Travelling from Bradford to London - A road trip with scenic routes and stops you won't regret!

Have you ever thought of hitting the road and exploring the beautiful countryside between Bradford and London? There are several routes you could take depending on your preference for scenery, the time you have available, and the distance you want to cover. Let's take a look at some of your options, the distance of each route, and the time it takes.

The A1 Route - The Quickest Drive

The quickest and most direct route between Bradford and London is the A1. It's a 200-mile journey that should take roughly 3 hours and 30 minutes if you don't encounter any unexpected traffic jams. That said, if you're planning on driving during rush hour, this route is not advisable, as it can add an extra hour to your travel time. Nevertheless, the A1 has some stunning scenery to offer, so if you’re up for making a few stops, here are our recommendations.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park - this park is located just North of Bradford and offers some of the most beautiful scenery in the North of England.
Harrogate - A historic spa town with great shopping and dining options.
Peterborough- if you’re looking to stretch your legs and fancy exploring the countryside, Peterborough has some excellent walking trails and parks.

The M1 Route - More Scenic Views

The M1 route is slightly longer than the A1 route, clocking in at a distance of 216 miles. However, this route features some of the best of England's landscape views, and it'll likely take around 4 hours, depending on traffic. Along the route, you’ll find many attractive stops that are worth visiting. Here are our top picks.

Peak District National Park - This park is located almost midway between Bradford and London and is the UK's first-ever national park. If you are into activities like mountain biking, hiking, and rock climbing, this National Park provides the perfect escape.
Matlock Bath - Matlock Bath is a charming Victorian town set in the heart of Derbyshire's Peak District. Take a stroll along the promenade, explore the pavilion, and indulge in some fish and chips or ice cream.
St. Albans - visiting this ancient Roman town will add a bit of variety to your journey. The town has a stunning cathedral and plenty of shops to explore.

The A59 and M40 Route - Take in Oxford’s Finest Sites

This route is more about the stops than the scenery, although there are some picturesque sites on the way. The journey along the A59 and M40 is a bit longer and more immersive, taking a minimum of 5 hours and covering a distance of 240 miles. Here are the top stops:

Harrogate - A historic spa town with good shopping and dining options.
York - Take a city break in this famous medieval walled city. Your options for things to do are endless - explore the York Minster cathedral, walk along the city walls, visit the Jorvik Viking Centre, or take afternoon tea at Betty's Café and Tea Rooms.
Oxford - Last but certainly not least, Oxford offers plenty of attractions and is a good place to spend an entire day. Visit the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology, stroll around the Botanical Gardens, or explore the city's many colleges.

Driving Time: How to calculate your travel time

All of these routes are drivable. To calculate your travel time between Bradford and London, you need to know the distance between the two cities. The quickest and most direct route between the two cities is A1, which is approximately 200 miles. The driving time between Bradford and London on A1 is around 3 hours and 30 minutes. However, if you decide to take another route, the driving time may vary.

Bottom Line

Driving from Bradford to London is a great way to explore England's countryside. The journey can take anywhere from 3 to 5+ hours depending on the route you choose and how long you stop. Make sure to plan your trip ahead of time and take breaks when needed. We hope our recommended stops help make your journey a fantastic driving experience!