5-Day England Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Leeds traveling north to Windermere

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Explore the best of England on a remarkable 5-day road trip! Combine exploration with relaxation on a self-drive tour featuring Leeds, York, Malham, Windermere, and Craven.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in England. You will spend 3 nights in Leeds and 1 night 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 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. National Railway Museum and York Minster are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.

As you hit the open road and drive through Leeds, York, Malham, Windermere, and Craven, 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, accommodations, 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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Driver’s age is 30 - 65
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Pick-up: 10:00
Drop-off: 10:00

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Day1

Day 1

  • Leeds - Arrival day
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  • Park Square
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Welcome to Leeds, the perfect starting point for your road trip in England! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 2 nights discovering what to see in Leeds before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

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. Taking a stroll in the city center is a great alternative. 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 enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Pixel Bar Leeds, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Wax Bar offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, North Bar provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Raise a toast to the start of your 5-day road trip in England!

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Day2

Day 2

  • Leeds
  • York
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Drive 83 km, 2 hours 5 min

  • Jorvik Viking Centre
  • Shambles Market
  • York Minster
  • National Railway Museum York
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On day 2 of your road trip, you'll get the chance to experience York. At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Leeds, where you still have 1 night left to stay.

Whether you decide to explore York on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to York may take around 47 min. Upon your arrival in York, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Jorvik Viking Centre is an interesting museum we recommend visiting today. Discover its visually striking features before continuing your self-guided tour to Shambles Market, an instagrammable market that’s well-regarded in the area.

Next, stop by York Minster, a picture-perfect church. While you’re nearby, don’t forget to visit National Railway Museum, a heritage-rich and truly unique museum.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Leeds and your accommodation.

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.

Don’t miss out on dining at Cosy Club, a top-rated dining destination in Leeds. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Clayton Hotel Leeds, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Riva Blu Italian Restaurant & Bar, Leeds. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Leeds this evening.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Power, Corruption & Lies, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Brudenell Social Club, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Whitelock's First City Luncheon Bar provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in England!

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Day3

Day 3

  • Leeds
  • Malham
  • Bowness-on-Windermere
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Drive 185 km, 4 hours 4 min

  • Janet's Foss
  • Gordale Scar
  • White Scar Caves
  • Yorkshire Dales National Park
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 of your road trip in England. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 place, which are Malham. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Windermere, where will spend 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Malham. This car ride takes around 1 hour 22 min.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the village's best attractions, visit Janet's Foss, a beloved waterfall that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey. Next, head to Gordale Scar and admire its gorgeous features.

When you're ready for some sights, head to White Scar Caves, an increasingly popular cave in Malham. Explore its scenic features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, Yorkshire Dales National Park. This interesting national park is a top recommendation in the area.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Windermere. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the town.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Windermere's best restaurants.

Head back to your accommodation in Windermere and get some rest to prepare for another magical day of your road trip in England.

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Day4

Day 4

  • Bowness-on-Windermere
  • Skipton
  • Leeds
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Drive 163 km, 3 hours 31 min

  • National Trust - Tarn Hows
  • The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction
  • Skipton Market
  • Skipton Boat Trips
  • Skipton Castle
  • More

On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in England, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, including Windermere and Craven. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Leeds, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

National Trust - Tarn Hows is a worthwhile lake we recommend visiting today. Discover its majestic features before continuing your self-guided tour.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Windermere, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Craven. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 22 min.

The World Of Beatrix Potter Attraction is a worthwhile museum we recommend visiting today. Discover its instagrammable features before continuing your self-guided tour.

After soaking in Windermere’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Craven. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 22 min. When you arrive in Craven, it's time to take a break from the road.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Skipton Market, a frequently visited market in Craven. Explore its picture-perfect features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, Skipton Boat Trips. This up-and-coming sightseeing destination is a top recommendation in the area.

When you’re ready to explore more, Skipton Castle is an excellent choice. Spend some time discovering what some claim to be the most historic castle in the region.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Leeds. Leeds offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

Leeds is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Leeds.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Gaucho Leeds, a popular restaurant in Leeds. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Leeds at Bill's Leeds Restaurant, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Aire Bar. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Leeds tonight.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Roland's Leeds offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, The Lost & Found Leeds Club is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Distrikt is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in England!

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Day5

Day 5

  • Leeds - Departure day
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  • Tick Tock Unlock - Leeds Live Escape Rooms
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Day 5 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.

If you're up for some more sightseeing, begin at Tick Tock Unlock - Leeds Live Escape Rooms. This frequently visited escape room is a hotspot among locals.

Make the most of your final day in England by visiting Leeds’s iconic markets and shopping establishments in the buzzing Trinity Leeds. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing vacation.

Before you conclude your road trip in England, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Leeds.

If you're eager to try something different, consider Leeds Dock, another top spot with a tantalizing menu.

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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Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.
Secure your spot
Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.
Get instant confirmation
Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

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Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

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