travel by road london

21 Perfect Road Trips From London & Short Trips From London By Car!

Categories England , London , U.K

There are so many places to visit near London! There are many day trips from London by train that you can do, but if you really want to get out of the big smoke, into nature and somewhere new, a road trip from London is the answer !

Below are ideas from myself and my blogging friends on short trips from London and the best places to visit in the UK .

These include road trips from London that you can do as day trips from London and 2-5 day trips from London if you want to make a London road trip into a UK Staycation !

Road trips are all about getting into nature so these road trip from London ideas are based on visiting the coast , countryside and small villages  outside of London to provide a more exciting road trip from London adventure!

Whether you live in London, or you are visiting London as a tourist, here are UK road trip ideas from London and the best road trips from London to help you start planning your London getaway!

Road Trips from London

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Road Trip From London Map

Here is a map with the below road trip from London destinations on it to help you work out which part of the UK will be best for your London Road Trip depending on the time you have!

Car Hire From London

If you don’t have a car as most Londoners don’t, I’ve found the best place to hire a car from in London is from one of the London Airports ! I recommend using Rental Cars as they search all the top car hire companies!

Search for the best car hire prices in London here!

TRAVEL TIPS

🏘️Book your accommodation

Booking.com and Hostelworld will help you to book accommodation and check availability in advance

🚘To get your car rental in advance

and to make your trip more convenient, you can use Rentalcars.com and find the most suitable option for you

🧾Get your tickets and guided tours

with Viator and GetYourGuide to get the most out of your journey

Best Road Trips From London

Here are the best recommendations for road trips from London!

The Channel Island of Jersey is a great island escape form London and the UK, without leaving the UK. Drive down to Poole and catch the 4 Hour 40 Minute scenic car ferry from Poole to Jersey Channel Island .

Jersey works perfectly as a 3 day road trip from London!

Jersey is a small island which makes road-tripping around Jersey a lot of fun because you can see so much!

However although small, Jersey is packed with natural attractions, historic attractions and amazingly good food, perfect for a weekend road trip from London!

Things to do in Jersey:

On your Jersey Channel Island itinerary , I recommend trying a surf lesson on the West Coast of the Island. Going hiking along the North Coast of the Island and going out on a RIB Boat Trip Adventure on the East Coast in search for seals!

I also really recommend having dinner at The Boat House in the pretty village of St Aubin. You’ll be sure to return back to London refreshed and relaxed from all that island air!

Diving Distance from London: 7 Hours by Road & Ferry

Suggested By: The Wandering Quinn

2. Cotswolds Villages

If you’d like to escape London for some peace and relaxation, there’s no better place to go than the beautiful English countryside !

Not too far away from London is the Cotswolds “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty”, a collection of charming little villages surrounded by rolling green hills and stunning scenery. 

Whether you’re looking to take a day trip from London or searching for the perfect weekend getaway, visiting a few of the Cotswolds villages makes an excellent choice when it comes to planning a road trip from London, no matter the length you choose.

Some of the most picturesque villages to visit in the Cotswolds region are Bibury, Lower Slaughter, Stow-on-the-Wold, and Castle Combe (but there are so many more!).

The beauty of the Cotswolds villages is that they are all located close to one another and they are easy to reach from London in just a few hours making it a great road trip in England from London.

The best things to do when visiting any of the villages are exploring the pretty cobbled streets admiring the beautiful historic buildings, popping into a cosy historic pub for a bite to eat, and taking a scenic walk around the countryside to soak up the peaceful atmosphere!

Diving Distance from London: 87 Miles. 2 Hours.

Suggested By: The Road is Life

Click here to book a full day tour to Cotswolds from London via get your guide

3. Jurassic Coast

The Jurassic Coast is a 95-mile stretch of jagged coastline in southern England. Famed for its beautiful beaches, iconic country landscapes and captivating coastal hiking paths, it’s the ideal setting for a weekend from London where being in nature is your top priority.

Doing a r oad trip from London along the Jurassic Coast will encapsulate the best places in Dorset and Devon for a full Dorset and Devon Road Trip !

The defining icon of the Jurassic Coast is Old Harry Rocks ; a collection of dazzling white limestone stacks arranged along the coast like a jigsaw puzzle waiting to be assembled.

It’s the perfect place to unwind and watch the sun go down in front of iconic scenery.

Lulworth Cove is a circular cove surrounded by a sweeping arc of pebbles, backed by steep cliffs. It’s a beautiful part of England and the best way to see it is on a stroll along the coast to Durdle Door.

This walk, with towering cliffs on one side and bucolic countryside on the other, is one of the best short walks on the Jurassic Coast .

Corfe Castle , an 11th-century ruin, is an engrossing and atmospheric spot to catch the sunrise and Lyme Regis is a lovely seaside town to visit.

From the short but steep climb up nearby West Hill, the view as the sun lights up the decaying stone is a mesmerising way to experience the Jurassic Coast, a fantastic UK road trip from London!

Diving Distance from London:  125 Miles. 2 Hours 45 Minutes.

Suggested By: Anywhere We Roam

We know that staycations are all the rage right now so also see these 15 UK Staycation Ideas for this year!

4. Suffolk Coast

At about 2.5 hours from London , the Suffolk coast is a great choice for a day trip from London, but it’s such a beautiful part of the world and so quiet that you’ll want to stay for a weekend.

Suffolk is one of the most unspoiled parts of the UK and with over 50 miles of heritage coastline, there’s plenty of space to go and stretch your legs on its many beautiful and uncrowded beaches.

On a Suffolk road trip from London, the most popular beaches to visit are Aldeburgh, Southwold and Thorpeness , but if you’re looking to completely get away from it all, then Dunwich, situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is a great choice.

It’s home to the National Trust owned Dunwich Heath, which is a beautiful spot for walks.

If you’re looking to do an overnight road trip from London by car, the Cliff House Holiday Park is a lovely campsite right on the cliffs where you can pitch a tent, caravan or hire a lodge

Diving Distance from London: 100 Miles. 2 Hours 30 Minutes.

Suggested By: UK Family Travel

Devon is often overlooked because of the popular county of Cornwall but a Devon road trip is a brilliant trip to do and the benefit of visiting Devon from London instead of Cornwall from London is that going to Devon will shave off a good 1-2 hours from your journey!

Devon has a North Coast and South Coast to visit plus inland places like Dartmoor National Park , I spent 3 days in Devon exploring all 3 areas and it was enough time to see a lot!

Devon still has the Jurassic Coast , just like Dorset so walking From Branscombe to the pretty village of Beer along the coast is a popular thing to do. So is going to the Victorian seaside town of Sidmouth and visiting the nearby Donkey Sanctuary.

On the North Coast of Devon there is Woolacombe beach , a popular place for surfing and families to visit and it isn’t too far from the edge of Cornwall where Bude is, so you can do a Devon and Cornwall Road Trip in one go!

Diving Distance from London: 180 miles / 3 hours 40 minutes

Suggested By:   The Wandering Quinn

6. Brecon Beacons, Wales

A road trip from London to the Brecon Beacons will take you through some beautiful spots in England and Wales and it’s easily accessible via the M4!

Once in the Brecon Beacons National Park , you can spend a few days hiking. Popular hikes are to the top of Pen Y Fan , the biggest peak in South Wales and South England, there’s also a great Brecon 4 Waterfalls Walk .

Because you’ll have your car you should drive along the Black Mountain Road which offers stunning views and is known as the Top Gear Road.

For relaxing the Brecon Beacons is filled with lovely towns and villages like Hay on Wye which is perfect for those who like literature and unique places!

Afterwards, you can stop in Cardiff and check our Cardiff Castle and Cardiff Bay before going back to London!

Diving Distance from London: 180 miles / 4 hours

7. Pembrokeshire, Wales

The drive from London to Pembrokeshire isn’t the shortest so this is best if you have at least 3 days or even 1 week to spend on a short trip from London.

However, Pembrokeshire is an amazing part of Wales and the most visited for holidays because of its endless beaches , a full coastal walk linking every beach, family fun activities, a huge amount of campsites, holiday parks and pretty Welsh villages.

Tenby is the most popular place to visit in Pembrokeshire and there are lots of cottages in Tenby and campsites near Tenby to stay.

Saun dersfoot Beach and Barafundle Bay are also popular beaches to visit.

Bosherston Lilly Ponds , Stack Rock Fort and St Govans Chapel are my recommended hidden gems in Pembrokeshire to visit to make your short trip from London to Wales really memorable!

Diving Distance from London: 240 miles / 4 hours 40 minutes

8. Barry Island, Wales

Visiting South Wales is a great idea for a road trip from London as both places are either end of the M4 and takes around 3.5 hours by car .

One of the best places to visit on a road trip from London in Wales is Barry Island especially if you’re looking for a trip to the seaside for some tasty fish and chips and easy hikes around the coast. 

When going on a road trip to Barry Island from London, there’s cheap and all-day parking in close walking distance to the attractions and two accessible roads because it’s not an actual island (anymore).

The best things to do on Barry Island include riding the fairground , indulging on candy floss and stick-a-rocks, making sandcastles, renting a colourful beach hut and playing crazy golf on the promenade. Here are the best beaches in Barry !

If you’re brave enough, you could dip in the freezing ocean for a swim or attempt to win prizes in the arcade grabbers.

The unmissable thing to do on Barry Island, however, is enjoy everything Gavin and Stacey which was set and filmed around the area.

On your visit, be sure to read this guide to Gavin and Stacey filming locations and take a selfie with the cast billboard at Marco’s cafe for a memorable weekend road trip from London!

Diving Distance from London: 160 Miles. 3 hours 15 minutes.

Suggested By:   The Happy Days Travels

For Wales ideas also see: Places to Visit on a Wales Road Trip & Places for Staycations in Wales !

9. Isle of Wight

One of the most unique places you can visit on a road trip from London is the Isle of Wight .

Located just a stones throw away from the southern coast of England is a great place to spend a weekend away with friends and family.

From a few amazing beaches like Ryde beach to unusual experiences like visiting the Garlic Farm – there are so many things to do on the Isle of Wright.

Don’t forget to drive the famous Military Road , full of stunning cliffs views and to visit the Needles – one of the main landmarks on the Isle of Wight.

It’s better not to visit the isle of Wight during Bank Holidays in May but apart of that little island is a less touristy place – perfect for everyone willing to have great walks without crowds.

Diving Distance from London: 90 Miles. 3 Hours 10 Minutes.

Suggested By: Darek and Gosia

10. Ashdown Forest, Sussex

Ashdown Forest is a great place to stop on a road trip from London. For those who don’t know, Ashdown Forest is the real-life inspiration for the Hundred Acre Wood where Winnie the Pooh lives.

A. A. Milne stated that he believed Ashdown Forest was enchanted, and spent many hours wandering through it.

Today, visitors can also walk through various parts of the forest and even try to find different characters from the books. The most popular activity is playing Poohsticks by the river.

Nearby is, of course, Pooh Corner the sweetshop where A. A. Milne would take Christopher Robin.

In addition to getting out and enjoying nature, it is worth stopping by many of the surrounding towns. In  East Grinstead  you can learn about the town’s fascinating connection to WWII or stand on the Meridian Line.

Or head South to Fletching and take an alpaca for a walk. The beautiful Tudor Hever Castle is just a 20 minute drive away!

Diving Distance from London:  36 Miles. 1 hour 20 minutes.

Suggested By: Cultura Obscura

Campervan Hire for UK Road Trips

Before we get into all of the best UK road trip ideas from London. If you want to go on a memorable road trip with the freedom and flexibility to stop and camp where you want , why not hire a Camper??

Let me introduce to you Indie Campers ! They provide Campervan hire in the UK and Europe and their London depot is close to Heathrow Airport which is the perfect place to start and end your London road trip! 

Indie Campers own a range of high-quality Campervans and provide a high level of assistance before your booking and during your booking. Best of all, you can change the dates of your booking FOR FREE up to 48 hours in advance in case your plans change, or the weather looks like it could be bad and you can reschedule for a sunnier trip!

When planning a road trip around the UK, visiting less-visited places  like the suggestions below, and staying self-contained is going to be the future of travel for a while, but that’s not a bad thing as it provides a new adventure! So be sure to look into Indie Campers for a unique Road Trip from London !

11. Camber Sands, East Sussex

Camber Sands in East Sussex is a wonderful day out or weekend away from London. The beach is over two miles long so there’s plenty of space for everyone to spread out.

In summer time Camber Sands is a wonderful spot for a swim or a paddle. Children love to visit for sandcastle building or flying a kite.

In wintertime, the beach is popular with horse riders and dog walkers and the sunsets are magnificent making this an all year round road trip from London!

Camber Sands is located just outside the medieval town of Rye near the border with Kent. There are plenty of interesting walks in the area as well as some good places to buy a take away lunch.

If you don’t want to stray too far from the beach, there are several restaurants next to the beach although most of Camber Sands is backed by sand dunes, making it very picturesque.

Ensure you arrive early at Camber Sands, on warm days the car parks can get very busy so plan your London road trip accordingly.

Diving Distance from London: 80 Miles. 2 Hours 10 Minutes.

Suggested By: Smudged Postcard

12. Lyme Regis, Dorset

When looking for a trip out of London, there is no greater escape from the crowds than the beach. A few hours drive from London and you can find yourself in the tranquil county of Dorset.

Famed for the beaches, cliffs and fossils , the charming seaside town of Lyme Regis is a great place to base yourself.

Due to the long drive, I would recommend spending at least a night, or perhaps even a weekend, in Lyme Regis  on this road trip from Lonon.

There are many things to do in Lyme Regis , the beach here is naturally pebbled, and you will often see people searching under the cliffs for fossils. There is also a man-made sand beach, great for when the sun comes out.

The main street of Lyme Regis is dotted with independent shops , and there is also an old working mill. In the summer, there is also the opportunity to take a boat trip from the harbour, wither for sightseeing or fishing.

In addition to this, there are some wonderful walks in the area. Many offer amazing views of the southern coastline.

Diving Distance from London: 154 Miles. 3 Hours.

Suggested By: Around The World With Her

13. Kent Villages

Kent isn’t known as “The Garden of England” for nothing. Kent is home to many quaint villages, amazing landscapes, historic castles, award-winning seaside resorts and breathtaking coastline views. 

There are indeed many beautiful villages in Kent to visit within 1-2 hours drive of London. You can reach Aylesford village in an hour which is on the River Medway, 4 miles to the northwest of Maidstone.

There are free car parks for visitors where you can find a walking path which leads you to the village and the countryside around it making Kent one of the great London road trip ideas for scenic drives near London.

Or, you can go to Godmersham, where you can find Godmersham Park. Keep in mind this park is not like any other parks, it is featured on 10 pounds notes. 

Fordwich, the smallest town in the UK With a population of 381 is also located in Kent on the River Stour. You can rent a boat and go on the river or just have a walk around. 

For the coastal walk, you can drive to Broadstairs, a pretty town on the Isle of Thanet, where you can visit Charles Dickens’ favourite holiday spot.

Diving Distance from London: 36 Miles. 1 Hour.

Suggested By:  Travel With Mansoureh

14. Peak District

Nestled between the big cities of Manchester, Sheffield and Derby, The Peak District National Park is the oldest National Park in the UK.

It’s only a 3-hour drive from London , and standing on the craggy edge of one of the Peak District’s escarpments, overlooking the expansive landscape of green rolling hills and quaint villages below, you will feel a million miles away from life in the Capital.

Grab your Ordnance Survey map and hiking boots and head for a hike in the hills. Whilst Mam Tor in the North, or Dovedale Stepping Stones in the South, are popular hiking destinations, perhaps head to Curbar Edge or the rolling hills around Monyash, which will be much quieter.

Alternatively, bring your bike in your car and cycle along the miles upon miles of disused railway tracks that criss-cross the National Park. These have been transformed into gravel paths that are entirely traffic-free.

Whilst it is very doable to do a day trip from London with an early start and late finish, a visit to the Peak District is all about connecting with nature and slowing the pace.

So really, you want to book in at least a full weekend to reap the benefits of this road trip from London.

Diving Distance from London: 150 Miles. 2 Hours 50 Minutes.

Suggested By: Peak District Kids

15. New Forest

The New Forest is a great place for a day trip from London or weekend road trip from London. There are several campsites in the area, where you can truly unwind and enjoy being close to nature.

You can take bikes with you or rent some, as the area has some great cycling trails. It is also a good destination for people, who want to go hiking near London .

You will most likely spot some wild horses on your outing. They are a common sight in the New Forest National Park. You can also book horse riding lessons and tours at most stables.

In the summer wild swimming is quite popular. There are several rope swings hung up by locals along the Lymington River.

Brockenhurst has a nice little area by the river, which is suitable for small children to paddle in the water. Families often come for a picnic at the river bank so this is a great option if you’re wanting to take a family road trip from London.

Diving Distance from London:  88 Miles. 1 Hour 40 Minutes.

Suggested By:  Travel Hacker Girl

16. Cornwall

A Cornwall road trip is best enjoyed on a long weekend road trip from London.

National Trust members can park for free in the specified car parks scattered around Cornwall, and the coastal paths are the best way to see the rugged Cornish coastline. 

One of the most scenic routes on the Cornish coastal path is the route from Sennen Cove to Lands End , which gives walkers views over the beautiful Sennen beach and harbour area.

It’s the perfect spot to see Cornish wildlife, including red-billed choughs, peregrines, kestrels and grey seals. Further along the Mayon Cliffs coastal path, you can also walk to Maen Castle and see the lighthouses/shipwrecks lining the path. 

As well as the coastal path walks, Cornwall has a plethora of beaches and coves to visit where you will find secluded spots to enjoy minus the other tourists.

Even tourist favourite, Kynance Cove has a variety of coves and rock pools to enjoy away from other tourists. The coastal path from Kynance Cove to Lizard Point takes 47 minutes to walk or 15 minutes to drive. 

Timing is often everything when it comes to visiting places like Cornwall, and getting up early to explore or visiting the beaches in the late afternoon/early evening are a great way to get around and see the sights without hordes of other tourists.

Cornwall has various National Trust and English Heritage sites to visit, including the legendary Tintagel, as well as waterfalls and green areas to visit. 

There’s no doubt that Cornwall is a tourist hotspot, it is the place to visit if you want to get a taste of The Med without leaving England, but there are plenty of places to visit minus the crowds so looking into a London to Cornwall road trip !

Diving Distance from London: 260 Miles. 5 Hours.

Suggested By: The Life of a Social Butterfly

Also see: Hidden Gems in Cornwall to Visit & Things to do in Padstow !

17. Norwich

Norwich is the perfect road trip destination from London as it is not as far as you think, just over 2 hours from Central London . It is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the country, and has a thriving independent food and shopping scene.

Home to one of the largest open-air markets in the UK , a 12th-century castle, two cathedrals and a maze of cobbled stone streets.

It is a city that offers everything! After a day of exploring there are plenty of pubs, cocktail bars and restaurants serving local produce for you to enjoy.

Norwich also provides a great starting point to discover some of Norfolk’s most stunning countryside.

The beautiful North Norfolk coastline stretches for over 100 miles and things to do in Norfolk include discovering gorgeous beaches, adorable coastal villages and some amazing wildlife – the seals live here all year round!

Closer to the city you can find the Norfolk broads . A man-made warren of waterways which provide beautiful views and a great day trip out! A perfect weekend getaway with a mix of country and city. 

Diving Distance from London: 118 Miles. 2 Hours 25 Minutes.

Suggested By: Where Charlie Wanders

18. Stonehenge

A Stonehenge day trip from London is both easy and fun because you can easily drive from London to Stonehenge and I recommend stopping in Salisbury, a town with a wonderful cathedral, along the way.

Once you get there, you may be surprised by the fact you can’t actually enter the stone circle, but only see it from a distance.

The only time of the year when you can enter is Summer Solstice when you can access Stonehenge for free on a first come first served basis to see the sunrise aligning perfectly with the rocks.

All other times of the year, you can learn about Stonehenge at the visitor centre, where you’ll discover theories about how and why it was built, plus see a 360° audiovisual view, allowing you to stand virtually in the centre of the stone circle and see how it changes in different seasons. 

Visiting Stonehenge, touring the visitor centre and admiring the stone circle from different angles takes about 3/4 hours, making this destination ideal for a day trip from London by car.

For a weekend away, you could add Salisbury and nearby Avebury so you have enough to do to fill two days on your road trip from London.

Diving Distance from London: 88 Miles. 1 Hour 40 Minutes.

Suggested By: The Crowded Planet

Click here to book yourself a Stonehenge Tour via get your guide!

19. Glastonbury

Most people think of the festival when they hear the name ‘Glastonbury’; few know that the town is well worth visiting in its own right. If you like nature, history and unique shops, you’re in the right place!

Quirky Glastonbury is a fantastic day trip from London or weekend road trip from London – it’s manageable in a day, but if you have time, it’s best to camp out nearby, or stay in one of the lovely guesthouses in town to make it a weekend trip. 

The drive from London to Glastonbury enjoys lush green scenery as you cross the beautiful rural counties of Wiltshire and Somerset.

Glastonbury is surrounded by nature, and plenty of hiking opportunities can be had close to the town, including the famous Glastonbury Tor, a hill that is awash with Pagan and Christian legend and has spring water that is said to be healing running out from underneath.

In the town, there are the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey, and lots of shops, where amongst the usual clothes and books, you can also buy tarot cards and crystal balls!

Its culture and history have given it the title of ‘England’s most magical town’; and any tourists there will definitely feel a mystical air as they walk around!

Suggested By: Go South West

Book yourself a full day tour of Glastonbury via Viator!

20. Avebury

Take a day trip from London and visit the largest stone circle in the world at Avebury in Wiltshire. Avebury Stone Circle has been there for since between 2850 and 2200 BC.

Avebury is set on a mound with a ditch running around it. The area has been used for farming for nearly 6,000 years and sheep still roam round the stones. Unlike Stonehenge, you can get up close and even touch the stones.

If you want a break from walking, you can stop for a bite to eat in the café at the barn or the Red Lion Pub, or have a look around the shops in the village.

The Alex Keiller Museum in the Museum Barn gives you an insight into the history of Avebury and the archaeological finds that have been made.

Walking tours around the stones can be booked at the museum too. The stones are free to walk round, though there is a charge for entering the Museum.

There is a large carpark which costs £4 per day for non-National Trust members and is free for members. The ticket machine only takes coins, so make sure you have change with you. There is parking for the disabled in the Old Farmyard.

Driving Distance from London: 83 Miles. 2 Hours

Suggested by: The Silver Nomad

21. London To Scotland

Finally, for something a bit different, if you have the time, and especially if you are flying into the UK for this UK Road Trip, why not look into a London to Scotland Road Trip or a Scotland to London Road Trip.

Indie Campers who I mentioned in this post have a depot near London Heathrow Airport and Edinburgh Airport which means you could start in Edinburgh and do a road trip to London visiting lots of places in Scotland and England in between, or a London to Edinburgh Road Trip. 

It would be best to do this as a 3-7 day road trip in the UK!

Diving Distance from London: 400 Miles. 7 Hours.

FAQs About Road Trips from London:

Here the answers to frequently asked questions about road trips from London:

What are good day trips from London?

Good day trips from London are those down to the South Coast to see the White Cliffs, Brighton, Kent and Bournemouth. More day trips from London that are great are to towns and cities like Windor, Bath, Bristol, The Cotswolds.

Where can you drive from London?

Once you get out of London driving is much easier so there are many places to drive from London like the South Coast of England, Essex, Kent, and to the West like South Wales, Somerset, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall.

Where can I go close to London?

The best places close to London to go are places in Kent, Brighton and Surrey

Where should I go within 2 hours in London?

You can get very far into South England with a 2 hour drive from London, you can get to Kent, Dorset, Surrey, Somerset and into The Cotswolds.

What are scenic road trips from London?

Scenic Road trips from London to go on are to the Jurassic Coast, the Sussex Coast, into Surrey, into The Cotswolds and the New Forest National Park.

Now you’re set with plenty of ideas for epic road trips from London!

More of my trips from London posts:

• 25 Day Trips from London by Train!
• 10 Alternative Day Trips from London to do!
• Things To Do in Oxford on a Day Trip from London.
• Things To Do in Brighton on a Day Trip from London.
• How to Visit the White Cliffs of Dover from London.

This post is in collaboration with Indie Campers.

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The best road trips from London that take 2 hours or less

Editor's note: This story has been updated with new information.

With an ever-increasing range of car rental options, a day trip out of town is easy to plan. But with time so precious, we don't want to spend all day in the car.

From historic cities, national parks and seaside scenes, you won't even have time to play "I spy." Here are some ideas for your next London road trip — all in under two hours from central London — and some inspiration on where to have lunch while you're there.

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Before you set off, don't forget to check the best credit cards to use for car rental. When you are road-trip planning, make sure you avoid the London Congestion Charge zone.

Related: 7 of the best road trips around the UK

Distance from London: 35 miles (around an hour).

Marlow and the Home Counties are really close by with plenty of things to do. Marlow is right on the river, so start by crossing Grade I-listed Marlow Bridge and go for a stroll along the Thames Path to spot wildlife (and the occasional rowing boat) on the river. After that, check out The High Street and venture on a blue plaque-hunting escapade. Look hard enough and you will find the building that TS Eliot called home during World War I and the house where Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein. Car parking can be a little tricky especially at lunchtime, but Liston Court Car Park lets you park for up to six hours for $5.

Where to have lunch : Marlow is a Michelin-star mecca but just a few miles away is Hurley House Hotel where there is a smorgasbord of lunch options from sushi to steak. And there's a lovely outdoor terrace and garden with weekend BBQs.

2. Stonehenge

Distance from London: 90 miles (just under two hours).

If I didn't live in London, I would live in Bath . But that's over our two-hour threshold. So instead, a day trip to Stonehenge is called for, especially as the summer solstice draws ever closer. From London, it's an easy drive down the M3 to this 5,000-year-old Wiltshire stone circle. Stonehenge remains a truly remarkable relic of the prehistoric world — older than the Great Pyramids and still largely a mystery. On average, a visit to Stonehenge takes around two hours, so if you have time, head over to the Army Flying Museum on the way back to London, which tells you about the journey of British soldiers in the air from the pioneering days of balloons and kites right through to the modern chapter of helicopter operations.

Where to have lunch : The Stonehenge Inn is the closest pub to Stonehenge and even hosts a mini-Stonehenge, an exact replica of the great monument. Here you can expect classic pub grub and also a pizza kitchen.

3. The New Forest

Distance from London: 84 miles (just under two hours).

A trip to the New Forest is about as close as you can get to a safari without buying a plane ticket. As you make your way down dappled lanes and across the heather-covered heath, you'll be watched by ponies that have grazed there for thousands of years with cattle and pigs casually hovering up fallen acorns. Every July to September, the New Forest open-top bus tour is a hop-on, hop-off experience with three different routes. You can even bring your bikes and (well-behaved) dogs along.

Where to have lunch : New Forest pubs are an important part of the area's heritage. The Pilgrim Inn is what Londoners imagine a country pub to be with a thatched roof, roaring log fires and a cozy dining room for lazy lunches.

4. Mersea Island

Distance from London: 59 miles (1.5 hours).

Attached to the mainland by a causeway that floods at high tide, this island getaway is great if you love water. Mersea Island has beach huts, ice cream, windsurfers and lots of boats. A boat trip around the harbor from the Causeway Jetty on Coast Road will show you the local sights from the water. Mersea Island's sometimes sunny south-facing beach looking over the Blackwater Estuary and is a curious a mix of sand and shingle but has great views. If you visit Mersea at the end of August you could also pop into the Clacton Airshow, which is free and includes a good mixture of activities from The Red Arrows to historic aircraft shows.

Where to have lunch : The big draw is The Company Shed , which serves seafood platters that pull in crowds from all over the country every weekend. It doesn't take bookings, and it's open for takeaway only at the moment. Get there before midday to feast on local oysters, prawns and dressed crab. Talking of which, catch-and-release crabbing is fun and it's free. Just watch out for those crab claws!

5. Whitstable

Distance from London: 60 miles (1.5 hours).

The Kent coast is dotted with picture-perfect towns like Margate and Deal, but Whitstable is really pretty with its pastel-painted beach huts and thriving arts scene. Explore Whitstable's arty side with a wander round its galleries including the Fishslab Gallery , which used to the local Fishmonger. Whitstable's historic Harbor Street is a must-visit for every day-tripper who comes, followed by The Harbor Market to pick up curious knick-knacks and furniture with character.

Where to have lunch : The Lobster Shack is a local favorite, famous for local oysters and live shellfish. With beach views and lots of outdoor seating, it's the place for people-watching in the summer and getting cozy by the log burner in colder times. Bookings are not accepted.

6. Leeds Castle and the White Cliffs of Dover

Distance from London: 43 miles (one hour) to Leeds Castle then 39 miles (45 minutes) to the White Cliffs of Dover.

Staying in glorious Kent, this two-stop day trip starts at Leeds Castle (not in Leeds), which is picturesquely placed in the middle of a lake surrounded on all sides by forests and parklands. Stroll through the Lady Baillie Gardens before a quick drive to the truly iconic White Cliffs of Dover . A symbol of home, hope and freedom, their dazzling white chalk faces reach 350 feet. Also look out for two herds of resilient Exmoor ponies whose mission is to graze away to keep the coarse grasses, bushes and trees at bay so that the chalk grassland of the cliffs can thrive.

Where to have lunch: Meander 10 miles up the Kentish coast from the gorgeous cliffs to the village of St. Margaret's-at-Cliffe where you will find The White Cliffs Hotel Bunkhouse Kitchen Bar . Here you can expect a proper Kentish experience with Folkstone fish, foraged herbs and home cultivated ice creams.

Bottom line

We do love London — most of the time. It just so happens that it's also conveniently located in the middle of a bunch of great road-trip destinations, all under two hours away by car. So jump in the car, get your sat nav out and away you go.

Public Transport in London

London's Top Attractions

Free Things to Do

Things to Do With Kids

London's Best Parks

Museums in London

Theater in London

Live Music in London

Shopping in London

One Week in London: Itinerary

Day Trips From London

Beaches Near London

The Best Fish & Chips in London

London's Top Restaurants

Eating With Kids in London

London's Best Bars

Craft Beer in London

The Best Time to Visit London

Weather & Climate

London's Airports

Neighborhoods to Know

Driving in London

Ales-A/Getty Images

London has many public transportation options, and most tourists do not drive in the city. Not only is there limited parking and lots of congestion like in any other city, but in London, you also have to contend with left-side driving, which isn’t always easy. Should you chose to drive in London here’s what you need to know about the documents required, congestion issues, basic rules of the road, and of course, how to find parking.

Driving Requirements

There are several legal requirements in place in order to get behind the wheel in London—abide by them or risk getting ticketed.

Checklist for Driving in London:

Driving License: You must have a valid driving license in order to drive in the UK and non-UK driving licenses are acceptable for up to 12 months from when you first entered the UK.

Passport: Almost all car rental companies require a passport or some form of official photographic ID to rent a car. Some companies also ask to see proof of address in the UK (hotel confirmation) and travel documents (i.e. airline tickets confirming your UK departure date).

Insurance: Law in the UK requires a valid motor vehicle insurance certificate. If you’re renting, check that all drivers are properly insured under this agreement and that you have all the necessary paperwork.

International Driving Permit: An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not officially required for US-license holders driving in the UK, though some car rental companies do require it, as such it’s recommended.

Rules of the Road

Driving in London isn’t easy. If possible, visually familiarize yourself with the road signs ahead of time. You can find images of many of them here , and this roundup covers the key rules:

• Left-side driving: Drive on the left side of the road at all times. You may want to consider getting a vehicle with an automatic transmission to make the transition a bit easier.
• Seatbelts: Safety belts must be worn at all times.
• Mobile Phone: Like in the US, using a mobile phone while driving is illegal in all of the UK (except in emergency situations when dialing 112 or 999).
• Speed Limits: Speed limits are listed in kilometers (1 mile = 1.61 kilometers). On some roads, there are speed cameras in order to enforce speed limits. 
• BAC: The blood alcohol content limit is the same as in the US (0.08%).
• Pedestrian crossings: London is very busy, so watch out for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. Yield to pedestrians at the marked zebra crossings (white stripes painted on the road, further marked by striped poles topped with round, flashing yellow lights). Apart from at zebra crossings, cars rarely slow down to let pedestrians cross the street, which is very dangerous, as many tourists step out onto the street looking in the wrong direction of traffic.
• Bike lanes: Keep an eye out for bike lanes and cyclists. Always look before opening your car door.
• Bus lanes: Bus lanes are indicated by a thick white line painted on the road. During certain hours, they are reserved for buses, licensed London taxis, motorcycles, and bikes. From Monday to Sunday, from 7 p.m. until to 7 a.m. any vehicle can use the lane.
• Yellow box junctions: Yellow box junctions are indicated by crisscross yellow lines painted on the road. They are usually found at four-road intersections or in front of fire stations and ambulance stations. Drivers cannot “block the box” and stop within the yellow box junction, as they’re designed to allow through-traffic to avoid traffic jams and/or make way for emergency vehicles. Penalty Charge Notices (PCN) will be issued to any drivers who do not observe the rules.
• Congestion charges: If you’re driving in central London during peak hours during the week (7 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday to Friday), you’re required to prepay a daily Congestion Charge  of £11.50 per day. This can be paid online, by auto pay, or by telephone, and if you don’t pay, you will be fined. The congestion zones are marked with a white sign displaying the letter “C” in a red circle. You can read more about it here .
• Motorways: On motorways, there is no fast lane and the left lane should only be used to overtake another vehicle.
• Roundabouts: Traffic circles or roundabouts are very common: Traffic flows clockwise; yield to traffic approaching from your right; and use your indicators to signal left at your exit.
• Fuel: Gas is called petrol in London, and you’ll also find diesel at fuel stations. The pumps are usually green for petrol (gasoline) and black for diesel. 
• In case of an emergency: call 112 or 999 for the emergency services (police, fire, and ambulance). If you’re a part of a road-traffic accident where someone is injured or there’s damage to a vehicle or property, you’re required to stop.
• Tolls: There is only one tollgate in London, which in Dulwich, located on a private section of College Road. All cars have to pay the £1.20 toll either by cash or card. Find out more here .
• Traffic: Avoid driving in London during rush hour, which runs from 6-10 a.m. in the mornings and 4-6:30 p.m. in the evenings.
• For more information on London’s traffic laws and regulations, see the official Highway Code .

Parking in London

Street parking in London can be very difficult to find. Always carefully check street signs in order to avoid fees, as there may be time limits or residence permit required. Often, streets have parking restrictions in place between 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., Monday to Saturday. Many streets have a pay and display system, where you buy a ticket from a nearby machine and display it in your car to avoid getting a parking ticket.

Also, make sure you check for yellow and red lines along the curb, which basically mean no parking. Yellow lines control waiting. Red lines essentially mean no stopping at any time and you may see signs designating these “red routes.” You can read more about them here . Failure to follow these rules may result in a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).

To avoid street parking, try a designated parking lot instead. Qpark has car parks on the edge of the congestion zones including in Park Lane/Marble Arch; Queensway; Knightsbridge; Pimlico; St. John's Wood; Tower Bridge; and Church Street. They have 18 total parking lots and costs vary by time of day and location.  

Traffic in London

Like any major city, traffic is an issue in London. You can see a month-by-month breakdown of planned works here , as they’re expected to have an impact on transport including driving. It’s always a good idea to have an alternative route in mind should your route be diverted without notice. Always allow for extra time.

The TfL (Transport for London) also posts live status updates , which include road closures and delays. You can also check expected road statuses for the weekend and other future dates. Traffic in London is exceptionally bad around holidays (i.e. before Christmas) and bank holidays (official holidays when most businesses are closed).  

Should You Rent A Car In London?

Barring special circumstances (like mobility issues), renting a car in London is largely not suggested. There’s plenty of public transportation including the Underground, the Overground (above-ground train lines), and buses, as well as taxis and ride-sharing apps. However, London is very widespread, and as you move away from the traffic-packed city center, public transportations connections get further apart and a car may end up being a decent option. Also, as the UK rail network is expensive outside of London and trains don’t always go where you desire, some tourists end up renting a car in London in order to travel further afield into the countryside. Whatever your reason is for renting a car, be sure you’ve read our top tips for driving in the UK .

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Driving in Portugal: What You Need to Know

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Driving in Belize: What You Need to Know

Driving in Finland

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Driving in Denmark

Everything you need to know before you go to London in 2024

Mar 10, 2024 • 7 min read

Make the most of your trip to London with these expert tips © FilippoBacci / Getty Images

Even though I was born and raised in London, I’ve been caught out without a brolly (umbrella) in the rain countless times. I’ve felt the scorn of others when not noticing there’s a queue, and I’ve made the costly error of driving into the city. But as a local, I’ve made these mistakes so you don’t have to; I hope my experience and top tips help inspire a smooth and memorable trip to the UK capital.

1. Know your Tube etiquette

One easy way to annoy commuters is to not follow these very easy rules when traveling around on London’s Underground. Get your ticket, bank card or smart phone ready before you reach the ticket barriers so you don’t create a queue. Stand on the right when using escalators so passengers wanting to walk can pass. Let passengers off the train first (stand to either the right or left of the doors) before you board. Offer your seat to someone who may need it more, such as a pregnant person, an elderly person, someone who is disabled and so on. And definitely don't try to strike up conversations with the locals (if you want to blend in). 

2. Skip the car

London ’s roads are small, its traffic is chaotic, and there’s hardly anywhere to park. Plus, you’ll be charged for driving your car in to the center of London – the congestion charge is £15 a day, while the separate ULEZ charge starts from £12.50 and only certain energy efficient or electric cars are exempt. The best way to get around is on public transport (although check on the TFL website or app for information on industrial action and weekend engineering works). Use the Tube, hop on a bus, or rent a bike or e-bike if in the center of the city; cycle maps, highlighting designated paths for bikes, can be downloaded online.

3. Bring layers (and a raincoat)

London’s weather is changeable – temperatures have been known to rise and fall by 20°C in a matter of days. Showers can happen any time of year so pack a brolly (umbrella) or raincoat in your day bag and wear layers that you can easily take off. In summer, always carry a bottle of water on the Tube (the deep tunnels were built before air-conditioning). And while the climate may be mercurial, don’t let bad weather put you off going about your day – simply switch to more indoor-based activities, there are hundreds of them to choose from.

4. Opt for comfort over fashion when it comes to shoes

Most people cover a lot of ground when exploring London, plus different terrains: grass in the many green spaces, long Tube escalators, slippery pavements and even cobblestones. Museums require leg work, as do bridges, boats and parks. Heels are pretty pointless in London, unless you are getting a door-to-door cab to a venue. 

5. Make reservations for top restaurants

While there are plenty of terrific places to eat that welcome walk-ins (although be prepared to queue for the best joints), many of the best restaurants are booked up weeks in advance, especially new ones or those run by celebrity chefs. More restaurants have adopted booking policies and deposits since the pandemic, so if you’re looking for a unique dining experience, you will need to book ahead.

6. Do as the Londoners do and go to a supper club

Embed yourself in London life with a dinner party with locals; a supper club is a superb way to try home-cooked local food from London’s diverse community. These are locally run endeavors, taking place in people’s homes or taking over whole restaurants – try The Bridge Club  serving British eats made with French cooking techniques in South London, Dinner Ladies putting on immersive food experiences, or Indian street food run out of local chef Dhruv Mittal’s flat.

7. Know how to order at a pub

There are unspoken rules when visiting a pub. One person – not a whole group – should go to the bar. Stand anywhere and wait your turn. If someone was waiting before you, it’s polite to signal for the bar staff to serve them first if they come over to you. When you go back to your table with the drinks, you just bought "a round". Now everyone at the table owes you a drink throughout the evening, each person has a turn at buying a round. Last orders are when the bell rings, and from this moment you have 20 minutes to finish your drink.

8. Go to a football game

Football rivalries run high in the city, with 17 football clubs, including seven Premier League teams and four Women’s Super League Teams. Giant temples to "The Beautiful Game" sit around London and are great places to feel the collective energy of the city, as locals congregate (come rain or shine) to watch their heroes on the field. You'll need to book tickets far in advance for Premier League Games, but women’s and lower league men’s games are usually easier to come by – and arguably far more fun to watch. Visit local team websites to book.

9. Be polite and embrace the art of queueing

Londoners (and British people alike) are big on manners, and not having any will get you into trouble. Say "please" and "thank you", and apologize if you bump into someone. Don’t stare at people on the Tube, and hold a door open for people behind you when you walk through one. Let people pass, and be sure to help people in need (people with buggies at the top of stairs, older people crossing the road etc). If there is a queue to the attraction you want to visit or a stall you want to buy from, join it – you’ll might not get into a confrontation if you skip the line, but you will be judged. 

10. Make a plan, but don't go overboard

London is massive, so getting from one side to the other takes a couple of hours in a car (and that's if there is light traffic). Riding the Tube is quicker, but journey times can still be long if attractions are on either side of the city. Minimize travel times by exploring by neighborhood – do a day in Central London, another day in West London and so on. Plan on spending at least a few hours in the big museums and galleries, as there is so much to see. Take many breaks, grab lunch at a cafe or pub and pause to take in the views. It’s easy to get carried away with the energetic pace of London, but sights are more enjoyable if you adopt a more leisurely approach.

11. Don’t leave your stuff lying around

Don’t leave your bags unattended at public venues like stations, buses, theaters or museums, as this is likely to cause alarm and your bag may be removed – or stolen. Only take with you what you are able to carry for several hours. Luggage storage is generally rare in London, but hotels will likely store bags once you check out. Avoid carrying mobile phones in back pockets or where they can be easily swiped from your hand in the street. Never leave your phone or purse on a cafe table, opportunistic thieves will distract you and it will be gone before you realise what's happening. 

12. It's an election year in London

The incumbent mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, will face an election race in May 2024 (he's been in the top job since 2016). This might not be particularly noteworthy for travelers, but it does mean there's greater incentive to make sure London is working well. Policing, housing and public transport are high on the agenda for all the candidates. Services have been expanded to support the rising number of "rough sleepers" in the city, with the visible issue of homelessness a concern for locals and visitors alike. Tube strikes, which brought the city to a standstill in 2023, have been averted but industrial action on national rail services in and out of the city continue. The city goes to the polls on Thursday 2 May, 2024. 

This article was first published Sep 7, 2023 and updated Mar 10, 2024.

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India to London by Road: A Journey of a Lifetime

Number of Days

Best time for this roadtrip, important travel documents, 1. passport.

2. Tourist Visas

3. international driving permit, 4. carnet de passages en douane (cpd).

Other Important Documents and Things You Need to Carry

• It is mandatory for you to carry  Motor Insurance for each country that you will be crossing through between India and the UK.
• Special Overland Permits , that should be approved by both the state and the government, are needed in order to cross through Myanmar and China. While the former process may take about a month, the latter will take over 3 months; so make sure you apply accordingly.
• When driving to Myanmar, one also needs to have a government-approved Escort vehicle as well as a local Burmese guide and a liaison officer assigned by the Ministry of Myanmar Tourism with them during their entire time in the country. A tourist guide approved by the Chinese government is also mandatory during your entire journey in China.
• The Central Asian countries such as Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan require some assistance when crossing the borders and special invitation letters are also mandatory for these countries. Thus, you need to ensure that you apply for these documents in advance. There is also a possibility that you may come across some corrupted custom police officers so you need to research and be prepared to handle them just in case. 
• You must also take some additional documents such as your vehicle’s Original Registration Certificate, Motor Insurance, Pollution Certificate, Global Travel Insurance so that you have some cover in case you come across some perilous situations such as kidnapping, accidents, adverse weather conditions, etc.
• Given the fact that this trip will most likely take you over a month at the very least, you will have to carry some extra cash with you. Now, it is common knowledge that US dollars are universally accepted currency so make sure you carry some small USD notes so that you can use them on the way. 
• Also, if you are on some medication , do not forget to carry it with you; in fact, take enough that it lasts you for the whole month or at least a couple of weeks so that you don’t fall short on them when you are crossing by remote terrains.

A Few Pointers for Your Motor Vehicle

• If your vehicle has a good ground clearance and is well-serviced (such that it does not break down in the middle of anywhere), then you should not have a problem. The only catch is that the vehicle should be registered under one of the people undertaking this journey. It is also said that people who use rented cars may have some problems during the entirety of the trip. 
• Since you will be crossing through the remote areas of Central Asia, China, and Russia where you will probably face some difficulty in getting your car tank filled with petrol, it will be a good idea to carry at the minimum 20-litre jerry can of spare fuel.
• Another important aspect that you need to pay attention to is spare parts so that even if your vehicle does face some problem in the middle of nowhere, you are able to change that part and carry on with your journey. These should include the basic tool kit and vehicle parts such as a couple of spare tyres, Fan Belt, Alternator, Extra battery, Bulbs, Air Pump, Wipers, Puncture Repair Kit, etc. Vehicle parts that you think are unique to your vehicle should also be carried so that you are prepared if you don’t end up finding that specific part in the country that you are crossing by.
•  Also, make sure you hire a reliable vehicle shipping agent in advance so that your vehicle can be shipped back to India as soon as you reach London. The vehicle shipments from the UK to India usually take over a month so it is better if you schedule accordingly.

This post was published by Kanushka Chandnani

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10 Best Stops on the London to Cornwall Drive

Last Updated on January 31, 2024

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Going on a London to Cornwall drive is one of the best road trips you could take in the beautiful southwest of England.

Home to some of the world’s most famous historic sites, incredible coastline, beautiful national parks, and some of the best weather in Britain, there is no denying that heading southwest on your next England road trip is a great idea.

So next time you’re planning a trip to the seaside and have your heart set on exploring some charming Cornish villages, consider making more of a road trip of it and enjoy some of these amazing stops when driving to Cornwall.

Table of Contents

Planning a London to Cornwall Road Trip

First and foremost, if you don’t have your own vehicle and want to go on a trip from London to Cornwall, you’re going to need to hire a car.

While there are countless car hire companies out there, if you want to save time while finding a low price, we recommend using Rentalcars.com. This platform aggregates great deals across many car hire companies, making booking a car hire quick and easy.

It can also be a good idea to take out an excess insurance policy through iCarHireInsurance to ensure that you’re completely covered should any damage happen to your rental vehicle and also to avoid the high fees imposed by purchasing insurance directly through the rental company.

Though you will be driving through some beautiful rural countryside and breathtaking national parks, this is a fairly populated part of England and you won’t be far from service stations, pubs, or restaurants along the way so there is really no reason to worry about when you might be able to fill up on petrol or find a toilet or bite to eat.

How Far is London to Cornwall?

The distance on the drive from London to Cornwall is approximately 283 miles (455 kilometres) and should only take about 5-6 hours however, there are countless incredible places to stop along the way that can make the journey to Cornwall almost better than the destination in and of itself.

If you’re going to be making any of these stops, you’re going to want to plan for more time. While you don’t necessarily need to find a place to spend the night en route if you plan to make a few of these stops, it’s probably best to plan to do it in two days.

Leave London in the morning on the first day, spending a night at a halfway point (Bournemouth can be a great option!) and then continuing onto the rest of the stops on the second day before you reach your Cornish destination in the evening.

London to Cornwall Drive Stops

Portsmouth, hampshire.

The first stop is actually a slight bit of a detour from the typical route, however, it is very much worth including and making your way here to start out your road trip.

Portsmouth is a historic port city situated on its own island in Hampshire. As home to the Royal Navy, there is a lot of British maritime history here to explore and learn about, particularly the HMS Victory (used by Admiral Lord Nelson in the Battle of Trafalgar) and the Mary Rose, which dates back to the Tudor Era.

Portsmouth isn’t all naval history, however. It is also home to ultra-modern Spinnaker Tower — a 557-foot (170 metres) skyscraper that provides incredible views of Portsmouth and its harbour.

Southampton, Hampshire

If you decide to forgo Portsmouth and stay on a very typical route from London to Cornwall, then Southampton makes a logical first stop. However, it does well to be the second stop on this drive, as well!

Southampton is located just a bit east of Portsmouth and is another historic port city worth visiting. Known for being the port where the Titanic began its fateful journey across the Atlantic, Southampton has a lot to offer beyond that. A lot of maritime history, heaps of seaside charm and lots of interesting museums, pubs, theatres, parks and even more.

Though it isn’t a destination many people spend much time in, Southampton is quite lovely and really worth exploring for a bit while en route to Cornwall from London.

Salisbury, Wiltshire

The biggest detour from the main route is to Salisbury, a historic town in Wiltshire in the west of England. Salisbury is known for its incredible cathedral which boasts the tallest spire in England at 404 feet or 123 metres.

Salisbury has more to offer than just its cathedral, however. Boasting a history that dates back to 3000 BCE, there is so much to learn about and explore in this charming little city

If you want to learn more about this town and region, make sure to visit the Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum.

Take the time to people-watch in the Market Square and have a meal and a pint (if you’re not driving!) in one of the many pubs in Salisbury — perhaps even the Haunch of Venison , which is the oldest public house in the city.

Stonehenge, Wiltshire

No Cornwall road trip from London would really be complete without a stopover at one of England’s most famous neolithic landmarks — Stonehenge.

Located just a bit west of the village of Amesbury and a slight detour from the main road, a visit to this iconic archaeological site is something everyone must do in their lifetimes.

Though the days are gone when one could just admire this standing stone site from the road without paying the entrance fee, you can take the time to head to the visitors centre, learn about the historic significance, admire how incredible it is and ponder about what it could have been used for.

Stonehenge is arguably the most famous collection of standing stones in the world and visiting this incredible prehistoric monument is one of the best things to do in all of England.

Dating back as far as 3000 BCE, scientists still don’t know the exact purpose for this iconic structure, but that certainly doesn’t take away from the magic and mystery of the place.

Bournemouth, Dorset

Getting back to the coastal road, we have our next stop on our road trip, the beautiful city of Bournemouth!

Bournemouth is one of the favourite seaside destinations in all of the UK and locals will boast that is has the best beach in England. As you’re en route to Cornwall, you will certainly see plenty of beaches that will rival this declaration, however, there is no denying that Bournemouth makes for an excellent stop.

Thomas Hardy once described Bournemouth as a “Mediterranean resting place on the English channel” and, boasting some of the best weather in England, it isn’t hard to see why. Bournemouth has been a popular resort for Brits looking for a seaside escape for centuries and it became particularly popular as a spa town during the Victorian era.

Bournemouth is best known for its expansive sandy beach, however, there are several other elements that make it a good destination to visit. The town itself is absolutely lovely and worth exploring, there are beautiful gardens to wander in and countless pubs to have in which to have a meal or a pint.

All in all, Bournemouth makes for an absolutely unmissable stop to make when driving from London to Cornwall. It’s also a great place to spend the night with many accommodation choices such as this charming seaside cottage .

Weymouth, Dorset

Another beautiful Dorset coastal town, Weymouth is the perfect stop if you’re looking for something smaller and a bit more quaint than Bournemouth.

Oozing with charm and also boasting some of the most beautiful beaches, Weymouth is an excellent place to get some classic British seaside charm.

Weymouth both has incredible sandy beaches that are safe and sheltered to swim in and a busy port town to explore, boasting the best of both worlds if you want to explore the seaside outside of Cornwall.

It is also considered to be the gateway to the Jurassic Coast — an area of England known for its pebbly beaches that are littered with fossils.

Bridport, Dorset

Another charming town along the Jurassic Coast, Bridport is small but bustling and makes for the perfect place to stop off and stretch your legs while driving Cornwall to London or vice versa.

Though it isn’t a typical “tourist town,” Bridport is a quintessential West Country seaside town and has everything that those entail — a lively market square, a handful of inviting pubs, and enough fish and chips shops to ensure that you will never go hungry.

So if you’re looking for an offbeat and quick stop on the Cornwall to London drive, Bridport makes a good bet.

Exeter, Devon

As the county town of Devon and the administrative capital of the entire region, no London to Cornwall road trip would be complete without a stop in lovely Exeter. This bustling town is the largest city in Devon and has many sights and interesting places worth exploring.

The Exeter Cathedral is the most well-known landmark and this beautiful Gothic church is well worth visiting.

There are also countless other small medieval-era churches to visit, beautiful town squares and an undeniable English charm that is sure to delight.

Dartmoor National Park, Devon

If you’re sick of exploring historic towns and would rather stretch your legs and get walking in some nature, then you’re sure to love Dartmoor National Park. Stick to the A30 and you’ll find one of the best natural stops when your travel from London to Cornwall,

Known for its ambling moors and packed with prehistoric stone circles, Dartmoor is filled with both history and beauty. Fans of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle are sure to be happy to visit Dartmoor as it serves as the partial setting for the famous Sherlock Holmes novel The Hound of the Baskervilles .

You can do countless walks in Dartmoor, ranging from easy walks that only last for an hour or two or multi-day treks that can see you venturing from pub to pub, small village to small village. Dartmoor is known for its countless prehistoric remains, but also make sure to keep an eye out for wild ponies!

If you want to get out of the car and ramble through the Devonshire countryside, there is no better place to do that than in Dartmoor National Park.

Plymouth, Devon

Finally, our last stop before you get to Cornwall is Plymouth, the last town you’ll reach before entering Cornwall! This port city is packed with fascinating maritime history and it’s worth getting out of the car and spending some time here to learn about it.

Plymouth is the town where, in 1588, Sir Francis Drake led the British Navy off to defeat the Spanish Armada. It is also where the first English pilgrims took off from in 1620 on the Mayflower to escape religious persecution before arriving in the New World — Plymouth, Massachusetts, that is!

These days, Plymouth has several interesting museums and historic sites to explore along with a charming seaside and lovely town to wander through. So if you’re looking for one of the best places to stop en route to Cornwall, make sure to include Plymouth on your itinerary!

Where to Stay on the London to Cornwall Drive

If you want to make this road trip longer than one day, you will need to find a great place to rest your head. We personally think that Bournemouth makes that perfect halfway stop on this road trip as it has a lot of accommodation options and is an interesting destination in its own right.

If you’re looking for accommodation in London, we have a great guide on the best areas and places to stay in the British capital!

Where to Stay in Bournemouth

The Newark — Located a stone’s throw away from the Bournemouth beach and within easy walking distance of all other top attractions, there are a range of comfortable and clean rooms available and a full English breakfast made fresh each morning.

Royal Exeter Hotel — This swanky hotel is a great place to stay if you’re looking for a bit more luxury on your road trip to Cornwall. Located within easy walking distance to the beach and promenade, they have countless plush rooms available and a bar and fitness centre on site.

Private Rental – This charming seaside cottage is a great option but there are also some other private rooms and apartments available to rent.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Bournemouth!

Where to Stay in Cornwall

The Dolphin Tavern – This traditional inn in Penzance is the perfect place to rest your head on your Cornish holiday. Situated right on the coast, they have a handful of cosy rooms and a great breakfast included each morning.

Palma Guest House – This guest house located in St Ives is situated directly on the back and boasts incredible views from their comfortable and clean rooms. Great for couples, this makes for a perfect base in Cornwall .

Selkies NQY   – This luxury hotel in Newquay is perfect for couples looking for a romantic getaway. Situated within a few minutes’ walking distance from the beach, there are a range of great rooms available and a bar on site.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Cornwall!

Planning a road trip from London to Cornwall doesn’t have to consist of solely figuring out which motorway to take. There are countless interesting places to stop and visit when driving out west and it’s very much worth taking the time to see them!

Are you planning on visiting Cornwall from London? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

The Ultimate 10-Day England Itinerary: 3 Perfect Routes

9 Best Towns to Stay in Cornwall

One Day in Brighton Itinerary: A Day Trip from London

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

Hi, Maggie! We’ll be driving from Canterbury to Cornwall for part of our first visit to England. This article is just what I needed — thanks for the fantastic ideas! Question – I’m looking for a local tour around Cornwall/Penzance and other towns. Would be fun to do a Poldark places thing – along with the throngs of other fans. LOL! Have you encountered any local tours or small group tours we can join there? Thanks!!

Would love to drive and do this trip 10 stops from London to Cornwall. Can u do it in one week in the car or should you take more time. Coming from Australia and making plans cheers barb metcalfe

You could easily make these stops throughout the course of a week 🙂

This is very helpful! I want to take my family to Cornwall this summer! Is late-June a good time to go? And have you been to/heard anything about Watergate Bay Resort?

June is a fantastic time to go to Cornwall, Ashlee! Hope you have a lovely time 🙂

Great idea, never thought of stopping at different places along the route, it’s better than stopping by at Road Chef Services.

Thanks, Saf! Glad you enjoyed 🙂

Very interesting

Glad you found it helpful, Barry!

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Home » Travel » Destinations » A Lovely London to Scotland Road Trip Itinerary (Self Drive)

A Lovely London to Scotland Road Trip Itinerary (Self Drive)

After taking a summer road trip from London to Scotland, I’m convinced it’s the best way to enjoy this amazing island. This self drive UK holiday is the perfect combination of freedom, exploration, and relaxation.

Not having to worry about train timetables or tour schedules means you can see the country’s storybook villages and famous sights at your own pace. And I guarantee this charming UK road trip itinerary will make up for the mild terror of driving on narrow country lanes!

This post contains affiliate links. For more information, click here .

Whether you’re after chocolate box cottages in the Cotswolds or a refreshing hike in the Lake District fells, this agenda has something that’s sure to please every traveler in the car.

This series of day trips from London to Scotland spans 9 days and covers 10 beautiful places to visit in Britain. If you already have London travel plans, simply skip the first two days for a 1 week UK road trip itinerary.

And don’t be concerned by the long list of destinations. My great British road trip may seem ambitious, but the country is more compact than you might think.

Even on a late summer weekend, the drive from Edinburgh to London can be done in a single day. You’ll even have time to stop for some Pret sandwiches along the way (I recommend the Scottish smoked salmon).

P.S: If you need to rent a car for this trip, I recommend Rentalcars.com !

London to Scotland Road Trip Itinerary

Days 1 & 2: london, day 3: windsor castle, stonehenge, and bath.

• Day 4: Cotswolds

Day 5: Gloucester and Stratford-upon-Avon

Day 6: lake district, day 7: north berwick, days 8 & 9: edinburgh.

• The Best Time to do This UK Road Trip Itinerary

Travel Tips for Your Self Drive UK Holiday

Map of london to scotland road trip destinations.

It would be crazy to visit the UK and not spend a couple days in London. The Big Smoke is an incredible city bursting with history, great food, and classic British charm.

It’s also a bit tricky to navigate and explore to the fullest, which is why I recommend reading my London sightseeing tips before your trip .

RELATED: 15 Non-Touristy Things to do in London

If you’ve never visited London, you might feel overwhelmed trying to squeeze everything into two days. To help you make the most of your time, I’ve outlined a rough itinerary that mixes popular attractions with local gems:

• Natural History Museum : Spend a few magical hours exploring this “Cathedral to Nature”, which includes an interactive dinosaur exhibit and a suspended great blue whale skeleton.
• Westminster Abbey : Take in the gorgeous architecture and famous tombs of England’s historical figures, but make sure you buy your ticket online to avoid the long queue!
• Buckingham Palace : Walk past the iconic residence of the British monarch and maybe catch a glimpse of the Changing of the Guard.
• Afternoon Tea : There are dozens of elegant places serving afternoon tea near Buckingham Palace, including The Wolseley and Palm Court Bar . But if you’re traveling on a budget, try these places for cheap eats in London instead.
• Hyde Park : Stroll through this massive green space to see beautiful flowers, the Serpentine pond, and the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain.
• Kensington Palace : Just past Hyde Park, you’ll find the royal residence of Kensington Palace, a stunning Christopher Wren building that’s home to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, among others.
• Notting Hill : Enjoy a walk past the neighborhood’s pastel-colored row homes and do a bit of snacking and shopping at Portobello Road Market.
• Pub Dinner : Finish the day with a classic pub dinner near your accommodation, or at The Prince Edward in Notting Hill.

• St. Paul’s Cathedral : My personal favorite place in London, this opulent cathedral has beautiful frescoes and incredible panoramic views of the city from the upper dome.
• Leadenhall Market : Harry Potter fans will recognize this covered Victorian market as a setting for Diagon Alley. Grab lunch from one of the building’s many restaurants, including the delectable Cheese at Leadenhall.
• Sky Garden : Book advance tickets for this free skyscraper view over London, and enjoy a drink in the lush indoor garden.
• Tower of London : Learn about London’s bloody history with a Yeoman Warder tour of this residence-turned-prison-turned-tourist attraction. I strongly suggest buying a skip the line ticket , as queues can get quite long!
• Borough Market : Experience the diverse flavors of the city at this bustling marketplace, where visitors can purchase everything from paella to pumpkin fudge.
• Dinner at an Indian Restaurant : London’s Indian food scene is outstanding, from affordable local spots like Kensington’s Masala to elegant dining experiences like The Cinnamon Club .

A note on car rental : Because of London’s notorious traffic, I highly recommend reserving a car somewhere close to Heathrow Airport. That way, you won’t need to drive through the city during the morning rush. Or, you could simply take the train from London to Windsor and pick up your rental car after you finish touring the castle

Where to Stay in London

The city is well-connected by tube, so you don’t need to splurge on a hotel near Buckingham Palace. But you do want to be within a 5-7 minute walk of a decent tube station. Here are a few areas I recommend:

• Notting Hill : If you want a quiet place to stay, grab a hotel or serviced flat in this neighborhood famous for its colorful homes.
• South Kensington : This posh area has excellent shops and restaurants, and it’s on the tube lines for Heathrow Airport and central London.
• Paddington : There are plenty of hotel options near Paddington Station that will fit any budget.
• Southwark : Situated across the river from the Tower of London, Southwark has quality accommodation for reasonable prices.
• Wombat’s City Hostel : This highly-review hostel chain has a great Whitechapel location and fills up fast.

There are plenty of lovely VRBO apartment rental options in London as well. They’re an excellent way to experience authentic London life (and save a bit of money on dining out)!

Get some rest after day two, because you’ll need to be up bright and early for day three of this self drive UK holiday!

RELATED: Ultimate 4 Days in London Itinerary

I’m going to be honest: this day is packed from morning til night. If you’re road tripping from London to Edinburgh with young kids, it might be tough to squeeze in all of these places. In that case, I’d cut out sightseeing in Bath and just head there for a night’s rest.

Visiting Windsor is a double treat. Not only do you get to wander a 1,000-year-old castle, but you’ll also walk through the charming Windsor village on your way there (pictured at the top of this post).

If you already have your car, you’ll find plenty of parking options within walking distance of Windsor Castle. I recommend using one of the car parks south of the main area (either William Street or Victoria Street), as it’s the most efficient walking route to see both the village and castle.

For the speediest entry, book your tickets online . The castle doesn’t open until 10am, and you’ll want to get in as soon as possible.

Once inside the gate, it takes around two hours to explore the grounds and rooms. Highlights include the opulent state apartments, gilded grand reception room, and breathtaking St. George’s Chapel, where the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were married in 2018.

Once you leave the castle, pop into a cafe or Pret A Manger for a quick lunch before you depart. Driving from Windsor to Stonehenge takes around 60-90 minutes depending on traffic, so you’ll want to be on the road by 12pm.

Despite being called a tourist trap by some, I found Stonehenge to be a highlight of my UK road trip itinerary.

This world wonder and UNESCO heritage site still holds mysteries after centuries of research. And the experience of seeing the stones up close is something I won’t soon forget.

Although it’s possible to visit Stonehenge for free , the amount of walking involved would take a serious chunk of time out of your day.

Instead, pay the admission fee, which gives you access to a shuttle to and from the stones. Your ticket also includes free parking in the massive Visitor’s Centre lot, and admission to the museum exhibition full of archaeological finds.

Get your skip the line Stonehenge tickets to save time!

It’s an hour’s drive from Stonehenge to Bath, so I recommend departing Stonehenge by 2:30pm.

Bath is best known for its Roman architecture, and I can see why. The view as you approach the city looks like something from the Italian countryside.

Orange roofs and whitewashed buildings line the hills above the city center, and the Roman Baths are surprisingly well-preserved given they’re nearly 2,000 years old.

If you want to see these famous Roman Baths, they should be your first stop upon arrival. After that, you should have time to check out Bath Abbey and the surrounding city center.

I also recommend walking past the famous Royal Crescent, a long curving row of Georgian houses facing Royal Victoria Park.At this point in the UK road trip, you’ll likely be exhausted!

Instead of navigating the city yourself, consider booking a guided tour of the Roman Baths and city highlights.

Once you’ve finished sightseeing, wind down with a nice pub dinner. Bath has dozens of old character pubs, including The Huntsman and The Raven.

Luckily, Bath is only a 30 minute drive from tomorrow’s first destination in the Cotswolds, making it an ideal place to spend the night .

Save me for later!

Day 4: Cotswolds

Day four of this London to Scotland road trip is all about picturesque English villages. You’ll spend the day meandering through the Cotswolds, an official Area of Natural Beauty.

The itinerary starts in Castle Combe , commonly cited as England’s most beautiful village. From there, you’ll drive north to Painswick , where a hilltop climb leads to sweeping views over the Severn Valley.

After that, grab lunch on your way to the Slaughters , a mildly disturbing name for this pair of lovely residential areas. Finally, you’ll end the day in Chipping Campden , whose famous church and high street make for a relaxing end to a day of sightseeing.

You’ll be covering a lot of ground in one day, so I recommend spending the night in Chipping Campden . From here, it won’t take long to hop back on the A44 to start driving to Gloucester.

Read the full Cotswolds day trip itinerary here.

Literature lovers and architecture enthusiasts will rejoice over today’s agenda. Aside from its abundance of British charm, Gloucester is home to an impressive cathedral, as well as a few places that inspired Beatrix Potter’s famous works.

After a morning in Gloucester, it’s off to Shakespeare’s hometown for a dose of half-timbered buildings and mementos to the Bard.

Gloucester is an interesting mix of ancient and contemporary. There’s the famous Gloucester Cathedral, an 11th century marvel of stained glass and blended Gothic and Romanesque architecture. It’s long, ornate corridor was also used as a filming location for several Harry Potter movies.

Just a few blocks west of the cathedral stand the Gloucester Docks, with their restored Victorian warehouses looming over the waterfront.

Finally, head up the high street to College Court, a narrow U-shaped alley that’s home to The House of the Tailor of Gloucester. This building inspired the eponymous Beatrix Potter book, and now serves as a shop and museum dedicated to the author.

Gloucester is very walkable, so I recommend parking in the large lot next to the Docks and making a circuit through the town. You’ll probably need around 2 hours to see the highlights, plus some time for lunch.

Stratford-upon-Avon

After lunch, head an hour north to the land of Shakespeare. Thanks to the Bard’s fame, Stratford-upon-Avon remains remarkably well preserved.

The timbered buildings and large flower displays make it feel like you’ve stumbled upon a piece of old England (even if one of those historic facades conceals a Subway).

Aside from the architecture, the main Stratford-upon-Avon attractions include Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Shakespeare’s New Place (his retirement home), the Royal Shakespeare Company theatre, and Holy Trinity Church, where Shakespeare is entombed.

The easiest way to access all the Shakespeare residences (including Anne Hathaway’s cottage) is to buy a multi-entry ticket online .

All of these places are walkable as a large circuit. Stratford Greenway has the cheapest parking, though it’s slightly farther out from the main town. Otherwise, you’ll find plenty of car parks on the northern side of the town.

The only highlight that’s a bit far to reach on foot is Anne Hathaway’s cottage, the charming former residence of Shakespeare’s wife. I recommend stopping by the cottage on your way into the town.

To see all of the above, you’ll need around 3 hours. Keep in mind that it’s a 3-4 hour drive from Stratford-upon-Avon to Lake District, so plan your dinner accordingly. We had a light meal to tide us over, and then ate dinner at our Lake District inn.

To get the most out of tomorrow’s itinerary, plan to spend the night somewhere north of Manchester, or in one of the southern Lake District villages .

There are tons of charming VRBO rentals in the southern lakes area!

Day six is made for exploring the great outdoors. Though the Lake District sounds like a place for water sports, there are plenty activities that don’t involve boats and paddleboards. Here are a few ideas to help plan your day:

• If you’re on this London to Edinburgh road trip with your partner, check out this list of romantic Lake District breaks for couples .
• Fans of Beatrix Potter should visit Bowness-on-Windermere, where the World of Beatrix Potter brings Peter Rabbit and other tales to life.
• Waterfall chasers need to see Aira Force , a stunning waterfall reachable by an easy hike through the lush forest.
• For panoramic views amidst grazing sheep, head to Keswick village for the Latrigg walk , an incredible vista point over the village and Derwent water.

Wherever your plans may lead, you’ll want to spend the night a bit closer to the Scottish border. It’s a 3 hour drive from the northern Lake District to North Berwick, so I recommend staying in–or north of– Carlisle .

Beaches, castles, and coffee, oh my! North Berwick is one of my favorite places in Britain, so I couldn’t leave it off of this UK road trip itinerary.

The town is home to several beautiful beaches, with a combination of sand and rugged rock. After a stroll along the coast, head to Tantallon Castle, which stands in partial ruin on a seaside cliff.

On your way back, have a refreshing cup of coffee or tea with a view at Drift Cafe. Finally, round out the day in the lovely town center, where several pubs and ice cream shops serve locals and visitors alike.

Read the entire list of things to do in North Berwick here.

Edinburgh is so much more than Harry Potter locations and the Fringe Festival. The city’s incredible scenery–Gothic architecture, a hilltop Castle, and Arthur’s Seat peak–combine to create a magical atmosphere unlike any other.

Whether you’re a history buff, a bookish type, or Scotch lover, you’re sure to be enchanted by this Scottish wonderland.

There’s so much to explore in Edinburgh, including Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, the Meadows, and more. Fortunately, I’ve already written a complete itinerary for the city to help you plan your visit!

Read the entire 2 day Edinburgh itinerary here.

When is the Best Time to do This UK Road Trip Itinerary?

Because this road trip from London to Scotland doesn’t go north of Edinburgh, you can easily do this driving itinerary 9 months out of the year.

Due to the potential for snowy road conditions, I’d avoid December – February. And to avoid the crowds and major traffic, steer clear of August. That’s when everyone else is going on UK road trips.

It was late September when I completed this route, and it was a great balance of fine weather and reduced congestion. April and October would also be ideal for the same reasons. If you’re desperate to see London at Christmas, they typically start decorating the last week in November.

Here are a few helpful tips to make your drive across the UK a success:

• When driving on country roads, be prepared to pull off to let oncoming drivers pass. Many of the roads in the Cotswolds and the Lake District are not wide enough for two cars to pass side-by-side.
• Many British roads are not well-marked, so it’s best to use GPS and have a local map handy to avoid missing your turns.
• Have a cooler of snacks and drinks handy to keep everyone happy and hydrated.
• Be sure to pack a first aid kit and other roadside repair essentials before you depart.
• If you’re renting a car ( I recommend Rentalcars.com ), compare prices of dropping it off in Edinburgh vs. returning the car to its original location. It might be costly to drop off in a different city, but consider the petrol prices (and an extra night’s accommodation) of driving back down to London or Windsor.

My Favorite UK Travel Planning Books

These books win my travel blogger Seal of Approval for vacation planning:

• Lonely Planet: Great Britain’s Best Trips
• Rick Steves Great Britain
• Fodor’s Essential Great Britain: with the Best of England, Scotland & Wales

Click here to open the complete interactive map!

I hope I’ve convinced you to get behind the wheel for a London to Scotland road trip. If you have any questions about this itinerary, let me know in the comments section!

42 thoughts on “A Lovely London to Scotland Road Trip Itinerary (Self Drive)”

This is such a cool itinerary! I know lots of people who want to combine their holidays in Scotland with a trip to England and London, so that itinerary is gold! Thanks for sharing!

Thanks, Kathi! I really enjoyed this trip and hope others will feel the same way 🙂

Thank you for this helpful itinerary. I will follow your recommendation for my trip to UK on May.

Thanks so much! May is the perfect time to travel the UK. I hope you have a great trip 🙂

This itinerary is fantastic. Do you recommend to follow for a 10-days trip in July?

I’m glad you found it useful! July is a great time to visit, as the weather will be nice and warm. You’ll find the cities a bit more crowded in July (it’s peak travel season in Europe), but nothing too unreasonable. I hope you have a wonderful road trip 🙂

We may be in London in September 2019 for a work event and plan to tack on 7-10 days to see more of the U.K. Driving on the left side on narrow roads seems challenging. How did you find the transition? And any suggestions on a truncated itinerary using trains and or buses?

Hello Christine! As I was not the one driving, I can’t speak to the difficulty of driving on the left side. However, my father-in-law said he got used to it very quickly, though he paid special attention at roundabouts and turns. As for a shorter itinerary using public transit, you can see all of the places in this post by train. I’d suggest Windsor, Stonehenge, Bath, Gloucester, and the Cotswolds if you’re going that route. You could also take the overnight train to Edinburgh, spend a few days there, and then take a train to the Lake District.

We are planning on following your itinerary for a September trip. Any recommendations for rental car places near Windsor?

That’s great to hear, Brenda! I don’t have a personal recommendation, as my father-in-law rented our car in London from a small shop. However, I’ve always had good experiences with Enterprise when renting in the US. There’s an Enterprise rental agency in Slough, which is a bit north of Windsor.

This is exactly what I have been looking for! Thank you so much for sharing all of this information. I am beginning the planning now!!!! Melanie

Happy to help, Melanie!

Thanks a lot for such an informative post. Actually, in October, I along with my wife are planning for a tour to London. Your guide will help us.

Happy to help, Mike!

Chelsea, we are coming to the UK in September and have nearly 3 weeks to explore before attending a conference in London in mid October. We were wondering if we could start in Scotland and use this itinerary to travel back to London over a 18 day period?

Your thoughts would be appreciated.

Kind regards, Maureen (Melbourne)

That sounds like a great trip, Maureen! This itinerary is only 9 days long, so you could either spend more time in each destination, or add a few extra places. Personally, I’d explore more of Scotland, the Lake District, and the Cotswolds, but that’s just me 🙂

I m planning trip which is cheaper by train or self drive car??

Hi Mayur! It’s almost certainly cheaper to do this UK road trip by car, unless you’re traveling by yourself. Train ticket fares keep going up, and you’d need to hire taxis to reach some of these places from the closest station.

Hi Chelsea This is a great itinerary . My problem is , my husband want to see Old Trafford in manchester and he is a HUGE ManU fan. We have 5.5 days in UK . Is there any way we can do Stonehenge ( as i really want to see it) and manchester also in these 5 days? What is the best way to go about these places? Renting a car or doing by train/bus?

P.S. We have two kids with us 3 and 6 yo. Coming in first week of Sept

Hi Wafa! If you only have 5.5 days in the UK and really want to see Manchester, I would probably do a totally diferent itinerary from this one!

If you’re starting in London, you can take a round trip bus tour to Stonehenge. Then, you can take a train to Manchester and spend a day there. Manchester is right next to the beautiful Peak District, so you could travel by train/bus or rent a car to see a few places there (Chatsworth House and the trails around Edale are nice). Finally, you can take a train back down to London assuming that’s where you’re departing from.

I hope this helps!

Hi, Chelsea,

It is very exciting to read thru your pre-planned on self driving from London to Scotland. We are following exact itinerary given by you. I Would appreciate that you can share on buying the tickets to Windsor Castle. Where to buy online with good bargains for 5 adults. And any other tickets to buy online or during the visit?

Thanks Daron! Unfortunately I don’t believe there aren’t any discounts on tickets for Windsor Castle (unless you’re over 60 or disabled), as it’s regulated by the Royal Collection Trust. However, getting your tickets online in advance is a good idea, because the ticket queue can get quite long and you’ll save time.

In addition to Windsor Castle, it’s best to get advance online tickets for the Tower of London , Stonehenge , and Shakespeare’s family homes .

Best wishes on your UK road trip!

Thanks Chelsea for sharing such a nice post. I am planning for a self drive ride while on a tour to London with my wife next month. Going to bookmark your site.. Thanks for helping…

Hi Is it possible to follow this itenerary by using public transportation such as train or bus?

Hello, Edy! Yes, you could use a combo of trains and buses to follow almost all of this itinerary. I’d start by using Google Maps to see what routes and train services are available, and then check the websites for specific providers (ex. Great Western Railway) to get an idea of cost.

Him read through your itinerary and was so impressed with it. Is it possible to do it at the end of October? Will the weather be wet if so than will it hinder this itinerary. Hope you can give me some guidance. Thank you.

Thanks, Violet! There’s no escaping the rain in the UK, unfortunately, so traveling in October is fine. You’ll also have the benefit of seeing beautiful autumn foliage!

You convinced me !! I only have 6 days to do them all , which places do you think i could miss ? im traveling with my husband ( he is not very fond on museums etc but love sightseen and enjoy the culture of the countries we visit) and my 10 yr old son .

Glad I could convince you, Fabiola! With six days and a 10-year-old in tow, I would probably do this: Day 1-2: London Day 3: Windsor Castle, Stonehenge Day 4: Cotswolds, Stratford-upon-Avon Day 5: Lake District Day 6: Edinburgh

I hope you enjoy your UK road trip!

Great article! My husband, granddaughter (7) and I land at LHR on a Friday morning and leave from LHR eleven days later. My husband and I did a 30 day camping trip back in 1984 when stationed in Germany (US Army) and had a great time. This time we have a rental car and our granddaughter wants to see castles! We want to only spend about 1 or 1-1/2 days in London at either end of the trip. We want to go to Bath, Windsor, York, Stratford and a couple castles in Wales. Probably skip Edinburgh due to time constraints. Any advice on a route and other castles/sites along the way? We are not interested in Stonehenge and want to NOT be in Bath the last weekend in May due to the festival then. We did enjou our time in Cornwall back in 1984 and we also want to see one or two spectacular Cathedral/Abbeys. Any advise?

Sounds like the makings of a great trip, Lisa! I can’t advise on an ideal driving route, but based on where you’re traveling I would recommend stopping by Blenheim Palace, Gloucester Cathedral, Bolsover Castle, and Chatsworth House.

Great itinerary. How much should I budget for parking? Any hacks to reduce this cost item?

Great question! I wish I could remember exactly what we paid for parking, but unfortunately I’m not sure… However, I’d say most lots were around £2 per hour, with some lots doing flat rates for half vs. full day parking (ex. Aira Force is £7 for 4 hours or $9 for the whole day). Several places like the Cotswolds villages and Latrigg Fell had free parking, and you can find free or cheap street parking in Edinburgh as well. Stonehenge parking was included in the ticket price.

Thank you, Chelsea, for this invaluable itinerary! Our 6 week trip was postponed until next July. My husband will be relieving a pastor in Scotland. We plan to fly in to London, explore for 2-3 days and then begin our drive to Scotland. We will live in Lairg and Mike will serve two churches on the northwest coast in Kinlochbervie and Durness. We will use your guide and also be able to explore the Scottish Highlands. Thank you!

Thanks so much, Carol! It sounds like you’ve got an exciting trip planned. Hopefully everything goes well with your travel plans for next summer. Enjoy the Highlands 🙂

Thank you for this informative itinerary and advice. While I have visited the areas of London [several trips],Bath, Lake District and York, you have inspired me to do this trip even if there are repeat visits to certain places for me. Now we are praying for a COVID-19 free 2021 so that we can embark on our travels again.

Thank you, Etynne! It’s a fantastic road trip through the UK, even if you end up repeating a few locations. I hope you can get back on the road soon.

Hi Chelsea – thank you !! came across this great itinerary as I kick off planning for our 2 month UK self drive holiday for May2023. My wife and I have lived in UK for 4-5 years in mid’2000 but at that time work and children commitment did not allow us to travel extensively.

Therefore this trip – where we are planning to travel from India and just experience UK (and Ireland) as a local for 2 months. Pls share any insights, longer duration itineraries, typical budget.

Hello Sanjay, sounds like an amazing trip around the country! One of my favorite travel books is Lonely Planet’s Great Britain’s Best Trips . It has a bunch of fun road trip itineraries of various lengths as well as tips for hiring/driving a rental car.

Dear Chelsea, thank you for the great blog! I will be travelling to UK in May and love the idea to drive around. Would you be able to share if there will be parking fee at most places in your blog? For example, places of interest, hotels, inns, etc. (I live in Singapore and there is no free parking at all, everywhere charges a fee) I’m worried parking cost will be eating into my budget travelling in UK. Thank you!!

Hi Celine, you’ll find a mix of paid and free parking if you follow this itinerary. However, most of the paid lots only cost around £5. We definitely paid to park at Windsor, Bath, and Aira Force, but places in the countryside like the Painswick Beacon or any kind of inn/pub had free parking.

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London to Lagos drive

London to lagos road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from London to Lagos. If you're planning a road trip to Lagos, you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

10:00 am  start in London drive for about 6.5 hours

day 1 driving ≈ 6.5 hours

8:00 am  leave from Père Lachaise Cemetery drive for about 15 hours

day 2 driving ≈ 15 hours

11:00 am  leave from W Barcelona drive for about 5 hours

day 3 driving ≈ 5 hours

9:00 am  leave from Alicante drive for about 10.5 hours

day 4 driving ≈ 10.5 hours

8:00 am  leave from Laghouat drive for about 22.5 hours

day 5 driving ≈ 22.5 hours

9:00 am  leave from Tamanrasset drive for about 11 hours

day 6 driving ≈ 11 hours

10:00 am  leave from Teguidda n'Tessoumt drive for about 9.5 hours

day 7 driving ≈ 9.5 hours

8:00 am  leave from Sokoto drive for about 16.5 hours

12:27 am (past midnight)  arrive in Lagos

day 8 driving ≈ 16.5 hours

Where should I stop along the way?

Père Lachaise Cemetery   (20 mentions) Barcelona   (430 answers)     Parc Güell   (72 mentions)     La Rambla   (65 mentions)     Basílica de la Sagrada Família   (57 mentions)     La Boqueria   (43 mentions)     La Pedrera   (43 mentions)     restaurants around Barcelona:         Ciudad Condal         El Quim de la Boqueria         Cervecería Catalana         Tickets         Pinotxo     hotels around Barcelona:         W Barcelona         Hostal BCN Ramblas         Hospital de Sant Pau         Barceló Raval         Market Hotel     questions about Barcelona:         Best tapas in Barcelona?         What are the top 5 sights I can't miss in Barcelona?         Trip for 3 days in Barca         What's the best neighborhood in Barcelona for a first time visitor?         Some general questions and insights on Barcelona Alicante   (22 answers) Laghouat Tamanrasset Teguidda n'Tessoumt Sokoto

What are some things to do in Lagos?

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

For example, here are some questions people have asked about Lagos. Click on any question to see answers from the community!

Click the button below to explore more questions and answers related to Lagos.

Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a Lagos to London drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from London to Lagos . Or get a full London to Lagos flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend.

And if you know London well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about London!

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• Delhi to London By Road: These 3 Indian Super Moms Drove Across 17 Countries in Just 95 Days

27 Mar 2023

A travel tale of three mothers who drove from New Delhi to London, covering 23,700 Kms, crossing 17 countries in just 95 days. Join them and know how they reached from India to London by road as they take us through the most EPIC road trip journey EVER!

Delhi To London By Road

A road trip is like a travel none other. And to do that across 17 countries, covering Delhi to London distance by road of 23,700 kilometers in over 95 days is life changing to say the least.

Road trips are unpredictable and unstructured and add to that, the thrill that there are countless amazing destinations waiting to be stumbled upon. To us, the world has always been a large ball of twine, just waiting to be unraveled and what better way to do it than with the wind in your hair and the road ahead of you. Here is our account of Delhi to London by road.

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How It All Started!

It all began with Women Beyond Boundaries. Women Beyond Boundaries is conceptualized by Nidhi Tiwari and Smita Mazumdar. WBB is a platform to empower women drivers with skills to reach out to other women in far-flung areas, in difficult terrain in order to deliver goods and services.

When Nidhi proposed this crazy expedition from Delhi to London in an Indian car, across 17 countries, we promptly hitched our excitement to hers, packed our bags and jumped into the car. Incidentally, Nidhi was the solo driver for the expedition.

Suggested Read: London vs Paris: Which City Would You Prefer For A Fancy Holiday?

The Journey Across 17 Countries

The three of us flagged off from Dhyanchand Stadium on the 23 rd of July 2015 and reached London on the 28 th of October 2015, after having traversed across Myanmar, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic, Germany, Belgium, France and UK.

The Indian leg was surprisingly the most exciting and adventurous. All went as planned till Manipur. Driving from Kohima to Imphal, we were stuck in the middle of the road due to a strike called at Imphal. The roads were blocked and we could not move further or go back to where we started. So, we were sitting in the car with nowhere to go, watching the protesters pass us by, some with sticks and stones in the hand!

They looked on us curiously wondering what these women were doing on the road. One guy, drunk to his gills, walked up to us and started talking to us. We kept a straight face and humored him by making some polite conversation. He told us all about how we reminded him of his sisters back home, for about 15 minutes and then moved on.

Phew! So we thought to ourselves, this is what we will have to endure for the next 7 hours. Then came another bunch of guys who first passed us by and then came back curiously peering into our car.

One of them told us that it was not safe for us to be sitting in the car during these protest hours and urged us to come to his house where he could organize lunch for us. We were in a dilemma now, to trust or not to trust? Just trusted our instincts and drove behind him to his house.

Planning your holiday but confused about where to go? These travel stories help you find your best trip ever!

Real travel stories. Real stays. Handy tips to help you make the right choice.

Nikhil Recites A Tale Of 11 Friends Who Went From Bengaluru To Ladakh

Bengaluru - Delhi - Leh - Ladakh - Leh - Delhi - Amristsar - Chandigarh - Bengaluru

Pranav Took A Solo Trip To Andaman & It Was Truly Wonderful

A backpacker's guide to the predominant Honeymoon destination!

Shivani Talks Of Her Trip To Mcleodganj & Dalhousie With Her Husband And Friends

Sunset views. Monasteries. Bhagsunath falls. And amazing street food.

Kanika Proves That Traveling With An Infant To Kerala Is Totally Safe & Wonderful

Beaches, Backwaters, Spas, & More. Take me there now, please!

Here's Why Aakanksha's Trip To Manali Changed Her Idea About Group Tours

Ideal long weekend getaway from Delhi! Isn't it?

Isha Elaborates On How She Went Solo To Kasol & Returned With Lots Of Friends

And tales of her exciting Kheerganga & Chalal trek...

Prasham's Account Of A Goa Tour Proves That Goa Is More Than A Party Destination

Adventure, sightseeing, laid-back beach tours, and it doesn't stop there!

Bhavya Gives An Extensive Account Of His Jaisalmer Trip With Friends

Desert safari, haunted Kuldhara village, & Gadisar Lake. There's more...

Ashish Tells Why Kashmir Turned Out To Be A Winter Wonderland For His Family

For Gondolas, Shikaras, and plenty of snow!

Arunav Can't Stop Praising His Adventurous Trip To Sikkim & Darjeeling With Friends

For adventure in Air, on Land, and in Water!

Avneet Describes Her Trip To Spiti With A Group Of Strangers That Became Friends

Sightseeing. Monasteries. Trekking. And beauty all along

To Trust Or Not To Trust

When we parked the car outside his house, it was a by lane with a small wooden entrance and just as we parked, about 4 guys walked out to check us out. We were now getting slightly panicky! Was it a wrong decision to trust our instincts and follow him? He kept asking us to come inside his house. We asked him where his family was and he urged us to come inside his house yet again.

We stepped into his house with a lot of trepidation only to be greeted by the most welcoming smiling faces of his mother and two sisters. What a relief! From then on, till 7 in the evening, we probably had a wonderful time.  His mother cooked the most awesome pork and some authentic Manipuri food for us, after which we went for an off-road drive to a picnic spot by the Sekmai river, he played the guitar for us, sang songs and made us feel so at home and like a part of his family.

These were the first of the many people we met en route who went out of their way to help us.

Most Memorable Part

On completing the trip, people always ask us, what was the most memorable part of the trip? Well, the ‘Stans! Driving through the erstwhile silk route was an onslaught to the senses from the quirky to the exotic, Las Vegas meets Purani Dilli.

Deserts, Mountains, High altitude lakes, Lush valleys, this region has it all! Dictators and nomads, yurts and palaces, the soviet detritus and the excitement of a new nation, over a 1000 years of history to explore and we were straining at the leash!

You Are Only A Stranger Till You Say Hello!

We were completely blown over and amazed by the impact that the Indian culture has over this region, particularly Bollywood. It is almost reverential. We got the first taste of this when we crossed over from China to Kyrgyzstan.

Disco Dancing In The ‘Stans

It was quite chilly and we were waiting for the customs to clear our papers. This big and burly officer walks up to us and says, “ Hindustan?” we nod yes and he gives us a big grin and breaks into a gig, singing” Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy”! He then went on to ask us about Mithun Chakraborty!

We never thought we would be having a sign language conversation with a Kyrgyz official about Mithun’s health and acting prowess! And it has been like this throughout central Asia. The moment the locals would figure out we were Indians, they would either start singing or dancing to Mithun’s songs.

At a few places, they would even whip out the mobile phones, play the songs and request us to dance along with them. Dancing to “I am a disco dancer” on Tashkent streets is probably our most bizarre but favorite memory.

We have always believed that no one parties like the Punjabis, but believe us, they are not a patch on the Uzbekis. They are tireless. This one time, we were at a restaurant and on the way to the restroom, we passed a table of Uzbeks who were celebrating the birth of a child of one of their mates.

Next thing we know, we were practically kidnapped, boxed in between these people, no way out, gyrating to what? I am a disco dancer! Again!

The most bizarre experience would probably be when the ladies would plonk their kids in our arms and demand to click pictures with them. The experience was unsettling and surreal to say the least.

What’s Was Like Traveling As Women Through Central Asia?

These countries are Muslim, but of a more moderate, open and secular variety than you might find in parts of the Middle East. This combined with Soviet and Russian influence, can make Central Asia feel like the land of paradox. It never felt unsafe and we were treated like royalty. We for one felt like exotic spices on this silk route!

Another most frequently asked question is how easy or difficult it was to get the permit. The process is laborious but doable. Myanmar and china require permits if you plan to drive. Myanmar regulations require that an escort vehicle follows you from entry to exit. The fee included our accommodation and meals.

Also, China requires an English speaking guide in the car for self-drive vehicles. We also had to take care of the food and accommodation of the guide. The best way to go about it is to contact travel agencies in these countries and they would process it for a fee (and it doesn’t come cheap!)

On a journey of this magnitude, the challenges are as much within as outside. But pushing those boundaries was what this expedition was all about.

Suggested Read: 40 Romantic Things To Do In London For A Trip For Two In 2022!

A few tips:

• Make sure the paperwork and visas are in order before you leave.
• If you are planning a road trip, the procurement of visas needs to be a well-choreographed dance, given that some of the countries issue transit visas for a few days only.
• The entry, traversing the country and the exit need to be well planned.
• Ensure that all the papers are in order. Make sure you have enough number of copies. If stopped by police, preferably show the copies instead of the originals. Especially, Central Asia and Russia.
• Diesel was a problem in Uzbekistan in the sense that they didn’t have any! Had to buy in black and adulterated one at that.
• Ensure that the basic maintenance of the vehicle is carried out every 5000 kilometers.
• Split your money between travel cards and cash.
• If traveling in the winter, make sure that you are geared up with enough warm clothing. The cold is brutal. We have the deepest appreciation and respect for Bangalore weather post this expedition.
• Lastly, ensure that you pack an open mind and a whole lot of curiosity. Travel is liberating and the learning is immense.

So, next time you plan a trip abroad, we recommend Central Asia. Just get off the plane/car and yell “Mithun Chakraborty” and let the magic unfold!

A Delhi car in London- Yes, a feeling of accomplishment!

Further Read: Celebrate Your Honeymoon In London Like A Royal Affair With This Travel Guide!

Book your trip to London with TravelTriangle now!

ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Schedule

Besides the above info, you must be aware of the upcoming Cricket World Cup tournament. So, if you are a cricket lover and eagerly waiting for it, here is ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Time Table ! Check-out!

Frequently Asked Questions About Delhi To London By Road

Can we go to London by road from India?

Yes, you can definitely travel to London from India by road just like these Indian mothers did. You will have to cross boundaries of 17 countries i.e. 23,7000 km approximately. You would need multiple permits to cross international boundaries. The road trip can be expensive and requires meticulous planning. However, if you do it right, it could be the most epic journey of your lifetime.

Can we go to Russia by road from India?

Yes, you can travel to Russia from India by road but you will require an international driving license and the same permit for your car. It won’t be an easy journey but it will the most amazing road trip of your life. You have to be careful as you will cross countries like Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Kazakhstan. Some of these countries are rampant with terrorism and unrest.

Is there a roadway from America to India?

No, there is no direct roadway from America to India as the two continents are not joined. You will have to cross the oceans to reach America from India or vice versa. It is better to take a flight which is long and an ordeal itself.

Which city is called the London of India?

Mumbai is known as the London of India owing to its architecture and being the financial capital of India. You will even find the weather contrasts between the two cities.

Which country can we visit by road from India?

One can easily go for a road trip from India to Europe, Malaysia, Thailand, Middle East, Myanmar, Bhutan and more after completing all the necessary paperwork.

Can we go by road from India to Dubai?

One can travel by road from India to Dubai and cover the distance of 2196 kilometers depending upon the speed of the vehicle.

Can we go to Singapore by road from India?

Yes, one can easily travel from India to Singapore via the India-Myanmar-Thailand-Singapore highway (AH2).

Can we go to China by road from India?

There is only one way to reach China from India by road and that is bypassing through Nepal via Tibet.

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Lifestyle | Travel

Multicultural London: how to travel the world without leaving the city

Whether it’s sipping freshly ground Ethiopian coffee in Shepherd’s Bush while discovering the secret to the best brews, stumbling upon the philosophy of a new-age Persian poet, or finding an Afghan artisan with the kind of taste and talent to furnish a palace, London multiculturalism offers the kind of rich travel experiences you’ll still be banging on about at dinner parties, decades to come. But how often do we take advantage of this diversity?

Why not start planning a trip to some of the cultures thriving in the capital — no planes required. From Syria to Sri Lanka, the Philippines to the West Bank, these initiatives — created by or for asylum seekers or refugees — offer an unparalleled mix of stories, flavours and wisdom, while bringing people together in the most uplifting ways.

The Philippines via Farringdon

Migrateful runs some of the capital’s best cookery classes , including at a dedicated school in EC1, where refugee and immigrant chefs share their cultures by the dishful. One of the most popular is Chef Tina, who not only helps you get to grips with classic Filipino dishes such as ukoy (crunchy shrimp and vegetable fritters) and the tamarind-laced sinigang (pork soup), but also brings homespun Bulakeño favourites to the table, including the secret to her mother’s sticky coconut rice.

From £50. migrateful.com

From Kyiv to Covent Garden

Yelyzaveta Tataryna planned to launch a vegan and gluten-free patisserie in her native Kyiv before the city was invaded. Come 2023, she was instead selling impossibly pretty pastries, including traditional sweet varenyky (dumplings) and a customer favourite tangerine tart behind a burst of pink florals in Covent Garden, alongside a team of similarly displaced Ukrainians. Don’t let the #Barbiecore fool you, though — this place is as conscious as it is photogenic. The menu changes in accordance with seasonal ingredients and they’ve done away with white sugar entirely.

instagram.com/cream.dream_london

Ethiopian aromas in Shepherd’s Bush

Spearheaded by Sefanit Mengiste, a Londoner born in Gondar, the historic seat of Ethiopian royalty, in conjunction with social enterprise Women Travel, this W12 taste tour of Shepherd’s Bush Market taps up the independent traders most favoured by London’s Ethiopian diaspora, over the course of two and a half hours. From medicinal ginger shots to warming misir alicha (lentil stew) mopped up with injera (fermented flatbread), the rich traditions of Addis Ababa and the lore of Lalibela are evoked flavour by flavour, bringing Mengiste’s heritage alive in west London. The jewel in the crown? A full Ethiopian coffee ceremony: a time-honoured custom during which she’ll wrap up proceedings by sharing powerful stories of childhood and community.

£82. urbanadventures.com

Syria by way of Soho

If you followed your nose right up to the top of Kingly Court off Carnaby Street, you’d strike the proverbial pot of gold; in this case, bowls of pomegranate-studded baba ghanouj, piles of ghee-lashed pita, platters of tender kebabs and some of the best baklava to be found in central at Imad’s Syrian Kitchen.

Owner Imad Alarnab was displaced to refugee camps in Lebanon and Calais after losing his Damascus restaurant business to war. After rebuilding his life in London through a successful series of charitable supper clubs, Alarnab now allocates £1 from each bill at his Soho-based restaurant to Choose Love, the UK charity that supports refugees and asylum seekers with humanitarian aid, and regularly hosts fundraising cooking clubs to uplift the community meaningfully. His combination of Syrian hospitality and popular Middle Eastern flavours has proved such a hit with patrons that many order the restaurant’s namesake recipe book before they leave the table.

imadssyriankitchen.co.uk

Hebron tapestry in the heart of Holborn

At Mimosa House, Daria Khan’s identity-focused arts charity in Holborn, a new series of tatreez workshops aims to preserve the historic embroidery technique used by Palestinian women to chart their lives and loves. Londoner Tasneem Aliewi, whose family left Ramallah during the second uprising, runs one two-hour workshop per quarter: providing homespun snacks (such as dates and pastries with fresh mint tea), as well as tatreez kits representing various regions from her childhood and ancestry. With sessions offered free of charge for attendees, Aliewi hopes to cultivate an inclusive and welcoming space for all women, allowing them to build community bonds and forge deeper connections via colourful, cross-stitched motifs.

mimosahouse.co.uk  

Connect to Yemen, Myanmar, Mali and more from Columbia Road

Breaking barriers that not only isolate countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan and Burkon Faso from international trade and tourism but also perpetuate one-sided narratives, Ishkar works with NGOs, designers, and travel guides to source high-level craftsmanship. Think jewellery, clothing, rugs and homeware sold online as well as at the company’s base on flower market-famous Columbia Road to empower communities and preserve heritage through film and events.

Persian platefuls in Lewisham

A non-profit connecting refugees and locals through a shared love of good food, SE13’s Plateful Cafe ( platefulcafe.co.uk ) provides hospitality training and upskilling as well as either volunteering or London living wage jobs (dependent on status) for those facing barriers to employment. Led by chefs predominantly from Iran, as well as Syria, Sri Lanka and Yemen, you’ll find the borough’s best chicken shawarma and creamy ash reshteh (noodle soup) supplemented by a cultural menu of live jazz, poetry readings and community get-togethers.

Keep an eye out for neighbour, Refugee Café, selling restaurant-grade food from refugees and asylum seekers at pop-ups across south-east London, while they prepare to open a permanent site back at base. Plus, check out their website for larder refills. The Persian carrot jam is exceptional.

refugeecafe.org.uk

London-based Asylum Speakers — a collective aiming to amplify the humanity behind the headlines and statistic — gives asylum seekers and refugees a platform to tell their stories: book them as speakers for corporate events; listen to their podcast ; or pick up a copy of the book to read 31 stories of migration from voices that too often go unheard.

A foodie’s guide to Dartmouth: where to eat and drink in style

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More than 10,000 London black-cab drivers launch £250m Uber lawsuit

Individuals could win £25,000 or more if they are successful in claim Uber broke taxi booking rules

More than 10,500 of London’s black-cab drivers have launched a £250m legal case against Uber, accusing it of breaking the capital’s taxi booking rules and deliberately misleading authorities to secure a licence.

The case, which has been filed in the high court in London by the litigation management firm RGL, resurrects a claim first raised five years ago, related to the way the ride-hailing app operated in London between 2012 and 2018.

Cabbies allege that Uber allowed drivers to take bookings directly from customers rather than through a centralised system such as those used by minicab services, in a direct breach of private hire rules.

They allege Uber was aware of the rules and deliberately misled Transport for London (TfL) about its booking model in order to obtain an operating licence and take business from black-cab drivers.

Uber has denied the allegations and says the claim is unfounded.

The drivers, who are being advised by the law firm Mishcon de Reya, argue in their suit that they faced unfair competition, and lost out on customers and income, as a result.

Garry White, a black-cab driver of 36 years, said: “This claim seeks justice and fair compensation on behalf of cab drivers across London. Uber seems to believe it is above the law and cabbies across London have suffered loss of earnings because of it. It is time they were held to account.”

RGL said that if the cabbies were successful in their claim they could secure more than £250m, with individuals potentially winning £25,000 or more.

An Uber spokesperson said: “These old claims are completely unfounded. Uber operates lawfully in London, is fully licensed by TfL , and is proud to serve millions of passengers and drivers across the capital.”

It marks the latest bout of legal trouble for Uber. In March, the San Francisco-based company reached an A$272m settlement (£142m) to compensate taxi and hire-car drivers who said they lost out when the company “aggressively” moved into the Australian market.

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That class action, which was launched five years ago, was filed on behalf of 8,000 taxi and hire-car owners and drivers, who argued that Uber X launched in Australia with the intention of hurting their business. The suit also alleged that the company used unlicensed cars with unaccredited drivers in a “conspiracy by unlawful means” and misled regulators.

Dale Forwood, a black-cab driver of 12 years, said he hoped the London case would bring justice for local cabbies. “I am delighted to see this claim being filed today and that we will finally have our day in court,” he said. “Having seen for myself the harm that Uber’s unlawful behaviour has caused to hard-working cabbies, I look forward to justice being served.”

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'The ultimate adventure': Why more Indian travelers are taking extreme road trips

Meenakshi Sai, 51, looks like any other Indian woman, dressed in a saree and sporting a bindi on her forehead.

But unlike many women in her country, she's been driving since she was 18 years old. As of 2020, less than 7% of India's 236 million drivers were women, according to the data website Statista.

"I have been driving since I was legally allowed to and have always enjoyed the freedom it afforded me and the feeling of being independent," said Sai. "After my only daughter went away to boarding school, I had a lot of time on my hands. I started traveling a lot, both solo and with friends."

Sai was one of a team of eight Indians who drove 20,000 km (12,430 miles) across five countries from Coimbatore, India to St. Petersburg, Russia to spread awareness about cervical cancer.

More Indians are taking road trips these days — both within the country and beyond, solo and in groups — as access to better vehicles and better roads grows in the country.

There's also the rise of slow travel. However, Sai took her first road trip back in 2016, before it became a trend.

"I drove to Thailand with a group of 20 people," she said, "from Manipur in India's northeast to Bangkok, which took us 13 days."

Her next big road trip was from India to London, which she called "complicated."

"It took me six months to draw up the itinerary," she said. "It was difficult to find anyone in my own circle of friends and family who had the time or were willing to invest the money in this trip."

In the end, she found two women through social media — one from Mumbai, the other from Pollachi — who were interested in joining her.

Tata Motors sponsored the trip, which stretched for more than 14,900 miles and coincided with the 70th anniversary of India's independence. The journey took 70 days, taking the three women across 24 countries, including Russia, Poland and Uzbekistan.

"We drove around 600 kilometers a day," Sai said. "Many countries had given us date-specific visas so we could not afford to be delayed, even by a few hours." 

Road conditions combined with changing weather and altitude levels made the trip difficult, she said — as did the fact that she's vegetarian, which made suitable food options challenging to find in many countries.

"I ate a lot of potatoes and bread in countries like Kyrgyzstan where there was a lot of meat," she said. 

Sai now runs an overland driving company that organizes road trips across countries like Namibia, Georgia, Armenia, Nepal and Mongolia.

"Driving through a country is the way to see it, connecting with locals, stopping where you feel like, border crossings, and thriving on uncertainty. I also love the freedom that the open road gives me," she said.

100 road trips, 50 countries

In 2001, Mumbai-based Rishad Saam Mehta, 51, drove from Delhi to the Nubra Valley, an area of Ladakh in northeast India.

"It was my first drive in the high Himalayas, and I didn't know how dangerous and narrow and high the roads were, and the havoc that altitude can play on one physically. It was a lesson learnt the hard way," said the journalist and author.

Since then, Mehta has taken more than 100 road trips across some 50 countries. One really exciting one was the drive from Munich to Mumbai, which lasted two months and covered eight countries, he said.

He also drives different cars, depending on the trip, he said.

"I did a drive in a Ferrari through the Bavarian and Austrian Alps, then a snow drive in Spiti in Northern India in a Toyota Fortuner, then a fall drive in New England in a Ford Bronco," he said. "These were all favorites."

His advice? "There are many great drives around the world, some I come across by chance, some I research beforehand … but the company has to be good, otherwise, it is a disaster," he said.

The 'Great India World Trip'

Tushar Agarwal, a software engineer, drove from London to Delhi in 2010.

He said the journey of 51 days was life-changing and prompted him to resign from his job in London, move back to Delhi, and co-found a company called Adventures Overland with his friend Sanjay Madan in 2012.

"I felt that this was my purpose in life…  there was no looking back," said Agarwal.   

Today, Adventure Overland is one of India's biggest road trip companies. It organizes curated driving trips across the globe.

Agarwal has traveled to 92 countries and gone on road trips in six continents. His most adventurous trip, called the " Great India World Trip ," is now a 10-episode series on Discovery Channel. Along with his co-founder Madan, the journey took them across six continents and 50 countries, securing them a Guinness World Record for the longest journey by car in a single country for their 10,600-mile trek across Australia.

Traversing beautiful terrains and driving through unknown territory, border crossings and contending with unfamiliar food and inclement weather may not be for everybody.

But as Mehta said, "The sense of freedom and not being shackled to timetables and schedules … and also the spontaneity it affords, makes driving the ultimate adventure."

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Get your groove on at these rocking summer music festivals in ontario.

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Clouds roll through the sky in Toronto, Ontario

Summer is the perfect time to combine a road trip through Ontario with a jamming live music festival. Whether your passion is rock, jazz, blues, or trending pop, these five summer music festivals have something for everyone. It’s also an opportunity to discover up and coming local musicians and bands that will be performing against the backdrop of Ontario’s rugged natural beauty. This diverse east-central Canadian province borders the United States and the Great Lakes and is home to rich varied landscapes, vibrant multiculturalism, and fun events happening all summer long. So grab your dancing shoes and sense of adventure to experience the best music in Ontario for summer 2024.

Canadian Music Week

Toronto, Canada - May 5, 2011: Venerable Concert Hall Massey Hall in Toronto with its well-known ... [+] neon sign lit. It was completed in 1894 and designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1981. It still is a very popular venue for famous artists.

It’s the 42 nd anniversary of Canadian Music Week and Toronto is ready to host this electric event. Canada’s premier annual music festival is dedicated to the entertainment industry and won’t disappoint. The eight night party extravaganza is happening from June 1 st - June 8 th and a festival wristband allows access to the official showcases and select headline shows across 25 venues in the city. It’s the perfect festival to discover your new favorite artists and cheer on old time favorites in this diverse and multicultural city. Save time to explore Toronto’s unique neighborhoods including Kensington Market, Distillery District, and Little Italy.

Beaches Jazz Festival

Saxophone player performing on stage

The Beaches Jazz Festival is back in Toronto for the 36 th annual lively month-long summer celebration. Starting July 5 th to July 28 th this fun festival takes over the lakeside Beaches community with free performances at various venues. Some concerts are held at nearby parks and it’s the perfect event to soak up summer weather. This dynamic festival features acclaimed jazz performers in addition to showcasing local talent. Discover a new generation of jazz musicians and support bands at Streetfest when Queen Street East transforms into a lively nightly festival with music, food trucks, and vendors for three nights starting July 25 th .

Stonebridge Wasaga Beach Blues

Spectacular sunset at Wasaga Beach, Ontario, Canada

Towards the end of the summer, September 13 th – 15 th , there is a three day outdoor musical festival in Wasaga Beach. Stonebridge Wasaga Beach Blues is an international, award winning musical event that will be featuring talented performers on two main stages. Tickets can be purchased for one day or all three and there is a VIP ticket option. The festival is held on the grounds of the Stonebridge Town Centre in Wasaga Beach, a city with incredible views of South Georgian Bay. Wasaga Beach is also home to the longest freshwater beach in the world and it often feels like you are in the Caribbean as you walk along the shore.

Free Concerts In The Square

A beautiful sunset at Sauble Beach, Canada on the Bruce Peninsula; Ontario

Sauble Beach hosts Free Concerts In The Square on three Wednesdays in July and two in August. These fun events with various genres of music start at 7pm at Sauble Beach Town Square on Lakeshore, bring a blanket or chair to sit on. Sauble Beach comes in second for having the longest freshwater beach in the world and is located along the beautiful shores of Lake Huron. Sauble Beach is situated in South Bruce Peninsula and the perfect summer road trip to experience small town paradise.

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‘baby reindeer’: stephen king writes essay praising netflix stalker series, apple iphone 16 new design and performance upgrades revealed in leak, riverfest elora.

Beautiful Elora Streets; Ontario

This charming Ontario town in Elora is hosting Riverfest Elora from August 16 th – 18 th . What began as a modest backyard festival in 2009 has grown into something much bigger now held at the picture perfect Bissell Park near the Grand River. There are weekend passes available at different tiers, with the VIP pass including drink tokens, snacks throughout the day, and exclusive Riverfest Elora merch. Elora is known as Ontario’s most beautiful village and is located in the township of Centre Wellington along the banks of the Grand and Irvine River. If driving from Toronto, it’s a 90 minute road trip.

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Travel chaos for Bank Holiday revellers heading home from weekend getaways

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Those hoping to make the most of the Bank Holiday sunshine are facing rail and road delays – with even more after Monday.

Car journeys 50% longer than usual and the most feared phrase in the English language, ‘planned engineering works’, are going to make post-holiday blues even worse.

Network Rail currently lists dozens of disruptions and timetable changes as well as planned engineering works.

These include rail replacement buses and limited train services, with 487 planned projects taking place yesterday alone.

Of all the ‘major engineering work’ taking place this weekend, the private company that manages Britain’s railway system added: ‘During the Early May bank holiday weekend, major engineering work will be taking place between Milton Keynes Central and London Euston.

‘There will be no trains between these stations today, Sunday 5 May, and an amended service will operate during the rest of the weekend.

Which train companies are affected by the strike action?

• Tuesday May 7: c2c, Greater Anglia, GTR’s Great Northern, Thameslink and Southern (including Gatwick Express), Southeastern, South Western Railway.
• Wednesday May 8: Avanti West Coast, London Northwestern Railway, Chiltern, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, GWR and West Midlands Trains.
• Thursday May 9: LNER, Northern, and TransPennine Express.

‘There will also be key work taking place in the Cambridge area, at Liverpool, and at Birmingham International/Coventry.’

Network Rail’s system operator director Anit Chandarana added: ‘We know people want to travel by train and not by replacement bus.

‘We do our best to fit as much work as we can into these closures to minimise the impact on passengers and freight customers.’

And it’s not just trains which will see delays. Drivers have been warned of a ‘crescendo of cars’ that will clog up parts of the North West, East Anglia and South West as people head out on bank holiday getaways.

The RAC said it expects 16 million motorists to hit the road between Friday and Monday. While the travel analysis firm Inrix warns journeys on most South and South West routes will take 50% longer than usual.

Those keen to avoid the standstill should travel 9am and after 5pm.

Thankfully, however, the National Highways says there are no ‘priority alerts’ which could spell delays for drivers today.

But the delays don’t end here. Aslef, a trade union which represents drivers and other train-operating staff, is staging strikes this month.

Sixteen train companies will see strike action from Tuesday to Thursday, meaning some stations will have next to no service.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] .

For more stories like this, check our news page .

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