Best England Self-Drive Tours & Itineraries - Compare 26 Trip Ideas

Your outdoor adventures kick off in England's gloriously scenic Lake District

Outdoor Adventures in the English Lake District & Scottish Highlands - 13 Days

Go beyond the UK's big cities and embrace the great outdoors as you explore the unspoiled beauty of England's Lake District and the Scottish Highlands. Your 13-day adventure starts in Ambleside as you discover Cumbria's pristine wilderness on foot, by canoe, and even on a pony trek. Cross into Scotland to enjoy a raucous dinner and folk music in Glasgow before kayaking across the Great Glen, mountain biking on the slopes of Ben Nevis, and following the "whisky trail" across the Isle of Skye.

Your outdoor adventures start in the heart of England's spectacular Lake District

Outdoor Adventures in the English Lake District & Scottish Highlands - 11 Days

Make your UK holiday an outdoor adventure as you explore the unspoiled Lake District and ruggedly beautiful Scottish Highlands over 11 packed days. You'll arrive in Cumbria, in England's north, to discover the county's famed woodlands and lakes on foot, horseback, and in a canoe. Then, hit the road toward Scotland to kayak across the Great Glen, go mountain biking on the slopes of Ben Nevis, and follow a"whisky trail" across the Isle of Skye.

It's not a food tour of England without an afternoon tea with scones, jam, and cream

England & Scotland for Foodies: London to the Highlands via Gourmet Tours & Whisky Tastings - 13 Days

Tantalize your taste buds as you explore England and Scotland with this 13-day trip perfect for curious foodies, craft beer lovers, and whisky connoisseurs. Sample London's formidable gastronomy scene with a tour of Borough Market and admire the Cotswolds' countryside as you drive from Oxford to Stratford-upon-Avon. Get a taste of northern traditions with brewery and food tours of Cheshire and Manchester, then fly to Edinburgh for a road trip between Highland distilleries and historic castles.

Have fun browsing the artisan stalls at London's foodie heaven, Borough Market

England for Foodies: A Self-Drive Adventure from London to Manchester - 8 Days

Bring your appetite along on this eight-day tour that combines gastronomy, history, and a self-drive adventure. Kick things off with afternoon tea at London's legendary Savoy Hotel and a food tour through the capital's backstreets and alleyways. Then, pick up your rental car and embark on a road trip through Oxford, the Cotswolds, and Shakespearean Stratford-upon-Avon. You'll finish with a craft beer tasting in Chester before soaking up Manchester's dazzling food and drink scene.

You'll find all manner of breads and baked goods at London's Borough Market

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.

Your trip begins in London, with a whirlwind tour of the city's most iconic landmarks, like the Tower of London

Self-Drive Highlights of England, Wales & Ireland - 13 Days

Get behind the wheel on a self-drive adventure that takes you west across the UK, from dynamic London to enchanted Cotswold villages and the wild, castle-studded coastline of northern Wales. But the fun doesn't end there—it's off to the Emerald Isle next to enjoy Dublin's literary heritage and discover the medieval charms of Kilkenny. Your road trip wraps up with a sailing cruise along the Cork coast and an epic drive around the glorious scenery of the Ring of Kerry.

The first leg of your journey takes your from London to the Cotswolds, where you'll stop by Blenheim Palace for tea

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.

Your road trip kicks off with a drive from London to the charming Cotswolds

Self-Drive Highlights of England, Wales & Ireland - 11 Days

Get a glimpse of three different countries in just 11 days with this self-drive journey across the UK and Ireland. It starts with a city tour of London, after which you'll hit the road toward Oxford and the Cotswolds, stopping for tea at Blenheim Palace along the way. Trade the English countryside for the dazzling Welsh coast, then hop over to Dublin, where you'll follow in the footsteps of James Joyce at Temple Bar and Trinity College and finish with a scenic road trip toward Kilkenny and Limerick.

England's Lake District, in the county of Cumbria, is renowned for its natural beauty and outdoor adventures

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.

Tunworth cheeses at Borough Market, London's vast foodie heaven

England & Scotland for Foodies: Afternoon Teas, Craft Beer Tours & Whisky Tastings - 15 Days

This gastronomy-focused highlights tour of England and Scotland starts in London, where you'll wind through historic streets and sample international and local eats. Then, pick up your rental car for a voyage through whimsical Oxford and the Cotswolds en route to the buzzing foodie cities of Chester and Manchester. Fly to Scotland, and you'll hit the road once more as you drive east to west through the Highlands for whisky tastings, artisanal chocolate, and plenty of Scottish history.

Admire national treasures and the best of 500 years of British artists at the Tate Britain

Art, History & Culture in London & the West Country - 11 Days

Tailormade for art and history-loving Anglophiles with a penchant for good food and wine, this 11-day adventure begins in style with a vintage cycle ride through London and a swish afternoon tea in Mayfair. Then, hit the road for culinary adventures in Bath before five nights in laid-back Cornwall, where Arthurian legends meet kayaking excursions, cliff-edge theater, and vineyard tours. Round out your trip with a final night in London for more foodie fun in Soho or a tour of the city's best pubs.

The Great Tor is one of the many beauty spots along the Welsh Gower Peninsula

Relaxed Southern England & Wales Road Trip: Cities, Countryside & Coast - 13 Days

Discover some of the most scenic spots in southern England and Wales with this memorable 13-day road trip. Begin in London with a leisurely pedal around the landmarks by vintage bike, then get behind the wheel for Cotswolds country living, cozy pubs, and Oxford's academia. Hop over the border into Wales for a stay in colorful, coastal Tenby and a boat trip to the wildlife haven of Skomer Island, and wrap things up with a glimpse into the world of Jane Austen on a literary tour of Bath.

Admire quintessential English countryside as you drive through the Cotswolds

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.

Spring lambs graze among the ancient standing stones at Avebury

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.

Experience London's hidden gems on a vintage bike ride through the capital

Art, History & Culture in London & the West Country - 9 Days

Discover southwestern England's many charms on this nine-day self-drive itinerary that sandwiches a whirlwind tour of Bath, Cornwall, and Exeter between stylish stays in the capital. The adventure starts in London with a luxury afternoon tea and a pedal through Covent Garden on a vintage bike. Bath beckons next as you drive west for foodie adventures and Roman ruins, then head south to Cornwall for a refreshing seaside sojourn before returning to London via Exeter's medieval passages.

Take a road trip west to discover Cornwall's artistic enclaves like St Ives

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.

Taste the best of the UK's craft beer scene in the pubs and distilleries of Chester and Edinburgh

England & Scotland for Foodies: Afternoon Teas, Craft Beer Tours & Whisky Tastings - 14 Days

From the East End of London to the Highlands of Scotland, you'll discover the best of the UK's gastronomy on this two-week, self-drive tour. Graze your way through the capital's Borough Market, picnic on the riverbanks of Oxford, and see the birthplace of the Bard in Stratford. Sip stouts at a Chester brewery and explore Manchester's multicultural history through its cuisine, then you're off to Scotland for whisky tours and Highland history as you road trip from Edinburgh to Inverness.

A sign advertising Welsh cakes, which you'll taste on a gourmet tour of Cardiff

Food, History & Culture Across England & Wales - 15 Days

Spend just over two weeks feasting your way from the streets of London to the rugged coasts of North Wales with this 15-day trip that weaves together food tours, history, and culture. You'll start with elegant afternoon tea at The Savoy before seeing royal sights and getting to grips with the capital's pub culture. Then, grab your car keys and explore the Cotswolds and Shakespeare's birthplace before descending upon the northwest for the best in local food and drink.

This self-drive adventure takes you from London to the country lanes of the Lake District

English Cities, Culture & Countryside: London to the Lake District - 13 Days

Hit the open road on a self-drive adventure across England, from historic cities to the wilds of the far north. Visit the highlights of London, like Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace, then head to Stratford to see a Shakespeare performance in the birthplace of the Bard. After hopping around Cotswolds villages and visiting Liverpool, you'll spend a few relaxing days enjoying outdoor activities in Lake District National Park before finishing up with culture and food tours in Manchester.

See a slice of England in 15 days, from the Beatles' Liverpool haunts to the wilds of the Lake District

England's Cities, Culture & Countryside: London to the Lake District - 15 Days

This scenic trip across England takes you from London to the Lake District in 15 eventful days. It kicks off with tea service and e-scooter rides around the capital, followed by a trip to Stratford-upon-Avon and a spin around the postcard-worthy Cotswolds countryside. Then it's off to the north for a week of outdoor adventures in Lake District National Park sandwiched between city tours of Liverpool and Manchester.

You'll find plenty of quaint cafés in the Cotswolds

Relaxed Southern England Road Trip: London to Bath via the Cotswolds - 11 Days

Skip your way across some of southern England's loveliest spots on this 11-day itinerary that introduces you to the countryside and villages that inspired figures such as Jane Austen, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Shakespeare. The adventure starts in London with a tasting tour of Soho, then you'll grab your car keys and wind through the Cotswolds and Wiltshire at a leisurely pace, taking in highlights from Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, and Bath while discovering historic castles, stone circles, cozy pubs, and more.

Tenby's beautiful pastel houses and sandy seafront make for a popular destination

Relaxed Southern England & Wales Road Trip: Cities, Countryside, Castles & Coast - 15 Days

This 15-day road trip combines the vibrant capital cities of London and Cardiff with leisurely explorations of the rolling English countryside and the sweeping Welsh coast. It begins with cocktails and tasty bites in Soho before moving on to a visual feast of honey-colored villages and rolling hills in middle England's Cotswolds. Head west into Wales to chart the scenic Pembrokeshire coast before looping back to London via the soaring ruins of Tintern Abbey and a stint among Bath's elegant Georgian architecture.

Drop into some of London's most historic pubs for a classic pint and plenty of atmosphere

Food, History & Culture Across England & Wales - 13 Days

Weave your way across 2,000 years of British history and culinary customs—from the elegance of afternoon tea to the centuries-old tradition of catching up over a pint in the pub. Your 13-day adventure starts in the capital, where, over four days, you'll see royal landmarks and sample delicacies at the famous Borough Market. A foodie sojourn to North Wales completes the experience, but not before you've sipped fizz at Blenheim Palace and learned about craft beers in the Roman city of Chester.

A colorful sunset over Padstow's harbor showcases why artists have always flocked to Cornwall

Art, History & Culture in London & the West Country - 13 Days

Combine the historic bustle of England's capital with the epic beauty of the West Country on this 13-day self-drive itinerary. Pedal a vintage bicycle around London's hidden corners and duck into stylish Sketch for afternoon tea with a twist; then, take the wheel for foodie adventures in Bath and a six-night road trip exploring Cornwall's coastal villages and beaches. Get a taste of Devon with a night in Exeter before making tracks back to London to seek out Soho's hidden pubs and speakeasies.

Canoe, kayak, and paddleboard your way across the glassy lakes of Lake District National Park

Nature & Adventure in England's Lake District - 10 Days

Experience the glory of England's north as you adventure your way through the fabled landscapes of the Lake District. This 10-day itinerary begins on the historic streets of Manchester, the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, and continues up into the unspoiled wilds of Lake District National Park. There, you'll hike, kayak, and cycle around famous landmarks like Windermere (the largest lake in the UK), capping the journey with a hike along the ancient Roman ruins of Hadrian's Wall.

Some of England's most dramatic landscapes are found in the Lake District

Outdoor Adventures in the English Lake District & Scottish Highlands - 14 Days

The UK is famous for its historic cities, but equally dazzling is its unspoiled countryside. This two-week outdoor adventure starts in northern England, with hiking and kayaking in the scenic Lake District (home to the country's largest lakes). After walking in the footsteps of rock history in Glasgow, you'll venture into the rugged Scottish Highlands for horseback riding in national parks, whisky tours on the Isle of Skye, a cruise on Loch Linnhe, and mountain biking down the trails of Ben Nevis.

Conwy in Wales is know for its local produce, especially its excellent seafood

England & Wales for Foodies: Pubs, Markets & Seafood - 14 Days

This fortnight of gastronomy-focused adventures starts with an in-depth tour of London's culinary hotspots and gathers pace as you hit the road west into the classic English countryside for Champagne afternoon teas and Shakespeare's Stratford. Five nights in Wales have you touring the Brecon Beacons and discovering Welsh delicacies in Snowdonia, before sipping on craft beers in Chester and descending upon the northern powerhouse of Manchester for a foodie finale.

St Michael's Mount in Cornwall has a history dating back to the early 12th century

Art, History & Culture in London & the West Country - 8 Days

Take a quick break at the Cornish seaside with this eight-day road trip through England's glorious southwest. Set off from London for a day of gastronomic delights and literary history in Bath, then chart a course to Cornwall for three nights of coastal bliss in Penzance. Head back to the capital via a leisurely stopover in Exeter, and toast your vacation with an evening of London's coziest pubs and tastiest street food.

Step into the Lost Gardens of Heligan on a day trip in Cornwall

Art, History & Culture in London & the West Country - 15 Days

Discover off-the-beaten-path London and England's southwest on this 15-day trip that begins with a stylish afternoon tea in Mayfair and a pedal around the capital's hidden gems by vintage bike. Then, hit the road for a trip to Cornwall via the elegant terraces of Bath. Over eight days on the Cornish coast, you'll visit lost gardens, sip wine in vineyards near artsy St Ives, and cruise to the Scilly Isles. Refreshed from your coastal adventures, you'll return for a final night in London to sample Soho's dining scene.

Spend your adventure with four days days of canoeing, paddleboarding, hiking, and horseback riding around England's Lake District

Outdoor Adventures in the English Lake District & Scottish Highlands - 15 Days

Scotland and the north of England are packed with wonders, both human-made and natural, and you'll spend just over two weeks discovering them with this outdoor-oriented adventure that begins with canoeing and horseback riding around the unspoiled Lake District. After hiking along the ancient Roman landmark of Hadrian's Wall, you'll head into Scotland to e-bike your way through the Highlands, kayak on famous lochs, sip whisky on the Isle of Skye, and more.

Treat the kids to a day of royal fun and history at Hampton Court Palace

Family Fun in London, Oxford & Bath: Wizards, Castles, Museums & Royalty - 14 Days

Discover royal customs, Tudor kings, medieval castles, and, of course, the most famous wizard of all with this two-week family trip that hits all the right notes for "Harry Potter" fans. There's plenty to delight the whole family here as you spend your first week in London, discovering the capital's historical highlights and inspiring museums. Then, begin your five-day road trip west for child-friendly adventures in Oxford and Bath before hot-footing it back to the capital for a final night in London.