Relaxed 7-Day England Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Leeds to York

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Enjoy this 7-day relaxed road trip in England, with Leeds, West Bretton, Colton, Huddersfield, Halifax, Shipley, Saltaire, Whitby, Scarborough, York, and Elvington showing you the beauty, culture, and peaceful moments that make this journey special!

Travel freely with this relaxed self-drive package in England, designed for comfort and exploration. Spend 4 nights in Leeds and 2 nights in York, staying at top-rated hotels near the heart of each city. Between drives, indulge in local cuisine, sip refreshing drinks, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at popular restaurants and bars along your road trip route in England.

Your journey starts in Leeds, where your rental car with CDW insurance will be ready for pickup. Choose a vehicle that suits your style, then set off on your 7-day relaxed road trip in England to explore its rich culture, fascinating history, and stunning landscapes.

Every stop on this leisurely self-drive holiday comes with handpicked accommodations that make relaxation effortless. Choose from elegant 5-star hotels with breathtaking views or comfortable 3-star stays that offer excellent value, all providing a welcoming retreat after a day on the road.

With your self-drive itinerary in England already planned, you’ll enjoy the country’s most celebrated sights without the rush. Marvel at the stunning National Railway Museum and soak in the atmosphere of the magnificent York Minster.

Enjoy each stop as you explore the history, architecture, and character of each destination on this England road trip itinerary for 7 days.

As you travel between destinations, you’ll have plenty of time to explore local markets and boutique shops. These stops give you the chance to find unique souvenirs, taste regional specialties, and experience everyday life in England.

If you want to make your 7-day relaxed self-drive tour in England even more memorable, add optional tours or activities. Join a guided excursion, discover hidden neighborhoods, or spend an afternoon in your favorite market. Each choice deepens your connection to the places you visit.

Alongside these experiences, your laid-back self-drive package in England includes 6 nights in comfortable hotels, a rental car for 7 days, and convenient access to nearby dining options. You can also add flights and entry tickets to shape the trip exactly how you want it. With 24/7 travel support and a mobile app keeping your itinerary and documents organized, you can enjoy a relaxed drive and savor every mile of the road ahead.

Turn your travel plans into reality. Book your 7-day relaxed self-drive road trip in England today and enjoy a journey filled with discovery, freedom, and unforgettable moments!

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Driver’s age is 30 - 65
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Day1

Day 1

  • Leeds - Arrival day
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  • Park Square
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Your relaxed road trip through England starts when you reach the incredible city of Leeds, where you'll stay for 3 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Leeds and begin your adventure in England.

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.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at HOME, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try The Whitehall Restaurant & Bar? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Premier Inn Leeds City Centre (Leeds Arena) hotel as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Leeds.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Leeds’s best bars to celebrate this day of your slow-paced adventure in England.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Pixel Bar Leeds, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Wax Bar provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, North Bar offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

Raise a toast as you look back on the highlights of today’s relaxed road trip in England. Enjoy your first taste of Leeds as you soak in the city’s unique vibe.

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Day2

Day 2

  • Leeds
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Drive 82 km, 1 hour 39 min

  • Royal Armouries Leeds
  • Roundhay Park
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Day 2 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in West Bretton, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in England are extraordinary.

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

Experience Royal Armouries Museum, a notable museum in the village. Then, head to Roundhay Park and soak in the ambiance of this instagrammable park.

England makes the perfect setting for a calming but fun road trip experience. Aside from amazing sights, England also offers plenty of tours to enhance your relaxed road trip experience.

When you’re not driving and exploring some of the best places 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 Leeds.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Cosy Club, a top-rated dining spot in Leeds. If you're in the mood for something new, try Clayton Hotel Leeds, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Riva Blu Italian Restaurant & Bar, Leeds. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Leeds.

Experience the amazing nightlife in Leeds and unwind at the coolest bars in the city.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Power, Corruption & Lies after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Brudenell Social Club for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Whitelock's First City Luncheon Bar is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your leisurely paced road trip in England!

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Day3

Day 3

  • Leeds
  • Huddersfield
  • Halifax
  • Shipley
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Drive 84 km, 2 hours 16 min

  • Greenhead Park
  • The Piece Hall
  • Eureka! The National Children's Museum
  • Lister Park
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On day 3 of your relaxed road trip in England, you’ll start your self-paced adventure in Leeds and visit amazing attractions in Huddersfield, Halifax, Shipley, and Saltaire, just outside the city. You still have 1 night left in Leeds, so today is another excellent opportunity to dine at some of the top-rated restaurants and bars in the area.

Huddersfield is brimming with adventures.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Huddersfield. This drive usually takes around 32 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Greenhead Park, an underrated park that everyone visiting Huddersfield should see.

When you’ve had your share of Huddersfield, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Halifax. Your travel time is around 19 min.

The Piece Hall is a captivating public square we recommend visiting today. Discover its stunning features before continuing your self-guided tour to Eureka! The National Children's Museum, a picture-perfect museum that’s well-regarded in the area.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Shipley. This car ride takes around 29 min.

Spend your afternoon discovering Lister Park, an increasingly popular park known for its eye-catching features.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Leeds.

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

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.

After dinner, you can choose between heading back to your hotel to recharge, taking a leisurely stroll, or going out to a bar for a relaxed drink in great company.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Roland's Leeds, known for its lively atmosphere. The Lost & Found Leeds Club is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Distrikt offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

A leisurely self-drive holiday in Huddersfield can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in England!

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Day4

Day 4

  • Leeds
  • Whitby
  • Scarborough
  • York
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Drive 239 km, 4 hours 3 min

  • North York Moors National Park
  • Whitby Abbey
  • Peasholm Park
  • Scarborough Castle
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Day 4 of your leisurely self-drive tour in England offers another chance for an in-depth travel experience. On this refreshing new day, you’ll travel from Whitby and continue your relaxed road trip adventure in Scarborough and York. You’ll stay in York for 2 nights.

When you're ready for some sights, head to North York Moors National Park, a locally renowned national park in Whitby. Explore its mesmerizing features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Scarborough, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Whitby to Scarborough may take around 32 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Scarborough, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Our first attraction recommendation in Whitby is Whitby Abbey, a captivating archeological site that draws attention for its culturally significant features.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Whitby and set your GPS to Scarborough. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 32 min. Upon reaching Scarborough, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Peasholm Park is a worthwhile park we recommend visiting today. Discover its instagrammable features before continuing your self-guided tour to Scarborough Castle, a breathtaking castle that’s well-regarded in the area.

When you’re not exploring beautiful places, you can relax in York. Here, you can choose from the best hotels and other accommodations as you get to know more about the culture in the city.

When you’re not driving and exploring some of the best places 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 York.

Enjoy an outstanding dining experience at Skosh, a Bib Gourmand restaurant offering an exceptional modern british menu. Alternatively, if you're in the mood for something different, consider the nearby 1-star Michelin-awardee, Roots, known for its delicious modern cuisine.

As the day is coming to an end, retreat to your hotel for some rest, or head out to a bar to celebrate your time in York. The bars in York make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at The Habit Cafe Bar after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Shambles Tavern for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Pivní York is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in England!

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Day5

Day 5

  • York
  • Elvington
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Drive 23 km, 1 hour 18 min

  • Yorkshire Air Museum and Allied Air Forces Memorial
  • York Minster
  • Museum Gardens
  • National Railway Museum York
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On day 5 of your relaxed road trip across England, you’ll explore the area around York, where you’ll be staying for another 1 night. With so many fun and inspiring experiences to offer, a tour of York will make you fall even more in love with the city and uniqueness of England.

Whatever your travel style is, York Minster is an essential stop in York. This captivating church provides an insightful glimpse into the village's identity. Next, discover York Museum Gardens, a romantic botanical garden, promising a delightful encounter.

Continue your sightseeing with a visit to National Railway Museum, a popular museum.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to York, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Elvington. This drive usually takes around 18 min.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the village's best attractions, visit Yorkshire Air Museum, a beloved aviation museum that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

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

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, York has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Fancy Hank's Bar & Kitchen, a top-rated dining destination in York. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Plonkers, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at The Ivy St Helen's Square York. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in York this evening.

Experience the amazing nightlife in York and unwind at the coolest bars in the city.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Dusk, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Fossgate Tap. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down.

Grab yourself a drink and savor every moment of your relaxed road trip experience in England!

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Day6

Day 6

  • York
  • Leeds
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Drive 43 km, 1 hour 1 min

  • Shambles Market
  • Jorvik Viking Centre
  • York Dungeon
  • Clifford's Tower, York
  • York Castle Museum
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Day 6 of your easy, relaxed road trip through England lets you travel at your own pace and visit multiple places in a single day. Begin by exploring the best sights in York. By evening, drive toward the Leeds, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 1 night.

Awaiting your discovery is the interesting Shambles Market, an instagrammable market in York. Next, go to Jorvik Viking Centre.

After visiting Shambles Market and Jorvik Viking Centre, have a stroll along York's streets and take in the local charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to York Dungeon. This history-steeped haunted house offers a unique experience. Clifford's Tower, York is another noteworthy attraction worthwhile a visit. End your self-guided sightseeing tour on top with a visit to York Castle Museum, one of the most visually striking places to visit in York.

In Leeds, you’ll find plenty of places to unwind after a day on the road. Our top recommendations go perfectly with your laid-back road trip in England.

Exploring the food culture in Leeds 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.

Don’t miss out on dining at Premier Inn Leeds City (Elland Road) hotel, a top-rated dining destination in Leeds. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Leeds Dock, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Park Plaza Leeds. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Leeds this evening.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Leeds.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Beckett's Bank - Jd Wetherspoon, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Smokestack, a bar catering to every mood and preference.

Soak in the unique atmosphere of Leeds as you commemorate this day of your relaxed road trip with a toast. Cheers to a memorable, leisurely self-drive holiday in England!

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Day7

Day 7

  • Leeds - Departure day
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  • Tick Tock Unlock - Leeds Live Escape Rooms
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Day 7 of your relaxed road trip in England is your departure day. If you’re flying home, return your rental car with time to spare. For a stress-free farewell, book a later flight and enjoy a final, relaxed day in Leeds.

Make the most of your final day in England by visiting Leeds’s iconic markets and shopping establishments in the buzzing Victoria Leeds. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing vacation. You can also browse through boutiques for stylish fashion choices. Elevate your style with pieces from high-end retail stores.

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

Over a good meal, take a moment to unwind and reflect on the past 7 days of your relaxed road trip. Savor one last traditional dish in Leeds, or keep it light with a quick bite before you go.

Dine in style at La Taberna Leeds, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, The Oxford Place boasts a menu that's sure to impress.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Leeds and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 7-day relaxed road trip in England is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.

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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.
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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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