Essential English Countryside Road Trip: Where to Stay, Eat, and Drive

A road trip in England with City Tours UK offers the perfect blend of breathtaking scenery, charming historic villages, and world-class dining experiences. From the rolling hills of the Cotswolds to the dramatic landscapes of the Lake District, this guide showcases a sample itinerary highlighting the best of England: picturesque drives, cozy countryside accommodations, delicious local food, and unforgettable activities along the way.

Scenic Drives in England

1. Cotswolds Road Trip Itinerary

Cotswolds Romantic Road is a two-day circular route, beginning in Cheltenham. On Day 1, you will visit Broadway, Chipping Campden, Stow-on-the-Wold, and Bourton-on-the-Water. On Day 2, you will visit Northleach, Burford, Lechlade, Bibury, Cirencester, and Painswick. The route contains quintessential English villages and beautiful countryside. 

2. Scenic Routes in the Lake District

The Lake District offers many scenic drives, such as the Keswick Loop through Buttermere and Borrowdale, and the Whitehaven to Silloth drive. These drives give you different views of lakes, mountains, and valleys.

3. The best drives in the Peak District

The Peak District has some dramatic drives such as Snake Pass, Cat ‘n’ Fiddle, and Winnats Pass. These roads offer panoramic views of rolling hills, limestone gorges, and some picturesque villages.

Where to stay in English countryside

1. The Pig in the Cotswolds

The Pig is a small, rustic, and locally driven retreat in the very center of the Cotswolds.

2. Leonardslee House, West Sussex.

This historic Grade II-listed Italianate mansion sits on a 240-acre estate and provides luxurious accommodations and gorgeous gardens.

3. Lympstone Manor, Devon

Lympstone Manor has a Michelin-starred restaurant overlooking the Exe Estuary and offers a peaceful environment.

The best country restaurants in England

1. Casa Brazilian Rodizio, York

This restaurant leads the list of the low-cost restaurants and is characterized by a hot and cold salad bar and carved meat at a fixed price.

2. The Angel, Yorkshire Dales

The Angel is a Michelin-starred restaurant in the Yorkshire Dales that serves simple cuisine in a rural environment.

3. Bill’s, Soho, London

Bills is a family-friendly restaurant chain with a busy Soho location that offers an array of dishes in a vibrant environment.

Historic Towns in England to Visit

1. York

York is a city that is full of history, with medieval walls, the famous York Minster, and quaint cobbled streets.

2. Bath

The city of Bath is famous for its Roman baths and Georgian architecture, which provide a combination of history and beauty.

3. Winchester

A historic city that boasts a beautiful cathedral and a great literary history, including connections to Jane Austen.

Pubs and Inns in the English countryside

1. The George Inn, Peak District

A classic pub selling nutritious food and local beers in a warm ambiance.

2. Lake District, The Queen’s Head.

This pub is situated in Askham and serves local drinks and food in a friendly atmosphere.

Hidden Gems in the English Countryside

1. The National Forest

This forest, covering Leicestershire, Derbyshire, and Staffordshire, is bigger than the Isle of Wight and provides numerous outdoor experiences.

2. Shildon, County Durham

Shildon, the first railway town in the world, has the Locomotion Museum, which is devoted to the history of rail travel.

English Countryside Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1-2: Cotswolds

• Wind down the Cotswolds Romantic Road.
• Stay at The Pig in the Cotswolds.
• Have dinner at Casa Brazilian Rodizio.

Day 3-4: Lake District

• Take picturesque drives such as the Keswick Loop.
• Stay at Leonardslee House. Go to The Queen Head in Askham.

Day 5-6: Peak District

• Snake pass and Winnat pass.
• Spend the night in a country house hotel.
• Enjoy a meal at The George Inn.

Day 7: Historic Towns

• See York, Bath, and Winchester.
• Check into a boutique hotel in either of these towns.
• Eat at nearby restaurants that sell local food.

FAQs

Q: What are the greatest scenic drives in England?

A: Good ones include the Cotswolds Romantic Road, Lake District routes, and the Peak District passes such as Snake Pass.

Q: Where do I stay in the English countryside?

A: The Pig in the Cotswolds, Leonardslee House, or Lympstone Manor are all countryside spots.

Q: Which are some of the historic towns to visit in England?

A: York, Bath, and Winchester are full of history and good architecture.

Q: Do we have any gems in the English countryside?

A: The Shildon and the National Forest are pretty unknown places worth visiting.