London to Cornwall road trip itinerary (with key stops)
Planning a road trip from London to Cornwall? Breaking up the journey can turn a long drive into an experience in its own right.
This route takes you through Roman spa towns, ancient stone circles, mystical hills and moorland wilderness before reaching the beaches and fishing harbours of West Cornwall.
Rather than racing down the M5, this itinerary follows a more interesting path: along the M4, through Somerset and Dartmoor, and down the A30, with stops chosen for their history, scenery and ease of access.
Here’s how to put a London to Cornwall road trip together.
đźš— Day 1: London to Bath
Route: M4 westbound
Driving time: Approx. 2.5 hours (without stops)
Stop: Avebury Stone Circle (Wiltshire)
Far less crowded than Stonehenge, but even older and just as mysterious.
The village sits within the stone circle itself, and you can walk right up to the stones!
The National Trust car park has toilets and a café.
End in: Bath
Explore Roman Baths, the Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge and Bath Abbey.
Click here to see my full guide to Bath.
đźš— Day 2: Bath to Dartmoor via Glastonbury
Route: A36 → A361 → A39 → A30
Driving time: Approx. 3.5–4 hours, not including stops
Stop: Glastonbury
Visit the ruined abbey, walk up Glastonbury Tor for sweeping views and browse the high street’s mix of crystal shops, cafĂ©s and independent bookstores. It’s ideal for a short wander and lunch!
Stop: Dartmoor National Park
Take the B3212 into the moor from Moretonhampstead or head in via Princetown.
Stop for a walk at Postbridge clapper bridge or Hound Tor. You’ll likely see ponies, tors, and wide open views—ideal for a leg-stretch after hours in the car.
See the best things to do in Dartmoor here.
Overnight: Chagford, Ashburton or Tavistock
Stay in one of Dartmoor’s moor-edge towns. Many have good pubs and guesthouses, and you’ll avoid Exeter traffic the next morning!
đźš— Day 3: Dartmoor to West Cornwall (St Ives or Penzance)
Route: A30 all the way
Driving time: Approx. 2.5–3 hours
Stop: Jamaica Inn, Bodmin Moor
Famously linked with smugglers, this 18th-century coaching inn sits just off the A30.
There’s a museum, gift shop, pub and car park – it’s worth a stop for its atmospheric location.
Stop: St Michael’s Mount or Marazion Beach
As you approach the far west, pull off the A30 near Penzance. If the tide’s right, walk across the causeway to the mount. If not, enjoy the beach view and explore Marazion!
Final stop: St Ives, Penzance or another Cornish base
Choose your base depending on your interests – St Ives for art and beaches, Penzance for better transport links and more local atmosphere – or continue on to Mousehole, Sennen or even Cape Cornwall!
