London is the biggest city in the United Kingdom as well as England's capital and the country's financial and political centre. Among its many economic pillars are commerce, investment, tourism, education, entertainment, fashion, and the media. But if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the Big Smoke and spend some time in the great outdoors or discover a new place, taking a road trip from London is the way to go. From historic towns to national parks, and scenic coastlines, here are some ideas for a memorable road trip from London:
Best Day Trips from London
Drive to Oxford University City and indulge your inner nerd by visiting the area's free and paid institutions. If you're a Harry Potter enthusiast, we strongly suggest paying a visit to Christ Church University, where several sequences were filmed. To get the most out of your vacation, we recommend arriving in the city early in the morning (it takes only 90 minutes). This allows you more time to see Blenheim Palace, which is just 20 minutes away. On the way back to London, stop at Woodstock, a charming nearby village.
If you are visiting the UK for the first time, you may not have heard of the Cotswolds. Nonetheless, ask any Brit and they will tell you how lovely the setting is! There are several little towns to visit, each one more beautiful than the last, and they are best explored by car. To give each hamlet ample time, we suggest taking a full-day excursion. A self-drive trip that includes morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea is also available. The Cotswolds are ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in true British culture.
Driving to Brighton is an excellent day excursion from London. The colourful sensations that this thriving town provides are popular with both visitors and residents. There's much to do here, from seeing historical landmarks to appreciating the street art on Trafalgar Lane. Every home and storefront in the neighbourhood has interesting paintings and graffiti. Shop to your heart's delight in North Laine for decorations, antique collectables, and records. Kensington Gardens and Gardner Street are not to be missed. After you've finished, go to one of the laid-back cafés and people-watch.
Road Trips from London
Have a free day to go exploring? Visit England's most recognisable landmark, the White Cliffs of Dover. These chalks, which stand 110m tall and spread for 8 kilometres, are subject to natural erosion. Experience royalty by staying at Leeds Castle, which is set on these cliffs. It is known as the most beautiful castle to see in England, and it is set amid over 500 acres of landscape. Alternatively, you may stay in magnificent cottages, a B&B, or even camp here. To get here, use the M2 and A2 highways southeast of London.
One of the most famous landmarks in the world, Stonehenge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is approximately two hours from London, making it ideal for a day excursion. To get here, take the M25, then the M3 through Basingstoke; you will travel through the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). After you've had your fill of visiting Stonehenge, head to the surrounding historic cities of Winchester and Salisbury. Prepare to be wowed!
Colchester, the historic English capital, is just a 90-minute drive from London. You can get here by driving on the A12. History aficionados will appreciate seeing the town and delving into the past to learn about the Romans, Normans, Saxons, and other eras. We also suggest paying a visit to the Colchester Castle Museum, which has recently renovated its collections with interactive exhibits. If you're taking the kids on a trip, drop them off at the Colchester Zoo or Rollerworld while you go shopping in town. Meanwhile, the children may enjoy indoor roller skating and laser tag!
Scenic Drives near London
Cheddar Gorge & Caves in Somerset are a must-see if you're looking to unleash your inner Indiana Jones. Cheddar Gorge is not only one of the most beautiful natural sites in the United Kingdom, but it is also an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Exploring the natural caverns and stalactite formations might easily take up a whole day. You may get here by taking the M5 and leaving at J22. After that, take the A38 north for 7 miles and then follow the brown signs onto the A371, then the B3135.
Visiting the picturesque town of Wherwell is an utter treat since the drive, like the destination, is really quite pleasant. It's just around 65 miles away! There are two ways to get here by car. The fastest way is to use the M3. On the other hand, using the A31 will make the trip more enjoyable. The excursion rewards you with breathtaking vistas of the Surrey Hills and the South Downs National Park. With barely 500 people, this charming community is rich in mythology, churches, and Instagram-worthy buildings.
Take a 3-hour solo or group drive from London to Norwich. After leaving London, you will travel through Essex, Suffolk, and the Norfolk countryside. The meadows and marshes here are flat, providing breathtaking vistas as far as the eye can reach! Driving through Brentwood will take you past rich green woods and wildlife reserves like the Weald and Hutton County Parks, Dedham Vale, and the beautiful East English Villages. You may want to make a pit stop here since it's a long drive.