Car Hire UK

If you're planning a trip around the UK, hiring a car is a great way to see as much of the country as possible. From the rolling hills of Cornwall to the scenic views of the Yorkshire Dales, hiring a car gives you the freedom to plan your own trip and to take in the country at your own pace.

Driving through the UK is usually a stress free experience compared to many other countries around the world. The UK is relatively small and has a good road infrastructure of high-speed motorways. The UK's roads are left hand drive, vehicles are unleaded or diesel, with all petrol stations accepting credit or debit card payments.
It is not a problem if you're arriving in the UK by plane. Airport pickup is a convenient option that will take the stress out of arriving. Car hire is available from all major airports up and down the country. Options in London include: Gatwick Airport (LGW), Heathrow Airport (LHR), London City Airport (LCY), Luton Airport (LTN), Stansted Airport (STN), London Metropolitan area (LON).

If you're planning on arriving at one airport and departing from somewhere else, this should not be a problem as many car rental companies offer one way rental, meaning you can arrange to pick up your vehicle at one airport and return it to another.

If you prefer to arrive by train, pickup is also available from all major train stations in and around London, from London's Kings Cross to Victoria and Croydon. Car rental in the UK can be catered to suit you individual needs. From Brighton to Cardiff, Wembley to Leeds, car pick up is a convenient way to manage your travels around the UK.
Whether you're travelling for business or leisure, over the course of a week or just for a single day trip, UK car hire is a cost effective way of getting around without the stress of being tied to public transport. If you're planning a shopping trip further north, car pick up is available at all major airports, Birmingham (BHX) to Manchester Airport (MAN), Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL) to Newcastle (NCL). Just as in London, all major cities outside of the capital are catered for, with car rental available for pick up from the train stations of Downtown Nottingham, Manchester, Newcastle and Liverpool Lime Street as well as many other citywide destinations in major UK towns and cities.

A drive further north will see you cross the border into Scotland. A uniquely picturesque part of the UK, Scotland has some of the country's most beautiful scenic drives. Take in the country's distinctive culture and take a drive to the Scottish Highlands and Edinburgh Castle, or taste some of the traditional Scottish cuisine of Scotch broth or haggis. Car pickup is available from the airports of Edinburgh (EDI) or further north in Glasgow International (GLA)  or Glasgow Prestwick (PIK) and Aberdeen (ABZ) or Inverness (INV) further north.  Alternatively you can rent a vehicle close to all the major rail stations in Scotland from one of the many downtown locations.

5 Great Drives in the UK

The devil's punchbowl along the A3 road linking Portsmouth and London is considered on of the UK's most enjoyable roads because of the tranquil natural surroundings. A stunning natural basin sunk into the Surrey Hills, the land is owned and maintained by the National Trust, ensuring the nature reserve continues to thrive.

One of the finest routes in the UK links Glasgow and Fort William. Covering around 100 miles and taking close to around two and a half hours to complete, this is by no means a short drive. However the route treats you to an amazing range of natural beauty. Mountains, waterfalls, valleys and Lochs all feature, with views so spectacular you may have to pull over to admire the beautiful landscape several times along the way.

The famous suspension bridge which links Beachley in Gwent, Wales to Aust in Bristol offers up stunning views down the River Severn. Standing at over 130 metres tall, motorists are treated to panoramic views of the river, mudflats and marshy plains.
There is a toll to use the bridge which currently costs £5.70 for 'Category 1' vehicles which are those with 9 seats or less. It is more expensive for larger vehicles and can cost up to £17.20 for large buses and lorries. The toll charge only applies to motorists travelling from England into Wales, there is no charge travelling the reverse route.

There are a number of routes through the Lake District that offer undoubted natural beauty, but the finest route of the lot may well be the drive between Lake Windermere and Keswick. The 20.2 mile route is lined with rugged mountain peaks, tranquil lakes, green hills and quaint villages. The drive along the A591 usually takes around 40 minutes and the sights you'll see along the way are not to be missed.

Setting off from the small, picturesque town of Cheddar (where the cheese originated), the drive through the Cheddar Gorge along the B3135 is a truly memorable drive. Driving through the stunningly beautiful rock formations of the cliffs and rock formations is a treat in itself, while many visitors in recent years have been attracted by the naturally formed limestone gorge, widely recognised as one of the UK's greatest natural wonders.

The drive up to the gorge is a testing drive with a number of tight turns on a narrow two-laned road, after which you have the option of driving further along the B3135 to Green Ore. The 10 mile drive should take around 20 minute to complete, although this will vary on the time of day you are travelling.

To find the best price on car hire in the UK, compare prices online now and save money on walk-up prices by pre-booking.

And, don't forget to make further savings on car hire excess insurance.