England 12-Day Self-Drive Tours & Itineraries

Explore 6 self-drive trips designed by local kimkim specialists to get ideas for your trip to England.
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The first leg of your journey takes your from London to the Cotswolds, where you'll stop by Blenheim Palace for tea
Map of Self-Drive Highlights of England, Wales & Ireland - 12 Days
Self-Drive Highlights of England, Wales & Ireland - 12 Days

Spend 12 days on a self-drive journey through some of the most famous cities and countryside attractions in the UK and Ireland. It begins in London, where you'll hit the highlights before heading to the honey-colored villages and rolling hills of the Cotswolds, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Cross into Wales for historic castles and seaside towns, then hop a ferry to Ireland for literary adventures in Dublin and a scenic road trip through County Cork and the Ring of Kerry.

You'll find all manner of breads and baked goods at London's  Borough Market
Map of England & Scotland for Foodies: London to the Highlands via Gourmet Tours & Whisky Tastings - 12 Days
England & Scotland for Foodies: London to the Highlands via Gourmet Tours & Whisky Tastings - 12 Days

Sample the best of England and Scotland's food and drink offerings on this 12-day self-drive trip, which starts by ticking off two unbeatable culinary experiences in London: afternoon tea at The Savoy and a tour of Borough Market. Season a journey through Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon with craft beer and food tours in Chester and Manchester. Then touch down in Scotland for castles, whiskies, and more as you drive from Edinburgh to the Highlands.

England's Lake District, in the county of Cumbria, is renowned for its natural beauty and outdoor adventures
Map of Outdoor Adventures in the English Lake District & Scottish Highlands - 12 Days
Outdoor Adventures in the English Lake District & Scottish Highlands - 12 Days

Embark on a thrilling expedition through the UK's rugged north, from the fells of England's Lake District to the glens of the Scottish Highlands. Hike around scenic lakeshores and go canoeing before hitting the road to Scotland. Take a break for some city fun in Glasgow, then head up to famous lochs and the wilds of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park on a journey that culminates with whisky tours and cycling around Ben Nevis, the UK's highest peak.

Admire quintessential English countryside as you drive through the Cotswolds
Map of English Cities, Culture & Countryside - 12 Days
English Cities, Culture & Countryside - 12 Days

Embark on the road trip of a lifetime as you travel across England, from London to the Lake District. Marvel at highlights like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, then hit the road through the famous Cotswolds countryside, stopping in Shakespeare's hometown of Stratford. After enjoying a bit of Beatles history in Liverpool, continue north to the Lake District for adventures on the UK's largest lake, Windermere, before winding down in Manchester, the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.

Take a road trip west to discover Cornwall's artistic enclaves like St Ives
Map of Art, History & Culture in London & the West Country - 12 Days
Art, History & Culture in London & the West Country - 12 Days

Gourmet experiences, British art, coastal countryside, and London's most stylish spots are the stars of this 12-day itinerary through England. Bookended with stays in the capital, you'll get your bearings with a Covent Garden walking tour, then set off on a road trip through Bath and Cornwall. Tick off ancient stone circles and Arthurian castles, wind your way through whitewashed cobbled streets and cute fishing villages, and finish with a tasty foray through London's epic food and drink scene.

Spring lambs graze among the ancient standing stones at Avebury
Map of Relaxed Southern England Road Trip: London to Bath via the Cotswolds & Welsh Borders – 12 Days
Relaxed Southern England Road Trip: London to Bath via the Cotswolds & Welsh Borders – 12 Days

Immerse yourself in England's rural beauty and discover centuries-old villages, pubs, castles, and literary history on this 12-day road trip that sets off from London to Oxford and the Cotswolds, hops over the Welsh border for a night in Hay-on-Wye, and loops back to the capital via Bath. Along the way, you'll sample cocktails and visit gin joints in Soho, see jousting and falconry at Warwick Castle, cut through the rugged landscapes of Brecon Beacons, and wander among the standing stones of Avebury.

Other durations: 11 days · 12 days · 13 days · 15 days