South of England in 15 Days Self-Guided Tour

Day 1: London to Dover – Castles & Historic Towns

• Pick up the Car Hire from a London Airport
• Option 1: Leeds Castle Entry Ticket
• Option 2: Private Guided Walking Tour of Canterbury
• Check-in to your Dover accommodation

Total Distance: Approximately 85 miles (137 km)

Total Drive Time: Around 2 hours

Day 1: Detailed Tour Plan

Your South England adventure begins as you pick up your rental car at a London airport and head southeast towards the historic county of Kent. Known as the “Garden of England,” Kent is home to lush landscapes, picturesque villages, and some of the country’s most impressive castles.

Your first stop is Leeds Castle, a breathtaking fortress set on a lake, often described as “the loveliest castle in the world.” Wander through lavish interiors, explore the beautiful grounds, and lose yourself in the famous hedge maze. Alternatively, choose a private guided walking tour of Canterbury, where cobbled streets and medieval charm set the stage for one of England’s most famous cities. Visit Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO-listed masterpiece and the historic seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

After a day of discovery, drive to the coastal town of Dover and settle into your accommodation. Enjoy a relaxed evening with views of the famous White Cliffs, preparing for tomorrow’s coastal explorations.

Day 2: Exploring Dover – Coastal Beauty & Castle History

• Depart your Dover accommodation
• Option 1: Dover Sea Safari
• Option 2: Private Guided Tour of Dover Castle
• White Cliffs of Dover
• Stay at your Dover accommodation

Total Distance: Minimal local driving

Total Drive Time: 30 minutes – 1 hour

Day 2: Detailed Tour Description

Spend the day uncovering Dover’s stunning coastal scenery and rich maritime history. You can enjoy a Dover Sea Safari, a thrilling boat ride along the famous White Cliffs, where you’ll witness breathtaking coastal views, historic forts, and even spot local wildlife. 

Alternatively, history lovers can take a private guided tour of Dover Castle, one of England’s most strategically important fortresses, with underground wartime tunnels, medieval towers, and panoramic views over the English Channel.

No visit to Dover is complete without a scenic walk along the White Cliffs of Dover, offering some of the most spectacular coastal landscapes in the country. Stroll along the clifftop paths, visit the South Foreland Lighthouse, and take in the fresh sea air before returning to your accommodation for a restful evening.

Day 3: Dover to Hastings – The Battle That Shaped England

• Check out from your Dover accommodation
• Hastings
• 1066 Battle of Hastings, battlefield and Abbey
• Check-in at your Hastings accommodation

Total Distance: Approximately 47 miles (75 km)

Total Drive Time: Around 1 hour 15 minutes

Day 3: Detailed Tour Description

After checking out of your accommodation, journey west along the coast towards Hastings, a town forever linked with one of the most significant events in English history—the Battle of Hastings in 1066. En route, take a scenic drive through the charming Kent countryside, dotted with rolling fields, vineyards, and historic villages.

Once in Hastings, visit Battle Abbey and the battlefield, where the Norman conquest of England unfolded. Walk the very site where King Harold fell, explore the atmospheric abbey ruins, and discover interactive exhibits that bring this defining moment in history to life.

Afterward, explore the Hastings Old Town, a fascinating mix of medieval streets, quirky shops, and traditional fishing huts. Take a ride on the Hastings Cliff Railway, the steepest funicular railway in the UK, to soak in panoramic views of the coastline before checking into your accommodation for the night.

Optional Private Tour: Private Archery & Medieval Combat Experience on the Battlefield

After exploring Battle Abbey, step onto the actual battlefield where the Normans defeated the Anglo-Saxons in 1066 and learn medieval archery and swordsmanship. A professional re-enactor will teach you longbow techniques and combat moves used by Norman and Saxon warriors.

Day 4: Hastings to Portsmouth – Castles & Coastal Towns

• Check out from your Hastings accommodation
• Entry Tickets to Arundel Castle
• Portsmouth
• Check-in at your Portsmouth accommodation

Total Distance: Approximately 70 miles (113 km)

Total Drive Time: Around 2 hours

Day 4: Detailed Tour Description

Leaving Hastings behind, the journey continues west along the Sussex coastline, heading towards one of England’s grandest fortresses—Arundel Castle. Set within beautiful gardens, this medieval castle boasts centuries of history, opulent interiors, and commanding views over the River Arun. Explore its well-preserved towers, grand halls, and medieval keep, offering a fascinating glimpse into England’s noble past.

After exploring Arundel, continue on to Portsmouth, a vibrant port city known for its rich naval heritage. Settle into your accommodation and take an evening stroll along the waterfront at Gunwharf Quays, where historic ships sit alongside modern dining and shopping spots.

Day 5: Exploring Portsmouth – Maritime History & Coastal Views

• Depart from your Portsmouth accommodation
• Option 1: Portsmouth Historic Dockyard – Three Attraction Ticket
• Option 2: The Portsmouth Harbour Tour
• Stay at your Portsmouth accommodation

Total Distance: Minimal local driving

Total Drive Time: 15–30 minutes

Day 5: Detailed Tour Plan

Today is all about uncovering Portsmouth’s deep maritime legacy. You have two exciting options:

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard – Dive into naval history with a three-attraction ticket, granting access to legendary ships such as HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, and the Mary Rose Museum, home to the 16th-century warship raised from the seabed. Interactive exhibits, naval relics, and fascinating stories make this a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

Portsmouth Harbour Tour – For a different perspective, take a guided boat tour of Portsmouth’s historic harbor. Glide past warships, historic docks, and modern naval vessels while learning about the city’s naval importance from an expert guide.

After a day of exploration, return to your accommodation and enjoy a relaxed evening along Southsea’s waterfront, where you can take in the sea air and stunning coastal views.

Day 6: Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight – Royal Retreats & Island Charm

• Check out from your Portsmouth accommodation
• Wightlink Ferries from Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight
• Osborne House (Tickets included)
• Check in to your Isle of Wight accommodation

Total Distance: Approximately 12 miles (19 km) (including ferry travel)

Total Travel Time: Around 1 hour (including ferry crossing)

Day 6: Detailed Tour Description

Check out of your Portsmouth accommodation and board the Wightlink Ferry for a scenic crossing to the Isle of Wight. This short but picturesque journey offers sweeping views of the Solent and the island’s rugged coastline.

Upon arrival, visit Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s beloved seaside retreat. Wander through lavishly decorated rooms, admire her private apartments, and stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens leading to a private beach where the Queen once swam. This magnificent estate provides a glimpse into Victorian royal life and is one of the island’s most treasured landmarks.

After exploring Osborne House, drive to your Isle of Wight accommodation and check in. Spend the evening at your own pace, perhaps enjoying a quiet dinner in one of the island’s charming coastal towns as you prepare for more island adventures ahead.

Optional Private Tour: Private Afternoon Tea in Queen Victoria’s Private Rooms at Osborne House

Enhance your Osborne House visit with exclusive access to Queen Victoria’s personal drawing rooms, where a private butler will serve a Victorian-style afternoon tea, just as the Queen enjoyed during her summer retreats.

Day 7: Exploring the Isle of Wight – Medieval Castles & Island Heritage

• Depart your Isle of Wight accommodation
• Carisbrooke Castle (Tickets included)
• Stay at your Isle of Wight accommodation

Total Distance: Approximately 15 miles (24 km)

Total Drive Time: Around 40 minutes (local driving)

Day 7: Detailed Tour Description

Today, step back in time as you visit Carisbrooke Castle, a stunning medieval fortress perched atop rolling hills. This historic stronghold is famous for its connections to King Charles I, who was imprisoned here before his execution. Walk along the well-preserved battlements, climb the Norman keep for panoramic island views, and meet the resident donkeys who still operate the castle’s centuries-old well wheel.

After exploring Carisbrooke, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Whether you prefer wandering through quaint villages, relaxing on one of the island’s beautiful beaches, or sampling fresh seafood at a harborside restaurant, the Isle of Wight offers plenty of charm and character. Spend another night soaking up the relaxed island atmosphere before your journey continues.

Day 8: Isle of Wight to the New Forest – Ferry Crossings & Natural Beauty

• Stay at your Isle of Wight accommodation
• Wightlink Ferries from Isle of Wight to Lymington (New Forest)
• New Forest
• Check in to your New Forest accommodation

Total Distance: Approximately 20 miles (32 km) (including ferry travel)

Total Travel Time: Around 1.5 hours (including ferry crossing)

Day 8: Detailed Tour Description

After breakfast, check out of your Isle of Wight accommodation and take the Wightlink Ferry from the island to Lymington, a picturesque town on the edge of the New Forest National Park. The ferry crossing provides stunning coastal views, with opportunities to spot seabirds and passing sailboats.

Once on the mainland, immerse yourself in the beauty of the New Forest, an ancient woodland that has remained largely untouched since the time of William the Conqueror. Explore at your own pace—spot wild ponies grazing in the heathlands, walk through dense, fairy-tale-like forests, or visit the charming village of Lyndhurst, often considered the heart of the park.

After a day of outdoor adventure, check in to your New Forest accommodation, where you can unwind and enjoy the peaceful countryside surroundings.

Optional Private Tour: Private Off-Road 4×4 Safari in the New Forest

Discover hidden areas of the New Forest on a private off-road Land Rover safari. Your expert guide will take you through remote woodlands, spotting wild ponies, deer, and ancient oak trees not accessible to regular visitors.

Day 9: Discovering the New Forest – Cars, Wildlife & Woodland Walks

• Depart your New Forest accommodation
• Option 1: National Motor Museum Guided Tour
• Option 2: New Forest Guided Walk or Wildlife Tour
• Stay at your New Forest accommodation

Total Distance: Minimal local driving

Total Drive Time: 15–30 minutes

Day 9: Detailed Tour Description

Today, you have the option to tailor your experience with one of two fantastic activities:

National Motor Museum Guided Tour – If you have an interest in classic cars, visit Beaulieu, home to the world-renowned National Motor Museum. This collection features over 280 iconic vehicles, from vintage Rolls-Royces to Formula 1 race cars, along with exhibits on automotive history and the role of cars in British culture. A guided tour provides deeper insights into these fascinating machines and the motoring legacy of the UK.

New Forest Guided Walk or Wildlife Tour – For those who prefer the great outdoors, embark on a guided nature walk through the ancient woodlands and open moorlands of the New Forest National Park. Led by an expert guide, this tour delves into the region’s ecology, the free-roaming ponies and deer, and the unique flora that make this landscape so special.

After a day of exploration, return to your New Forest accommodation, where you can enjoy a relaxing evening surrounded by nature before continuing your journey the next day.

Day 10: New Forest to the Jurassic Coast – Castles & Steam Trains

• Check out of your New Forest accommodation
• Corfe Castle Tickets
• Swanage Steam Railway Tickets
• Check in to your Jurassic Coast accommodation

Total Distance: Approximately 45 miles (72 km)

Total Drive Time: Around 1 hour 30 minutes

Day 10: Detailed Tour Description

After checking out of your New Forest accommodation, begin your journey towards the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its dramatic cliffs, fossil-rich beaches, and stunning sea views. Your first stop is the historic ruins of Corfe Castle, a striking fortress perched high on a hill overlooking the Purbeck countryside. Once a royal stronghold, this castle has seen centuries of battles and intrigue, making it a fascinating site to explore. Wander through the atmospheric ruins, take in the breathtaking panoramas, and learn about the dramatic siege that led to its destruction.

Next, step back in time with a ride on the Swanage Steam Railway, a heritage train that takes you on a scenic journey through the rolling Purbeck Hills to the charming seaside town of Swanage. The vintage carriages and old-fashioned charm of the railway provide a nostalgic experience, offering beautiful views of the countryside and glimpses of Corfe Castle along the way.

After a day of exploration, check in to your Jurassic Coast accommodation to relax and prepare for another day of coastal discovery.

Day 11: Jurassic Coast Adventures – Coastal Cruises & Iconic Landmarks

• Depart your Jurassic Coast accommodation
• Swanage Jurassic Circular Cruise
• Lulworth Cove
• Durdle Door
• Stay at your Jurassic Coast accommodation

Total Distance: Minimal local driving

Total Drive Time: Around 45 minutes total

Day 11: Detailed Tour Description

Spend today discovering the breathtaking natural wonders of the Jurassic Coast. Start with the Swanage Jurassic Circular Cruise, a scenic boat journey along the coastline that provides unique perspectives of towering cliffs, hidden coves, and rock formations dating back millions of years. Along the way, learn about the area’s fascinating geology and keep an eye out for seabirds and playful dolphins.

Continue your coastal adventure with a visit to Lulworth Cove, an idyllic horseshoe-shaped bay with crystal-clear waters and striking white cliffs. Formed by millennia of erosion, this natural wonder is a fantastic spot for a seaside walk, a picnic, or a refreshing dip in the sea.

Just a short drive away is Durdle Door, one of the most famous landmarks on the Jurassic Coast. This spectacular limestone arch is a testament to the power of the sea, creating one of the most photogenic spots in England. Take a scenic walk down to the pebble beach, relax by the shore, or hike along the clifftop trails for panoramic views of the coast.

Return to your Jurassic Coast accommodation for a well-earned rest in the evening.

Optional Private Tour: Exclusive Sunset Helicopter Tour Over the Jurassic Coast

Upgrade your Jurassic Coast experience with a private helicopter tour, flying over Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, and Old Harry Rocks at sunset. Aerial views of the stunning coastline make this a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Day 12: Jurassic Coast to Bath – History & Relaxation

• Check out from your Jurassic Coast accommodation
• Bath Town
• Bath Abbey Tickets
• Thermae Bath Spa Tickets
• Check in to your Bath accommodation

Total Distance: Approximately 60 miles (97 km)

Total Drive Time: Around 2 hours

Day 12: Detailed Tour Description

After breakfast, check out your Jurassic Coast accommodation and travel north to the beautiful city of Bath, renowned for its Roman heritage, elegant Georgian architecture, and world-famous thermal waters.

Begin your visit with a trip to Bath Abbey, a magnificent Gothic cathedral that has stood as the heart of the city for over a thousand years. Admire its stunning stained-glass windows, climb the tower for panoramic views over the city, and marvel at the intricate fan-vaulted ceiling.

Next, experience ultimate relaxation at the Thermae Bath Spa, where you can soak in Britain’s only naturally heated thermal waters. With its rooftop pool offering spectacular views over Bath’s historic skyline, this is the perfect way to unwind and rejuvenate.

In the evening, check in to your Bath accommodation and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the city’s charming streets, lined with honey-colored stone buildings and lively cafés.

Day 13: Exploring Bath – Roman History & Regency Elegance

• Depart your Bath accommodation
• Option 1: Roman Baths Guided Tour
• Option 2: Bath Guided Tour of Iconic Bridgerton Filming Locations
• Stay at your Bath accommodation

Total Distance: Minimal local driving

Total Drive Time: Around 15 minutes total

Day 13: Detailed Tour Description

Spend another immersive day in Bath, a city steeped in Roman heritage and elegant Georgian architecture. Today, you have the choice between two fascinating experiences, allowing you to tailor your visit to your interests.

For history lovers, the Roman Baths Guided Tour offers a deep dive into the city’s ancient past. Walk among the remarkably preserved ruins of the 2,000-year-old bathhouse, where Romans once gathered to bathe and socialize. Explore the steaming Great Bath, hear captivating stories of the people who lived here, and see rare artifacts that bring the past to life.

Alternatively, if you’re a fan of period dramas, opt for the Bath Guided Tour of Iconic Bridgerton Filming Locations. Bath’s grand streets and stately crescents served as a backdrop for the hit Netflix series, and this tour takes you to key filming sites, including the Royal Crescent and the Assembly Rooms. Along the way, your guide will share behind-the-scenes insights and fascinating stories of Regency-era Bath.

After a day of exploration, relax at your Bath accommodation and enjoy an evening soaking in the timeless charm of this historic city.

Day 14: Bath to Salisbury – Ancient Wonders & Medieval Majesty

• Check out of your Bath accommodation
• Stonehenge Private Guided Tour
• Walking tour of Salisbury City
• Salisbury Cathedral Tickets
• Check in to your Salisbury accommodation

Total Distance: Approximately 40 miles (64 km)

Total Drive Time: Around 1 hour

Day 14: Detailed Tour Description

Check out of your Bath accommodation and journey to one of England’s most iconic landmarks, Stonehenge, for a private guided tour. This ancient stone circle, dating back over 5,000 years, continues to mystify historians and visitors alike. Your expert guide will reveal the site’s fascinating history, theories about its purpose, and connections to astronomy, mythology, and Neolithic culture.

Continue to Salisbury, a charming medieval city brimming with history. Take a walking tour of Salisbury, exploring its cobbled streets, timber-framed buildings, and market squares. The city’s history stretches back over 800 years, and there’s plenty to uncover at every turn.

End your day with a visit to Salisbury Cathedral, home to the tallest spire in England and one of the best-preserved copies of the Magna Carta. Admire its stunning Gothic architecture, step inside the historic Chapter House, and learn about its role in shaping England’s legal and political history.

Check in to your Salisbury accommodation and enjoy a relaxing evening in this picturesque city.

Optional Private Tour: Private Sunrise Access to Stonehenge

Upgrade your visit with a private VIP tour of Stonehenge before it opens to the public. Step inside the stone circle with a licensed archaeologist guide, who will reveal the latest secrets about its celestial alignments and ancient rituals.

Day 15: Salisbury to London – Royalty & Farewell

• Check out of your Salisbury accommodation
• Windsor Castle
• Travel to London Heathrow & Drop off the Car Hire

Total Distance: Approximately 65 miles (105 km)

Total Drive Time: Around 1 hour 40 minutes

Day 15: Detailed Tour Plan

On your final day, check out of your Salisbury accommodation and make your way to Windsor Castle, the world’s oldest and largest inhabited castle. A favorite residence of British monarchs for over 900 years, this spectacular fortress is steeped in royal history. Explore the lavish State Apartments, admire priceless works of art from the Royal Collection, and step inside St George’s Chapel, the historic venue of several royal weddings.

After your visit, drive back to London Heathrow, where you will drop off your rental car, marking the end of your unforgettable self-drive tour of South England. This journey has showcased the best of England’s rich heritage, from ancient wonders and regal landmarks to breathtaking landscapes and cultural treasures.

If you’d like to customize this itinerary to suit your personal interests, our team is here to create a tailored travel experience just for you!