England Heritage Road Trip: A Cultural Itinerary from London

Difficulty

530 km

Distance

10+

Recom. Days

Culture

Trip type

Image of Indie Campers freelance travel writer Jenn Zajac, outside a cafe.
Jenn Zajac

Ice coffee-addicted, pun-loving, Oxford comma-embracing writer. Currently based in beautiful Bali after too many winters in Boston and London. Specializes in crafting content for hotels and travel.

England Heritage Road Trip Itinerary: London to Manchester

England Heritage Road Trip map itinerary
Road in Peak District during sunset
Pick-up in
London depot
1

Unravel the prehistoric mysteries of Stonehenge

One of the most famous (and mysterious) monuments in the country is a can’t-miss on any England heritage road trip. Stonehenge has captivated the world’s imagination for centuries, baffling historians and archaeologists alike.

Where did the stones come from? Who built Stonehenge, and why?

Modern carbon dating places its construction sometime between 3000 BC and 2000 BC, while theories about the monument’s actual purpose are still up for debate.

Visiting Stonehenge is easier than ever thanks to the new, modern Visitor Centre. At just over an hour’s drive from London, we recommend enjoying a leisurely brunch in the city before setting off.

Grab an audio guide and take your time strolling around the iconic stone circle, perhaps forming your own theory as to its original purpose!

Explore an extensive collection of museum-quality artefacts inside the exhibition and don’t miss the nearby Neolithic village. An important historic landmark, Stonehenge is the perfect start to your itinerary.

Visiting

Stonehenge

1/2 - 1

Recom. Days

Main route

115 km

from London depot

1h15min

drive

You can rent our campervans in more than 40 different destinations across Ireland and Europe

Visit

Stonehenge

Free

Monument and Neolithic village, with audio tours.

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Eat at

Stonehenge Visitor Centre

€€

Grab-and-go cafe with food and drinks.

The Boot Inn

€€

Cosy, authentic pub with British fare.

Parking

Stonehenge Visitor Centre

Free with ticket to Stonehenge, £5 without.

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Stay at

Stonehenge Campsite and Glamping

€€

Charming campsite close to the monument.

2

Soak up history and soak away stress in ancient Bath

Bath is perhaps one of the country’s most picturesque cities and a perfectly relaxing stop on any England heritage road trip. Its iconic, honey-coloured Bath stone is found throughout the city’s beautifully preserved Georgian architecture.

Also known for its natural hot springs, Bath’s Roman-era bathhouses and modern spas are an indulgent treat, while its many museums will tempt you to stick around for a few days.

Bath’s iconic Georgian architecture is on full display at Royal Crescent, a stunning half-circle row of 30 Grade I-listed terrace houses with gleaming, stone façades. Plop down in the grass across the way at Royal Victoria Park to really take in the full view!

In the centre of town, the beautifully-restored Roman Baths are a must, while the nearby Thermae Bath Spa is where you can actually indulge in the thermal waters yourself.

Among Bath’s many fine museums and galleries, The Holburne is another architectural highlight with an eclectic art collection and events programme.

Visiting

Bath

2 - 3

Recom. Days

Main route

55 km

from Stonehenge

1h

drive

You can rent our campervans in more than 40 different destinations across Ireland and Europe

Visit

The Roman Baths

Roman-era bathhouse and temple, now a museum.

The Bath Abbey

Large, medieval church with stained glass interior.

Thermae Bath Spa

Modern spa with thermal waters and rooftop pool.

The Holburne Museum

Georgian building with modern glass extension.

The Jane Austen Centre

Museum and tearoom devoted to the writer.

Royal Crescent

Row of Grade I-listed, Georgian terrace houses.

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Eat at

The Pump Room

€€€

Elegant restaurant with afternoon tea.

Sotto Sotto

€€

Candlelit cellar serving Italian fare.

The Green Bird Cafe

€€

Great breakfast & outdoor seating.

Parking

Charlotte Street Car Park

Large car park, 10 min walk to centre.

Kingsmead Square Car Park

Small lot, 3 min walk to centre.

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Stay at

Bath Marina & Caravan Park

€€

3 km from city centre, beside River Avon.

3

Walk in Shakespeare’s footsteps in Stratford-upon-Avon

Following the River Avon northeast, you’ll arrive in Stratford-upon-Avon, a medieval market town of great cultural importance to Britain. Born here in the 16th century was none other than William Shakespeare, who’s sonnets and plays are known the world over, from the tragic romance Romeo and Juliet to the dramatic Hamlet.

Stratford-upon-Avon is worth including on any England heritage road trip due to the Bard’s huge significance to modern English language and culture. That and the town itself just oozes Ye Olde English charm!

Visit Shakespeare’s childhood home and the nearby Holy Trinity Church, where the great playwright was both baptised and buried.

Just outside of town, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage (no, not THAT Anne Hathaway) is the former family home of Shakespeare’s beloved wife, now a beautifully preserved example of the old wattle-and-daub architecture.

On the banks of the River Avon, catch a performance of one of his plays at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

Visiting

Stratford-upon-Avon

2

Recom. Days

Main route

165 km

from Bath

2h

drive

You can rent our campervans in more than 40 different destinations across Ireland and Europe

Visit

Shakespeare’s Birthplace

Childhood home of the famous writer, now a museum.

Anne Hathaway’s Cottage

Former family home of the playwright’s wife.

Holy Trinity Church

Medieval church and site of Shakespeare’s burial.

Royal Shakespeare Company

Modern theatre showcasing the Bard’s many works.

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Eat at

The Opposition Bistro

€€

Lively bistro with modern, European food.

Loxleys Restaurant & Wine Bar

€€€

Great cocktails and Sunday roast.

El Greco

€€

Contemporary, Greek mezze restaurant.

Parking

Stratford Marina

€€

Near centre, get here early for a space.

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Stay at

Dodwell Park

Modest, countryside caravan park, SW of town.

Riverside Caravan Park

€€

Northeast of town, on the River Avon.

4

Explore the Peak District’s stately homes and pretty villages

Founded in 1951, the Peak District National Park was the first of Britain’s 15 national parks. Covering about 1,440 square kilometres across five different counties, the Peak District boasts scenic landscapes, historic homes, and numerous campervan sites, making it ideal for a cultural road trip.

Driving up from Stratford-upon-Avon, enter the national park area near Chatsworth House. This stately mansion is the ancestral home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, complete with lavish gardens, a playground, and incredible art collection.

As you leave, stop off in the nearby town of Bakewell to indulge your sweet tooth at the home of traditional English Bakewell Pudding, or swing by Haddon Hall, another historic estate with grand, Elizabethan gardens.

It’s worth planning 2-3 days in the area to fully enjoy pretty villages like Buxton or to crack on with one of many scenic hikes, like popular Mam Tor.

Visiting

Peak District National Park

2 - 3

Recom. Days

Main route

165 km

from Stratford-upon-Avon

2h

drive

You can rent our campervans in more than 40 different destinations across Ireland and Europe

Visit

Chatsworth House

Stately mansion with labyrinth and art collection.

Haddon Hall

Medieval manor with grand Tudor hall.

Buxton

Village with Opera House, museum, and Victorian gardens.

Bakewell

Charming little village with a very sweet tooth.

Mam Tor

Family-friendly hike with sweeping valley views.

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Eat at

Columbine Restaurant

€€

Cosy, country-style Buxton restaurant.

The Lone Star

€€

American-themed and family-friendly.

The Original Bakewell Pudding Shop

€€

Historic little bakery.

Fischer’s at Baslow Hall

€€€

Michelin-starred, inventive British fare.

The Devonshire Arms at Beeley

€€€

Bright brasserie inside 18th-century inn.

Parking

Pavilion Gardens Car Park

Parking garage in centre of Buxton.

Mam Nick Car Park

€€

Small lot near Mam Tor trail start.

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Stay at

Clover Fields Caravan Park

€€

Close to Buxton, ages 18 and up only.

Lime Tree Holiday Park

€€

Kid-friendly, by an old railway viaduct.

Chatsworth Park Caravan Club Site

Located on the Chatsworth estate.

5

Contemporary culture on display in hip Manchester

Leaving the rolling hills and postcard-perfect villages of the Peak District behind, your England heritage road trip’s final stop in Manchester marks a return to modern-day England.

This vibrant city centre has quickly become an “it” cultural destination thanks to its thriving food scene, top-notch galleries, powerhouse football club, and more. Opt to return your campervan or simply take advantage of public transportation in order to get around.

Campervan hire near Manchester for unique roadtrip in north west england

One of the most stunning examples of Neo-Gothic architecture is Manchester Town Hall, known for its 85-metre clock tower and ornate ceilings. A few blocks away, the Manchester Art Gallery is free to enter and home to an impressive permanent collection.

The Northern Quarter is the creative heart of the city, with colourful street art, cool hidden bars, and hip independent shops. Music purists should make a pilgrimage out to Salford Lads’ Club to recreate The Smiths’ iconic album photo, while footie fans can’t miss Old Trafford Stadium, even when Man United is away.

Visiting

Manchester

3-4

Recom. Days

Main route

65 km

from Peak District National Park

1h20min

drive

You can rent our campervans in more than 40 different destinations across Ireland and Europe

Visit

Manchester Town Hall

Neo-Gothic architecture and iconic clock tower.

Northern Quarter

Hipster hot spot with street art and hidden bars.

HOME

Theatre for contemporary art, film, and music.

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Old Trafford Stadium

Home of the Manchester United football club.

Salford Lads’ Club

Photo opp for music lovers and fans of The Smiths.

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Eat at

Foundation Coffee House

€€

Industrial design and espresso drinks.

V Rev Vegan Diner

€€

Small, retro-styled vegan cafe.

The Refuge

€€

Buzzing restaurant and bar, res required.

Yard & Coop

Delicious, wallet-friendly chicken joint.

Manchester House

€€€€

Modern British cuisine in a glam setting.

Parking

Bridgewater Hall

€€€

Large uncovered car park, CCTV.

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Stay at

The Hawthorne Caravan & Camping

€€

Nice amenities, 1 hr train to city.

Drop-off in
Manchester depot

14 km

from Manchester

20 min

drive