Road Trips Southern England: Highlights of Our Southern England Itinerary

How Much Time Do You Need for a Road Trip Through Southern England?

The amount of time you should plan for your trip depends primarily on your preferences. It’s possible to visit Southern England’s major highlights from London within a week, but two weeks would allow you to experience the region more thoroughly. If you have three weeks, you can even enjoy some relaxing days at the beach along the way.

Getting There & Transportation for Your Southern England Road Trip

Your choice of transportation depends largely on your travel plans. If you’re primarily visiting historic cities and major landmarks, you can easily plan your trip using the train network. Southern England has a well-developed — though expensive — rail system, complemented by local buses and long-distance coaches from National Express and Megabus.

However, if you want to explore smaller towns and scenic countryside, driving is the better option. You can bring your own car or rent one upon arrival at the airport. Keep in mind that rental cars in England have the steering wheel on the right side, which may take some getting used to.

Another option is to take a road trip through Southern England in a campervan or motorhome. The region has plenty of well-equipped campsites, making this a great choice for flexibility and adventure.

No matter which mode of transport or region you choose, your road trip through Southern England will be an unforgettable experience filled with diverse impressions and lasting memories!

Highlights of a Southern England Road Trip

How is Southern England actually defined? For locals, the dividing line between North and South is often considered to be Watford Gap, a valley about 25 miles southeast of Birmingham. From a travel perspective, the M4 motorway from London to Bristol (and Wales) serves as the boundary, meaning that picturesque regions like the Cotswolds are technically not part of Southern England.

For the best experience, it’s recommended to focus on one specific region for your road trip. This allows you to explore it in depth without feeling rushed. Here are some suggested routes:

✅ The Far West – Cornwall: Famous for its rugged coastline, charming fishing villages, and Arthurian legends.

✅ The English Riviera & Jurassic Coast: Stunning seaside towns like Torquay and the fossil-rich cliffs of Dorset.

✅ Historic Heart of England: A cultural journey through cities like Bath, Salisbury, and Winchester.

✅ Kent – England’s “Garden”: Rolling countryside, coastal beauty, and historic sites like Canterbury.

💡 Tip: If the places you want to visit are near London, consider staying in the city and taking day trips by train. All major rail lines radiate outward from London, making it easy to explore Southern England without having to change hotels.

Cornwall and Its Beaches

Cornwall has been a favorite destination for American travelers on Southern England road trips for years. If you’re interested in visiting the filming locations, an organized bus tour with an experienced guide is a great option.

But Cornwall has much more to offer beyond its TV fame:

🏞️ Scenic Hiking Trails – The South West Coast Path offers breathtaking walks along dramatic cliffs and hidden coves.

🏡 Charming Villages & Seaside Resorts – From quaint fishing villages to lively coastal towns like Newquay, a surfer’s paradise.

🌴 St. Ives – A stunning North Coast town with an almost tropical feel.

📍 The Lizard & Land’s End – The southernmost and westernmost points of mainland Britain, both must-sees.

🏰 Tintagel Castle – The legendary birthplace of King Arthur, shrouded in myth and history.

A road trip through Cornwall is an unforgettable mix of wild landscapes, charming coastal towns, and legendary sites — perfect for adventurers and romantics alike!

The Historic Heart of England

If you’re fascinated by English history, consider planning your Southern England road trip around the region’s most historic landmarks. Many of these sites can be visited as day trips from a centrally located base, meaning you won’t have to switch hotels frequently.

🏛️ Top Historical Highlights:

📜 Salisbury Cathedral – Home to one of the last surviving copies of the Magna Carta.

🗿 Stonehenge – The world-famous prehistoric stone circle just outside Salisbury.

🏰 Glastonbury – Famous for its mystical Tor and the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey, believed to be the final resting place of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere.

♨️ Bath – A stunning Regency-era city known for Roman baths, England’s only thermal springs, and the grand Bath Abbey. Literature lovers can visit the Jane Austen Centre.

🚗 National Motor Museum (Beaulieu) – A must-see for car enthusiasts, showcasing over 250 classic and racing vehicles.

⚔️ Winchester – The former Anglo-Saxon capital and home to the legendary Round Table of King Arthur in the Great Hall.

🚢 Portsmouth Historic Dockyard – A paradise for naval history fans, featuring HMS Victory, the ship from which Lord Nelson led the Battle of Trafalgar.

💡 Insider Tip: Want to see Stonehenge without the hefty entrance fee? Admire the stone circle from the fence for free, then head 15 miles to Avebury, where you can walk among ancient stone rings without paying a penny!

This Southern England itinerary is perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in England’s rich past, from ancient mysteries to medieval legends!

First Road Trip Through South England

The journey of your England trip begins in Bath, where you pick up your rental car after arriving at Bristol Airport. Bath, famous for its Roman Baths and Georgian architecture, is a great place to explore. Be sure to visit the Pulteney Bridge, which spans the River Avon, offering picturesque views from the Parade Gardens. Another highlight is the Royal Crescent, an elegant row of townhouses designed by John Wood the Younger. After checking into your accommodation for the night, you can spend the evening wandering through this historic spa town.

The next stop is Bideford, with a possible detour to Wells, known for its impressive cathedral and bishop’s palace, or Glastonbury, famous for its abbey ruins, which are believed to be the final resting place of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere. Alternatively, you can visit Cheddar, renowned for its caves and the cheese that bears its name. As you drive towards North Devon, take the scenic route through Exmoor National Park, known for its wild landscapes and fantastic photography spots. Once in Bideford, enjoy a stroll through Appledore, a charming fishing village with a harbor and narrow, picturesque streets.

From Bideford, head southwest to Penzance, passing through Clovelly, a privately owned fishing village that transports visitors back to the 18th century. Alternatively, visit the dramatic Hartland Point Cliffs, located just a few miles away. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to explore Tintagel, the legendary site of King Arthur’s castle, or coastal towns like Padstow and Newquay. If you prefer inland stops, you can visit historic sites such as Launceston and grand country estates like Lanhydrock and Pencarrow House.

Second England Trip – A Shorter Tour of South England

This shorter Southern England itinerary focuses on major cities, starting in London, where you can explore world-famous attractions such as St. Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the London Eye. After experiencing the vibrant city, pick up your rental car and drive south to Brighton, a seaside town known for its Brighton Pier, the Royal Pavilion, and its alternative shopping districts like North Laine and The Lanes.

From Brighton, continue to Bristol, stopping along the way at Stonehenge, one of England’s most iconic landmarks. Bristol is famous for its Georgian and Victorian architecture, a lively arts scene, and the Clifton Suspension Bridge, which spans the dramatic Avon Gorge.

The final stop is Oxford, one of the oldest university cities in the world. Here, you can visit medieval churches, Gothic college buildings, and cultural sites like the Ashmolean Museum. With a large student population, Oxford offers a vibrant cultural and artistic scene. Don’t miss the Covered Market, the city’s historic marketplace filled with independent shops and eateries.

These are just two examples of how you can explore South England. You can customize your vacation to include additional stops or extend your journey based on your interests! 🚗✨