London is positioned conveniently well in the middle of a whole lot of great road trip destinations, all within a two-hour car ride.
So if you’re longing for a road trip, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Just a few miles outside London, you could find yourself bathing in the sun on the beach, eating a chippie tea; hiking along glorious clifftops; walking down quaint cobbled lanes and enjoying a wine tasting in the vineyard where it was made.
But before you hit the road, do the prep. Make sure your oil levels are topped up, your car tyres have the correct tread depth, and your car is ready to handle whatever the journey brings. If you’re unsure, head to a garage where they can determine if your vehicle is road-trip-ready, because no one wants a breakdown in the middle of an adventure.
Now, map in hand (or sat nav at the ready), here are some of the top destinations to explore from London.
The Great West Way: A Journey Through History
If you love stories etched in stone and timeworn towns, the Great West Way doesn’t fail to deliver. This route from London to Bristol is a beautiful tapestry of England’s majestic past. Wander the halls of Windsor Castle, marvel at the ancient engineering of Stonehenge, and relax in the mineral-rich waters of the Roman Baths in Bath, a city that made its name for itself as a spa town 2000 years ago. Every stop along this journey feels like stepping through a different chapter of a history book.
The Cotswolds: Quintessential English Countryside
If your idea of bliss is slow travel, honey-hued cottages, and pub lunches under a thatched roof, the Cotswolds is your paradise. Just a couple of hours from London, it’s dotted with postcard-perfect towns like Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Castle Combe—the kind of places where time seems to politely pause.
Wander through cobbled streets lined with artisan shops, sip cream tea in quaint tearooms, or take a lazy stroll along the River Windrush as it winds past weeping willows and stone bridges. Whether you’re exploring ancient churches, browsing weekend farmers’ markets, or simply watching the golden light dance across rolling hills, the Cotswolds offers a gentle reminder to slow down, breathe deeply, and savour the quiet magic of the English countryside.
Brighton: A Seaside Escape
Head south and feel the salty breeze in Brighton, where the vibe is equal parts bohemian and bucket-and-spade. Take a spin on the rides at the 120-year-old Brighton Pier and enjoy some incredible fish & chips, shop the quirky vintage finds in some really cool independent shops in The Lanes, and take in the glorious view from above via the British Airways i360.
Oxford: A City of Dreaming Spires
Just an hour from London, Oxford is a blend of academic prestige with jaw-dropping architectural splendour. Walk in the footsteps of legends at the University of Oxford, discover ancient artefacts at the Ashmolean Museum, and recharge amid nature in the Botanic Garden. For the best view, climb the tower at St. Mary’s to look out across the dreaming spires and the iconic Radcliffe Camera. Enjoy punting? Punt along the river (or take a boat cruise past the countryside that inspired Alice in Wonderland).
