15 Places of Interest Between London and Bristol

No one would even think of renting a car just to drive around a big city. Renting a car to drive around London would be sheer folly, since public transportation there is much more efficient. It’s a different story if you’re flying into London but not to visit the city itself. In that case, you can rent a car at one of the airports for a fantastic road trip through southern England. With the exception of London City Airport, these airports are all located on the outskirts of the British capital (Heathrow) or outside of it: Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Southend. Bristol Airport is also located far outside the city. This means you’ll be on your way quickly once you’ve rented a car at one of these airports.

Below, we’ll give you tips for a road trip taking in the sights between London and Bristol. We won’t be taking the shortest route—far from it. We’ll start in London, but of course you can do this road trip in either direction. Rent a car in Bristol or London to cover the entire route, or choose just a few sections. Many of the attractions we describe are also easily accessible if you’d prefer to take day trips in a rental car.

Canterbury

For the first stop, it makes quite a difference which airport you rented a car from. From Gatwick, Stansted, and Southend, you can reach Canterbury in one and a half to two hours, but allow an extra hour if you’re coming from Luton or Heathrow. Canterbury, in the county of Kent, is a charming city full of surprises. The city was heavily bombed during World War II, but fortunately, its main attraction—the cathedral—was spared. Book tickets online in advance if you want to tour the interior of Canterbury Cathedral. Most of the current cathedral is Gothic in style and dates from the 12th and 14th centuries. The stained-glass windows (covering a total of over 1,200 square meters!) tell a rich story of the city’s history, from miracles to murders. Not only the cathedral itself, but also the cloisters are well worth a visit. You’ll find even more religious history at St. Augustine’s Abbey and St. Martin’s Church, the oldest church in the English-speaking world.

To explore the city’s even older history, head underground at the Roman Museum to see the remains of houses and other buildings from Roman times. Take a leisurely stroll through Canterbury and admire the beautiful old houses. Around Buttermarket Square, one street is even more picturesque than the next. In the tower of the medieval city gate, Westgate, there’s an interesting exhibition dedicated to the punishment of criminals in days gone by. Today, you can even enjoy a drink in the restored cells!

The White Cliffs of Dover

From Canterbury, it’s a half-hour drive in your rental car to Dover. The port city itself isn’t particularly remarkable, but the real draw, of course, is the often-celebrated steep cliffs that form the coastline here. Park your rental car at the National Trust visitor center; the route there is clearly marked from the A258.

The best way to see the cliffs is to walk along the coastal path toward South Foreland Lighthouse —a walk of about three kilometers. You’ll walk through grasslands and enjoy a fantastic view of the white chalk cliffs. Along the way, you’ll pass Fan Bay Deep Shelter, a deep cave where British soldiers took refuge from German attacks during World War II. You can go inside, but only with a guide. Via the old smuggling path known as Langdon Stairs, you’ll zigzag down a cliff, through a small tunnel, and finally descend via a tall ladder to the rocky beach. During this hike, you can spot birds of prey such as buzzards, kestrels, and peregrine falcons.

Rye

Take small back roads to drive through a landscape of rolling hills to the beautiful town of Rye. In the Middle Ages, it played an important role in England’s maritime defense. At that time, Rye was situated on a bay, but the bay silted up, leaving the town more than three kilometers from the sea. As a result, later developments bypassed Rye, and its charming historic center has been preserved.

Park your rental car in one of the lots on the outskirts and explore the town on foot. The steep streets are paved with cobblestones and lined with historic houses. Rye Castle, built of iron-colored sandstone in the 14th century, serves as a reminder of the town’s former defensive role. The interior of the Georgian Lamb House is dedicated to the various writers who have lived there, including Henry James.

Beachy Head & Seven Sisters

The best part of a road trip in a rental car is that you can stop wherever, whenever, and for as long as you like. Our next destination is Brighton, but don’t hesitate to make a stop at the Seven Sisters, especially if you skipped the cliffs at Dover or simply can’t get enough of chalk cliffs. For a taste of what’s to come, drive from Eastbourne along Beachy Head Road to the Birling Gap parking lot. Along the way, there are several spots where you can park your rental car and take a short walk to the edge of the cliff.

As the name suggests, the Sisters consist of seven imposing cliffs in a row. You can’t drive along that stretch, but you can take a walk along the tops and sometimes descend to the beach for a different perspective. It’s quite difficult to walk on that beach, though, because it’s covered with large pebbles. In the summer, it can get very crowded here, so it’s best to visit the cliffs very early in the morning. From the beach at Cuckmere Haven, you also have a great view of the seven cliffs. That beach is located at the mouth of the Cuckmere River, where kayaking, canoeing, and SUP tours are organized from the hamlet of Exceat.

Eastbourne or Brighton?

On summer days, the beaches along the English south coast are very popular. Brighton, in particular, attracts many day-trippers from London and can therefore get very crowded. Compared to Eastbourne, Brighton is livelier. The Palace Pier is essentially an amusement park, and children love the surreal effect inside the Upside Down House. The flamboyant Royal Pavilion, a summer palace, features an interesting architectural style inspired by Indian architecture. The Lanes is the original fishing village that Brighton once was. The narrow, winding alleys are now lined with trendy cafés and upscale shops, particularly jewelry stores and antique shops. The controversial i360 is a 162-meter-tall tower with an observation deck that slides upward. Many Brighton residents consider it an eyesore, but it does offer a panoramic view of the city and the English Channel.

Eastbourne appeals to those seeking peace and quiet. It was the Duke of Devonshire who developed Eastbourne in the nineteenth century. He envisioned it as a seaside resort “for gentlemen by gentlemen.” The town owes its street layout and beautiful Victorian hotels to this vision. Eastbourne also has a pier, but you won’t find the kind of noisy entertainment you see on Brighton’s pier; instead, there are cozy cafés and a nightclub. If you’ve rented a car, it’s easier to find a parking spot in this seaside resort than in Brighton, though you’ll still need to get there early on summer days in Eastbourne as well.

South Downs Way

Starting at the Seven Sisters, a 160-kilometer hiking and biking trail extends all the way to Winchester. This route connects ancient paths that have existed for centuries and winds through quintessentially English countryside, with vast fields bordered by hedgerows, forests, and heathland. Along the way, you’ll come across old churches and historic villages. It’s very easy to drive to one of the parking lots to hike a section of the South Downs Way. Or you can choose to drive your rental car along the A272, one of England’s most scenic roads, especially the stretch from Bolney (north of Brighton) via Billinghurst to Petworth.

Winchester

If you continue along the A272, you’ll eventually arrive in Winchester, where the Celts once had a fort that grew into an important city under the Romans. The original Winchester Cathedral dates back to the eleventh century and was built on a peat bog. It remained stable for a long time until the nineteenth century, when the cathedral was in danger of collapsing. The foundation was rebuilt by a diver who had to work underwater! In addition to the works of art and other treasures, the cathedral houses the final resting places of Saxon kings, bishops, and the famous author Jane Austen.

Of Winchester Castle, only the 13th-century Great Hall has survived. It is said that the legendary King Arthur and his knights held their meetings around a round table here. Winchester’s city center is known for its charming, narrow pedestrian streets and overhanging medieval buildings. Winchester City Mill is a must-see for anyone who wants to learn how things used to be done. The 18th-century watermill has been beautifully restored, and it’s incredibly interesting to see the mill in action.

Stonehenge

From Winchester, it's about an hour's drive to Stonehenge, north of Salisbury. We recommend buying tickets online in advance and arriving as early as possible to avoid the biggest crowds. It’s unclear why people stacked these gigantic stones in a circle 5,000 years ago. It could have been a burial ground, a celestial calendar, or a religious site. In any case, the stone circle is a technical masterpiece, and building it must have required an enormous effort by hundreds of people using only simple tools. At the visitor center, you’ll learn more about its fascinating history and the people who lived there.

Wells

If you’ve rented a car, it’s just an hour’s drive from Stonehenge to Wells, another town that exudes history. The city is dominated by the cathedral, which is often called “the most poetic Gothic church in England.” The west facade, featuring more than three hundred sculptures of biblical figures and saints, is considered one of the most impressive examples of medieval sculpture. Inside, you can admire beautiful vaulted ceilings and stained-glass windows, as well as a 14th-century astronomical clock. In the afternoon, you can attend the choir’s Evensong service. Right next to the cathedral lies Vicar’s Close, a complete medieval street. The 14th-century houses there feature pointed-arch windows and striking, tall chimneys. The city is named after the natural springs that still supply water to the lush gardens surrounding the Bishop’s Palace.

Wells is a fantastic destination for a mix of history, architecture, and breathtaking landscapes. To the southwest of the town lies the beautiful and expansive Avalon Marshes, and just north of them are the Wookey Hole Caves. Drive your rental car a short distance northwest from those caves and you’ll arrive in Cheddar. This town is home to the world-famous cheese and serves as the starting point for a hike through Cheddar Gorge, a deep ravine with high walls and lush greenery. Cliff Road (B3135) runs right through it, but be sure to pull your rental car over every now and then and walk along one of the trails to admire the deep gorge from above as well.

Bristol

Drive through the rolling Mendip Hills to Bristol, considered by many to be one of the most pleasant English cities to live in, yet often overlooked by tourists. It is one of the most culturally vibrant cities in England, offering a wide variety of visual arts, theater, and live music. Especially during the summer months, there is a cultural, culinary, or musical event almost every day.

The city has a rich aviation history, which began with the production of the first British biplanes during World War I. Aerospace Bristol tells that story through replicas, scale models, and a dozen original aircraft, including the last Concorde ever to fly. In a dry dock, you can visit the historic steamship SS Great Britain. Equally historic is the Clifton Suspension Bridge, built in 1864, spanning the gorge of the River Avon.

Bristol is a very charming city with many restaurants, bars, and outdoor seating areas along the former harbor. It’s a perfect base for day trips by rental car to any of the attractions we’ve already mentioned or to our next destination.

Bath

For two thousand years, people have been coming from far and wide to enjoy the healing waters that spring from the ground in Bath. The aptly named city was founded in the first century AD by the Romans, who were greatly charmed by the hot springs they discovered there. During the Victorian era (18th century), Bath developed into an elegant spa town. The original Roman baths still exist and lie significantly below today’s street level. You can take a guided tour of the Roman Baths complex, which includes an exhibition of archaeological finds. Unfortunately, you’re not allowed to go into the water, but you can take a sip from a small fountain. At Bath’s modern spas, of course, you can wade in the warm water.

It’s no coincidence that the entire city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site—there’s so much to enjoy. Bath has a rich history, which is evident in its stunning Georgian architecture and historic monuments. For example, the city is known for its terraced townhouses, built in a crescent shape. The Royal Crescent is the most famous, but there are seven others. If you want to learn about the history of what you’re seeing and not miss any details, book an excellent walking tour with the Mayor’s Guides. These tours are free—they don’t even accept tips.

We advise against driving your rental car around the center of Bath. There are many one-way streets, and parking spots fill up quickly. It’s best to park your rental car at one of the P+R lots on the outskirts of the city and take a short ride on a shuttle bus to the center.

The Cotswolds

Bath is located on the southern edge of the Cotswolds, England’s largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, covering over 2,000 square kilometers of rolling hills and unspoiled nature, dotted with picturesque villages, market towns, castles, country estates, gardens, and parks. The hills are formed of yellowish limestone, which was also used in the construction of houses, giving them a distinctive honey-colored hue. As you drive through the area in your rental car along the narrow roads, it feels as though you’re traveling back in time to landscapes from centuries ago. There are many towns and villages to visit. Below, we’ve listed some of the most beautiful and photogenic spots in the Cotswolds.

Just a half-hour drive northeast of Bath, you’ll find yourself in one of the most beautiful villages: Castle Combe. It’s no coincidence that it ranks number one on the list of the Prettiest Villages in England. The rather irregularly shaped houses are so old that they’re actually a bit crooked. The traditional Manor House is the perfect spot for a cream tea. Bourton-on-the-Water is the Venice of the Cotswolds, thanks to its stone bridges over the River Windrush, flanked by weeping willows. Bibury is one of the most visited villages for photographing the flower-adorned former weavers’ cottages. Be sure to arrive very early, before the tour buses arrive. Lower Slaughter and Upper Slaughter are usually referred to collectively as “The Slaughters,” and no, that name has nothing to do with slaughter, but comes from the English term for a marsh: “slough.” There you’ll find a historic watermill with its original waterwheel and chimney. Lacock is another beautiful little village, and for fans of the Harry Potter movies, the abbey here will be a treat for the eyes.

There’s really only one way to explore The Cotswolds: by renting a car. It saves a huge amount of travel time, and you can visit many different villages. Perhaps even more importantly, you can explore them before the big tour buses full of tourists arrive. With a rental car, you can also easily drive to less popular—but no less beautiful—villages.

Oxford

Historic Oxford is best known as the home of one of the oldest universities in the world. Book a guided tour to learn more about the history of Oxford University and its famous students. One of those students, the poet Matthew Arnold, described Oxford as the “city of dreaming spires,” referring to the medieval churches and other spires that dominate the Gothic architecture. Oxford has a compact city center, but you can easily spend a whole day wandering around the city and seeing iconic sights like the Bodleian Library, the Radcliffe Camera, and the Sheldonian Theatre. Christ Church College has been used as a filming location for several well-known movies. For example, you’ll recognize the Great Hall ofHogwarts in the college’s dining hall. Take a stroll along the Thames or rent a small boat to go punting on the Cherwell, a typical Oxford experience. On the banks of that little river, you’ll find the Oxford Botanic Garden, the oldest botanical garden in the United Kingdom, featuring exotic plants and flowers. The Ashmolean Museum houses an impressive collection of ancient art from the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. Thanks to the city’s colonial past, you’ll also find a substantial collection of Asian art there.

Please note: some streets in central Oxford are designated as a Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ), which means only electric cars are allowed to drive there. This zone will most likely be expanded further. Whether you have an electric rental car or not, it’s best to park on the outskirts of Oxford’s historic center.

Turville

Before you arrive at our final destination, be sure to make a quick stop in Turville—after all, it’s right along the route. With just one pub and one church, Turville is very small, but it’s a picture-perfect village with a rectory and 16th-century cottages, surrounded by green hills. It’s no surprise that this little hamlet has served as the backdrop for many movies and TV series.

Windsor Castle

Why couldn't a road trip through southern England in a rental car be capped off in royal style with a visit to Windsor Castle? Located west of London, this castle has been owned by the British royal family for nearly a thousand years and serves as the reigning monarch’s “second home.” That “home” spans roughly 45,000 square meters and has over a thousand rooms. During a guided tour, you can admire the extensive royal collection of paintings, suits of armor, furniture, and tapestries. Queen Mary’s unique, intricately detailed dollhouse is fascinating. Members of the royal family, including Queen Elizabeth II, are buried in St. George’s Chapel. The beautifully landscaped gardens are worth a visit in their own right. Sometimes you can climb to the top of the iconic Round Tower, and there are also special tours of the kitchen.

There is no parking at the castle. You can park your rental car at the Windsor & Eton Riverside train station, about a five-minute walk away. A little further away is the King Edward VII Car Park, which tends to fill up less quickly.

Rent a car in Bristol or London

Just driving through the English countryside is a delight. Along the way, you’ll see the characteristic rolling green hills and hedgerow-enclosed meadows, old churches, castles, and sleepy towns and villages that seem to come straight out of a fairy tale. Above, we’ve only listed a few highlights of all there is to see in the south of England. Rent a car to discover even more! Did you know that it’s very easy to rent a car for a so-called one-way trip? You can pick up the rental car in Bristol, for example, and drop it off in London —or anywhere else. In addition to London, one-way trips from Bristol to Exeter and Southampton are popular. Exeter is also a popular drop-off location from London, as is Manchester. Enter a different drop-off location on our search form, and we’ll show you only the rental cars available for that destination.