12-Day England Road Trip from London traveling south to Brighton, Chichester, Southampton, Oxford, and Canterbury

Say hello to London! 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 London for 4 nights before you continue your adventure!

London is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. 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 London. 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 London. 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.

Make sure to reserve a table at The Wolseley, an iconic dining spot in London. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Its dedication to culinary innovation is evident in its 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 5,980 satisfied guests.

Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy culinary excellence at Burger & Lobster Leicester Square while in London. This renowned dining destination showcases an exquisite menu, distinguished with an exceptional rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, treasured by 4,454 previous guests.

Delight in the culinary creations of Hawksmoor Air Street, a favorite in London. Its innovative menu offers a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. With a reputation for excellence, it has earned a 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 3,216 discerning guests.

If you’re up for getting a drink after dinner, The Connaught Bar is a great place to go. Around 654 customers have rated this popular bar an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Hawksmoor Seven Dials has an atmosphere and drink selection that guests especially enjoy. Hawksmoor Seven Dials has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,084 reviews and is considered one of the best you can experience in the city.

Another top-rated alternative for a celebratory drink is The Red Lion, Parliament Street. If this is where the night will take you, you’re in for a fun time in London. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,534 customers.

Raise a toast to the start of your 12-day road trip in England!

On day 2 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in London, where you'll stay for 3 nights more.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Science Museum. This science museum typically receives around 2,989,000 visitors every year and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 65,368 reviews.

Continue your journey at Victoria and Albert Museum. This museum is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 55,517 travelers from near and far. Approximately 3,932,738 people come to this place of interest every year to enjoy a unique experience in Kensington.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Richmond. This drive usually takes around 19 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

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

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in London. 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.

Reserve a table at Bill's Soho Restaurant, a renowned restaurant in London. This culinary gem and its flavorful dishes have captured the hearts of food enthusiasts. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.3 out of 5-star rating from 4,178 guests.

Ensure you experience culinary excellence at Cahoots London while in London. This dining establishment presents an exquisite menu that has received a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, acclaimed by 2,678 discerning diners.

Experience a taste of London at The Ivy, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 2,597 customers.

Locals recommend going for a drink at The Old Bank of England. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,562 customers.

Another popular bar you could swing by after dinner is Rules. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,824 customers.

The Ship & Shovell also makes the list of popular bars you could visit tonight. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,465 customers.

Say good night to London and look forward to another great day of your road trip in England!

On day 3 of your road trip in England, you’ll start and end your day in London, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you will return to London for 2 nights more, there’s no need to rush. Experience London, Camden Town, London, London, and London to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!

Journey into the unknown at British Museum, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable national museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 148,750 reviews. Every year, British Museum welcomes more than 5,906,716 curious visitors.

Set your GPS to London and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 9 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. London beckons with new experiences!

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

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

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of London's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Treat yourself to a delightful dining experience at Berners Tavern while you’re in London. Famous for its lovely menu and mouthwatering dishes, it has captivated around 1,817 diners, earning it an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Another favorite dining locale in London is The Palomar. Have a satisfying meal from the menu that has charmed its way to the hearts of around 1,537 happy customers, who gave it an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

While in London, enjoy Smith & Wollensky’s appetizing dishes. This dining establishment has earned a positive reputation and a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, thanks to the endorsements and reviews of around 1,343 satisfied guests.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city, Social Eating House. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 1,280 reviews and guarantees you a great time.

If you want to continue your night somewhere else, head to a popular bar like Old Shades. This bar is a local favorite, with great drinks, lovely service, and an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,047 customers.

The options in London don’t end there, you could also spend some time at the excellent American Bar. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 667 customers, this bar is one of the best places to relax after a long, adventure-filled day.

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

Day 4 of your road trip across England promises a magnificent time exploring London. You have 1 night left in London. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your travel plan. England is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

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

Reserve a table at Estiatorio Milos, a renowned restaurant in London. This culinary gem and its flavorful dishes have captured the hearts of food enthusiasts. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 1,065 guests.

Ensure you experience culinary excellence at Simpson's in the Strand while in London. This dining establishment presents an exquisite menu that has received a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, acclaimed by 830 discerning diners.

After dinner, visit Artesian, which is considered one of the best bars in the city. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 657 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular place like Bar Américain. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 697 customers.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in England!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 5 of your road trip in England, where you’ll be making 3 stops. Today you will experience some of the highlights of this tour package, that is, the wonderful destinations of Weybridge, Reigate, and Brighton. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Brighton. Brighton will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Brooklands Museum. This transport museum is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 6,777 visitors.

Mercedes-Benz World is another popular attraction you could visit today. This museum has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 7,116 visitors.

When you’ve had your share of Weybridge, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Reigate. Your travel time is around 43 min.

Brighton’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Reigate behind. This drive usually takes around 57 min. Brighton welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Brighton, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the region.

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

Make sure to book a table at Flint House, a luxury dining venue in Brighton. This local gem’s delectable modern cuisine is sure to leave a lasting impression. Flint House is highly regarded in the culinary world and boasts an impressive track record of satisfied customers.

Discover the culinary treasures of Bill's Brighton Restaurant, a beloved dining establishment within Brighton. Its exquisite menu promises to tantalize your taste buds and transport you to culinary bliss. Renowned for its exceptional service, it has earned a 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 2,416 satisfied customers.

The Walrus is an excellent example. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,089 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like The Coal Shed Restaurant Brighton. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,105 customers.

Bohemia Brighton is another of the best bars in the region of Brighton that serves various drinks. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,054 customers.

Say good night to Brighton and look forward to another great day of your road trip in England!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 6 of your road trip in England. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 4 vibrant destinations - Brighton, Chichester, Warningcamp, and Chichester. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Chichester. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Royal Pavilion. This extraordinary palace has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 11,457 visitors.

Next, make your way to Brighton i360. This observation tower is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 13,119 reviews.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Brighton, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Warningcamp may take around 42 min. Upon your arrival in Warningcamp, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Arundel Castle. Previous visitors have rated this house museum an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 10,535 reviews.

Set your GPS to Chichester and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 21 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Chichester beckons with new experiences!

At the end of the day, you will drive to Chichester, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Chichester's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Book a table at The Nags Head, a famous dining establishment in Chichester. This culinary hotspot and its appetizing cuisine have captured the hearts of food enthusiasts. Its reputation for food excellence is reflected in its 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 1,240 satisfied diners.

Another dining place you should visit in Chichester is Bill's Chichester Restaurant, which boasts a variety of tasteful dishes that cater to different palates. It has earned a commendable 4.3 out of 5 stars, demonstrating the positive feedback from 1,286 satisfied customers.

Locals and visitors alike recommend Chichester’s Côte Chichester for the delightful dining experience it gives. The establishment has garnered positive reviews for its tasty dishes, holding an admirable score of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 870 satisfied diners.

Make your way to Reina Kitchen Meze and Bar. This bar promises a great atmosphere for your celebrations and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 663 customers.

Or, why not continue your evening at The Hole In The Wall? This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars among 656 guests.

Another bar where you can have a great time tonight is The Hornet Alehouse. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 180 customers.

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.

On day 7 of your exciting self-drive vacation in England, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Portsmouth and Southampton. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Southampton, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Chichester and set your GPS to Portsmouth. 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 Portsmouth, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

When you’ve had your share of Portsmouth, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Southampton. Your travel time is around 36 min.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Southampton. Southampton offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Southampton. 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.

Don't forget to book a table at Cafe Thrive Southampton, a well-known eatery in Southampton. This popular restaurant and its sumptuous cuisine have won the hearts of food lovers. Its commitment to a delicious menu is evident in its 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 975 satisfied guests.

Ensure you visit Piccolo Mondo while exploring Southampton. This popular restaurant offers a delicious menu, distinguished with a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, celebrated by 618 discerning guests.

Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Bacaro, a popular restaurant in Southampton. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 580 discerning diners.

If you’re looking for a bar to end the evening at, many locals recommend The Rockstone, claiming it’s one of the best in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,200 customers.

Another popular place to go for a drink is Belgium And Blues. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 858 customers.

The Red Lion is another top-rated bar where you can spend an hour or two. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 812 customers.

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

Dive into day 8 of your remarkable road trip in England. Today you will jump into the car and make your way to Salisbury, Bath, and Oxford, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Oxford. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.

Set your GPS to Salisbury and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 41 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Salisbury beckons with new experiences!

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Salisbury Cathedral. This extraordinary anglican or episcopal cathedral has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 13,491 visitors.

Next, make your way to Stonehenge. This tourist attraction is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 51,913 reviews.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Salisbury, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Bath may take around 1 hour 3 min. Upon your arrival in Bath, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Drop by the renowned Roman Baths. This popular thermae has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 31,875 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Pulteney Bridge. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 7,931 visitors, this road bridge deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Oxford, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Oxford.

Elevate your experience by savoring a meal in Antep Kitchen, a distinguished dining establishment in Oxford. It has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, thanks to the positive reviews of 1,520 satisfied guests and a menu that’s committed to quality and flavor.

Another dining spot you shouldn't miss while in Oxford is Browns Oxford. This popular restaurant’s appealing menu has garnered a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars, thanks to the positive reviews shared by 1,886 happy diners.

Thaikhun stands out as a local favorite in Oxford. It offers a menu that promises to take you on a flavorful journey. Due to its reputation for delivering a good dining experience, it has earned a 4.3 out of 5-star rating from 1,771 customers.

After dinner, visit Turf Tavern, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Oxford. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,465 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like The Bear Inn, Oxford. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,606 customers.

Alternatively, locals recommend The Old Bookbinders Ale House. This bar, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 892 customers, is one of the best bars in the city of Oxford.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in England.

Day 9 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Oxford has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in Oxford by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

To immerse yourself in more memorable moments in Oxford, check out the best-rated tours the region offers. You can discover and choose from all of the top-rated activities you can do on this day in Oxford below.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Oxford. 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 delightful dining experience at Cherwell Boathouse Restaurant while you’re in Oxford. Famous for its lovely menu and mouthwatering dishes, it has captivated around 1,296 diners, earning it an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Another favorite dining locale in Oxford is George & Danver. Have a satisfying meal from the menu that has charmed its way to the hearts of around 995 happy customers, who gave it an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

While in Oxford, enjoy The Folly Restaurant’s appetizing dishes. This dining establishment has earned a positive reputation and a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, thanks to the endorsements and reviews of around 987 satisfied guests.

If you're in the mood for an after-dinner drink, The Coconut Tree Oxford is our number one recommendation. Around 823 customers have rated this bar 4.4 out of 5 stars.

The Jericho Tavern also has a great drinks menu. This bar is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 882 reviews.

The Big Society is another popular place to spend the evening in Oxford. This bar is rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 865 customers.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in England!

On day 10 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 Eton, Broomfield, Maidstone, and Canterbury. In the evening, you’ll end up in Canterbury, where you will stay for 1 night.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Eton. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 4 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Make St George's Chapel, Windsor your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this castle chapel an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 5,434 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Windsor Castle. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 53,263 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this historic house museum every year.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Eton and set your GPS to Maidstone. 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 1 hour 22 min. Upon reaching Maidstone, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Canterbury, 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 Canterbury's best restaurants.

Discover the essence of culinary excellence at The Sportsman, a local dining experience. Renowned for its prestigious 1 Michelin-star rating and impressive menu, The Sportsman consistently impresses both foreign and local diners, garnering praise for its exceptional modern british cuisine.

Do not overlook the culinary excellence of The Corner House while experiencing the best of Canterbury. This renowned restaurant presents a refined menu, distinguished with an exceptional rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, celebrated by 616 discerning diners.

Indulge in the rich flavors of The Refectory kitchen, an elegant culinary destination in Canterbury. A menu crafted to perfection guarantees a dining experience that will satisfy even the most discerning palate. Its stellar reputation is reflected in its 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 589 previous guests.

If you’re in the mood for a drink, visit Lady Luck, one of the best bars in the city. Lady Luck is an excellent place to have a refreshing evening drink after exploring Canterbury. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,325 customers.

Alternatively, you could enjoy a toast with locals at The Foundry Brew Pub. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 989 customers.

The Pound at One Pound Lane also belongs to the list of the best bars in Canterbury, and its ratings and reviews are proof of this claim. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,089 customers.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in England!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 11 of your road trip in England, where you’ll be making 3 stops. Today you will experience some of the highlights of this tour package, that is, the wonderful destinations of Canterbury, Dover, and London. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in London. London will be your home away from home for 1 night.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Canterbury Cathedral. This anglican or episcopal cathedral is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 11,666 reviews.

After soaking in Canterbury’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Dover. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 29 min. When you arrive in Dover, it's time to take a break from the road.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of London. London offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of London's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Relax and reminisce about your day in England and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Day 12 of your road trip in England is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of London before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

Make the most of your final day in England by visiting London’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Your stay’s proximity to the city’s retail haven invites an unhurried and unforgettable exploration of its variety of stores and establishments.

Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in England.

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

You’ll then say farewell to London. 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!