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Take a Road trip from Bristol to London

Bristol to London Road Trips guide banner

Bristol is a captivating and modern city that is best explored with a hire car. If you are travelling from London to Bristol, it can take anywhere from two to three hours drive. A hire car in Bristol is a great way to experience all of the remarkable attractions and explore more of the surrounding area.  See incredible sights such as the famous Georgian majestic buildings, the SS Great Britain, Pero Bridge, Nelson Street art, museums, galleries, a bustling harbour and a beautiful cathedral.


Find your rental car with VroomVroomVroom. We compare car rental in locations across England, including Bristol and London. You can collect your vehicle from a city location, or from Bristol Airport. Alternatively you might like to start your journey and pick up a vehicle in London. Both ways are okay.


Day One

Spend the day exploring Bristol

Bristol boats and buildings from Redcliffe bridge, UK

With its wonderful history and thriving art scene, Bristol is one place you will never get bored of when you are in England. Nestled between the counties of Somerset and Gloucestershire, the city of Bristol is well known for its local Bristolian dialect, arts, cultural heritage and wealthy economy.

Our pick of the best attractions in Bristol include the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge and the impressive SS Great Britain. Visiting the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, At Bristol, Blaise Castle House Museum should also be on your to-do Bristol lists. If you enjoy shopping, go to Bristol Shopping Quarter. With plenty of things and items to shop , adults and kids will be spoilt for choice.

Day Two

Visit the Roman Baths

Architecture in Bath, Avon, UK

Situated south west of the country at the bottom of the Avon Valley, the city of Bath is  certified World Heritage Site within the county of Somerset, England. Bath is known for its colorful history, natural hot springs, theatres and wide collection of ancient (mostly Georgian) architectures.

To help you get started, make sure to immerse yourself in history and visit the Roman Baths in Bath. If you dig museums and galleries, visit the Victoria Art Gallery, Fashion Museum and No. 1 Royal Crescent. And if you think that's not enough, why not take the Bath Tower Tour to simply enjoy this picturesque place. Drivers may take the roads A4, M4, A36, A363, A367 to reach Bath.

Day Three

Enjoy the historic houses in Chippenham

The Old St Andrews church, Chippenham, Wiltshire, UK

Chippenham is an amazing town within the ceremonial county of Wiltshire in England. It lies along the banks of River Avon amidst the Cotswolds and Marlborough Downs. Surrounding Chippenham are a number of stone-built Cotswold villages. These include Castle Combe, Lacock (National Trust) and Biddestone.

The town is also famous for its shopping destinations, cultural heritage and sports and leisure venues. The finest and historic houses including Longleat, Bowood, Lacock Abbey, Sheldon Manor and Corsham Court are within easy reach. The motorways A4, A350, A420, B4069 and M4 serve Chippenham.

Day Four

Discover cool sights in Swindon

The New Central Library, Swindon, UK

Just midway between Bristol and Reading, Swindon can be found in Wiltshiren, South West England. Its nearby towns include Chippenham, Cirencester, Royal Wootton Bassett, Cricklade, Highworth and Marlborough.

Swindon plenty of action and things to enjoy on a day out, including a stroll around Lydiard House and Park or shopping at the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet. Swindon's art scene is also positively buzzing with lots of events happening throughout the year at venues like the Swindon Museum and Art Gallery, Arts Centre and Wyvern Theatre. Tourists and travellers will find a wide selection of accommodation in Swindon to suit all tastes and budgets.

Day Five

Experience the best music and nightlife in Reading

City on the Thames, London, UK

Another perfect place worth stopping by is the Reading City. Just 70 miles east of Bristol and 37 miles west of London, Reading is a quite large town located in the authority area in England, near the Thames Valley.

Reading has a lot of spectacular attractions to offer to its tourists. Its charming small houses, its old-fashioned streets with souvenir shops and the wonderful streets present the tourists with an unforgettable holiday. Some of the must-see attractions and activities in or near Reading include the Reading Festival, Reading Half marathon, Arundel Castle & Gardens and Ascot Racecourse.

Day Six

Skate at the Slough Ice Arena

Virginia water lake Berkshire, UK

Only 20 miles west of central London and 21 miles north-east of Reading, the town of Slough lies between the Thames Valley and London and at the intersection  of M4, M40, M25 motorways.

Today, Slough is popular for its wealthy economy, diverse culture and historical attractions. Its collection of shopping destinations is also one of its wonderful highlights and having a rental car will give you a great size boot to help get all that shopping home! Apart from shopping, other fun things you can do in Slough include visiting the St. Laurence's Church, Slough Ice Arena and Slough Museum. If you want to relax and enjoy some spectacular views, a short trip to Virginia Water lake via London Rd/A30 (only a 20-minute drive) is also recommended.

Day Seven

Explore one of the Seven Wonders of Britain

Windsor castle from The Long Walk, Berkshire, UK

Named as one of the Seven Wonders of Britain, of course no royal day visit is complete without seeing the historic Windsor Castle which can be found in the town of Windsor. Because of the famous castle, Windsor has become a favourite tourist destination. Another popular attraction near the town is the Legoland Windsor known as the only Legoland park in the U.K.

Day Eight

Arrive and explore London

With London being famous for its arts, catwalk, shopping destinations and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it is an amazing place where several lines cross and is a perfect venue to witness and learn more about the English culture. Whilst driving in London can be an art form of it's own, it is a 'must do' when visiting not only the UK's capital but the car rental capital as well.

Offering plenty of world-class attractions, don't miss out the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Hampton Court Palace, Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament, Madame Tussaud, Tower Bridge, Big Ben, Wembley Stadium, National Gallery, Royale Opera House, National Theatre, Tower of London and many more.

Did you know that London introduced a 5 GBP daily congestion charge to reduce traffic? Learn more about the London Congestion Charge here.


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