7-Day England Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Bournemouth to Southampton and surrounding area

On day 2 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Bournemouth, where you have 1 night left to stay.

Boscombe Pier leaves a lasting impression. This pier is one of the most intriguing places to visit in Bournemouth. Next, head to Bournemouth Beach, an often recommended beach, known for its mesmerizing features.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Bournemouth. This car ride takes around 12 min.

Our first attraction recommendation in Christchurch is Mudeford Quay, a curiosity-inducing pier that draws attention for its instagrammable features.

Time flies when you're having fun! But don't forget to stop for a bit to eat and drink between your adventures. When you're rested and recharged, head to Christchurch Priory, an increasingly popular church that offers a unique experience.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Bournemouth and your accommodation.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Bournemouth, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Aruba, a top-rated dining destination in Bournemouth. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Langtry Manor Hotel, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at The Green House. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Bournemouth this evening.

Keep the evening going at Be At One - Bournemouth, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Eden, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is The Four Horsemen Pub, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

Head back to your accommodation in Bournemouth and get some rest to prepare for another magical day of your road trip in England.

Your itinerary for day 3 of your road trip in England includes 2 stops and features some of the highlights of Poole and Throop. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Southampton, where you'll spend 3 nights.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Throop. This car ride takes around 28 min.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Constitution Hill Viewpoint and explore the romantic features. Next, make your way to Poole Museum, another highlight in Poole. When you’re done exploring the museum, continue to Hamworthy Park Junior School, a visually striking park.

Set your GPS to Throop and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 28 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Throop beckons with new experiences!

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Adventure Wonderland. Spend some time admiring the eye-catching features of the amusement park before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Bournemouth Aviation Museum. This increasingly popular aviation museum is a traveler-favorite in the town.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Southampton, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Southampton. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Dhaba 59 Sports Bar & Grill, a top-rated dining spot in Southampton. If you're in the mood for something new, try Blue Island, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Shenanigans. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Southampton.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Oasis Bar, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. The Hobbit Pub is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, 5 Rivers Sport Bar & Grill is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

On day 4 of your road trip in England, you’ll start and end your day in Southampton, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you still have 2 nights to spend in Southampton, there’s no need to rush. Experience Lepe, Exbury, Beaulieu, Mottisfont, and Winchester to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary.

After soaking in Southampton’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Lepe. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 34 min. When you arrive in Lepe, it's time to take a break from the road.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Lepe Country Park. Spend some time admiring the peaceful features of the park before you continue to your next stop.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Exbury. This drive usually takes around 9 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway, a curiosity-inducing botanical garden that everyone visiting Exbury should see.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Beaulieu, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Exbury to Beaulieu may take around 10 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Beaulieu, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Our first attraction recommendation in Beaulieu is National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, a captivating museum that draws attention for its standout features.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Southampton.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Southampton's best restaurants.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Lakaz Maman, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Porters Wine & Charcuterie offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Halladays Tea Rooms is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Southampton.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Firehouse, known for its lively atmosphere. The Guide Dog is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Beards & Boards Craft Beer Bar offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in England!

On day 5 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Southampton, where you still have 1 night left. You'll spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city, including Portsmouth.

When you’ve had your share of Southampton, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Portsmouth. Your travel time is around 37 min.

Spend your afternoon discovering Spinnaker Tower, an up-and-coming observation deck known for its romantic features. Next, continue your sightseeing at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, a captivating museum.

If you're starting to feel hungry, this is a great time for a break at a nearby restaurant or cafe. When you're ready for more, stop by Mary Rose Museum and uncover the details of this heritage-rich museum. Make sure to also explore Hms Victory, an up-and-coming historic ship.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Southampton and your accommodation.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Southampton. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Soleto Bistro, a popular restaurant in Southampton. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Southampton at POPSI’S, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Sprinkles Gelato Portswood. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Southampton tonight.

Round off your dining experience by visiting London Hotel, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Heartbreakers, a bar catering to every mood and preference.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in England.

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 6 of your road trip in England. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 4 places, which are Ashley Heath, Corfe Castle, West Lulworth, and Bovington. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Bournemouth, where will spend 1 night.

Set your GPS to Ashley Heath and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 41 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Ashley Heath beckons with new experiences!

Savor the day by heading to Moors Valley Country Park & Forest, a worthwhile park that draws visitors from near and far.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Ashley Heath and set your GPS to Corfe Castle. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 46 min. Upon reaching Corfe Castle, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Our first attraction recommendation in Corfe Castle is Corfe Castle, a locally renowned castle that draws attention for its visually striking features.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in West Lulworth. This drive usually takes around 24 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Durdle Door. Spend some time admiring the idyllic features of the rock formation before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Lulworth Cove. This intriguing beach is a traveler-favorite in the village.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Bournemouth. Bournemouth offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Bournemouth. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Don’t miss out on dining at Harvester Neptune Bournemouth, a top-rated dining destination in Bournemouth. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider The Cumberland Hotel Bournemouth, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at The Nici. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Bournemouth this evening.

Continue your lively evening at The Moon In The Square - Jd Wetherspoon, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in England!