If you’ve been dreaming of exploring England beyond the usual city sights, a road trip is the perfect way to do it. In just 10 days, you can wander through historic fishing villages, meander the honey-hued lanes of the Cotswolds, cheer at a football match in Manchester, and finish up with a few unforgettable days in London.
This is the exact route my husband and I took, and I’ve written it as a practical guide so you can copy (or tweak) it for your own adventure. Think of this as a cosy travel plan with a little bit of sightseeing, a little bit of relaxing, and plenty of good food.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my full disclosure here.
The Route at a Glance
- Day 1: Arrive in London, collect your rental car, and drive to Cornwall.
- Days 1–3: Explore Cornwall (based in Newquay).
- Days 3–5: The Cotswolds (with a stop at Stonehenge en route).
- Days 5–7: Manchester (Old Trafford and beyond).
- Days 7–10: London (return car, enjoy city highlights).
Food & Budget Tips
Travelling can be expensive, but here are some tips to help you save money. We had a daily budget on our trip and managed to spend less money than we expected, which was nice.
- Prebook your car hire as far in advance as possible. It will usually be the best price, and you’ll have more choices.
- Book accommodation that includes a car park. Don’t get caught out having to park in a public car park, especially in Cornwall, because it’s super expensive and inconvenient.
- Eat ready-made meals. We ate a lot of premade meals from Aldi and M&S. They were incredibly delicious, affordable, and easy if you were tired after a long day of sightseeing. We ate granola and yoghurt at our accommodation before heading out each morning. Or grabbed something easy and cheap out.
- Snack grazing. Instead of a sit-down lunch every day, we’d sample little treats from different cafés and bakeries. It’s cheaper and a fun way to try more local flavours.
Days 1–3: Cornwall
After landing in London, pick up your car and make the drive to Cornwall. It takes around 5–6 hours, so expect to be a little bit tired, but once you arrive, the coastal views are worth every mile.
If you don’t want to drive all the way there, plan an overnight stay in Sailsbury and stay at Cricket Feilds House, a quaint motel with stunning gardens.
We stayed at Ghekos Rest in Newquay and I couldn’t recommend it enough. The rooms were spotless, the owners were so kind, and the location was perfect. It overlooks the seaside but is still just a 5-minute walk to town and a 10-minute walk to the beach. Breakfast was included and felt like eating in a café, with proper menus and everything. If you’re looking for a comfortable and friendly base, this is a gem.
Soak up the coastal vibes. Newquay is a famous surfing town, so even if you don’t surf, just being near the water is a treat. There are plenty of walking tracks along the seaside, and of course, you can walk along the beach.
Get fish & chips from The Chippy. You absolutely have to try their fish and chips with curry sauce… It’s a 10/10 meal that you’ll still be thinking about long after you’ve left!
Take a Day trip to Padstow. This was our favourite little seaside village. Stroll through the lovely shops and stop by Rick Stein’s store for some beautiful homewares. The Cornish Bakery is also a must-visit for a warm pasty. You can also grab a classic Cornish clotted cream tea at Cherry Trees Coffee House. We bought some beautiful prints from a local artist and found a nice spot to sit and enjoy the view of the small village.
Extra tip: If you have more time, visit some of the other beaches nearby. Cornwall is full of sandy coves, cliffside views, and colourful harbours just waiting to be explored.
Days 3–5: The Cotswolds
Leaving Cornwall, make your way north toward the Cotswolds. It’s about a 4-5 hour drive, but plan to stop at Stonehenge along the way. It’s a bit touristy, yes, but there’s something magical about standing in front of those ancient stones and realising just how old they are.
We booked an Airbnb in Brize Norton. The Cotswolds are dotted with charming cottages, boutique inns, and traditional bed & breakfasts (you really can’t go wrong).
Daylesford Organic Farm. This is a very polished farm shop and café. It’s beautiful but quite expensive, so don’t feel guilty if you just wander and admire the stunning design.
Burford Garden Company. This was a huge highlight for me. It’s more than just a garden centre! Here you’ll find books, home goods, and gifts. It was a stunning place to pick up a souvenir and get some inspiration for your own home and garden.
Clarkson’s Farm (Diddly Squat Farm Shop). If you’re a fan of the show, it’s worth a stop. The line for the farm shop was massive when we arrived, so I suggest going to The Farmer’s Dog pub instead. You can buy the same branded goods, enjoy a pint or a meal, and skip the queues. We even paid extra to keep the pint glasses as fun souvenirs!
Lucy’s Tearoom in Stow-on-the-Wold. A perfect spot for a hearty English breakfast with a lovely cup of tea. If you’re there in summer, try to pick up a punnet of locally grown strawberries from the butcher’s shop. They are the BEST strawberries we have ever had!!!
Bourton-on-the-Water. This little town is straight out of a storybook. Walk along the river, browse the shops, and step inside the Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection. If you grew up with the TV show Brum, you’ll be delighted to see the original car on display.
Extra tip: The Cotswolds are best enjoyed slowly. Every town has its own charm, so give yourself time to explore instead of rushing through.
Days 5–7: Manchester
Because my family are massive Manchester United fans, a trip to the city was on our bucket list! Even if you’re not a football fan, it’s a fun experience. For us, it was all about Old Trafford.
Old Trafford Stadium Tour or Match. If you can, book tickets to a Manchester United game. The atmosphere is unforgettable, and you’ll be glad you planned ahead. Don’t forget to stock up on merch at the mega store under the stadium! You’ll find everything from scarves to jerseys.
Stay near the stadium. This makes getting around so much easier, as the trams on match days are absolutely packed.
Extra tip: Manchester also has a great food and pub scene. If you have an extra evening, explore the Northern Quarter for street art, live music, and independent cafés.
Days 7–10: London
From Manchester, drive back to London, return your rental car at the airport, and take the train into the city. We purchased the Anytime Travel Day Card (approximately £20 each), which covered our airport transfer and provided unlimited public transport for the entire day because it was far better value than buying individual fares.
We booked into The Z Hotel Strand. The rooms are small but have everything we needed for a few days in London. It was a great price for an incredible, central location right in Covent Garden, so we were able to walk to most of the sights.
Sightsee. London is jam-packed with things to see, and thankfully, we were within walking distance of most of the main attractions. From our hotel, we walked to Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Hyde Park, Westminster Abbey, and Oxford Street. We did catch the tube to visit Harrods and Tower Bridge, as they were further away. You can simply tap your bank card or use Apple Pay at the gate, making it incredibly easy to get around.
Westminster Abbey. Set aside at least half a day for this. We spent 4-5 hours here and were so surprised by just how much history is packed into one place. Kings, queens, poets, it’s all there!
Must-See Department Stores. Even if you don’t buy anything, the Liberty London Tudor-style building itself is worth seeing. I loved browsing their tins of tea and biscuits. They would be perfect for storing sewing supplies or seed packets once you’re home. I’ll admit I spent a small fortune here because it’s been a dream of mine to visit. I still can’t believe I’ve been here now! Fortnum & Mason is another classic store worth a visit, just to see the spectacular food halls.
See a West End show. London’s theatre scene is world-class. We would love to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, but tickets sell out early, so plan ahead if that’s on your list!
Try lots of food. The Seven Dials Market is perfect for dinner. This food hall is a great choice because everyone can pick something different. Try a classic pub. End your day with a pint in one of London’s many cosy pubs. It’s the best way to soak up the English atmosphere.
Final Thoughts
This 10-day England road trip gave us the perfect balance: rugged coastlines, charming villages, iconic sights, and the best of London. If you’re planning your first trip to England, this route covers so many highlights without feeling overwhelming. With a car, you’ll have the flexibility to explore at your own pace while still ticking off all the must-sees.
Pack comfy shoes, an umbrella (just in case!), and leave room in your suitcase—you’ll definitely want to bring home a few treasures.
