Why should you venture beyond the UK capital during your next visit?
All too often, people visiting the UK never get beyond London. The UK’s capital is a vast, eclectic mix of history, landmarks, culture and people, meaning that it could keep you occupied for the duration of your holiday. While London is justifiably popular, there’s much more to England than just its capital. With England being relatively compact, road trips from London give you access to incredible landscapes, historic sites and fascinating towns and cities.
With Cheaper Than Cars, road trips from London just got easier. We make it simple to find the car for your journey and pick-ups across the city, Heathrow and Gatwick airports, and beyond, your next adventure is just a few clicks away.
Here are ten of the best road trips from London to help you plan your English adventure!
Cotswolds Loop
The Cotswolds are famous around the world for embodying the quintessential charm of the English countryside. Situated around 100 miles from London, a Cotswolds Loop typically begins in a charming market town such as Chipping Campden or Moreton-in-Marsh. The route winds its way through rolling hills, and village streets lined with honey-coloured stone cottages, alongside babbling streams. Taking in much-loved villages like Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, and Broadway, there are ample opportunities to stop and enjoy traditional tea rooms, antique shops, and parish churches.
The Cotswolds is famous for its historic houses and flower-rich gardens, such as Hidcote Manor Garden and Snowshill Manor. The region is also crisscrossed by public footpaths and walking routes, allowing you to get closer to nature in this idyllic corner of England. With country pubs serving local beer and home-cooked food, the Cotswolds feels a world away from the capital.
- Total Driving Distance: 150 Miles (241km)
- Driving Time: 4 to 6 Hours
Jurassic Coast Drive
Located around 170 miles from London, Devon and Dorset’s Jurassic Coast is UNESCO World Heritage listed and one the most breathtaking geological sites on the planet. Starting in the charming town of Exmouth in East Devon and extending to Studland Bay in Dorset, the route encompasses dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and ancient rock formations that tell the story of Earth’s history, spanning 185 million years.
As you venture along the coast, notable stops include the iconic Durdle Door, a natural limestone arch rising dramatically from the sea, and the picturesque town of Lyme Regis, known for its fossil-rich cliffs and historic Cobb Harbor. The little fishing harbour of Beer is a great place to watch the world go by, while regency Sidmouth is a genteel seaside town with a fashionable past.
- Total Driving Distance: 95 Miles (153km)
- Driving Time: 3 Hours
The South Downs National Park
Within a couple of hours’ drive of London, you’ll find the South Downs National Park. Stretching across the counties of Hampshire, West Sussex, and East Sussex, the South Downs National Park covers an area of approximately 1,600 square kilometres. Commencing in the cathedral city of Winchester, a road trip through the Downs takes you along winding roads, across rolling hills, and through sleepy villages where time seems to have stood still.
The National Park has an extensive network of walking and cycling trails, ancient woodlands, tranquil rivers and panoramic viewpoints. Explore charming villages like Alfriston and Midhurst, towns like Arundel with its majestic castle, and Lewes with its steep cobbled streets. The iconic Seven Sisters chalk cliffs, with their undulating white peaks, offer a breathtaking coastal spectacle and a highlight at the end of a road trip through the South Downs National Park.
- Total Driving Distance: 200 Miles (322km)
- Driving Time: 5.5 Hours
Cambridge and Ely Exploration
A short 60 miles north from London is the city of Cambridge, famous around the world for its world class university. Located in the Fens of Eastern England, it’s a place of exquisite architecture, clustered around the tranquil River Cam. Iconic colleges like Trinity, King’s, and St John’s offer glimpses into centuries of academic tradition. The city’s historic market square, the Backs (scenic area along the river), and the Mathematical Bridge are among the must-see attractions. With countless cosy pubs, coffee shops and restaurants to enjoy, as well as bookshops to browse, Cambridge is an essential stop on road trips from London.
Around 15 miles north of Cambrige is the charming Fenland city of Ely. Dominated by the magnificent Ely Cathedral, an architectural marvel with its imposing Gothic structure and panoramic views from the Octagon Tower, Ely is known as the capital of the Fens. With a picturesque waterfront, Medieval streets, and Oliver Cromwell’s house, Ely has a unique characters. The expansive landscapes surrounding the city give the area a flavour of the Low Countries, with which it has had extensive historical links.
- Total Driving Distance: 60 Miles (97km) from London / 15 Miles (24km)
- Cambridge to Ely Driving Time: 2 Hours
The Derbyshire Peaks
Around 150 miles north of London is the Derbyshire Peak District, an area of rolling hills, picturesque villages, limestone cottages and ancient stone wall. Beginning in Dovedale, known for its limestone ravines and famous stepping stone crossing the River Dove, this road trip through the Peaks continues through bustling Matlock, to the heights of Mam Tor. Towering limestone cliffs frame the road on the scenic drive through Winnats Pass. The charming town of Bakewell, is a busy centre for this corner of the Peak District, and is famously home to the Bakewell Pudding, which can be purchased from numerous local bakeries. The plague village of Eyam tells a heroic story of bravery and sacrifice.
Beneath the shadow of Peveril Castle, the village of Castleton is renowned for its limestone caverns, including the famous Blue John Cavern and Speedwell Cavern. Further north, the village of Hathersage is embraced by green rolling hills, and is famous for its connections to Charlotte Brontë’s “Jane Eyre.” The gritstone outcrop of Stanage Edge is popular with walkers and rock climbers.
- Total Driving Distance: 100 Miles (161km)
- Driving Time: 3.5 Hours
Norfolk Coastal Drive
The Norfolk Coast is filled with contrasts. Often beginning in charming seaside towns like Sheringham or Cromer with its Victorian pier, the journey unfolds with sweeping views of golden sand dunes, salt marshes and vast expanses of unspoiled coastline. The Norfolk Coast Path, which runs parallel to the road in many places provides opportunities for walks and birdwatching.
A detour island takes to the Norfolk Broad, a network of picturesque rivers and lakes, teeming with wildlife. Winding roads take you through quaint villages, such as Blakeney with its bustling quay, and Wells Next The Sea with its colourful beach huts and secluded beach. Nearby Holkham Bay, has a stunning expanse of beach backed by pine woods and sand dunes. The Holkham Hall estate provides a grand architectural spectacle amid the coastal landscape.
Heading back to London via Norwich gives you a chance to explore this charming, well-preserved Medieval city that was once the richest place in England.
- Total Driving Distance: 90 Miles (145km)
- Driving Time: 4 Hours
Brighton and Seven Sisters Road Trip
Located 50 miles south of the capital, Brighton is the brash, cosmopolitan and lively seaside little brother of London. With its eclectic atmosphere, iconic pier, and pebble beaches, Brighton has always attracted creative people and free spirits. The Royal Pavilion is a former royal residence with distinctive Indian influence architecture, opulent interiors and beautifully landscaped gardens. The Lanes are narrow historic streets filled with boutique shops, and you can learn more about the city’s fashionable past and present at the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery.
When you’re tired of Brighton the road trip takes you through the rolling hills of the South Downs National Park. There are countless walking and cycling routes to discover, as well as old country pubs that are perfect for watching the world go by. Heading east, you eventually arrive at the Seven Sisters, a series of dramatic chalk cliffs overlooking the English Channel. Walks take you along the top of the towering cliffs, with the sound of the waves crashing below. The Birling Gap, a coastal hamlet with a pebble beach, is the perfect spot to pause and admire the view.
- Total Driving Distance: 60 Miles (97km)
- Driving Time: 1.5 Hours
Kent’s Garden of England
Kent has historically been the gateway to England for people travelling from continental Europe. It’s also known as the ‘Garden of England’ due to its mild climate and long tradition of historic gardens, orchards and flower growing. Bordering London to the east, Kent is a highly accessible destination, featuring picturesque landscapes, historic landmarks and great gardens. Beginning in the cathedral city of Canterbury, this is the centre of the worldwide Anglican church and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city’s medieval streets are lined with timber-framed houses, and in the summer they bustle with visitors, tour guides and street musicians.
Beyond Canterbury, Sissinghurst Castle Garden, created by Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson, is a masterpiece of design. Hever Castle and Gardens were the Tudor home of Anne Boleyn. On the coast, Deal is a picturesque seaside town, with fisherman’s cottages, smugglers’ alleys, and Deal Castle, a symbol of its naval past. Broadstairs celebrates its Dickensian traditions at the Dickens House Museum, where the author spent many summers.
- Total Driving Distance: 200 Miles (322km)
- Driving Time: 6 Hours
Bath and the Mendip Hills
Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the jewels of southern England. Lying 150 miles west of London, the city has always been a fashionable and refined destination for English high society. With its famed Roman Baths, Georgian architecture, and beautiful Bath Abbey, the city was made for leisurely strolling. The Royal Crescent showcases the Georgian grandeur of the city, while the Roman Baths give you an insight into elite life in Roman Britain.
Leaving the city behind, the Mendip Hills beckon, a patchwork of rolling hills, valleys and picturesque villages. This is the English West Country at its most green and pleasant. A highlight of the trip is Cheddar Gorge, a dramatic limestone gorge where you can walk along the ridge, or explore hidden caves rich in archaeological finds. The tiny city of Wells is home to the stunning Wells Cathedral and Bishops Palace. Dating from the 14th century Vicars’ Close is the oldest residential street in England in continuous use. Its long tradition of cider and cheese production, as well as its blossoming culinary scene, makes this a foodie’s favourite among road trips from London.
New Forest and Isle of Wight Adventure
The New Forest lies around 80 miles southwest of London, but it could be on another planet, such is the contrast with the city. Entering this protected ancient woodland, once a royal hunting forest, is like stepping back centuries. With its heathlands, meandering streams, free-roaming ponies, deer, and birdlife, the forest has a magical ambience. Charming villages like Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst, are tranquil havens where old forest customs are maintained. Boat trips are available on the Beaulieu River, and the Victorian-era Exbury Gardens are fascinating to explore. A ticket for Beaulieu Abbey also gives you access to the National Motor Museum, a world-famous collection of 280 vehicles, including Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
At Lymington, you can cross the Solent by ferry to the Isle of Wight, England’s largest offshore island. The island offers a diverse range of attractions, from sandy beaches and towering cliffs to historic landmarks. Osborne House, the former residence of Queen Victoria, has opulent interiors and beautifully landscaped gardens. The Needles, a series of chalk stacks rising dramatically from the sea, provide opportunities for coastal walks with breathtaking views. Villages like Godshill with its thatched cottages move at a gentle pace, while seaside towns like Shanklin and Ventnor, show signs of their Victorian heyday.
Are You Ready For Your Next Adventure?
There’s so much more to England than its vibrant capital city. Road trips from London allow you to experience the rich history and diversity of this fascinating country for yourself.
Cheaper Than Cars makes it easy to find the right car for road trips from London whatever your budget.
