Relaxed 7-Day England Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Newcastle upon Tyne to York

On day 2 of your relaxed road trip across England, you’ll explore the area around Newcastle upon Tyne, where you’ll be staying for another 1 night. With so many fun and inspiring experiences to offer, a tour of Newcastle upon Tyne will make you fall even more in love with the city and uniqueness of England.

Newcastle upon Tyne is brimming with adventures.

Make time for Discovery Museum, an intriguing museum that is worthwhile a visit in the city. Nearby, you’ll find Hancock Museum, enchanting visitors with its history-steeped appeal.

When you’ve had your share of Newcastle upon Tyne, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Holystone. Your travel time is around 14 min.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at The Rising Sun Countryside Centre and explore the eye-catching features.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Tynemouth. This car ride takes around 15 min.

Our first attraction recommendation in Tynemouth is Northumberland Park, a frequently visited park that draws attention for its enchanting features.

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

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.

Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey in Newcastle upon Tyne by reserving a table at Broad Chare. Renowned as a Bib Gourmand restaurant, it offers an exceptional traditional british menu. For a different taste experience, head to House of Tides, recognized for its delicious modern dishes. This 1-star Michelin restaurant consistently impresses guests, ensuring a memorable addition to your holiday. Looking for another option? Make sure to visit SOLSTICE BY KENNY ATKINSON, a local favorite known for its delightful modern british cuisine in Newcastle upon Tyne. Nestled in the heart of the city, this restaurant with 1 Michelin star is an ideal choice for modern british foodies seeking culinary excellence.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne. The bars in Newcastle upon Tyne make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Dat Bar after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Waiting Rooms Newcastle Upon Tyne, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Pumphreys Newcastle also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Free your mind of worries as you enjoy the taste of freedom on your laid-back road trip adventure across England.

Day 3 of your relaxed road trip across England offers a day of exciting discoveries. You’ll start your day in Whitby and drive in the direction of Scarborough for some laid-back sightseeing. You’ll end your day in York, where you’ll stay for 3 nights.

North York Moors National Park is a captivating national park we recommend visiting today. Discover its majestic features before continuing your self-guided tour.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Scarborough may take around 32 min. Upon your arrival in Scarborough, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Whitby Abbey, a notable archeological site that everyone visiting Whitby should see.

When you’ve had your share of Whitby, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Scarborough. Your travel time is around 32 min.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the town's best attractions, visit Peasholm Park, an underrated park 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 Scarborough Castle and admire its culturally significant features.

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.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of England. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in York, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

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.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at The Habit Cafe Bar, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Shambles Tavern provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Pivní York offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

Cherish every minute of your relaxed road trip vacation across England.

On day 4 of your relaxed road trip in England, you’ll start your self-paced adventure in York and visit amazing attractions in Elvington and York, just outside the city. You still have 2 nights left in York, so today is another excellent opportunity to dine at some of the top-rated restaurants and bars in the area.

One of the most popular attractions included on the itinerary is York Minster. This picture-perfect church will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to York Museum Gardens and learn what makes this eye-catching botanical garden unique.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the well-known National Railway Museum.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Elvington, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from York to Elvington may take around 18 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Elvington, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Spend your afternoon discovering Yorkshire Air Museum, an increasingly popular aviation museum known for its eye-catching features.

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

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.

Savor the flavors at Fancy Hank's Bar & Kitchen, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Plonkers beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider The Ivy St Helen's Square York. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in York tonight.

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

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Dusk after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Fossgate Tap for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting.

Raise your glass in celebration of your freedom and relaxed road trip adventure in England!

On day 5 of your leisurely self-drive tour across England, you’ll go deep into York, where you'll stay for 1 night, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in York, and meet locals along the way!

Shambles Market is an ideal stop early in the day. This locally renowned market is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Jorvik Viking Centre, which may be one of the most respected places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring York on a self-guided tour is that you set the pace. There’s plenty of time for detours and discovering hidden gems. When you’re ready for your next stop, make your way to York Dungeon, an up-and-coming haunted house in the city. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Clifford's Tower, York and York Castle Museum.

Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in England more special is by joining unique tours and activities. York offers a wide selection of experiences for every traveler.

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.

Make sure to reserve a table at Little Italy, an iconic dining spot in York. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of The Cut & Craft, a popular restaurant in York. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Wildes, a hidden gem nestled in York. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

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

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

Day 6 of your self-drive tour in England offers a chance to experience the country’s diversity. You’ll start your day in Leeds and end it in Newcastle upon Tyne. You’ll stay in Newcastle upon Tyne for 1 night. Along the way, you’ll glimpse local life and explore some of the most remarkable places in England.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to York, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Leeds. This drive usually takes around 41 min.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the city's best attractions, visit Royal Armouries Museum, a well-known 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. Next, head to Roundhay Park and admire its stunning features.

Beamish’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Leeds behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 38 min. Beamish welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Our first attraction recommendation in Beamish is Beamish, The Living Museum Of The North, a locally renowned museum that draws attention for its historic features.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Beamish, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Seaham. This drive usually takes around 33 min.

Savor the day by heading to Durham Heritage Coast, a beloved nature reserve that draws visitors from near and far.

Continue your laid-back road trip in England as you make your way to Newcastle upon Tyne. Here, you’ll find top hotels and accommodations in the city, perfect for relaxing and recharging.

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.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at No28, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Insieme Newcastle? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Hanahana as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Newcastle upon Tyne.

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

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Trillians Rock Bar, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere.

Raise your glass and toast to another unforgettable, laid-back road trip adventure in England!