Looking for a UK road trip that’s perfect for two people? Take a week off, ready the car and enjoy a romantic trip around the South of England. We’ve put together the perfect itinerary for spending a week among the photo-perfect cities and coastal towns of Kent and Sussex.
Monday: Start in the capital with a room at our Travelodge Battersea. Parking in London can be difficult, but our hotel offers 24 hours’ secure parking for £5.
After checking in to your room, dive right into the selfie-worthy sights of London. Head to Covent Garden to soak up the hustle and bustle of the West End, or take a walk along the South Bank to enjoy river views and see the Houses of Parliament and Tower Bridge.
For dinner, pick a restaurant for your budget from our quick guide.
Tuesday: Spend the morning having brunch at the ever-fashionable Breakfast Club on Battersea Rise. Once you’re well fed it’s time to set off on your great road trip.
From Battersea you’re in the right part of the city to make a quick escape to the South East and head 63 miles to Canterbury. The journey should take you just under 2 hours so you’ll arrive just in time for a leisurely walk around the city and a visit to England’s oldest cathedral.
For dinner, head to Kathton House to savour fresh, modern British dining at its best. Once you’ve had an after-dinner coffee, head to your room at one of our Canterbury hotels.
Wednesday: Spend the whole day in the green riverside city of Canterbury, getting to know the hidden streets and attractions.
If the sun’s out, hire a punt for the day and idle down the river or head to the coast to eat fish and chips by the sea.
Thursday: Get an early start and head to the village-like coastal city of Rye for some Old English charm. The journey should take you just over an hour and is 34 miles in total.
Rye is worth a stopover just for the timbered houses, cobbled lanes and laid-back lifestyle. But nature lovers will also love the watery wonders of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, and history buffs will appreciate atmospheric Rye Castle.
As evening draws in take the 30-minute drive to our Travelodge Hastings hotel for a comfortable night’s rest.
Friday: Spend the day in Hastings, famous as the site where King Harold lost his eye in the notorious Battle of Hastings in 1066.
Get out in the seaside air with a hike or bike ride at Hastings Country Park or skim stones at the upliftingly unspoilt Pett Level Beach.
Head over to Hastings Pier for some lovely panoramic views and a look around the True Crime Museum. The True Crime Museum is an attraction for everyone fascinated by the dark world of crime. A chilling but fascinating insight into the world of Serial Killers, Forensics, Gangsters, Prisoners, Poisoners and more. Hundreds of exhibits, many straight from Scotland Yard and set in eerie seafront caves!
Suitable for all ages, wheelchair accessible and dog friendly, located on Hastings Seafront close to the Pier. Open daily from 10am to 5pm.
Once you’ve finished at the seafront, spend the rest of the afternoon sipping on delicious tea and munching on homemade cakes and pastries at the Jempson’s Cafe in St Leonard’s-On-Sea.
Saturday: Get an early Saturday morning start and drive 30 miles (about 1 hour) to the medieval city of Lewes to wander the winding alleyways and old English shops.
If rolling hills covered in wildflowers and big, wide views are what you love, then take one of the South Downs routes for your Nature fix.
Stop for a toastie or late breakfast sourdough sandwich at Backyard Cafe on Market Lane before making the quick 20-minute drive (10 miles) to bold Brighton to have dinner and stay at one of our Brighton Hotels.
Sunday: Make the last day of the trip special in the bohemian city of Brighton.
If the sun’s out then head to the wave-lapped beach and white trim boardwalk. Or have a lazy day walking around the gorgeous North Laines and sampling the many delights of the cafes and boutiques.
