6-Day England Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Bournemouth traveling west to Cheltenham, Bristol, and Exeter

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Photo of Bournemouth garden park in the summer. A lot of people are here for relax with giant balloon.
Photo of the sun rises over the sea at Bournemouth illuminating the clouds and the sea.
6-Day England Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Bournemouth traveling west to Cheltenham, Bristol, and Exeter
6-Day England Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Bournemouth traveling west to Cheltenham, Bristol, and Exeter
6-Day England Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Bournemouth traveling west to Cheltenham, Bristol, and Exeter
6-Day England Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Bournemouth traveling west to Cheltenham, Bristol, and Exeter
6-Day England Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Bournemouth traveling west to Cheltenham, Bristol, and Exeter
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Escape the ordinary with this exciting 6-day road trip through England. Explore diverse landscapes, discover lively cities, and prepare for an unforgettable journey!

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in England. You will spend 2 nights in Bournemouth, 1 night in Cheltenham, 1 night in Bristol, and 1 night in Exeter. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!

With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in England. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have you covered.

Upon arriving in Bournemouth, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover England on your own terms.

An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in England. Stonehenge and Roman Baths are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.

As you hit the open road and drive through Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Cheltenham, Bristol, Bath, Salisbury, Exeter, Bovington, Corfe Castle, and West Lulworth, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of England. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in England.

Throughout your road trip in England, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in England.

This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodations, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.

The best services in England fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in England today!

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Driver’s age is 30 - 65
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Day1

Day 1

  • Bournemouth - Arrival day
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  • Bournemouth Parks - Lower Gardens
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Your road trip adventure in England begins as soon as you reach Bournemouth and pick up your car. You’ll stay here for 1 night and explore what to see in Bournemouth, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the town.

Bournemouth is a beautiful town with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Bournemouth Parks - Lower Gardens. Taking a stroll in the town center is a great alternative. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

When you're ready for some downtime, make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Bournemouth. Make yourself at home and unwind before heading out again.

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.

Savor the flavors at Slug & Lettuce Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Hermitage Hotel Bournemouth beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Premier Inn Bournemouth East (Boscombe) hotel. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Bournemouth tonight.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Smokin' Aces - Cocktail Bar & Whiskey Lounge, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Felsons Bournemouth, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Brewdog Bournemouth likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

Raise a toast to the start of your 6-day road trip in England!

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Day2

Day 2

  • Bournemouth
  • Poole
  • Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
  • Cheltenham
  • More

Drive 233 km, 3 hours 45 min

  • Hamworthy Park
  • Bournemouth Beach
  • Boscombe Pier
  • Mudeford Quay
  • Norman House
  • More

Your itinerary for day 2 of your road trip in England includes 3 stops and features some of the highlights of Poole, Bournemouth, and Christchurch. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Cheltenham, where you'll spend 1 night.

Bournemouth Beach is must-visit beach and a great option for a daytime tour of the area. Continue your journey to Boscombe Pier, a frequently visited pier, located just a leisurely stroll away.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Bournemouth. This car ride takes around 29 min.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Hamworthy Park Junior School. Spend some time admiring the instagrammable features of the park before you continue to your next stop.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Christchurch, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Bournemouth to Christchurch may take around 19 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Christchurch, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Mudeford Quay is a curiosity-inducing pier we recommend visiting today. Discover its romantic features before continuing your self-guided tour.

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

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Cheltenham's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Begin your culinary exploration in Cheltenham by securing a reservation at Le Champignon Sauvage. This renowned restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of modern cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Lumière, celebrated for its delectable modern menu. This acclaimed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in England!

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Day3

Day 3

  • Cheltenham
  • Bristol
  • More

Drive 79 km, 1 hour 29 min

  • Brunel's SS Great Britain
  • Clifton Suspension Bridge
  • Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery
  • More

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 of your road trip in England. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 place, which are Bristol. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Bristol, where will spend 1 night.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Bristol, home to many well-known sights in the region. Upon arrival in Bristol, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Brunel's Ss Great Britain, a worthwhile historic ship that everyone visiting Bristol should see. Next, head to Clifton Suspension Bridge. This enchanting monument is one of the most popular attractions in the region.

If you're keen to see more, don’t miss out on Bristol City Museum And Art Gallery, a heritage-rich museum popular among locals as well as travelers.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Bristol. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

Bristol is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Bristol.

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at COR, a Bib Gourmand restaurant offering an incredible modern british menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Bulrush is one of the best restaurants for modern british cuisine in Bristol. This 1-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at Blaise Inn. As a top-rated establishment with a Bib Gourmand status, it is an ideal choice for traditional cuisine in the city.

Keep the evening going at The Boardroom, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Gin & Juice, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Watershed, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

As the sun sets, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in England.

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Day4

Day 4

  • Bristol
  • Bath
  • Salisbury
  • Exeter
  • More

Drive 243 km, 4 hours 11 min

  • Roman Baths
  • Pulteney Bridge
  • Salisbury Cathedral
  • Stonehenge
  • More

On day 4 of your road trip in England, your travel plans include 2 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Bath and Salisbury are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Exeter, where you will stay for 1 night.

Bath’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Bristol behind. This drive usually takes around 43 min. Bath welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Our first attraction recommendation in Bath is Roman Baths, a well-known archeological site that draws attention for its photogenic features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Pulteney Bridge, an UNESCO world heritage-designated historical landmark that stands out in the city.

When you’ve had your share of Bath, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Salisbury. Your travel time is around 1 hour 6 min.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Salisbury Cathedral, a popular church in Salisbury. Explore its picture-perfect features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, Stonehenge. This famous archeological site is a top recommendation in the area.

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

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 Exeter, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Make sure to reserve a table at The Last Drop, an iconic dining spot in Exeter. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of iFood Thai Taste, a popular restaurant in Exeter. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Premier Inn Exeter (M5 J29) hotel, a hidden gem nestled in Exeter. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Crocketts is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Pig & Pickle Micropub, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is The Angel Bar. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in England!

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Day5

Day 5

  • Exeter
  • Bovington Camp
  • Corfe Castle
  • West Lulworth
  • Bournemouth
  • More

Drive 185 km, 3 hours 21 min

  • The Tank Museum
  • Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre
  • Corfe Castle
  • Durdle Door
  • More

Dive into day 5 of your remarkable road trip in England. Today you'll explore 3 destinations, including Bovington, Corfe Castle, and West Lulworth. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Bournemouth, where you'll spend 1 night.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Exeter, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Bovington. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 44 min.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the village's best attractions, visit The Tank Museum, a popular military museum that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey. Next, head to Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre and admire its eye-catching features.

Set your GPS to Corfe Castle and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 14 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Corfe Castle beckons with new experiences!

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Corfe Castle and explore the enchanting features.

West Lulworth’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Corfe Castle behind. This drive usually takes around 24 min. West Lulworth welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Durdle Door, a frequently visited rock formation that everyone visiting West Lulworth should see.

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.

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

Continue your lively evening at Be At One - Bournemouth, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Eden is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, The Four Horsemen Pub ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

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.

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Day6

Day 6

  • Bournemouth - Departure day
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  • Bournemouth Upper Gardens
  • More

Day 6 of your road trip in England is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Bournemouth before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

If you're up for some more sightseeing, we recommend visiting Bournemouth Upper Gardens, a romantic park before you head out.

For a last-minute shopping spree in Bournemouth, Westbourne is nearby. Enjoy a variety of retail stores, dining options, and essential services in one convenient location. When you need a break, visit a cafe and relax with a cup of coffee or tea.

Before you conclude your road trip in England, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience 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’ll then say farewell to Bournemouth. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in England!

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Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.
Secure your spot
Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.
Get instant confirmation
Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

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Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

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