— By Toby Patrick —
London is on the bucket list of many travelers, and it’s easy to see why. The city is awash with history, culture, and things to do. Then you’ve got the vast diversity of London, where an eclectic mix of cuisines and fashion combine to give you a sample of all corners of the world. And with world-famous cathedrals, parks and sporting venues, there really is something for everyone.
But while first-time visitors may be overwhelmed at the sheer choice of things to do in London, don’t underestimate the potential hidden within the surrounding regions. For those who will be visiting London in the near future, we’ve put together a few locations that are perfect for a road trip with London as your starting point starting from London.
So hire a car or jump on a train, and enjoy these fabulous locations — we promise you won’t regret it!
Cotswolds
While the city of London is known for many things, delivering a taste of the British countryside isn’t one of them. If this is something you’re after, consider the two-and-a-half-hour drive to the Cotswolds, where you’ll be greeted by cobbled streets, sleepy villages, and winding canals — the perfect setting for a summer’s walk.
Many would say the jewel in the Cotswolds’ crown belongs to Castle Combe, one of England’s prettiest villages. If you’re looking for activities, consider visiting the birthplace of Winston Churchill or Cotswold Wildlife Park.
Stonehenge
You don’t have to be from the U.K. to know about Stonehenge. It’s one of the world’s most famous monuments and was erected around 5,000 years ago, which is why the World Heritage Site attracts droves of visitors.
If your base is in London, Stonehenge is fortunately only a two-hour drive away, making it a perfect place to stop on a road trip. Stonehenge is located in Salisbury, a civil parish in Wiltshire, and there’s much more to see than just Stonehenge. The city boasts an iconic Cathedral, an ancient market, and an educational museum, all great side quests to consider during your Stonehenge visit.
Stonehenge / Photo by Samuel Wölf
Brighton
Ask a Brit to name their favorite seaside resort in the U.K., and there’s a strong chance that Brighton will be the answer. Brighton sits on England’s south coast, around 55 miles from London, which equates to an approximately two-and-a-half hour journey by car.
If you do make the journey to Brighton, which we highly recommend, try to time it with the peak of British summertime so you can see the town in all its glory. In terms of things to do in Brighton, it’s all about the piers and the seaside, which makes it the perfect road trip destination if traveling with children. If your trip is child-free, consider an overnight stay in Brighton so you can sample its famous nightlife scene!
Lake District/The North
If you’ve got time on your hands, don’t be afraid to look at options on the other end of the country. Those who are visiting the U.K. from the States often overlook just how small the country is. Traveling from one side of the country to the other can be done in less than a day (check out Land’s End to John o’Groats if you’re actually interested in this), which obviously isn’t feasible on the other side of the pond!
If a road trip from London to “up north” (as locals would say) is of interest to you, then you’ve got plenty of options. In terms of major cities, Manchester, Liverpool, and Edinburgh are probably the most tourist-friendly, all differing slightly in what they offer. York should be at the top of your list if you are looking for rich history and impressive architecture, while there’s a whole host of small villages in North Wales that are perfect for a hike.
But if you are planning a road trip to the North of England, our pick goes to the Lake District. Picturesque scenery, cultured British pubs and adventurous trail routes make the Lake District a must for international travelers. The drive will typically take you around five hours, but remember you can always leave your rental car in a city center car park and transform your road trip into a rail trip for a more comfortable journey. The train from London Euston to Oxenholme takes less than four hours, with Windermere only 20 minutes further by train.
Set Off on Your U.K. Road Trip
While London obviously has plenty to keep you busy for the duration of your U.K. stay, it also acts as an incredible starting point for an even more expansive exploration across the country. Sure, this option involves some extra planning and may even push you to extend your stay, but with the plethora of unique places to explore around London, we can safely say you won’t regret it!
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About the Author: Toby Patrick is a freelance writer who loves to combine his passion for travel with his love of creative writing. Many of his articles focus on revealing the many hidden gems across the U.K. and Europe, and he also occasionally covers fitness, men’s health, and lifestyle topics.
