| Important Information about London to Edinburgh Trip Via Windsor, Oxford | |
|---|---|
| Duration of Trip | 2 Days |
| Best Time to visit | Mar-Jun & Sep-Nov |
| Type of Trip | Road Trip |
| Total Distance | 304 km |
| What is Bristol Famous for | History, Culture & Art |
Day trips are great because you get to experience a full adventure into just one or two days. For this post, we dive into a two day trip from London to Bristol, which is a great way to explore one of England’s most dynamic cities in a short period. However, cool and edgy Bristol has a lot to offer travelers, and it is well worth visiting. From a fantastic street art scene to a fascinating maritime history, Bristol has so much to explore and lots to see and do. You may not be able to pack in all of the great things to do on a two-day trip to Bristol, but one thing is sure that you will never be bored!
So, if you are interested in planning a London to Bristol road trip and want to know what to see on the way, where to eat, where to stay, and a lot more, then you have come to the right place.
The drive from London to Bristol takes about two and a half hours along the M4 motorway if you do not make any stops, however, if you do have your vehicle, it can be a great opportunity to do some sightseeing along the way. In this itinerary, we will cover all the famous attractions that you can visit while on your trip to Bristol. You can also take a slight detour from the road to visit the beautiful Blenheim Palace, the historic spa town of Bath, and much more.
Your Step by Step Itinerary for London to Bristol Road Trip
Pick-up point London Airport
Road trips can be best explored by being on your own. So, if you do not have a personal vehicle, you can get a rental car from London Airport or any other city location. Get your rental car and get ready to embark on your journey. The following are some of the locations/attractions that you can explore on your way to Bristol to make the most out of your trip.
01 Explore the Royal residence in Windsor
- 40.4 km from London via A4 and M4
With just a 40 min drive from London, make your first stop at Windsor- a town on river Thames. This English town in the county of Berkshire is home to the famous Windsor Castle- a residence of the British Royal Family. Visitors can get an online ticket in advance to avoid the long queues. A small visit to this historic royal castle is full of spectacular art, antiques including grounds and chapel. Also, Windsor castle is a clear visible landmark for travelers approaching Heathrow Airport.
Windsor Castle was built by William The Conqueror in the 11th century, and had been extensively remodeled by subsequent monarchs. All the tours take in the State Apartments, which includes opulent furnishings, architecture, and paintings from the royal art collection. There are plenty of other attractions that you can see here.
Best places to Visit in Windsor:
- St George’s Chapel
- LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort
- Windsor Great Park
Places to Eat in Windsor
- Sebastian’s: Regional dishes with Italian cuisine
- Meimo: Modern Moroccan & Mediterranean dining
Where to Park your car in Windsor:
- Windsor Castle Parking Lots
- Meadow Lane Car Park
Gas Stations in Windsor:
- RONTEC WINDSOR: Open until 12:00 am
- Datchet Green Petrol Station: Open until 09:00 pm
Top Places to Stay in Windsor:
- Castle Hotel Windsor: MGallery: traditional hotel with dining & bar
- Travelodge Windsor Central: budget hotel with cafe/bar
02 Gaze the magnificent architecture at Oxford
- 96.0 km from Windsor via M4 and A34
Oxford is just over an hour and a half away from London and is one of the best places to visit. Slightly larger than Cambridge, its spiritual sibling, Oxford, is magnificent in jaw-dropping architecture. It is both a city and home to the world-famous Oxford University, making it a very popular destination for tourists. On your road trip to Bristol, you can make a stop here, and explore the university colleges, which is 38 in total and museums. If you have time, there are many nearby places that you can visit.
Best Places to Visit in Oxford:
- Oxford Castle & Prison
- Christ Church Meadow
- Oxford Botanic Garden
Places to Eat in Oxford
- Moya: Slovakian restaurants with great ambiance
- Pierre Victoire: homely french restaurant
Where to Park your car in Oxford:
- Parking Oxford
- Oxford Car Park
Gas Stations in Oxford:
- Shell: Open until 10:00 pm
- Sainsbury’s Petrol Station: Open until 10:00 pm
Places to Stay in Oxford:
- The Randolph Hotel: Luxury hotel with restaurant & spa
- Westgate Hotel: casual rooms with free breakfast
03 Take a small detour to visit Blenheim Palace
- 16.2 km from Oxford via Western By-Pass Road/A34
Take a little detour and drive for about 20 min to see the beautiful Blenheim Palace. It is a historic country house situated in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, England. Recognized as a World Heritage Site and a Birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, the palace offers plenty of events/activities throughout the year. If you are a history buff and like seeing where world leaders who helped save civilization from the Nazi menace, then look no further than Blenheim Palace.
Tip: People need to book online tickets before visiting this place.
Places to Eat near Blenheim Palace
- La Galleria: Italian restaurant with sleek furnishings
- Brothertons Brasserie: serves Italian and Mediterranean cuisine
Where park your car Near Blenheim Palace:
- Woodstock Rd Parking
- St. Giles
Gas Stations Near Blenheim Palace
- Gulf: Open until 10:00 pm
- BP: Open until 10:00 pm
Places to Stay Near Blenheim Palace:
- Macdonald Bear Hotel: 4-Star hotel with free Wi-Fi
- Sturdys Castle: casual rooms with free breakfast
04 Soak up in Ancient Roman Bath
- 144.6 km from Blenheim Palace via A34 and M4
A town set in the rolling countryside of southwest England, Bath is perhaps one of the country’s most picturesque cities and a great relaxing stop on any England heritage road trip. Known for its natural hot springs and Georgian architecture, these beautifully-restored Roman Baths are a must. Many designers have extensively used the honey-colored Bath stone in the town’s architecture, including the popular Bath Abbey. Bath has many museums and galleries that will tempt you to stick around and explore.
Top Attractions to Visit:
- Bath Abbey
- Royal Crescent
- Pulteney Bridge
Places to Eat
- The Real Italian Pizza Co: serves traditional wood-fired Pizzas
- Bill’s Bath Restaurant: with Contemporary European dining
Park your car at:
- Avon Street Car Park
- Southgate Shopping Centre Car Park
Nearby Petrol Stations:
- Sainsbury’s Petrol Station: Open until 10:00 pm
- RONTEC WALCOT: Open 24 hours
Places to Stay:
- Premier Inn Bath City Centre hotel: budget hotel with free Wi-Fi & lounge
- The Z Hotel Bath: Modern hotel with a cafe
05 Explore the jaw-dropping street-art at Bristol
- 21.1 km from Bath via A4
The last destination of your road trip, Bristol is on the radar for anyone looking to take a day trip from London. Bristol provides a whole host of activities for anyone wanting a break from the Big Smoke. From lounging by the water edge at Harbourside to exploring the vibrant and modern art scene, there is no shortage of unique things to do in here.
This bustling place straddles the River Avon and is jam-packed with cool stuff to see and do. Bristol is the heart of the hipster culture, providing plenty of coffee shops, vintage boutiques, and green parks. While strolling down the streets of Bristol, you can see the masterpieces all over the city by none other than the world-renowned street artist, Banksy, who also originated in Bristol.
Top Attractions to Visit:
- Clifton Suspension Bridge
- Brunel’s SS Great Britain
Places to Eat
- Kitchen of Anatolia: best meals under £5
- Bocabar Finzels: great food with beer
Park your car at:
- JustPark All Saints Street
- Nelson Street Car Park
Nearby Petrol Stations:
- Shell: Open 24 hours
- RONTEC PRINCES: Open 24 hours
Places to Stay:
- Brooks Guesthouse Bristol: luxury rooms with free breakfast
- Hilton Garden Inn Bristol City Centre: 4-Star hotel
A trip of 2 days might not be enough to explore all the attractions of Bristol, so if you still crave for more adventures, then you must extend your road trip. After soaking yourself in the richness of Bristol, you can either go back to London or you can plan other trips to Stonehenge, Liverpool, and Bradford.