Drive through picture-perfect villages and breathtaking coastlines you won’t believe exist.
Some trips stay with you forever, and this 14-day road trip through England is one of them. It’s the kind of journey that feels like stepping into a storybook, where every winding lane leads to another breathtaking view, centuries-old village, or rugged coastal escape. There’s something magical about slowing down, rolling down the windows, and soaking in the charm of a country where history and nature blend so beautifully.
This itinerary isn’t just about seeing the sights—it’s about experiencing England in a way that feels personal and unforgettable. Quaint tearooms, thatched cottages, and wild, windswept cliffs create a backdrop that feels straight out of a dream. The adventure unfolds with every mile, and by the time the trip ends, the hardest part won’t be the drive—it’ll be saying goodbye.
1. Day 1, Arrive in London and soak up the city’s iconic charm.
Touch down in London and let the adventure begin. After checking into your hotel, stretch your legs with a walk along the Thames, where historic landmarks like Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey set the scene. Snap a classic photo at a red telephone booth before grabbing lunch at a traditional pub—fish and chips or a Sunday roast are must-tries.
Spend the afternoon exploring Covent Garden’s boutique shops, street performers, and hidden passageways, recommends Michelle on her site Daisybutter. If you’re up for it, take a ride on the London Eye for breathtaking views of the city skyline. For dinner, dive into Borough Market’s famous street food or book a table at a cozy Soho restaurant. Get a good night’s sleep—tomorrow, the real road trip begins.
2. Day 2, Drive to the Cotswolds and wander through dreamy villages.
Pick up your rental car and leave the hustle of London behind as you drive west to the Cotswolds, a region straight out of a fairytale. Rolling hills, thatched cottages, and winding country roads make this one of England’s most picturesque destinations. Start in Burford, where you can grab a cream tea and explore the charming high street.
Head to Bibury, home to Arlington Row, a row of historic stone cottages that look straight out of a painting, says Josh Davies writing for Manor Cottages. Stow-on-the-Wold offers antique shops and cozy pubs, perfect for a lazy afternoon. End the day in Bourton-on-the-Water, known as the “Venice of the Cotswolds,” with its pretty footbridges and riverside charm. Stay overnight in a quaint B&B, where a warm fire and a hearty meal await.
3. Day 3, Explore castles, gardens, and market towns in the Cotswolds.
Wake up to birdsong and the smell of fresh countryside air before heading out to explore more of the Cotswolds. Start the day with a visit to Broadway Tower, a stunning 18th-century folly offering panoramic views across the countryside. Then, make your way to Sudeley Castle, once home to Henry VIII’s last wife, Katherine Parr, according to writers as The Tudor Travel Guide. Stroll through its beautiful gardens and learn about its rich Tudor history.
Stop for lunch in Chipping Campden, a market town filled with medieval charm. Spend the afternoon walking through Hidcote Manor Garden, one of England’s finest Arts and Crafts gardens. If time allows, visit Snowshill, a tiny village known for its stunning manor house and lavender fields in summer. Enjoy a slow, peaceful evening with dinner in a cozy country pub.
4. Day 4, Drive to Bath and soak in Roman history and Georgian elegance.
Say goodbye to the Cotswolds as you head southwest to Bath, a city famous for its Roman baths, elegant Georgian architecture, and literary connections to Jane Austen. The 90-minute drive brings you to one of England’s most stunning cities, writes Lydia Mansel in an article for Travel and Leisure. Start your day at the Roman Baths, where natural hot springs have been bubbling for thousands of years.
Afterward, admire the grandeur of the Royal Crescent and The Circus, two of Bath’s most iconic architectural landmarks. Stop for afternoon tea at the Pump Room, a historic tea house where visitors once gathered to “take the waters.” Browse the charming independent shops or visit the Jane Austen Centre before unwinding at Thermae Bath Spa, where you can soak in rooftop thermal pools overlooking the city.
5. Day 5, Drive to Cornwall and chase coastal beauty along the way.
Today, head southwest toward the rugged beauty of Cornwall, a drive of around four hours. Make a stop in Wells, England’s smallest city, to see its magnificent cathedral and historic Bishop’s Palace. Then, break up the drive with a stop in Glastonbury, where myths of King Arthur and the Holy Grail surround Glastonbury Tor, a mystical hill with breathtaking views. Arrive in Cornwall by late afternoon and settle into the charming seaside town of St. Ives.
Known for its golden beaches, art galleries, and quaint harbor, it’s the perfect place to relax after a long drive. Walk along Porthmeor Beach, grab fresh seafood for dinner, and enjoy the laid-back coastal vibes. As the sun sets, listen to the waves and breathe in the fresh Atlantic air.
6. Day 6, Discover Cornwall’s dramatic cliffs and hidden coves.
Wake up to the salty sea breeze and get ready for a day of exploring Cornwall’s most stunning coastal landscapes. Start at Land’s End, the southwesternmost point of England, where rugged cliffs drop into crashing waves. Follow the coastal path to Porthcurno Beach, a hidden gem with turquoise waters and soft white sand. Just above the beach sits the Minack Theatre, an open-air amphitheater carved into the cliffs with jaw-dropping ocean views.
Next, visit St. Michael’s Mount, a tidal island with a medieval castle that can only be reached by foot during low tide. For a taste of Cornwall’s legendary pasties, grab one in Marazion before heading back to St. Ives. End the day watching the sunset from a seaside pub, pint in hand.
7. Day 7, Explore Cornwall’s magical villages and rugged moors.
Start the day with a scenic drive along Cornwall’s north coast, where dramatic cliffs and wild landscapes create an unforgettable backdrop. Stop in Tintagel, a village steeped in Arthurian legend, and explore Tintagel Castle, perched dramatically on the cliffs above the sea. Walk across the new footbridge connecting the ruins and soak in the mystical atmosphere. Afterward, visit the nearby village of Boscastle, known for its picturesque harbor and the fascinating Museum of Witchcraft and Magic.
In the afternoon, drive inland to Bodmin Moor, a rugged expanse of windswept moorland dotted with ancient stone circles and wild ponies. Hike up to Rough Tor or Brown Willy, the highest points in Cornwall, for breathtaking views. End the day in Padstow, a charming fishing village famous for its seafood and lively harbor.
8. Day 8, Drive to Devon and wander through Dartmoor’s wild beauty.
Leave Cornwall behind and head northeast to Devon, a region known for its rolling countryside, dramatic coastlines, and ancient moorlands. Drive for about two hours to Dartmoor National Park, an otherworldly landscape of granite tors, hidden valleys, and wild ponies. Spend the morning hiking to Hound Tor, one of Dartmoor’s most iconic rock formations, or explore the eerie beauty of Wistman’s Wood, a twisted, moss-covered oak forest straight out of a fairytale.
Stop for lunch in the historic market town of Tavistock, birthplace of Sir Francis Drake. In the afternoon, continue to Exeter, a vibrant city with a stunning Gothic cathedral and charming quayside. Wrap up the day with a relaxing evening in a countryside inn, enjoying a hearty meal and a pint of locally brewed cider.
9. Day 9, Visit the Jurassic Coast and discover fossil-filled cliffs.
Set off on a two-hour drive east toward the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its prehistoric cliffs and fossil-rich beaches. Start in Lyme Regis, a charming seaside town with colorful beach huts and a historic harbor known as the Cobb. Spend time searching for fossils along Charmouth Beach, where ancient ammonites and other treasures are often found. Continue along the coast to Durdle Door, one of England’s most photographed landmarks—a stunning natural limestone arch over the sea.
Nearby, take a stroll along Lulworth Cove, a perfectly rounded bay with crystal-clear waters. For a unique experience, visit the coastal village of Corfe Castle and explore the ruins of its medieval stronghold before heading to a cozy B&B for the night.
10. Day 10, Drive to the New Forest and experience England’s countryside at its best.
Trade the coastal cliffs for the lush woodlands and open heathlands of the New Forest, about a 90-minute drive away. This ancient royal hunting ground is now a peaceful retreat where wild ponies, deer, and cattle roam freely. Take a scenic drive through the forest, stopping at picturesque villages like Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst. Rent bikes or go for a gentle walk along one of the many forest trails, soaking in the tranquility.
Visit Beaulieu, home to a grand stately house, gardens, and the fascinating National Motor Museum. For an afternoon treat, indulge in a classic cream tea at a traditional tearoom. As the sun sets, enjoy a quiet evening in a countryside pub, where the warm glow of a fireplace adds to the cozy atmosphere.
11. Day 11, Explore the historic city of Winchester before heading to Oxford.
Before leaving the New Forest, enjoy a leisurely breakfast before driving an hour north to Winchester, England’s ancient capital. Visit the stunning Winchester Cathedral, which houses the legendary round table of King Arthur. Wander through the city’s charming streets, stopping for a coffee at an independent café before continuing the journey to Oxford. Arriving in Oxford by early afternoon, immerse yourself in the world of scholars and dreamers.
Visit the Bodleian Library, take a guided tour of one of the university’s historic colleges, and admire the fairytale-like architecture. If you’re a Harry Potter fan, check out Christ Church College, which inspired Hogwarts’ Great Hall. Wrap up the day punting along the River Cherwell before settling in for a night at a historic inn.
12. Day 12, Discover the best of the English countryside in the Chiltern Hills.
After a morning coffee in Oxford, drive an hour southeast to the Chiltern Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This underrated region is full of rolling green hills, ancient woodlands, and idyllic villages. Start in Henley-on-Thames, a picturesque riverside town famous for its annual rowing regatta. Stroll along the Thames, explore boutique shops, and grab lunch at a riverside pub. In the afternoon, visit the historic village of Turville, known as the filming location for The Vicar of Dibley.
For a peaceful countryside walk, head to the beech woodlands of Hughenden Manor, once the home of Victorian Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli. End the day in a cozy country inn, where the scent of log fires and home-cooked meals welcomes you.
13. Day 13, Return to London and explore the city’s hidden gems.
Head back to London for the final stretch of the trip. This time, skip the big tourist attractions and explore the city’s hidden gems. Wander through Notting Hill’s colorful streets, browsing vintage shops and charming bookstores. Take a stroll along Regent’s Canal in Little Venice, where narrowboats float beside scenic walkways.
If you’re a history lover, visit the fascinating Churchill War Rooms or the lesser-known Sir John Soane’s Museum. For lunch, grab a bite in Borough Market or venture to an iconic afternoon tea spot. Spend the evening in the lively Soho or South Bank areas, enjoying a theater show or live jazz performance. With one last night in the city, savor every moment before the journey comes to an end.
14. Day 14, Say goodbye to England with one last adventure.
With only a few hours left before heading to the airport, make the most of the morning. Grab breakfast at a cozy café and take a final stroll through Hyde Park or Kensington Gardens. If there’s time, visit the charming Leadenhall Market, a historic arcade with beautiful architecture and boutique shops. For one last cultural stop, explore the British Museum’s impressive collection or the Victoria and Albert Museum’s stunning exhibits. If shopping is on the agenda, browse the famous stores of Covent Garden or the quirky stalls of Camden Market.
As you make your way to the airport, reflect on the past two weeks of unforgettable scenery, history, and adventure. England’s storybook villages and wild coastlines will stay with you long after the trip ends.