The Cost of a Road Trip from Bournemouth to Stratford-on-Avon

If you're looking for a memorable road trip in England, the route from Bournemouth to Stratford-on-Avon is worth considering. You'll get to explore picturesque countryside landscapes, historical towns, and charming villages along the way. But how much will it cost you? In this article, we'll break down the different possible routes and highlight the costs and distances of each one. We'll also recommend the best route based on the total cost and the driving time.

The Route Options

Route 1: Via A34 and M40

The first route option involves taking the A34 north from Bournemouth, passing through the towns of Winchester, Newbury, and Oxford, before joining the M40 and heading northwest towards Stratford-on-Avon. This route covers a distance of approximately 150 miles and takes around 3 hours to complete.

The fuel cost for this route depends on the type of vehicle you're driving and the current gas prices. For a small car with a fuel efficiency of 30 mpg and a petrol cost of £1.30 per liter, the estimated fuel cost for the journey would be around £40. If you're driving a larger car with an efficiency of 20 mpg, the estimated fuel cost would be around £60.

Route 2: Via A338 and M4

The second route option involves taking the A338 out of Bournemouth, passing through Salisbury and Swindon, before joining the M4 and heading east towards Oxford and finally Stratford-on-Avon. This route covers a distance of approximately 160 miles and takes around 3 hours and 15 minutes to complete.

The fuel cost for this route is similar to the first route, with an estimated cost of £40 for a small car and £60 for a larger car.

Route 3: Via A350 and A46

The third route option involves taking the A350 north from Bournemouth, passing through Shaftesbury and Bath, before joining the A46 towards Stratford-on-Avon. This route covers a distance of approximately 170 miles and takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete.

The fuel cost for this route is slightly higher than the first two options, with an estimated cost of £45 for a small car and £65 for a larger car.

The Best Route

Based on the total cost and driving time, Route 1 via A34 and M40 is the best route option for a road trip from Bournemouth to Stratford-on-Avon. Although it is the shortest route, it still offers plenty of stunning scenery and historic towns to explore along the way.

In terms of fuel costs, Route 1 is the most efficient. For example, a small car traveling from Bournemouth to Stratford-on-Avon on this route would save around £5 in fuel costs compared to Route 3.

The driving time is also slightly shorter than the other two routes, which means you can spend more time exploring the attractions of Stratford-on-Avon and its surroundings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a road trip from Bournemouth to Stratford-on-Avon can be a fantastic adventure full of beautiful landscapes, historic sites, and memorable experiences. However, it's essential to consider the cost of the trip, especially the fuel costs. Based on our analysis, Route 1 via A34 and M40 is the most cost-effective and efficient route to take. Although the driving time is around 3 hours, it's well worth it for the experiences you'll have along the way.