10 Places to Visit During Your Road Trip to Birmingham from London

If you’ve finished exploring the wonderful sights London has to offer, you might be game to take on a one-of-a-kind road trip to Birmingham by visiting some tourist spots on the way. But first, be sure to check out Klook’s list of the Best Things to do in London before you start your journey!

The second largest city in the United Kingdom, you can enjoy these 10 places as you journey through the area.

In need of a ride from London to Birmingham? No problem! You can easily book a car rental with Klook.

Richmond is a town perfect for botanical enthusiasts. With its many gardens and parks, it’ll surely be a wonderful place to take a stroll. You can visit Richmond Park, one of London’s eight Royal Parks with 2,500 acres of parkland to explore! 

Besides its parks, you can also check out Richmond Riverside and Richmond Bridge to rent a boat so that you can row through the River Thames. For mid-road trip shopping for essentials and snacks, you can visit The Quadrant main street for eclectic shops and delicious restaurants.

Feel like you’re part of the Royal family when you visit Windsor Castle in Berkshire. It is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. This was also the venue for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding in 2018.

Here, you can enjoy a 30-minute tour of the Precincts — complete with a free audio guide for a tour introduced by King Charles III — and be awed by paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Canaletto. This beautiful and historical castle should not be missed as you travel from London to Birmingham.

Oxford is a city that offers many historical sites and, of course, is home to the prestigious Oxford University. You can take a tour around the campus where famous authors once roamed, such as J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. Other than visiting the university, you can also go on a spell-bound Harry Potter locations tour. Visit the real-life Divinity School, which was used as a backdrop for Hogwart’s infirmary and classroom scenes.

There are also many museums around the area, such as the Ashmolean Museum and the Pitt Rivers Museum.

St. Albans in Hertfordshire is filled with beautiful architecture. First on the list would be St. Albans Cathedral, or as it is officially referred to as the Cathedral and Abbey Church of Saint Alban. It is named after Alban, the first martyr, and was built in 1077.

You can also check out the Medieval Clock Tower, which was built in 1405. If you climb up the 93-step tower, you’ll find panoramic views across the streets of the old town and the surrounding countryside. It also has a great community market for you to shop for the freshest produce, as well as some vintage and antique items for your home.

Gloucestershire is one of Cotswolds’ counties and is most famous for its historic docks and impressive cathedral. Visit the Gloucester Docks, home to 15 Victorian dock buildings and Mariner’s Chapel. You can also dine in dockside cafes, restaurants, and bars.

In the middle of the city, you will find the Gloucester Cathedral, which is the resting place of Edward II and Robert of Normandy. If you’re a Potterhead, you will also recognize this as the film set for some of the Harry Potter films.

Take a quick break at Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire. This is the perfect place if you’re traveling with a big group or your family because many attractions here are free of charge. Marvel at beautiful art at the MK Gallery, Castle Fine Arts, and Whitewall Galleries. 

You can also bask in nature at Stockwood Discovery Centre, Ouse Valley Park, and Lodge Lake.

Walk through the very castle William the Conqueror built in 1068. Warwick Castle was originally a wooden fort but was rebuilt in stone during the 12th century. Here, you will be transported back in time with its interactive exhibits, reenactments, and entertaining shows like jousting and their trebuchet! 

If you get hungry in the middle of exploring this large estate, you can dine at Warwick Castle’s delicious restaurants. Some stalls offer burgers, roast rolls, medieval “dirty” chips, and sandwiches.

Are you a fan of classic sonnets and plays? Visit Stratford-upon-Avon, a medieval market town in England’s West Midlands, which was also the birthplace of William Shakespeare! That being said, The Royal Shakespeare Company has three theaters in Stratford. You can catch plays in The Other Place, the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, and the Swan Theatre.

You may also visit the bard’s actual birthplace in Henley Street while you’re at it.

Known for its Regency architecture and broad boulevards, Royal Leamington Spa is a gorgeous town in Warwickshire. Here, there are many beautiful spots you can visit—for free! 

At the Jephson Gardens, you will find 140 species of trees along with a fascinating collection of monuments. On the other hand, you can also visit The Royal Pump Rooms — the most famous building in Leamington Spa. It is home to Leamington Spa’s public Art Gallery and Museum. 

You can also stop by the All Saints Church, Queen Victoria, and the War Memorial.

Coventry offers many different attractions for everyone besides their famous medieval Coventry Cathedral. Stop and smell the bluebells at Coombe Abbey Park, view Lady Godiva’s paintings at Herbert Art Gallery and Museum, and listen to great music at the Coventry Music Museum.

Other places worth visiting would be the War Memorial Park, Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve, and St. Mary's Guildhall.

Plan your road trip from London to Birmingham now! Rent a car with Klook and experience an exceptional journey to your destination.