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When you think of a road trip through southern England, you think of rolling hills, rugged cliffs, charming villages and atmospheric pubs where the fireplace is always crackling. A road trip through southern England is exactly what you think: a trip full of variety, character and that quintessential British charm. And best of all, you drive there in no time. Hop on the ferry to Dover, enjoy a relaxing crossing, and as soon as you drive out of the harbor your crazy adventure begins. This route through southern England takes you from Dover to the Cotswolds, past cliffs, castles and historic towns. The ideal road trip for those who want to experience the real England!
The route in brief: from Dover to the Cotswolds in England
From ancient villages to rugged nature and the quintessential British feel, you'll discover it all on this road trip through southern England. From the white cliffs at Dover you drive via the coast and inland to the Cotswolds. A route full of variety, surprises and views that will make you want to stop again and again. It is a trip that can be done very well in a week to ten days, with short driving distances and plenty of opportunity to enjoy the English atmosphere along the way.
The route in brief:
From Dover to medieval Rye;
Via Camber Castle and Hastings to the impressive South Coast of England with highlights such as Seven Sisters and Beachy Head;
Back inland where you will be introduced to the mystery of Stonehenge near Salisbury;
On to the Cotswolds where you can immerse yourself in idyllic country life full of honey-colored cottages, winding roads and cozy pubs.
Dover: the beginning of your journey
The white chalk cliffs of Dover is your first impressive introduction to England. As soon as you take the ferry into the harbor, you will see them shining in the sunlight: the white cliffs of Dover. The symbol of the English coast. These cliffs are not only a special highlight, but it is also a nice place to stretch your legs after the long car ride and crossing. Fancy a walk? Then you can head to South Foreland Lighthouse for a walk along the cliff edges with panoramic views of the English Channel along the way.
Another iconic landmark is Dover Castle, one of the largest castles in England. Within its centuries-old walls, you will discover World War II tunnels, royal quarters and much more. For those interested in the history of this English region, it is advisable to spend a night here in Dover upon arrival or just upon departure.
Dover is the ideal start to your road trip through southern England, as far as we are concerned, because from the Netherlands you can drive from Dunkirk in France onto the ferry in 3 hours. Two hours later you are already in England. And because you have to drive on the left here, it is also nice to drive your own car. Upon arrival, we drove straight to Rye for our first real English village experience.
Rye: medieval charm near the sea
From Dover, it's a short drive to Rye, one of the most atmospheric towns in southern England. As soon as you pass the town gates it feels like stepping back in time a few centuries. Mermaid street, with its cobblestones and half-timbered houses, is very photogenic and the town's most famous highlight. Wander at your leisure through the narrow streets, where antique stores, bookstores and tearooms alternate. Climb the tower of St. Mary's Church for a view of Rye's orange roofs and the surrounding hills.
Rye is small, but full of charm and character. Sitting down for a traditional afternoon tea in one of the cozy cafes is a must-do, as is sampling a local beer at The Mermaid Inn, one of England's oldest pubs. Wondering what else you can do? This 9 fun tips to do in the medieval town of Rye!
Tip: On a summer day, it is well worth driving on to Camber Sands, here you can enjoy wide sandy beaches and high seaside dunes.
Seven Sisters & Beachy Head: the south coast at its finest
The drive from Rye to the south coast is among the most beautiful driving routes in England. Here the rolling inland meets the rugged coast, and after every turn you take a new insane view opens up before you. You will undoubtedly want to stop several times then.
Two places where we feasted our eyes:
The Seven Sisters, seven majestic chalk cliffs that cascade into the sea;
Beachy Head, the highest sea cliff in England with a particularly beautiful contrast between the white limestones and the bright blue sea.
You can park at Birling Gap and hike from here on the coastal trail, thus combining both places. You can also follow Beachy Head Road and make several stops along the way for a short walk or a photo opportunity. This area is popular among hikers, but it is also a wonderful place for a relaxing day by the sea. Another great tip: in Eastbourne, you can have a delicious lunch overlooking the pier or a classic fish and chips on the beach, just the way it should be on the English coast!
Stonehenge: mysticism and history
From the coast, drive inland toward Salisbury, a charming town bursting with history. It's a convenient spot on the route and a fine place to recover from your first few days. Stroll through the winding streets full of boutiques, enjoy lunch at one of the cafes along the River Avon or take a seat at the bar in traditional pub for a local cider.
The reason Salisbury is included as a destination in this road trip through southern England is that less than half an hour's drive from the city is the world-famous Stonehenge. A place not to be missed during this road trip. The stone circles evoke a lot of mystery, and no one knows exactly why or how they were put here. That is precisely what makes the visit so special.
Tips for visiting Stonehenge
On the vast plains of Salisbury lies Stonehenge, one of England's most mysterious sights. Some 4,500 years old, this ancient stone circle continues to raise questions. Was it a religious site? A solar calendar? No one knows for sure, which is precisely what makes a visit to Stonehenge so special. At the visitor center, you'll learn all about the history of the region and get a glimpse into daily life in prehistoric times. You'll also find reconstructed Neolithic houses. A shuttle bus runs from here to the stone circle.
A entrance ticket to Stonehenge costs around £30 which gives you access to the exhibition and the grounds around the stone circle. You are not allowed to enter the stone circle, but from the path around, you have a nice view and can admire the stones up close.
Want to avoid the crowds or don't feel like paying £30? Then you can head to the freely accessible trail "Stonehenge Public Pathway" for a surprisingly beautiful view of the stone circle.
Our top accommodations during this road trip through England
During our road trip along the English coast, we stayed in unique places. Our favorites? The Lookout in Rye, the stylish Port Hotel in Eastbourne and the characteristic Cricket Field House in Salisbury. All of them delightful places for an unforgettable trip.
The Cotswolds: England at its most beautiful
On to the Cotswolds! A region where you can immerse yourself in idyllic country life full of honey-colored cottages, winding roads and cozy pubs. The Cotswolds are often described as the beating heart of rural England, and we understand. Here you experience the quintessential rural charm of England as you know it from the movies. The picturesque villages are full of tearooms and surrounded by rolling hills full of grazing sheep.
Visit villages like Bibury, one of the most beautiful villages in the Cotswolds (or maybe even England), and Bourton-on-the-Water where the river flows right through the center. But the villages of Stow-on-the-Wold and Broadway are also perfect for an afternoon wandering around antique stores and art galleries.
Be sure to venture into nature, too. The Cotswolds are perfect for walks through greenery, past old stone walls and pastures full of sheep. And after a day on the road, there's nothing like settling down in a cozy inn with a fireplace and a pint in your hand. More tips? These are our tips for visiting the Cotswolds.
Canterbury: an atmospheric finale
On the way back to Dover, Canterbury is a fine place to end your road trip in style. This historic city, once an important pilgrimage site, is incredibly pleasant. In the middle of the city you will find Canterbury Cathedral, which will no doubt impress you with its Gothic arches and stained-glass windows. Wander through streets lined with half-timbered houses, home to stores, cafes and pubs. Stroll along the River Stour or board a small boat for a short tour.
If you're staying in Canterbury like us, it's Broome Park Hotel highly recommended. This impressive 17th-century manor house is quintessentially English with its high ceilings, wood paneling and a vast estate where you can completely unwind. You can choose a room in the stately main house or a cozy lodge in the middle of the greenery. And for the enthusiast, there's even an 18-hole golf course on your doorstep.
You drive from here in half an hour to Dover, where the ferry awaits you again for the crossing. We booked our crossing to and from England with the DFDS and found this to be very relaxing. Book your DFDS crossing to England here.
Practical tips for your road trip through southern England
Before you go on your road trip through southern England, here are some helpful tips we want to share with you from our own experience.
1. Driving in England
Driving a car in England, or driving on the left, is part of the adventure. It takes some concentration at first, but you will be surprised how quickly you get used to it. Taking the traffic circles clockwise is a bit exciting at times, and the rural roads are also a bit narrow at times. But all in all, you'll enjoy the insane views along the way. It is smart to navigate with Google Maps because this app provides you with the current status on the roads. A valuable tip for navigating is to download the route in advance, as you may not always have strong coverage in the backcountry.
Are you excited about driving on the left in a Dutch car? Then you can also consider renting a car in England. Personally, we always rent a car through SunnyCars Because of the all-in service. If you rent a car in England, it's best to rent an automatic, then you won't have to think about shifting gears either!
2. Nice accommodations along the way
A road trip through southern England is most enjoyable when you alternate between different types of accommodations. Sleep one night in a charming bed & breakfast such as The Lookout in Rye, stay overnight at an atmospheric inn in the Cotswolds such as The Lion Inn or the cozy The Dial House in Bourton-on-the-Water and conclude in a historic mansion such as Broome Park in Canterbury.
The variety makes the trip extra special. In high season (from May to September) it is smart to book your accommodation on time, especially in the popular places on the coast and in the picturesque villages of the Cotswolds. Out of season you can book more spontaneously more often, especially if you like the freedom on a road trip.
3. Paying in England
In England, you can pay with your debit or credit card almost anywhere. Contactless payment is actually the standard, just like ours, but it's always handy to have some cash on you for small parking lots or local markets.
Do you travel often? Then it might be smart to use a debit and/or credit card from Wise. By using Wise, you don't pay any extra fees for foreign payments. This way, you can pay easily where cards are accepted while still having cash for local experiences.
4. The best travel time for your road trip through southern England
The best time for a road trip through southern England is from May through September. The days are long, the landscape is at its greenest and the chances of sunshine are greatest. Of course, it remains England, so you never know what the weather will be like. Still, a foggy morning or rainy day has its charm in England, too. Want to avoid the biggest crowds? Then it's best to plan a road trip in the months of May or September, just before or after the school vacations.
For your bucket list: cool road trips in Europe
After this route through southern England, do you have a taste for it? Europe is so incredibly versatile, you can make amazing road trips. For example, drive along the rugged cliffs and charming coastal villages of the Opal Coast in France, a route ideal for a long weekend full of sea views and French flair. Or take a little longer for a two-week tour of Scotland, for walks through the vast highlands, visits to fascinating castles and endless whiskey tastings. Prefer something closer to home? Then our mini road trip through the Vecht region and 't Gooi a delightful surprise with picturesque villages, waterfront estates and plenty of places to enjoy lunch or walks.
Travander
At Travander, we’re all about exploring hidden gems, unique destinations, and off-the-beaten-path travel experiences. Our motto, “Let’s Travel and Wander,” reflects our passion for discovering both local treasures and faraway adventures. As experienced travel bloggers and travel consultants, we share insider tips, personal stories, and practical advice to help you make the most of every trip. From city breaks and weekend getaways to tailor-made travel itineraries, we guide you to the most beautiful and inspiring places. Explore the world with Travander and let us spark your next unforgettable adventure!
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