Charms of England: 8-Day Road Trip

Today, drive from Bideford to Plymouth (approx. 2–2.5 hours), travelling through some of England’s most scenic countryside. Along the way, enjoy charming villages, historic landmarks, and coastal landscapes. You’ll be spending the night in Plymouth.

Suggestion For The Day:

• Begin your morning leaving Bideford and head towards the coastal village of Lynmouth, where you can enjoy a gentle walk along the harbor and take in sea views.
• Continue to the medieval village of Dunster, known for its historic streets and traditional English charm.
• Next, visit Buckfast Abbey, where Benedictine monks have lived and prayed for nearly 1,000 years, offering a peaceful and reflective stop.
• Later, arrive in Plymouth, a historic port city closely linked to maritime exploration and the Royal Navy.
• Settle into your hotel and, if time allows, visit the National Marine Aquarium or the historic Plymouth Gin Distillery.
• Enjoy a relaxed evening exploring the waterfront or dining near the harbor.

Today, drive from Plymouth to Penzance (approx. 2.5 hours), exploring some of Cornwall’s most picturesque coastal towns along the way. You’ll be spending the night in Penzance, the southernmost point of your road trip.

Suggestion For The Day:

• Depart Plymouth in the morning and head to Port Isaac, a charming fishing village famous for its narrow streets, harbor views, and television appearances.
• Continue to St Ives, a vibrant seaside town known for its artistic spirit and beautiful beaches.
• Spend time relaxing on Porthmeor Beach, visiting Tate St Ives, exploring the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, or joining a Seal Island boat trip to spot marine life.
• In the late afternoon, drive to Penzance, check in at your hotel, and enjoy a peaceful evening by the sea.

Today, drive from Penzance to Bristol (approx. 4–4.5 hours), passing through dramatic moorlands and historic cities. You’ll be spending the night in Bristol.

Suggestion For The Day:

• Leave Penzance and travel through the wild landscapes of Dartmoor National Park, where you may wish to stop and enjoy the mysterious moors and open scenery.
• Continue to the historic city of Exeter and visit Exeter Cathedral, renowned for its stunning medieval stone vault - the longest continuous medieval vault in the world.
• Afterward, continue your journey to Bristol. Check in at your hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening exploring the city or dining at one of its lively restaurants.

Today, drive from Bristol to Lacock (approx. 1.5 hours) through the rolling English countryside. You’ll be spending the night in Lacock, a village frozen in time.

Suggestion For The Day:

• Depart Bristol and head to Longleat House, one of England’s finest stately homes.
• Enjoy a guided tour (optional) of the grand interiors, featuring priceless art, antiques, and tapestries collected by generations of the Marquess of Bath family.
• Take time to stroll through the beautifully landscaped Capability Brown parkland surrounding the estate.
• Later, continue to the picturesque village of Lacock, famous for its honey-colored stone cottages and historic inns.
• Enjoy an evening walk through the village, which has served as a filming location for Harry Potter, Pride & Prejudice, and Downton Abbey.

Today, drive from Lacock to Stonehenge (approx. 1 hour) to visit one of the world’s most iconic prehistoric monuments. After your visit, continue around 2 hours to London, where you’ll be spending the night.

Suggestion For The Day:

• Begin your morning heading to Stonehenge, standing dramatically on Salisbury Plain.
• Take time to explore the ancient stone circle and imagine the rituals and gatherings that once took place here thousands of years ago.
• Afterward, continue your drive back to London.
• Arrive in the capital and enjoy a final afternoon or evening exploring the city, shopping for souvenirs, or savoring your last fish and chips of the trip.