One-Week England Road Trip from London traveling south to Southampton 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 3 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.

Elevate your experience by savoring a meal in The Wolseley, a distinguished dining establishment in London. It has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, thanks to the positive reviews of 5,980 satisfied guests and a menu that’s committed to quality and flavor.

Another dining spot you shouldn't miss while in London is Burger & Lobster Leicester Square. This popular restaurant’s appealing menu has garnered a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, thanks to the positive reviews shared by 4,454 happy diners.

Hawksmoor Air Street stands out as a local favorite in London. 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 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 3,216 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in the city. The Connaught Bar is a popular option with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 654 customers.

Another top option is Hawksmoor Seven Dials. This bar offers a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,084 customers.

The Red Lion, Parliament Street is also a great place to continue your evening. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,534 customers.

Raise a toast to the start of your 8-day road trip in England!

Greet day 2 of your road trip in England with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You will return to London for your remaining 2 nights in the city later today, but first, it’s time for some exploring! On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in London, Westminster, London, Kensington, and London.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Hyde Park. This much-appreciated park is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in 126,766 reviews.

After soaking in Westminster’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Kensington. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 7 min. When you arrive in Kensington, it's time to take a break from the road.

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

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

Don't miss out on experiencing Bill's Soho Restaurant, a renowned dining spot in London. This restaurant's rich flavors have left a lasting impression on diners. Its dedication to culinary perfection is evident in its 4.3 out of 5-star rating from 4,178 satisfied guests.

Make a reservation at Cahoots London while immersing yourself in London. This distinguished restaurant offers imaginative dishes, with a remarkable rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,678 guests.

Discover the culinary treasures of The Ivy, a beloved dining establishment within London. 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 2,597 satisfied customers.

The Old Bank of England is one of our top recommendations. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,562 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like Rules. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,824 customers.

The Ship & Shovell is another top-rated bar in the city of London. 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, you’ll start and end your day in London, where you'll stay for 1 night more.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is British Museum. This national museum typically receives around 5,906,716 visitors every year and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 148,750 reviews.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Camden Town and set your GPS to Westminster. 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 15 min. Upon reaching Westminster, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

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.

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.

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

Reserve your spot at Berners Tavern, a popular local restaurant in London. This culinary hotspot and its flavorful dishes have left a lasting impression on guests. Its dedication to culinary mastery is reflected by its 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 1,817 satisfied guests.

Make it a priority to experience The Palomar during your stay in London. This popular local restaurant offers an unparalleled menu, with a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,537 discerning guests.

Explore the culinary wonders of Smith & Wollensky, a popular local gem in London. Its enticing menu promises a journey through flavors that will leave a lasting impression. Renowned for its impeccable service, it boasts a 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 1,343 satisfied guests.

If you’re in the mood for a drink, visit Social Eating House, one of the best bars in the city. Social Eating House is an excellent place to have a refreshing evening drink after exploring London. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,280 customers.

Alternatively, you could enjoy a toast with locals at Old Shades. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,047 customers.

American Bar also belongs to the list of the best bars in London, and its ratings and reviews are proof of this claim. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 667 customers.

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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 4 of your road trip in England. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 4 vibrant destinations - Eton, Windsor, Winchester, and Southampton. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Southampton. You will spend 2 nights here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Make Queen Victoria Statue your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this sightseeing destination an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 220 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at The Long Walk. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,802 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this park every year.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Windsor, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Winchester. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 3 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Winchester and set your GPS to Southampton. 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 30 min. Upon reaching Southampton, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

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.

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

Have a delightful culinary experience when you dine at Cafe Thrive Southampton. Favored by many foreign travelers and locals, this restaurant in Southampton boasts a carefully curated and enticing menu. Its delectable dishes have earned it an impressive rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from around 975 visitors.

Another dining spot you shouldn’t miss while in Southampton is Piccolo Mondo. It has garnered a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 618 diners thanks to its impeccable menu options and flavors.

Experience a celebration of flavors when you dine in at Bacaro, in Southampton. Its delightful menu and flavorful dishes have earned it a stellar rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 580 satisfied customers.

After dinner, visit The Rockstone, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Southampton. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,200 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Belgium And Blues. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 858 customers.

Alternatively, locals recommend The Red Lion. This bar, rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 812 customers, is one of the best bars in the city of Southampton.

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

At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Southampton, where you'll stay for 1 night more.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Southampton, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Salisbury. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 1 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Make Stonehenge one of your first sightseeing stops in Salisbury. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 51,913 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Salisbury, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Bath. This drive usually takes around 1 hour. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Pulteney Bridge. This road bridge is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Bath, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 7,931 visitors.

Roman Baths is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 31,875 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to Thermae Bath Spa. Visitors have rated this spa an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 8,744 reviews.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Bath, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Southampton may take around 1 hour 46 min. Upon your arrival in Southampton, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

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

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

For a memorable dining experience, be sure to visit Bill's Southampton Restaurant. Known for its excellent cuisine and commitment to quality dishes, this restaurant in Southampton has received a 4.3 out of 5-star rating from around 1,388 happy diners.

When seeking local-favorite dining spots, Lakaz Maman should be on your list. Situated in the heart of Southampton, it has become a beloved food venue for its delicious menu. It boasts a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 845 satisfied diners, a testament to its favored status.

Ready for a culinary adventure? Book a table at BrewDog Southampton. This highly regarded restaurant in Southampton has earned a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, thanks to its flavorful dishes and positive reviews from 741 satisfied guests.

Smugglers Bar & Restaurant is a fantastic bar many locals in Southampton recognize. This popular bar is an excellent place to unwind after a busy day and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 382 customers.

You can also enjoy a few drinks and some snacks at Max’s Brasserie, another popular bar in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 292 customers.

The Hobbit Pub is a local favorite and a great place to hang out and socialize with other travelers in Southampton. Customers have rated the exciting The Hobbit Pub an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,568 reviews.

Head back to your accommodation in Southampton and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in England!

Dive into day 6 of your remarkable road trip in England. Today you will jump into the car and make your way to Portsmouth, Brighton, and Canterbury, 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 Canterbury. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

When you’ve had your share of Southampton, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Portsmouth. Your travel time is around 37 min.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Portsmouth, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Brighton may take around 1 hour 20 min. Upon your arrival in Brighton, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

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.

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

Elevate your stay in Canterbury by dining at this restaurant. Renowned for its prestigious 1 Michelin-star rating and a variety of mouthwatering dishes, The Sportsman consistently impresses foreign and local diners, garnering praise for its exceptional modern british cuisine.

Make a reservation at The Corner House while indulging in the charm of Canterbury. This restaurant offers a delicious menu reflected with a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, cherished by 616 discerning connoisseurs.

Indulge in the flavors of The Refectory kitchen, a treasured establishment in Canterbury. Its diverse menu promises to tantalize your palate and elevate your dining experience. Known for its exceptional service, it has earned a 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 589 satisfied guests.

If you’re in the mood for a drink, visit Lady Luck, one of the top bars you could visit in the city. Lady Luck is an excellent place for a refreshing evening drink and 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. Around 989 customers have rated their experience at The Foundry Brew Pub an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

The Pound at One Pound Lane also belongs to the list of the best bars in the 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 bar-goers.

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

On day 7 of your exciting self-drive vacation in England, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, Canterbury, Broomfield, and London. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in London, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Canterbury Cathedral. This anglican or episcopal cathedral is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 11,666 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Westgate Gardens. This park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,774 reviews.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Canterbury, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Broomfield may take around 41 min. Upon your arrival in Broomfield, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to London, 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 day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of London's best restaurants.

Don't miss out on experiencing Estiatorio Milos, a renowned dining spot in London. This restaurant's rich flavors have left a lasting impression on diners. Its dedication to culinary perfection is evident in its 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 1,065 satisfied guests.

Make a reservation at Simpson's in the Strand while immersing yourself in London. This distinguished restaurant offers imaginative dishes, with a remarkable rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 830 guests.

Artesian is one of the best bars in London and the perfect place for a celebratory drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 657 customers.

You may also want to check out Bar Américain, offering great drinks and a fantastic atmosphere. Bar Américain is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 697 customers.

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

Day 8 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.

As you approach the end of your journey in England, take a moment for some retail therapy in London’s celebrated shopping district. Thanks to your stay’s premier location, you can easily visit the city’s commercial hubs and wander through its diverse range of local shops without rushing.

Whether you’re on a hunt for an ideal present to give to your friends or family, or looking for a personal memento to remind you of England, a variety of items are waiting for you.

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!