Road trip in England: from London to Cornwall

A road trip in England Between London and Cornwall, it's about 500 kilometers as the crow flies — but nobody travels in a straight line. Between the two, there are Georgian towns, a World Heritage coastline, windswept moors, and fishing villages nestled in their coves.

This is precisely what makes a road trip in England via the southwest: most of the most beautiful places in the region are not served by any train.

Here is the route we most often build, step by step, with the actual distances and what you need to know before taking the wheel on the left.

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The itinerary of a road trip in England, from London to Cornwall

1. London, the starting point

No need to rent a car upon arrival: London is much better explored on foot and by tube, and parking is expensive. Take the opportunity to explore our London's off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods.

So pick up the vehicle on the morning of departure, ideally from an agency on the western outskirts to avoid the toll zone in the center.

2. Windsor and Stonehenge — 145 km

Windsor is less than an hour from London, and its castle remains the oldest inhabited royal residence in the world. It is also among the England’s most beautiful castles.

Then continue on to Stonehenge. The site can be visited in an hour and a half, but tickets must be booked in advance: access without a time slot is no longer possible.

3. Bath — 60 km

Bath deserves a full night rather than a quick stop. The Roman baths, the Royal Crescent, and the abbey can be easily explored in a day.

We provide a detailed look at the city in our guide. What to do in Bath in two days. If you have time, the the most beautiful villages in the Cotswolds are just to the north and are worth a day trip.

4. The Jurassic Coast — 110 km

Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this coastline unfolds 150 million years of geological history over 155 kilometers.

Durdle Door arch and the perfectly circular bay of Lulworth Cove are its most famous images. However, be sure to wear good shoes: the best views are best reached on foot.

5. Devon and Dartmoor National Park — 120 km

Dartmoor changes its atmosphere radically: bare moors, granite chaos and ponies in semi-freedom.

Be careful on the park roads, which are often narrow and lined with stone walls. Drive slowly, as animals cross without warning.

6. Tintagel and the north coast of Cornwall — 100 km

The ideal way to enter Cornwall is from the north, which is wilder and more spectacular.

The ruins of Tintagel Castle, linked to the cliff by a suspension bridge, are associated with the legend of King Arthur. A little further south, Padstow and Boscastle offer a gentler Cornwall, focused on the sea and gastronomy.

7. St Ives — 70 km

St Ives has everything one comes to the region looking for: white alleyways, light sandy beaches, and a special light that attracted painters as early as the 19th century.^e century.

The Tate St Ives and Barbara Hepworth's garden museum extend this artistic history. However, park in the elevated car parks: the city centre is virtually impassable by car in the summer.

8. Land's End, Porthcurno and the Minack Theater — 30 km

Land's End marks the westernmost point of England. The site itself is very touristy, but the surrounding cliffs are superb.

Right next door, the Minack Theatre is a theatre carved into the cliff, facing the Atlantic. And below, Porthcurno beach boasts turquoise water that is always surprising at this latitude.

9. St Michael's Mount and the return via the south coast — 40 km

St Michael's Mount, almost a twin of its Norman counterpart, can be reached on foot at low tide and by boat at high tide.

For the return journey, the south coast finally offers a greener alternative, with Falmouth, the subtropical gardens of Trebah, and the port of Fowey. Trebah is also among the most beautiful gardens in England.

How many days should I plan for this road trip in England?

It all depends on the pace, of course, but a few guidelines help to make a decision.

In 7 days, The itinerary still holds, but some stops have to be cut: London, Bath, a glimpse of the Jurassic Coast and then three nights in Cornwall are barely enough.

With 10 days, however the route becomes comfortable and leaves room for the Cotswolds or Dartmoor.

Finally, 14 days allow you to add the return journey via the south coast without ever driving more than two hours a day.

The classic mistake is precisely to underestimate distances. The roads in the southwest are winding and often limited to 60 miles per hour on paper, much less in reality: so always allow a third more time than what your GPS indicates.

Driving on the left: the real subject of a road trip in England

This is the point that worries people the most, often wrongly. You get used to driving on the left in half a day, provided you take it easy.

Some concrete points of reference. First, take a automatic transmission Managing the clutch with your left hand adds unnecessary difficulty in the first few days. Our advice for rent a car They therefore explain this choice in detail.

Be wary of single-lane roads of Devon and Cornwall, bordered by embankments that obscure visibility. Passing areas allow vehicles to pull over; custom dictates that the vehicle closest to the passing area reverses.

Note also that the roundabouts They are taken in a clockwise direction and priority is to the right, therefore contrary to our usual habits.

Finally, anticipate the parking : in coastal villages, car parks fill up before ten o'clock in the summer.

Which season is best for a road trip in England?

From May to September, the days are long and the Cornish gardens are at their peak. This is also the busiest time of year, especially during the British school holidays from late July to early September.

Spring and early autumn offer the best compromise: superb light, clear roads and accommodation that is easier to find.

Winter is still possible on the coast, but many places close from November to March. The cities, however, come alive thanks to the Christmas markets in England. Our guide when to go to England details the situation month by month.

Where to sleep along the road?

The southwest is particularly well suited to characterful accommodations: old presbyteries, converted farms, fishermen's houses on the port.

On a road trip in England, The most common mistake is staying in too many hotels. A minimum of two nights per stop is the best way to enjoy the places rather than spending your mornings repacking and unpacking.

Finally, book well in advance for July and August: in Cornwall, the best places are sometimes booked up six months ahead. See also our tips for...’accommodation in the UK.

Our tips for a successful road trip in England

Start by packing waterproof clothing, even in summer: the weather in the southwest changes quickly and several times a day.

Next, check the tide times if you are aiming for St Michael's Mount or certain beaches, as access depends entirely on them.

Also keep in mind that the mobile network is unreliable in the moors: download your offline maps before you leave.

And above all, leave some flexibility in your itinerary. On this road, the best moments often arise from an unexpected stop at a cove or a lunch that stretches into a leisurely stroll in a village pub.

Plan your tailor-made road trip in England

At Brightside Travel, we build each road trip in England based on your dates, budget and travel style.

Our team is based locally: we therefore know the actual state of the roads, the accommodations we recommend and the stops that deserve an extra night rather than a quick visit.

Whether you're traveling as a couple, a family, or with friends, and whether your itinerary focuses on the coast, gardens, or heritage sites, each trip is designed specifically for you. If you're traveling with children, be sure to check out our guide for... going to England as a family.

Discover our tailor-made trips to England

To learn more, also consult our complete itinerary of southern England or our guide on How to organize your trip to England.

From the Thames to the cliffs of Land's End, a road trip in England It is never simply a matter of its stages. It is the road itself, between hedgerows and seaside, that ultimately constitutes the journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days should I allow to travel from London to Cornwall?

Ten days offers a comfortable pace. In seven days, some stages must be omitted, while fourteen days allows for the return journey via the south coast.

What are the stages of a road trip in the southwest of England?

London, Windsor, Stonehenge, Bath, the Jurassic Coast, Dartmoor, Tintagel, St Ives, Land's End and St Michael's Mount make up the bulk of the route.

Is it difficult to drive on the left in England?

You usually get used to it in half a day. Choose an automatic transmission and beware of the single-track roads in Devon and Cornwall.

Should we rent a car as soon as we arrive in London?

No, because London is best explored on foot and by tube. So, pick up your rental car on the morning of your departure, from an agency in the western suburbs.

When is the best time to go on a road trip in England?

Spring and early autumn offer the best compromise. Summer is busier, especially from late July to early September, and many places close from November to March.

How do I get to St Michael's Mount?

You can walk at low tide, but take a boat at high tide. So check the tide times before you go.

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