London may be an incredible city, but sometimes a change of scenery is necessary. Stepping away from the bustling streets and into the tranquility of nature can be rejuvenating. After being cooped up for so long, now is the perfect time to embark on an unforgettable road trip from London. We have curated a list of five exceptional journeys that will awaken your senses and invigorate your spirit.
Imagine waking up to the soothing sound of waves crashing on the shore or being serenaded by birdsong in the heart of a lush hedgerow. These are just a few of the experiences that await you on these road trips. Whether you crave the seclusion of coastal landscapes or the serenity of countryside retreats, our carefully selected destinations will offer the ideal escape. Before setting off, it might be worth having a comfortable base to return to, and crystal palace hotel could be that perfect spot, combining convenience with comfort.
For those who wish to fine-tune their trip with the best accommodation along the way, visiting tophotels.com could help in choosing top-rated hotels to ensure your road trip is as restful as it is exciting. Make sure to book in advance to secure the best deals in these popular destinations.
Discover the Culinary Delights and Charming Coastal Towns of Kent and East Sussex
Embark on an unforgettable road trip through the picturesque countryside and coastal towns of Kent and East Sussex. From Whitstable to Margate, Dungeness to Camber, and Rye to Seasalter, this thrilling journey promises three nights of adventure and approximately seven hours of scenic driving.
Your first stop along the way is the renowned Sportsman at Seasalter. Once a humble seaside pub, this culinary gem is now helmed by chef-patron Stephen Harris, serving up delectable locavore dishes like slip sole in seaweed butter. Alternatively, head to the historic Whitstable Oyster Company for a taste of their famous oysters, which have been enjoyed since the 1400s. Don't miss their sublime three-cheese crab gratin on toast.
Next, continue your road trip with a 30-minute drive to Margate. Immerse yourself in the punk Victoriana atmosphere at the Albion Rooms, a boutique hotel owned by The Libertines. For a touch of elegance, check into the charming Reading Rooms, an exquisite Georgian townhouse created by former DJs Liam Nabb and Louise Oldfield. Indulge in the finest sustainable seafood at Angela's or savor a traditional Sunday roast at the buzzing George & Heart.
As you make your way along the coast, don't pass up the opportunity to visit Broadstairs. Here, you'll find the trendiest deli in Kent, The Table, and the Michelin-starred Stark, an intimate dining experience brought to life by Chef Ben Crittenden.
Get ready to embark on a road trip that will tantalize your taste buds and introduce you to the unique charm of Kent and East Sussex. Whether you're a food lover, a history enthusiast, or simply seeking seaside serenity, this journey has it all.
Discover the Spectacular Road Trips from London
Embark on an unforgettable journey from London, exploring the breathtaking coastal towns of Margate, Deal, Folkestone, and Dungeness. Start your road trip with a refreshing coffee on the pier in Deal, followed by indulging in delicious street food at the vibrant Folkestone Harbour Arm. Make sure to spend a night at the unique and windswept Dungeness, resembling something out of a Bergman film.
Marvel at the architectural marvels of the airy timber Shingle House and the contemporary design of the low-slung concrete Pump Station. Experience the serenity of this shingled landscape while listening to the nostalgic steamy toots of the Romney, Hythe, and Dymchurch Railway.
Once you've soaked up the charm of Dungeness, continue your adventure to the medieval-cool town of Rye, where you can explore its cobblestone streets and admire the exquisite château doors and magnificent Murano chandeliers at Alex MacArthur Interiors. Recharge at the renowned Whitehouse, a bakery with charming rooms, and savor the mouthwatering halloumi hash.
If you're in the mood for sandy beaches, head back to Camber Sands and enjoy a stay at The Gallivant, a transformed motel boasting a California-style driftwood aesthetic. The vast dunes and marram grasses create an idyllic sanctuary that feels worlds away from the bustling cityscape of London.
Conclude your thrilling road trip by returning to London, a mere two hours and fifteen minutes away from Camber Sands. The memories and experiences from these remarkable destinations will surely leave you longing for your next adventure.
Discover the Charm of Somerset, a Bridgerton-Inspired Getaway
Embark on a captivating road trip from London to Somerset, immersing yourself in the allure of Bath, Bruton, and Hinton St George. This three-night journey offers around 7 hours of driving time, providing plenty of opportunities to explore the picturesque countryside.
Begin your adventure by driving from London to Bath, with a travel time of approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. Despite the less-than-romantic start on the M25 to M4 Slough-bound, your destination will more than make up for it. Bath, renowned for its romantic ambiance, captured the hearts of many as the backdrop for the beloved series Bridgerton.
During your stay in Bath, indulge in the charming elegance of the Royal Crescent Hotel, offering a taste of Georgian luxury. While exploring the city, don't miss the chance to experience the vibrant and contemporary side of Bath. Visit Magalleria, an independent magazine shop, and browse the exquisite selection. Take a moment to admire the greyscale-minimalist Francis Gallery, a collaboration between furniture maker Fred Rigby and Rosa Park, co-founder of Cereal magazine.
For a delectable culinary experience, head to Clayton's Kitchen, a delightful passion project by Robert Clayton, an acclaimed chef who previously earned Michelin stars for Hunstrete House Hotel (now The Pig near Bath) and the Bath Priory. Allow your taste buds to be enchanted by Clayton's innovative and playful dishes.
Now, combine the rich history of Bath with the thriving creative scene in Bruton. Explore the internationally acclaimed Hauser & Wirth art gallery, showcasing contemporary artwork from around the world. Discover the historic beauty of Bruton Castle, a magnificent fortress that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Lastly, make your way to Hinton St George, a charming village known for its stunning 17th-century stone cottages and idyllic landscapes. Spend an afternoon strolling through the picturesque streets and visit the local pub, The Lord Poulett Arms, for a traditional English meal and a pint of local ale.
This road trip through Bridgerton-chic Somerset promises not only romance and history but also a chance to immerse yourself in the vibrant arts and culinary scene of these captivating destinations.
Discover the picturesque road trips just a short drive away from London.
Embark on a journey through the bucolic landscapes of Somerset and experience the unique and vibrant town of Bruton. Home to the renowned gallery founded by Iwan and Manuela Wirth, as well as the stylish Number One Bruton townhouse hotel, this charming town is also a hub for creativity. Explore the Bruton Art Factory, a space that exudes an almost Warholian atmosphere, or visit the converted chapel known as Selfish Mother, where ethical T-shirts are designed for the fashion-forward local mums. Pop into the pop-ups curated by Pearl Lowe and Melissa Hemsley at this creative haven.
Just outside the town, you'll find The Newt, a grand Georgian country estate that surpasses all expectations. Lose yourself in its enchanting maze-like gardens, admire the beauty of the bottle plant and the cider press, and immerse yourself in the Victorian glasshouse. Built by South Africans Koos Bekker and Karen Roos, The Newt is a testament to their unique vision and defies simple categorization.
Continue your adventure as you hit the road from Bruton to Hinton St George.
Enjoy the scenic drive south, and revel in the beauty of the Somerset countryside. Along the way, encounter charming villages like Mudford Sock, Norton-sub-Hamdon, Evercreech, and Ditcheat. However, none can compare to the awe-inspiring village of Hinton St George, known for its abundance of roses and delightful ambiance.
Indulge in culinary delights at the Lord Poulett Arms, a historical establishment dating back to 1680. Sample the renowned Somerset rarebit and savor the flavor of local rump steaks. Take a break from your journey and engage in leisure activities such as playing boules or trying your hand at Basque pelota against the wall. Ensure a cozy night's rest with the comfortable rooms available upstairs.
Conclude your road trip with an unforgettable drive from Hinton St George back to London.
As you make your way back to the bustling city, relish the final leg of this incredible adventure. Enjoy the idyllic scenery whizzing past you as you reflect on the memories created during your road trip through Somerset. It's a journey that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the beauty and diversity that lies just beyond London's borders.
Discover the Charms of New-olde East Anglia
Embark on a captivating East Anglian odyssey and be transported to a world of scenic beauty and coastal delights. This three-night adventure showcases the gems of Mersea Island, Aldeburgh, Southwold, Bacton beach, and Holkham, offering an enriching experience away from the hustle and bustle of London.
Approximately 10 hours of driving time are required for this journey.
London to Mersea: 2 hours
Start your adventure in Essex on Mersea Island, where the Company Shed awaits. Indulge in their exquisite seafood platter, featuring a mouthwatering assortment of brown crab, tiger prawns, mussels, cockles, smoked mackerel, and locally cured salmon. This delectable feast provides the perfect fuel for your A12 road trip.
Mersea to Thorpeness: 1 hour 30 minutes
Leave the main road behind and venture into the charming pastel-hued town of Aldeburgh. Immerse yourself in its shingle beach and admire the quaint fishermen's huts. Take a detour to Thorpeness, a whimsical town known for its punting-ready boating lake. For a unique stay, consider renting the striking five-bedroom Dune House, designed with contemporary angles and glass walls. This architectural marvel, managed by Living Architecture, offers a mesmerizing seaside retreat just north of Thorpeness.
Embarking on this East Anglian road trip will grant you an escape from the ordinary, allowing you to embrace the beauty of this captivating region. From coastal vistas to delightful villages, each stop on this journey promises to create lasting memories.
Thorpeness-Southwold: 30 minutes
Head north to Southwold to play the eccentric slot machines on the pier, created by artist-engineer Tim Hunkin, and watch a film in the Fifties-style Electric Picture Palace, with its usherettes, chandeliers and red drapes. The ‘ferry’ to Walberswick is really a little wooden boat rowed by fifth-generation owner Danni Church or one of her team, ideally preceded by oysters on the quayside and then a pint and plate of mussels in The Anchor at Walberswick.
Southwold-Bacton beach: 1 hour 20 minutes
Keep driving north along the coast beyond Great Yarmouth and stay at Eden Hall cottage, a former boarding school near the long Bacton beach, given a sleek greyscale makeover by Plum and Ashby owner Vicky White. Opt for a supper of Cromer crab and venison from the adjoining deer park at the Gunton Arms, a country pub owned by art dealer Ivor Braka and filled with Emin neons, Hirst butterflies and other YBA treasures.
Discover the Beautiful Beaches and Historic Halls of Norfolk
Embark on an unforgettable road trip from London and journey to the enchanting Norfolk coastline. Just a scenic 1 hour and 15 minutes' drive from Bacton Beach to Holkham, immerse yourself in the sheer majesty of the beaches along the north Norfolk shore. As you explore this stunning area, you'll witness a shift from the eccentric charm of the east coast to a more refined and elegant setting.
For a grand finale, spend a night of regal splendor at one of the four lodges nestled in the picturesque gardens of Holkham Hall. This Palladian masterpiece boasts enchanting pinewood trails leading to the pristine sandy shores. Alternatively, venture inland to Wolterton Hall, an architecturally remarkable estate designed by the brother of Robert Walpole, the first British prime minister. The hall has received a vibrant rejuvenation by its talented interior designers and owners, Peter Sheppard and Keith Day.
On your return journey from Holkham Hall to London, enjoy a leisurely drive that will take approximately 3 hours.
Experience the allure of Norfolk's coastal beauty, adorned with picturesque beaches and historical landmarks that will leave you captivated. This road trip promises adventure, relaxation, and a glimpse into the rich history of this remarkable region.
Discover the Beauty of Cotswolds
Nestled in the heart of the English countryside lies a road trip that promises scenic landscapes, charming villages, and a touch of sophistication. Embark on a journey from London to Cotswolds, a region beloved by both locals and tourists alike.
THREE NIGHTS, ABOUT 7 HOURS DRIVING.
London-Chipping Norton: 2 hours
Begin your adventure by driving to Chipping Norton, a delightful market town that will transport you away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Here, you can find a haven of tranquility at Soho Farmhouse, where grazing sheep, stables, and the opportunity for people-watching await. Take a moment to relish in the rustic charm before continuing your journey.
Chipping Norton-Kingham-Slaughters-Cheltenham: 1 hour 10 minutes
Next, make a stop at Kingham, the epitome of Cotswolds' allure. Visit Alex James's farm, a haven for music lovers, and indulge in the delights offered by Daylesford Farm, known for its dedication to locally-sourced produce. When hunger strikes, head to the renowned Kingham Plough, where the ploughman's board will leave you in awe.
As you venture north and west, be sure to explore the charming market town of Stow-on-the-Wold, with its picturesque streets and quintessential English charm. Don't miss the opportunity to explore Upper and Lower Slaughter, where you'll find flower-lined paths and enchanting canals winding through medieval houses. Continue your drive, passing by Bourton-on-the-Water, known for its riverside pubs and the beloved tradition of river football.
Your final destination is the unexpectedly cool town of Cheltenham. Check-in at No.131 or No.38 The Park, two exquisite townhouse hotels crafted by the talented minds of Sam and Georgie Pearman's Lucky Onion group. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Cheltenham, a perfect conclusion to your Cotswolds adventure.
Looking for the ultimate road trip experience from London? Look no further! Just 1 hour and 20 minutes south of Cheltenham through Foss Cross near Cirencester, you'll find The Stump, a charming 17th-century coaching inn owned by childhood friends Baz and Fred. This hidden gem serves delicious stone-baked pizzas that are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Continuing south, you'll encounter picturesque villages like Castle Combe, famous for its enchanting wisteria-clad cottages. If you're a fan of Downton Abbey and War Horse, you might recognize this charming village, as it has served as a filming location. Despite the nearby M4 motorway, the village still retains its tranquil atmosphere, and it serves as a convenient route back home to London.
For the return journey, make your way back from Castle Combe to London in just 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Are you ready to embark on this unforgettable road trip adventure? Start planning now and explore the stunning countryside, indulge in mouthwatering cuisine, and take in the charming villages along the way!
A Breathtaking Adventure
Embark on a mesmerizing journey through stunning landscapes, from Wimborne St Giles to Hope Cove, Portwrinkle, Penzance, St Isaac, and ending at Wanson Mouth. This exhilarating road trip spans five nights and approximately 17 hours of driving, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the British countryside.
London-Wimborne St Giles: 2 hours 30 minutes
Prepare for an unforgettable adventure as you leave London via the M3. Along the way, indulge in a delectable pub lunch at the renowned Wykeham Arms in Winchester before venturing into the enchanting New Forest. Your first destination awaits at The Riding House, a charming 17th-century stable block transformed into an extraordinary eight-room guesthouse by the visionary landowner and DJ, Nick Ashley-Cooper. Immerse yourself in the opulence of Cranborne Chase downs and experience a theatrical ambiance.
For thrill-seekers, consider taking a detour south to Swanage and board the historic steam train from Wareham for a captivating coastal experience. Alternatively, continue your westward journey, passing through Blandford Forum and marveling at the impressive Cerne Abbas chalk giant, an iconic symbol of the region.
Wimborne St Giles-Hope Cove: 3 hours
It’s a longish journey, but you should be able to get to Hope Cove House, overlooking a pretty cove near Salcombe, in time for a sundowner and whole prawns or merguez sausages from the barbecue on the sea-facing terrace (owner Oli Barker was a partner in much-loved London restaurants Terroirs, Soif, Brawn and Six Portland Road).
Hope Cove-Portwrinkle: 1 hour 10 minutes
After a beachy day, and lunch at Salcombe’s Crab Shed, drive beyond Plymouth to Portwrinkle, for a romantic night at The Shipwreck, a nautical bolthole looking out over a bay and fashioned almost entirely from wood from the sunken Kodima cargo vessel.
Portwrinkle-Penzance: 1 hour 30 minutes
Push west to Penzance for some antiques shopping and a dip in the beautiful Art Deco Jubilee Pool. Have lunch or dinner at seafood restaurant The Shore, run by Scottish chef Bruce Rennie and with sustainable seafood direct from the boats in nearby Newlyn. Go to sleep to the muffled sound of seagulls in the Chapel House, a Georgian townhouse near the harbour wall given an elegant, wood-and-whitewash makeover by former charity executive Susan Stuart, who serves farm-fresh breakfasts and seafood suppers at weekends.
Penzance-Barford Beach House via the coast: 3 hours
Drive round the Cornish coast via Mousehole, Porthcurno and Pendeen to St Ives, deciding between a pub lunch at the wonderful Gurnard’s Head or seafood up the coast at Port Isaac, where Nathan Outlaw has replaced his two-Michelin-starred restaurant with more accessible set menus at Outlaw’s New Road. Stay the night at Barford Beach House, with an airy-industrial vibe and vintage arcade games overlooking the shell-strewn beach at Wanson Mouth. A dip in the sea followed by a sauna is a good way to soak up all your Cornish Zen before carrying on toward North Devon and back to London.