English Adventure - Discover the South West

Collect your rental car and head southwest towards Guildford, a charming town in Surrey known for its picturesque high street and historic Guildford Castle, offering great views over the town and surrounding countryside. Next, stop in Farnham, where you can visit Farnham Castle, a historic fortress with stunning grounds. Continuing south, take a detour to the South Downs National Park, an area of natural beauty offering scenic walking trails and breathtaking views. As you approach Winchester, stop to explore this historic city, home to the impressive Winchester Cathedral, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Europe. From there, you could visit Hampshire's New Forest National Park, a serene area full of wild ponies, ancient woodlands, and quaint villages, ideal for a relaxing break. Finally, as you approach Bournemouth, consider stopping at Christchurch, a picturesque town with a beautiful Christchurch Priory and scenic walks along the River Stour.  Make your way to Bournemouth for your two-night stay.

Overnight - Bournemouth area

Begin your day with a drive to Studland Bay, a beautiful spot with sandy beaches and nature reserves, perfect for a relaxed day outdoors. A short drive takes you to Corfe Castle, a dramatic ruin that offers panoramic views of the Purbeck Hills and is ideal for exploring the area’s rich history. Head further west to The Tank Museum in Bovington, where you can see a fascinating collection of military vehicles, or take a detour to RSPB Arne Nature Reserve for peaceful walks and birdwatching. For a change of pace, drive to Poole, where you can take a boat trip around Poole Harbour or visit Brownsea Island, known for its wildlife. In the evening, return to Bournemouth, where the vibrant seafront comes alive. Enjoy dinner at one of the many seaside restaurants or pubs, such as those along the Bournemouth Pier or in the West Cliff area.

Overnight - Bournemouth  area

As you leave Bournemouth, head west to Dorset, passing through charming towns like Dorchester, where you can visit the Dorset County Museum or stroll through Max Gate, the home of author Thomas Hardy. Continuing southwest, stop in Lyme Regis, a picturesque seaside town known for its Jurassic Coast fossils and Lyme Regis Museum. Heading further into Devon, take a detour to Bridport, a lovely market town with a rich history and the nearby West Bay with its dramatic cliffs, featured in the TV series Broadchurch. Before reaching Torquay, pass through the South Hams area, where you can explore the lovely village of Totnes, with its medieval castle, quirky shops, and riverside walks. Once you arrive in Torquay, spend the evening enjoying the stunning harbor views, dining at a waterfront restaurant, or taking a relaxing stroll along the Victorian-era promenade.

Overnight - Torquay area

The drive from Torquay to Bideford takes you through some of the most scenic and charming parts of Devon. Start by heading west along the coast to Dartmouth, a picturesque town with a medieval castle, cobbled streets, and stunning views of the River Dart. You can also take a boat trip across the river to Kingswear for even more panoramic views. Continuing along the coast, stop in Salcombe, a vibrant town known for its beautiful beaches, boutique shops, and excellent seafood. As you drive north, explore the South Hams area, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering plenty of opportunities for hiking and scenic views. Further up the coast, you'll come to Plymouth, where you can visit The Hoe for views of the harbor, the iconic Royal Citadel, or the Mayflower Steps, marking the departure of the Pilgrims to America in 1620. As you approach Bideford, make sure to visit Instow, a quaint village at the confluence of the River Taw and River Torridge, known for its beautiful beaches and estuary views. Finally, arrive in Bideford, a historic port town where you can explore the Old Bridge, stroll along the riverfront, or take a trip to Bideford Bay for a relaxing end to your journey.

Overnight - Bideford area

Today’s drive will you through the heart of Somerset.  Head east towards Barnstaple, where you can make a brief stop to explore its historic market and the nearby Arlington Court, a National Trust property with beautiful gardens. Continuing on, drive through the scenic Exmoor National Park, a stunning area with rugged moorlands, charming villages, and plenty of opportunities for short walks and wildlife spotting. After leaving Exmoor, head towards Taunton, a historic town known for its rich textile history and the tranquil Vivary Park. Further along, visit the picturesque village of Wells, home to the magnificent Wells Cathedral, one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in England, as well as the Bishop’s Palace and its stunning gardens. Finally, head towards Bath, your home for the next two nights.

Overnight - Bath area

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Roman Baths, where you can walk through the ancient bathhouse, marvel at the hot spring water, and learn about the city's Roman heritage through interactive exhibits. Just next door is the magnificent Bath Abbey, a stunning Gothic structure with beautiful stained-glass windows and intricate stonework. Afterward, take a stroll through the Royal Crescent, a sweeping crescent of Georgian townhouses with impeccable views of the surrounding landscape, and then visit the Circus, another architectural masterpiece. For a relaxing break, head to Pulteney Bridge, one of the most photographed bridges in the UK, offering picturesque views over the River Avon. Enjoy a peaceful walk along the river or through the Botanical Gardens in Victoria Park, before heading to The Jane Austen Centre to learn about the famous author’s connection to Bath. In the afternoon, unwind with a visit to the Thermae Bath Spa, where you can soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters while enjoying panoramic views of the city from the rooftop pool. Finish your day with dinner at one of Bath's many excellent restaurants or cozy pubs.

Overnight - Bath area

As you leave Bath, head towards the town of Bradford-on-Avon, a charming riverside town with lovely medieval architecture, including the Tithe Barn and Bradford Bridge. Continuing east, stop in Lacock, a picturesque village famous for its preserved historical buildings and the Lacock Abbey, which has been used in films like Harry Potter. From Lacock, make your way toward Wokingham, a historic market town with a quaint center perfect for a short stroll. As you near London, take a detour to Guildford, where you can visit Guildford Castle for panoramic views over the town or explore the cobbled streets and independent shops.
In the evening, enjoy a relaxing dinner at your hotel's restaurant or unwind with a stroll around the nearby Crawley town center.

Overnight - London area airport hotel

Sadly, your driving holiday ends upon checkout.  Make your way to the airport for your return flight.