3 of the Best Road Trip Routes Across Southern England
With opportunities for international travel still quite limited at this point in time, you might be considering a staycation.
The UK offers some really interesting and truly beautiful locations; a road trip in England provides a great way to explore some of these sites.
You could explore Southern England by rail or by coach, but it would take you a long time - and if you choose the former, cost you a lot of money. The easiest and most enjoyable way to see this region is by car - whether your own or hired. With your own transport you can stop off at any point during your UK road trip and enjoy the many attractions along the way, as the whim takes you.
In this guide we'll move from the southeast to southwest of England, picking out some of the best UK road trip ideas for the South of England.
South East
London to Brighton and the South Downs
Suggested time: 4 to 6 days
If you live in London, Brighton is within easy reach by car, and is located near the picturesque South Downs National Park. Just 55 miles and about 90 minutes' drive south from the capital, Brighton and its surrounds offer respite from the business of London and is the quintessential British seaside break: beautiful coastal stretches, undulating green hills - and fantastic nightlife.
The South Downs
Don't miss the stunning coastal walk at Seven Sisters, or the South Downs' Devil's Dyke hiking route - the largest ‘dry valley' in the UK.
Exploring Brighton
In Brighton itself there's a lot to see and do, so a couple of nights are advised. Check out the vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, the majestic Royal Pavilion, Brightom Palace Pier and The Lanes.
The all-new 150m space-age viewing platform British Airways i360 offers splendid views over Brighton, the South Downs, and, if weather permits, the Isle of Wight in the distance.
South
Oxford, Cambridge and Salisbury
Suggested time: 3 to 6 days
This UK road trip itinerary takes in the two most famous university cities in England - Cambridge and Oxford, before heading south towards Salisbury, via the 5,000-year-old Stonehenge. This route would need at least two days to do it justice - ideally four. The route is only 154 miles (3hr 25m) but there are many historic towns and villages along the way.
Exploring Cambridge
In Cambridge try punting down the river Cam, or experience a behind-the-scenes university tour.
Also take some time to visit the Fitzwilliam Museum, the most visited free attraction in Cambridge. The museum houses an impressive art collection which includes work by artists such as Da Vinci, Rembrandt, Monet, Picasso, Constable and many more. It is also home to a vast collection of artifacts from across the globe.
Exploring Oxford
In Oxford, don't miss the delightful country pile known as Blenheim Palace, or the Harry Potter locations tour - or the many university draws - including the incredible Bodleian Library (1602).
Oxford is also home to the UK's oldest botanic garden, which features a combination of glasshouses and grounds with hundreds of plant species from near and far.
From Oxford, head south to Salisbury via the A303 - so you can stop off at the ancient and mysterious UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stonehenge.
Salisbury
Later, explore the medieval cobbled streets of Salisbury, with its 700-year-old cathedral, boasting the tallest church spire in the United Kingdom since 1561, the world's oldest working clock and the best preserved 1215 Magna Carta!
Southwest
Exeter to Plymouth, via the English Riviera and Dartmoor
Suggested time: 3 to 5 days
Devon and Cornwall present countless road trip opportunities for a South England road trip.
Blessed as the region is with stunning national parks, sandy beaches and historic towns, this particular route starts in the Devon county capital of Exeter.
Exploring Exeter
We start our road trip in Exeter, famed for its beautiful 621-year-old cathedral - a fine example of Gothic architecture - and its medieval underground passageways, built to bring spring water in to the city.
Whilst in Exeter, the stunning Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery is well worth a visit; and, if you're a fan of film, you might also want to take in a visit to The Bill Douglas Cinema Museum.
Exeter's Historic Quayside is one of the most attractive areas of the city and offers a great place to browse antique shops, or to grab some food before heading back out on the road.
The English Riviera and Dartmoor
From Exeter, head south along the A379 and take in the beauty of the English Riviera - the vast Exe estuary with Exmouth in the distance; Dawlish; Teignmouth; Torquay; and Paignton. Consider staying in a quaint seaside bed and breakfast in one of these coastal towns.Next, instead of going straight to Plymouth, take the road west and northwest into Dartmoor National Park – famed for it's tors, ponies and of course, The of Hounds of the Baskervilles.
Pencil in time for towns like Buckfastleigh, Ashburton, Widecombe-in-the-Moor and Postbridge.
Plymouth, Devon's biggest city, is your next port of call.
Exploring Plymouth
Home to one of the Royal Navy's three operating bases. Plymouth Hoe offers dramatic views over Plymouth Sound, where Sir Francis Drake set off to defeat the Spanish Armada in 1588 (after finishing his game of bowls).
Visit the famous Mayflower Steps, a commemorative site to mark where the Pilgrims set sail in 1620, or The Box; Plymouth's new museum and art gallery.
Plymouth is also home to the UK's largest aquarium - National Marine Aquarium - where you'll meet more than 4,000 sea creatures.
From here the joys of Cornwall await, via Brunel's final bridge across the Tamar.
Get a Quote