6-Day England Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Bournemouth traveling west to Cheltenham, Bristol, and Exeter
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Escape the ordinary with this exciting 6-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 Bournemouth, 1 night in Cheltenham, 1 night in Bristol, and 1 night in Exeter. 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 Bournemouth, 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. Stonehenge and Roman Baths are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.
As you hit the open road and drive through Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Throop, Cheltenham, Bristol, Bath, Salisbury, Exeter, Bovington, Corfe Castle, and West Lulworth, 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 – Bournemouth - arrival day
- Bournemouth - Arrival day
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- Bournemouth Parks - Lower Gardens
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Your road trip adventure in England begins as soon as you reach Bournemouth and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Bournemouth 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 town.
Bournemouth is a beautiful town 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 Bournemouth Parks - Lower Gardens or taking a stroll in the town center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.
Make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Bournemouth. Make yourself at home and enjoy some downtime before heading out again.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Bournemouth. 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 delicious dinner at Slug & Lettuce Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Hermitage Hotel Bournemouth offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Premier Inn Bournemouth East (Boscombe) hotel. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Bournemouth.
Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Smokin' Aces - Cocktail Bar & Whiskey Lounge. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Felsons Bournemouth, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Brewdog Bournemouth provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.
Raise a toast to the start of your 6-day road trip in England!
Day 2 – Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Throop, and Cheltenham
- Bournemouth
- Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
- Cheltenham
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Drive 239 km, 3 hours 58 min
- Hamworthy Park
- Bournemouth Beach
- Boscombe Pier
- Mudeford Quay
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On day 2 of your exciting self-drive vacation in England, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 4 destinations, Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Throop. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Cheltenham, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.
Get ready for an exciting day in Bournemouth. Today’s sightseeing agenda includes a beach and a pier. Begin your adventure at Bournemouth Beach. This is a worthwhile beach you should not miss. Another must-see is Boscombe Pier, an often recommended pier in Bournemouth.
Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Poole and set your GPS to Bournemouth. 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 29 min. Upon reaching Bournemouth, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.
Take your self-guided tour to Hamworthy Park Junior School, a frequently visited park that everyone visiting Poole should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings.
Christchurch’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Bournemouth behind. This drive usually takes around 19 min. Christchurch welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.
Begin your journey at Mudeford Quay and explore the stunning features.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Cheltenham. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the town.
As you explore more of Cheltenham, 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.
Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey in Cheltenham by reserving a table at Le Champignon Sauvage. Renowned as a 1-star Michelin restaurant, it offers an exceptional modern menu. For a different taste experience, head to Lumière, recognized for its delicious modern dishes. This 1-star Michelin restaurant consistently impresses guests, ensuring a memorable addition to your holiday.
Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in England!
Day 3 – Cheltenham and Bristol
- Cheltenham
- Bristol
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Drive 84 km, 1 hour 49 min
- Blaise Castle Estate
- Brunel's SS Great Britain
- Clifton Suspension Bridge
- Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery
- Brandon Hill
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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 vibrant destinations - Bristol. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Bristol. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.
Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Bristol.
One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Blaise Castle Estate. Spend some time admiring the visually striking features of the castle before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Brunel's Ss Great Britain. This underrated historic ship is a traveler-favorite in the city. Not far away, you’ll also find Clifton Suspension Bridge. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the monument. Next, continue your journey to Bristol City Museum And Art Gallery, an intriguing museum. End your day at Brandon Hill, Bristol, known for its instagrammable features.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Bristol, 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 Bristol's best restaurants.
Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at COR, a Bib Gourmand restaurant offering an incredible modern british menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Bulrush is one of the best restaurants for modern british cuisine in Bristol. This 1-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at Blaise Inn. As a top-rated establishment with a Bib Gourmand status, it is an ideal choice for traditional cuisine in the city.
Keep the evening going at The Boardroom, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Gin & Juice, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Watershed, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.
Head back to your accommodation in Bristol and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in England!
Day 4 – Bristol, Bath, Salisbury, and Exeter
- Bristol
- Bath
- Salisbury
- Exeter
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Drive 243 km, 4 hours 11 min
- Roman Baths
- Pulteney Bridge
- Salisbury Cathedral
- Stonehenge
- Brunel's SS Great Britain
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Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 4 of your road trip in England. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Bath and Salisbury. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Exeter, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.
When you’ve had your share of Bristol, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Bath. Your travel time is around 43 min.
Begin your journey at Roman Baths and explore the UNESCO world heritage-listed features. Next, make your way to Pulteney Bridge, another highlight in the city.
Set your GPS to Salisbury and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 6 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Salisbury beckons with new experiences!
Savor the rest of your day by heading to Salisbury Cathedral, a well-known church that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue on to Stonehenge, where you can soak in the culturally significant surroundings.
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 Exeter. Exeter 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 you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Exeter. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.
Savor the flavors at The Last Drop, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, iFood Thai Taste beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Premier Inn Exeter (M5 J29) hotel. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Exeter tonight.
After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Crocketts, known for its inviting atmosphere. Pig & Pickle Micropub is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, The Angel Bar provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.
Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in England!
Day 5 – Exeter, Bovington, Corfe Castle, West Lulworth, and Bournemouth
- Exeter
- Bovington Camp
- Corfe Castle
- West Lulworth
- Bournemouth
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Drive 185 km, 3 hours 21 min
- The Tank Museum
- Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre
- Corfe Castle
- Durdle Door
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On day 5 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 Bovington, Corfe Castle, and West Lulworth. In the evening, you’ll end up in Bournemouth, where you will stay for 1 night.
As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Exeter, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Bovington may take around 1 hour 44 min. Upon your arrival in Bovington, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.
Head to The Tank Museum, a captivating military museum in Bovington. Explore its standout features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next sight, Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre. This well-known zoo is a top recommendation in the area.
When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Bovington, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Corfe Castle. This drive usually takes around 14 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.
Make your way to Corfe Castle, a captivating castle that draws attention for its grand features.
Set your GPS to West Lulworth and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 24 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. West Lulworth beckons with new experiences!
Head to Durdle Door, a worthwhile rock formation in West Lulworth. Explore its stunning features at your own pace before you continue your journey.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Bournemouth. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the town.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Bournemouth. 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.
Have a fantastic dining experience at Aruba, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Langtry Manor Hotel offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, The Green House is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Bournemouth.
After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Be At One - Bournemouth, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Eden. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at The Four Horsemen Pub, another top-rated place in the area.
Say good night to Bournemouth and look forward to another great day of your road trip in England!
Day 6 – Bournemouth - departure day
- Bournemouth - Departure day
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- Bournemouth Upper Gardens
- Bournemouth Beach
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Day 6 of your road trip in England is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Bournemouth before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
On your last day in England, take time to indulge in shopping at Bournemouth’s popular marketplace. Look for keepsakes or souvenirs to remind you of your trip.
Before you conclude your road trip in England, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Bournemouth.
Savor the flavors at Harvester Neptune Bournemouth, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, The Cumberland Hotel Bournemouth beckons with its unique menu offerings.
You’ll then say farewell to Bournemouth. 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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