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HomeRoad TripsEuropeWest EuropeGreat BritainEnglandThe Gardens
File:Yalding from bridge.JPG - Wikimedia Commons

The Gardens Road Trip

Crawley - Royal Tunbridge Wells - Tenterden - Rye - Hastings

Expect on your itinerary

Security Security
Road conditions Road conditions
Historical sites Historical sites
Comfort Comfort
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Culture Culture
Landscape Landscape
Beach Beach
The Gardens Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages4 km235 h/stage1.4

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a The Gardens Road Trip in England?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 90EUR drive & more 38EUR sleep & more 154EUR eat & more 192EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 384EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 474EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 144EUR drive & more 38EUR sleep & more 319EUR eat & more 288EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 645EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 789EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 252EUR drive & more 63EUR sleep & more 451EUR eat & more 384EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 898EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,150EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 450EUR drive & more 63EUR sleep & more 110EUR eat & more 192EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 365EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 815EUR
Car rental Book hotel Flights
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The Gardens Road Trip Itinerary

The Gardens Road Trip is a wonderful way to experience some of the most beautiful gardens and countryside that England has to offer. Starting in the city of Crawley and ending in Hastings, this 150-mile road trip passes through Royal Tunbridge Wells, Tenterden, and Rye. The best time of year to take this trip is during the spring, when the gardens are in full bloom and the countryside is lush and green. Along the route, you can experience the historical sites of each town, including the ruins of Bodiam Castle, the gardens at Sissinghurst Castle, and the ancient cobbled streets of Rye. The overall road conditions are excellent, though some of the roads may be narrow in places. This road trip is suitable for all drivers, and can be managed on a moderate budget. With two days to explore, you can take your time to experience the beauty of the English countryside.
number of days 2 number of days
route length 235 km route length
budget fair budget
good for tourist good for
traffic direction on the left traffic direction
accident level low accident level

START Crawley

Distance 235 km Driving time 5.5 h Pace: slow 54.2 kWh Airports LGW , LHR
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Crawley, England is the perfect starting point for the “The Gardens Road Trip” experience. Located just south of London, Crawley is easily accessible by car from the city or from Gatwick Airport (IATA: LGW). Car rentals are available onsite at the airport for those arriving by air. In Crawley, visitors can take the time to explore the beautiful Tilgate Park and Nature Centre, where they can wander through 250 acres of woodland and parkland. The park also boasts a lake, a golf course and a wide range of wildlife. For something a little different, visitors can visit the Crawley Museum, where they can learn about the town’s history and explore its collections. The museum also houses an array of art, artefacts and antiques. The town is also home to a range of other attractions, such as the Crawley Observatory, the Crawley Town Hall and the Hawth Theatre. Here, visitors can enjoy a variety of live performances and events, such as plays, musicals and comedy shows. Finally, those looking for something a bit more relaxed can take a stroll through the High Street, where they can enjoy a range of independent shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. Crawley is the perfect starting point for the “The Gardens Road Trip”, offering visitors a range of unique sights and experiences that will make for an unforgettable journey.

1 Crawley - Royal Tunbridge Wells

Distance 48 km Driving time 1.2 h Pace: slow 11.0 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues scenic road sections of narrow road accommodation options camping sites
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Are you ready for an exciting road trip starting in Crawley, England and ending in Royal Tunbridge Wells? This 30 mile trip will take you less than two hours, and you'll be able to explore the stunning Ashdown Forest along the way. You'll be able to take in the scenic road in sections, as some of the roads are narrow. As you drive, be sure to visit the fascinating Ashdown Forest, home to the inspiration for A.A. Milne's Winnie the Pooh stories. Once you reach Royal Tunbridge Wells, you'll be able to explore the town's fascinating history, with its Georgian architecture, spa heritage and the famous Pantiles. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready for an unforgettable road trip!

2 Royal Tunbridge Wells - Tenterden

Distance 68 km Driving time 1.6 h Pace: modest 17.6 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues scenic road sections of narrow road accommodation options interesting  historic site camping sites
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Royal Tunbridge Wells to Tenterden, passing through Yalding and Sissinghurst along the way. This 42mi journey will take you fewer than 2 hours, with plenty of opportunities for sightseeing. Keep an eye out for historical sites and scenic roads, as sections of the route may be narrow. As you drive, you'll be able to take in the beauty of the countryside, with rolling hills and lush greenery. In Yalding, be sure to check out the historic All Saints' Church and the Yalding Outdoor Centre. In Sissinghurst, visit the famous castle and gardens, and don't forget to stop at the local farmers' market. Finally, explore Tenterden's quaint streets and discover its many independent shops. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check the "Itinerary" of this stage.

3 Tenterden - Rye

Distance 73 km Driving time 1.5 h Pace: modest 18.9 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road sections of narrow road accommodation options junction of road trips interesting  historic site camping sites
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Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip? Get your car and start your journey in Tenterden, England, and make your way through Hythe and Dungeness, until you reach the final destination: Rye! This 45mi journey will take you less than two hours, and you will be able to explore some of the most interesting places in England. In Hythe, make sure to visit the ancient port and the Royal Military Canal, a 19th century defensive structure. In Dungeness, you will find a unique landscape of shingle beaches, nature reserves, and the iconic Dungeness Lighthouse. Finally, in Rye you will be able to explore the cobbled streets, the old buildings, and the ruins of the Camber Castle. Remember that in some sections the road will be narrow, so be careful when driving. Moreover, don't forget to admire the historical sites and the scenic road along the way! For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your trip!

4 Rye - Hastings

Distance 48 km Driving time 1.2 h Pace: modest 12.4 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues scenic road sections of narrow road interesting  historic site accommodation options junction of road trips camping sites
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Are you ready for a road trip adventure? Start your journey in Rye, England and drive along the scenic roads to Bodiam. Here you will find a 14th century castle and a moat, a must-see for history buffs. Then make your way to Battle, where you can explore the ruins of a Norman abbey. Finally, end your road trip in Hastings, with its breathtaking views of the sea and the numerous historical sites to explore. The entire trip is only 30 miles and takes less than 2 hours to complete. Along the route, be sure to keep an eye out for the narrow sections of the road. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the detailed itinerary. With so much to explore, this road trip is sure to be an unforgettable adventure!

  Hastings

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Hastings, located in East Sussex, England, is the perfect end to the Gardens Road Trip. This historic town is home to a variety of gardens, including Alexandra Park, The Stade Open Space, and Hastings Country Park. The town is also home to Hastings Castle, which was built in 1066 and is one of the best-preserved Norman castles in England. Visitors can also explore the ruins of the old town, which was destroyed by a great fire in 1287. Car travelers will appreciate the easy access to Hastings from the major towns and cities nearby. From London, take the A21 road and you'll be in Hastings in just over two hours. From Brighton, take the A259 and you'll be in Hastings in just over an hour. From Brighton, travelers can also take the A27 and A259 to reach Hastings in about an hour and forty minutes. Once in Hastings, car travelers can explore the various gardens, as well as visit the castle, the old town ruins, and the nearby beach. For those looking to shop, Hastings has an array of independent shops and boutiques. For those looking to sample the local cuisine, Hastings has a wide variety of restaurants, pubs, and cafes. For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is London Gatwick (LGW). From there, travelers can take the train or bus to Hastings in just over two hours. Hastings is the perfect end to the Gardens Road Trip. With its easy access from nearby towns and cities, its array of gardens, its historic castle, and its variety of restaurants, pubs, and shops, Hastings is sure to make your road trip memorable.

The Gardens Road Trip at a glance

Facts for safer driving in England

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.8
max speed urban max speed urban 48 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 96 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 112 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher no
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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