by Anna Hann
posted on 24 February 2025
London may be the largest city in the UK by some stretch, but there’s more to explore outside of the capital, from historic cities to rolling countryside and glorious coastlines.
There are plenty of road trip options within a couple of hours from London, ideal if you want a day trip from the capital city. You could plan a weekend away and go further, taking a scenic circuit around the Cotswolds or the New Forest. Longer still? Hit the road to explore Wales or Cornwall or even travel across the English Channel to France and beyond.
Day trips from London
Got a day to spare? A day-long road trip from London is a fantastic way to explore what lies beyond the capital. And while you might be clamouring for a country walk, don’t overlook the incredible cities quickly reached from London by car, such as Cambridge and Royal Tunbridge Wells. These options are doable in a day as they all take less than a couple of hours to reach by car from London, allowing you at least a few hours to explore once you arrive, but you’ll save on accommodation as you can return home the same day.
Windsor
Let’s start with one of the easiest and best road trips from London. Windsor is a simple day trip from the capital, just a 40-minute drive west along the M4 motorway, depending on where in London you’re setting off or collecting your car rental.
What to do
Windsor Castle is the oldest and longest-inhabited castle in Europe and an official residence of King Charles. Don’t miss a tour of the State Apartments and St. George’s Chapel, where many royal ceremonies like weddings take place. After exploring inside the castle, get some fresh air and take a stroll along The Long Walk, a 2.5-mile path leading to the castle through Windsor Great Park, which is home to around 500 red deer.
What to drive
Planning a luxury day out in Windsor? Nearby Bray has exceptional Michelin-starred restaurants. If you’re planning on living it up, consider a sports car for the journey. Asvan’s Porsche Taycan is a fully electric option in an eye-catching shade of blue. Although driving this elegant machine will make you wish you had planned a longer road trip than just London to Windsor.
Salisbury
Salisbury is a medieval city located around 90 miles from London. It’s a road trip that’ll take a couple of hours by car, depending on how lucky you are with the traffic. You could stop at Richmond or Windsor on the way or way back to break the journey up and stretch your legs on a quick walk.
What to do
Salisbury Cathedral is renowned for its Gothic architecture and has the tallest spire in the UK. It’s not the cathedral’s only claim to fame either — the original Magna Carta is housed within it. But many visit this area to see Stonehenge. This mysterious site, about ten miles north of Salisbury, is easily one of the UK’s most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage site and well worth a day trip from London.
What to drive
If you’re taking your kids on a day trip from London to explore Stonehenge, you’ll want a car that’s roomy enough for everyone. Search for minivans or SUVs to find something for all budgets, and see if Matt’s Hyundai i800 is available — it’s a fantastic eight-seater option, brilliant for larger families.
Cambridge
Driving from London to Cambridge takes about an hour and a half, covering around 60 miles, most of it on the M11 motorway. The route is relatively straightforward, offering a smooth and simple drive out of London and a good day trip option.
What to do
Highly walkable (and bikeable) Cambridge is a beautiful city to visit. Wander through the university grounds like King’s College and Trinity College. If you’re feeling less studious, take a leisurely punt on the River Cam, or join the locals and students and explore on two wheels. For a day of culture, the art and antiques at Fitzwilliam Museum will impress, but no one’s judging if you want to make the most of the city’s shopping and dining scene. There are also some excellent hotels if you decide to make a weekend of it.
What to drive
A compact city car is an excellent option for getting to and around Cambridge. Patrick’s Audi A1 offers a comfortable drive with nice-to-have features like Apple CarPlay, and its diminutive size makes it easier to manoeuvre around Cambridge city centre.
Oxford
Another good day trip option from London is the university city of Oxford. The journey from London to Oxford typically takes about an hour and a half on the M40 motorway. Once you arrive, you can expect a city packed with cultural heritage, hidden gems, and enough things to quickly fill a few days if you have the time to spare. But if you’ve just got a day, choose how you spend your time wisely, whether a Harry Potter tour suits you or you’d rather delve into one of the museums.
What to do
There’s plenty to see in Oxford, including the Pitt Rivers Museum. It’s the perfect destination if anthropology and archaeology are your bag, as it showcases the cultural diversity and richness of societies from around the world. Blenheim Palace isn’t far from Oxford, so if you made a weekend of it, you could stay in the city and spend a day exploring this beautiful palace and gardens.
What to drive
MINI has a factory in Oxford (it’s even open for tours), so booking a MINI for your Oxford road trip seems like an appropriate choice. Book Uzair’s MINI Cooper and enjoy heated leather seats on your journey.
Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford-Upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, is around 100 miles from London, with a drive time of around two hours from the capital city. To get to Stratford-upon-Avon, you’ll take the M40 out of London, so you could call in at Oxford or the beautiful Blenheim Palace if you wanted to.
What to do
This market town steeped in literary history as the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Fans of the Bard can pop into his former home and check to see if the Royal Shakespeare Company are performing and catch a world-class performance.
What to drive
Opt for something quintessential British for a journey to Stratford-upon-Avon. Elisha’s Land Rover Range Rover Evoque would be the perfect choice.
Avebury
Driving from London to Avebury is a journey that only takes around two hours, covering around 90 miles. The route typically follows the M4 and A346, and as you go further out of the city, there are views of rolling hills and charming villages along the way.
What to do
Avebury, famous for its ancient stone circle — one of the largest in Europe — provides a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric Britain. Although if you’re more into films, you’ll want to head to nearby Lacock, about half an hour from Avebury. This charming little town has been used as a location in the Harry Potter movies, His Dark Materials, Pride and Prejudice, Wolf Hall, and Downton Abbey.
What to drive
You don’t have to spend a fortune on a day trip from London. Browse Turo for budget-friendly cars, such as Jay’s Toyota AYGO or Valerie’s Citroen C1.
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Getting to the smart town of Royal Tunbridge Wells doesn’t take long – it’s just over an hour’s drive from central London, making it an easy day trip from the city.
What to do
Although you could spend a day exploring the town, having afternoon tea or exploring shops, there’s more to the region than the town itself. Close by, you can visit Hever Castle, Anne Boleyn’s childhood home, where there’s a beautiful Japanese teahouse.
What to drive
A posh place like Royal Tunbridge Wells might call for a posh set of wheels to match. On Turo, you can filter your search to find ‘the UK’s finest’ or ‘ritzy German rides’ to give you more inspiration, such as Salman’s Land Rover Range Rover or Ziyao’s Porsche Macan.
Rye
Driving from London to Rye takes you into the countryside of East Sussex on a 70-mile journey, mainly following the A21 and A268. When you get there, expect cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and views of the surrounding marshes.
What to do
The town of Rye has an intriguing past. It was once one of the Cinque Ports, used to defend against French attacks. To get a sweeping view of Rye, you could scale the bell tower at St. Mary’s Church before heading to Rye Castle and Ypres Tower. It’s only a ten-minute drive from Rye to Camber Sands, renowned for its sandy beaches.
What to drive
Sometimes, you just need a solid set of wheels to get you from A to B, or, in this case, London to Rye. So, if you’re not fussed about driving the latest EV or bothered by the technology of a high-performance car, Shuaib’s Ford Focus could be everything you need for your road trip.
Weekend road trips from London
A weekend away from London can be a breath of fresh air, and there are so many routes that make for a memorable road trip from the capital, whether you want the scenery on a bracing country walk or the culture and heritage of one of the UK’s top cities.
The Cotswolds
An ever-popular road trip from London is the Cotswolds. Bourton-On-the-Water, known as the Venice of the Cotswolds, is around 90 miles from London. It’ll take a good couple of hours to drive there, and although it’s possible as a day trip, there’s more than enough in the area to warrant a weekend road trip in the Cotswolds.
What to do
There are plenty of towns and villages throughout this designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and you could just take scenic drives between them, stopping for afternoon tea or pausing for lunch at a country pub. The famous Model Village in Bourton-on-the-Water is a popular tourist attraction, and Chipping Norton is an ancient market town known for its celebrity residents.
What to drive
While this area may be synonymous with luxury 4X4s and Land Rovers, a more petite set of wheels could be the perfect option for the narrow, winding roads. Something like Ding Tak’s MINI Countryman will add a little fun to your road trip, and you’ll get a smooth and comfortable ride for the longer stretch between London and the Cotswolds.
Bath
Driving from London to Bath takes roughly two to two and a half hours, covering about 115 miles. The route typically follows the M4 motorway. You could stop for a break in the historic town of Marlborough, known for its lovely independent shops, and grab a bite to eat. Or swing by Avebury for a glimpse of the stone circles.
What to do
The Roman Baths are Bath’s most famous location, where you can explore the well-preserved ruins of the ancient bathing complex. If you fancy a modern day dip, the Thermae Bath Spa is fed by natural thermal waters and has a rooftop pool. Or you could make it a literary road trip and visit the Jane Austen Centre that celebrates the author’s life and connection to Bath.
What to drive
Make the motorway drive a breeze in a comfortable SUV like Chris’ Volvo XC90. You get 600 miles included, ample to get you from London to Bath and back, with mileage to spare to explore in and around Bath, too.
Brighton
Of all the road trips from London, Brighton might be one of the most popular. It’s a seaside town on England’s south coast famous for its beach, pier, and nightlife and driving there will only take you around an hour and a half on a good run. It makes it easy to do as a day trip from London, but as Brighton’s nightlife is notoriously fantastic, so you might want to save this trip for a weekend break.
What to do
Start your visit by strolling along Brighton Pier with its classic amusement rides and order traditional fish and chips on the shingle beach (watch out for circling gulls!). Don’t miss the stunning Royal Pavilion, a whimsical palace with Indo-Saracenic architecture and lush gardens. Take a wander through the narrow lanes and bustling streets of the Lanes district, packed with art galleries and vintage boutiques, and stay beyond dusk for the best of the city’s nightlife.
What to drive
Brighton is a vibrant, colourful place, so choose a car that’s not run of the mill. Take a look at Joseph’s MINI Cooper or Jay’s Fiat 500 — both come in a head-turning, glossy red.
Paris
Who said road trips from London have to be in the UK? It’s easy to drive to the continent and explore some of what Europe offers — you just need permission from Turo and your host to take the car across the English Channel. Driving from London to Paris is a 300-mile journey, taking Le Shuttle car train or a car ferry from Dover to Calais. For the best views of the famous White Cliffs of Dover, go by boat.
What to do
After the drive to Paris, park up and prepare to be dazzled by everything the City of Lights has to offer. You could ascend the Eiffel Tower, cruise along the Seine, pop in to see the Mona Lisa at the Louvre or sip wine in little French bistros amid the city’s iconic sights.
What to drive
If you’re driving from London to France, it helps to choose a host who offers unlimited mileage so you don’t have to worry about the distances you’ll drive. Anor’s Volkswagen Tiguan is a roomy diesel with unlimited mileage. However, if you want to drive an electric (there are plenty of places to charge on the continent), check out Akarsh’s Tesla Model 3.
North Norfolk
For a long road trip from London, you could head to the north Norfolk coast on a trip that covers about 120 miles. The journey typically takes around two to three hours, depending on traffic and exactly where you’re travelling from and to. Once you arrive, you’ll be met with coastal towns like Wells-next-the-Sea and Holkham, which have sandy beaches. It’s perfect for a relaxing weekend getaway, with plenty of fresh seafood and scenic coastal walks.
What to do
Blakeney Point is a coastal nature reserve on the North Norfolk coast, renowned for dunes and salt marshes. You can take a scenic boat trip or coastal walk, and pop into The Chequers Inn in Hunstanton after. Further around the coastline is Great Yarmouth, with unique charm and traditional amusements, including the Pleasure Beach classic arcade games and promenade.
What to drive
Driving to north Norfolk from London is a pretty long drive, so you’ll want something comfortable with a great sound system. And while the British weather doesn’t always play ball, a trip to the coast deserves the optimism of a convertible. Moshorraf’s BMW 4 Series, in midnight purple, has an incredible sound system for your journey from London to the seaside and it’s easy to drop the top if the sun peeps through.
Longer road trips from London
If you’re planning a staycation and plotting a longer road trip from London, the variety of the UK means you have so many options available. You could plan something truly epic, like a drive to the south of France or a multi-stop tour to Scotland, then looping around the Scottish Highlands. But you don’t have to travel huge distances. The Peak District is only around four hours from London, so you can spend your time exploring the region.
Peak District National Park
You could plan a trip to the Peak District for a longer road trip from London, allowing around four hours for the journey. You’ll be rewarded with a stunning landscape of rolling hills that’ll make you feel far away from the metropolis you left behind. First stop: Bletchley Park near Milton Keynes for an incredible look inside where the codebreakers worked during World War II. Then onwards to the Peaks.
What to do
England’s first national park has dramatic landscapes of rolling moors and is a haven for hikers and climbers. Add these sights to your list: the limestone cliffs of Stanage Edge, the village of Castleton, renowned for its caverns and the iconic Peveril Castle, the tranquil waters of Ladybower Reservoir and Chatsworth House, an opulent stately home surrounded by magnificent gardens.
What to drive
For this longer drive into rural Britain, you might also want something rugged and outdoorsy for your drive into the countryside. Salman’s Land Rover 110 Defender looks the part and delivers everything you need for a smooth, memorable drive.
The New Forest
The M3 motorway provides a straightforward route to the south coast from London. Driving from London to the New Forest covers around 80 miles and should take less than a couple of hours, depending on traffic, but it’s a region where you’ll want to spend more time so it warrants a longer road trip so you can get to know the New Forest towns, spend time in the Great Outdoors, whether that’s in the New Forest’s woodland or down on the shoreline.
What to do
Set the sat nav to the picturesque New Forest villages of Lyndhurst and Beaulieu, making time to explore vintage shops and historic pubs. A stroll or cycle through the forest means you might spot wild ponies roaming freely or pay a visit to Victorian-era Exbury Gardens or the historic Beaulieu Abbey.
What to drive
How about an EV to get you to New Forest? It means you’ll move around this beautiful area with zero emissions. Dan’s BMW i3 is a compact option if there are just two of you hitting the road, although if there are more of you, you can’t go wrong with Mohamed’s Tesla Model Y.
South Wales
There are sensational road trips you can take in Wales, like Snowdonia and North Wales. From London, driving to south Wales is doable on a long weekend. Drive west from London all the way to the Gower Peninsula. You could make a detour to Bristol and cross the Clifton Suspension Bridge.
What to do
The Gower Peninsula was the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for good reason. You’ll find dramatic cliffs, golden sands, and picturesque villages here, making it a road trip worth taking. Popular spots such as Rhossili Bay and the village of Mumbles, famous for its lighthouse and pier, make it a perfect destination for country walks and scenic sightseeing.
What to drive
Dolapo’s BMW 2 Series is a seven-seater, fuel-efficient MPV ideal for a family road trip from London. Even if there are just two of you, it is an excellent option with plenty of room for extra luggage if you decide to make it into a longer trip.
Cornwall
Driving from London to Cornwall is an adventure that takes you through some of England’s most picturesque country landscapes. The journey covers around 250 miles and typically takes at least five hours without stopping, depending on traffic. You’ll start on the M4 motorway before merging onto the A30, which leads you directly into the heart of Cornwall. You could plan to stop at Stonehenge, Exeter, or Bodmin, depending on where your final destination in Cornwall is.
What to do
When it comes to sensationally scenic road trips, Cornwall is up there with the best. Once you’ve crossed into Cornwall, you could drive the Atlantic Highway or just choose a beautiful spot like Falmouth, St Ives, or Fowey to put down roots for a few days.
A road trip from London to Cornwall is a great family adventure. There are plenty of interesting places to stop on your way down to the peninsula and fantastic days out to enjoy once you’re there, from beautiful beaches to tourist attractions like the Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan.
What to drive
If you’re planning a family road trip from London to Cornwall, book a roomy seven-seater MPV like Godfred’s Citroen Grand C4 Picasso or a seven-seater family SUV like Murad’s Hyundai Santa Fe. Both have unlimited mileage included, so you don’t have to worry about the distance you’ll travel.
Scotland
Driving from London to Scotland is an unforgettable journey. The trip typically takes around ten hours, covering approximately 400 miles, depending on your final destination in Scotland, whether that’s Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness or further north. As you navigate the M1 and then the A74(M), you’ll pass through picturesque towns and scenic countryside, with opportunities to stop at landmarks like York or the Lake District on your journey north.
What to do
This road trip is as much about the journey as the destination. The perfect London to Edinburgh road trip depends on the experience you want to have, whether you want to prioritise incredible scenery or if family-friendly moments are a must-have along the way. Once you cross the border, your options are equally broad — maybe you’ll have a Scottish Highlands road trip in your sights, or you want to get to know places like the Isle of Skye better.
What to drive
For the long drive to Scotland from London, you’ll want a car comfortable for long stretches of motorway, nimble enough to get around the towns and cities, and powerful enough to climb rural hills. Valerie’s Audi Q2 could be the ideal choice, ticking all the boxes. If you want something bigger, Ayesha’s MG HS might make your shortlist.
South of France
Looking for a truly epic road trip from London? Get the ok from Turo and your host, then hit the road, crossing the English Channel to France, bidding the White Cliffs of Dover farewell. Driving to the south of France from London is an exhilarating trip, sure to create lasting memories as you wind through country towns and vineyards as you head towards the Mediterranean coast. The trip takes around 12 to 14 hours, depending on traffic and your final destination.
What to do
Fancy the glamour of Nice, the historic streets of Avignon, or the markets of Aix-en-Provence? Wherever you decide to end up, you’ll need to plan where you’ll stop overnight on the way south, booking yourself into some cosy rooms in little French villages, and spend some time mapping out your perfect tour.
What to drive
You’ll almost certainly want to book a car with unlimited mileage for the long drive to Europe. If you book an EV like Mustafa’s Tesla Model 3, you might have to stop more frequently to charge, but on the flip side, you’ll have a fantastic driving experience and an excellent navigation and entertainment system for the long drive. If you’d prefer a diesel, Jay’s Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is a luxury SUV with a generous boot for your luggage.
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