Manchester before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
If you're up for some more sightseeing, we recommend visiting Manchester Cathedral, a heritage-rich church before you head out.
Maximize your last day in England and go on a shopping spree in Manchester’s shopping center, the lively Manchester Arndale. Browse for souvenirs to remind you of your wonderful journey in England.
Before you conclude your road trip in England, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Manchester.
If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Bill's Spinningfields Restaurant, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu.
You’ll then say farewell to Manchester. 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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