7 Best Road Trips From London
There’s something unbeatable about packing up a car, cueing up a playlist and heading out of the city with no fixed timetable. One of the best things about road trips from London is just how quickly the scenery changes. In under two hours, you can swap traffic lights for rolling hills, seaside air, and historic streets.
Whether you’re planning a spontaneous weekend escape or a planned adventure, hiring a car gives you total freedom! To help you plan, here are 7 of the best road trips from London.
1. London to Oxford
Distance: ~60 miles
Driving time: Around 1.5 hours
A classic first choice and one of the most popular short road trips from London. Driving from London to Oxford is refreshingly simple, which is one reason it’s such a popular first-time road trip. Most drivers head west out of London via the M40, joining around west or north-west London, depending on where you’re starting. Stay on the M40 until Junction 8, then follow the A40 straight into Oxford.
The route is well signposted and smooth, with service stations along the way if you need a coffee stop.
Things to do in Oxford
Start by wandering through the historic centre, where centuries-old buildings sit side by side with lively pubs (e.g. Turf Tavern & The Perch) and museums (such as the Oxford University Museum of Natural History or the Illusion Museum if you have kids). A walk along the river is a must, especially in warmer months when you’ll spot people enjoying the water and having a picnic along the banks.
If you enjoy a bit of culture, you’ll find plenty of galleries and exhibitions dotted around the city, most of which are easy to pop into without committing a whole day. Some of the best include The Modern Art Museum and The North Wall Arts Centre. Round things off with lunch in a traditional pub or a riverside café before heading back
2. London to Brighton
Distance: ~80 miles
Driving time: Around 1hr 50 minutes
Few of the best road trips from London feel as instantly rewarding as Brighton. One moment you’re surrounded by city streets, the next you’re breathing in salty sea air and hearing the sound of waves. Brighton is playful, creative and full of character, making it ideal whether you’re travelling with friends, as a couple, or solo.
To get to Brighton from London, the common way is to take the M23 south, which later becomes the A23, leading you straight into the city.
Things to do in Brighton
Head straight to the seafront for a stroll along the pebbled beach, where you’ll find colourful beach huts and plenty of spots for fish and chips.
Wander through the narrow shopping lanes in the town centre, packed with vintage shops, independent boutiques and quirky cafés. If you’re feeling energetic, a walk up to the nearby hills rewards you with sweeping views back across the coastline. Some of the most popular things to do in Brighton include visiting the Royal Pavilion and the Brighton Palace Pier.
3. London to The Cotswolds
Distance: ~100 miles (depending on the village)
Driving time: Around 2 hours
If countryside calm is what you’re craving, the Cotswolds deliver. This region is practically made for road trips, with winding lanes, postcard-perfect villages and plenty of places to pull over and explore.
Getting to the Cotswolds depends on which village you’re heading for, but the journey is part of the fun. Many drivers take the M40 from London, exiting near Oxford or Warwick, then continue on A-roads into the heart of the region. Or, the M4 west works well if you’re heading towards the southern Cotswolds.
Things to do in The Cotswolds
The real joy here is slow travel. Drive between villages, stop when something catches your eye, and enjoy the scenery. You’ll find stone cottages, village greens, traditional tearooms and peaceful walking routes all over the place.
Some villages are unmissable. Bourton-on-the-Water is a firm favourite, often called the “Venice of the Cotswolds” thanks to the shallow River Windrush that flows through its centre. Burford is another great stop, with its steep high street lined with honey-coloured stone buildings and independent shops.
Enjoy a countryside walk? Well, there’s plenty of that. The Cotswold Way is a long-distance trail stretching over 100 miles, but even short sections make for a brilliant afternoon out.
4. London to Bath
Distance: ~115 miles
Driving time: Around 2.5 hours
Bath is a slightly longer drive, but absolutely worth it. Elegant streets, great history and a calm feel. Bath is best reached via the M4 westbound, one of the main arteries out of London. Stay on the M4 until Junction 18, then follow the A46 south, which takes you directly towards the city.
Things to do in Bath
Once you arrive, exploring on foot is the best way to soak up the city’s atmosphere. You’ll find beautiful architecture around every corner, along with riverside walks that are perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
Visit the Roman Baths, one of Britain’s best-preserved ancient spas, where you can walk the same floors as the ancient Romans and see remarkably well-preserved remains dating back nearly 2,000 years. After that, take a stroll around Bath Abbey, and if you’re feeling adventurous, climbing the tower offers stunning panoramic views across the city’s rooftops.
No visit to Bath is complete without walking along the Royal Crescent, one of the most spectacular examples of Georgian architecture in the entire country.
5. London to Stonehenge
Distance: ~90 miles
Driving time: Around 2 hours
Stonehenge is one of those places that feels completely different in person. Set in wide open countryside, it’s a fascinating and slightly mysterious destination that’s certainly worthy of a trip.
Most journeys start on the M3 heading south-west out of London, before joining the A303, which leads directly towards Stonehenge. The road opens up as you leave the city behind, with long stretches of countryside making the drive feel like part of the experience.
Things to do in Stonehenge
The stone circle is, of course, the main attraction, standing alone on Salisbury Plain and believed to be over 4,500 years old. Seeing it in person gives a real sense of scale and history that photos simply don’t capture. The landscape around it is intentionally preserved, with miles of open grassland and clearly marked walking paths
6. London to Cambridge
Distance: ~60 miles
Driving time: Around 1.5 hours
Cambridge is one of the easiest and most rewarding road trips from London, offering centuries of history in a compact, leafy setting. Best known for its incredible university, this city has loads to offer!
One of the most common routes here from London would be to take the M11 northbound, which runs almost straight from the capital to Cambridge. Simple, eh?
Things to do in Cambridge
One of the most popular activities in Cambridge is punting along the River Cam, where you’ll glide past historic college buildings and green banks. Even if you don’t get on the water, walking alongside the river, especially through The Backs, is a highlight in itself.
Historic sights are everywhere. Landmarks like King’s College Chapel dominate the skyline, while nearby college courtyards offer a glimpse into centuries of academic life. For culture lovers, the Fitzwilliam Museum is a must-visit, with impressive collections ranging from art to ancient history.
7. London to Stratford-upon-Avon
Distance: ~105 miles
Driving time: Around 2 hours
Rounding off our list is Stratford-upon-Avon. It’s a town steeped in history and best known as the birthplace of William Shakespeare. If you’re planning on driving here from London, then one of the best ways is to take the M40 north-west, exiting near Warwick or Banbury, before continuing on A-roads into Stratford-upon-Avon.
Things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon
Shakespeare’s legacy is woven throughout the town, with several historic properties linked to his life. Visiting Shakespeare’s Birthplace is one of the most popular things to do, offering insight into the playwright’s early years and the town’s Tudor past.
The River Avon is also worth a visit, with riverside walks enjoyed every single day. The area around the Royal Shakespeare Theatre is a great spot to pause, even if you’re not seeing a performance.
Hire a car for your road trip today!
Feeling inspired to get out there? These road trips from London are all about freedom. Choosing your own route, stopping when something catches your eye, and travelling on your terms. Whether you’re planning a last-minute day trip or a long weekend escape, the right car turns a good plan into a great one. Ready to hit the road? Rent a car with hiyacar today and find a vehicle from a trusted local owner near you, and get driving the same day. If you’ve got questions or need a hand choosing the right car for your trip, our friendly team is always happy to help. Just head to our contact page and get in touch.
