Car Hire UK

When comparing car hire in the UK, ensure you book as far in advance as possible using travelsupermarket.com's price comparison tool to ensure you get the best deal. Anyone planning on flying into one UK airport and departing from another needn't worry. Some UK car hire companies provide a one way car rental service which caters for this, meaning that users can pick up their vehicle from one depot and drop if off at another. With many car hire providers having depots scattered around the UK, you should have no problems arranging different pick up and drop off points in the UK.

Add to this the often expensive and sometimes unreliable public transport system in the UK, its clear that hiring a car in the UK is probably the most efficient way of getting around. As the UK is relatively small compared to other European countries, coupled with a great motorway network, driving in the UK is often the most convenient method of transport available. For example, a drive from London to Manchester should take under 4 hours, traffic permitting.

Many UK city centres  can be tricky to negotiate and have varied parking provision, but most are served by Park and Ride bus services, which allow you to park just outside the city and take a bus to its centre.  Likewise, many of the UK's more modern landmarks and attractions - such as the Eden Project in St Austell, Cornwall - provide ample parking and run shuttle buses to the main attraction. With so much of the British countryside to explore,  purchasing cheap hire car will ensure you have the independence and freedom to explore what this great nation has to offer. In fact, we've highlighted five stunning areas of scenery across the UK that are well worth visiting.

5 Great Drives in the UK


'The Devil's Punchbowl'

A stunning natural basin sunk into the Surrey Hills, the Devil's Punchbowl along the famous A3 road linking Portsmouth and London is a great driving route thanks to its surrounding natural beauty.

The land is owned and maintained by the National Trust, ensuring the nature reserve continues to thrive.

Despite this section of road only covering 1.4miles, it is without doubt one of the UK's most enjoyable roads because of the tranquil natural surroundings.

Glasgow to Fort William

The drive between Glasgow and Fort William is by no means a short route covering around 100miles and taking close to two and a half hours to complete but it is one of the UK's finest.

Most of the drive is spent on the A82 which is the route that serves the whole West Highlands.

During the drive, you'll see an amazing range of natural beauty. These include mountains, waterfalls, valleys and Lochs , all of which make this such a great drive.

With so many dramatic views to take in, you should be sure to pull over to admire the beautiful landscape along the way.

M48 across the Severn Bridge

The famous Severn Bridge which links Aust in Bristol to Beachley in Gwent, Wales, is a huge suspension bridge with stunning views down the River Severn.

Stretching 2.48 miles, the bridge was opened in 1966 by Queen Elizabeth II.

Standing over 130 metres tall, motorists can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the river, marshy plains and mudflats.

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 operates one way however so whilst you will be charged going from England into Wales, there is no charge travelling the reverse route.

A591 Keswick to Lake Windermere

The Lake District in general is a great driving location thanks to its undoubted natural beauty but the finest route of the lot may well be the drive between Keswick and Lake Windermere.

Over the 20.2mile drive you'll no doubt enjoy the soaring rugged mountain peaks, green and golden hills, tranquil lakes and quaint villages you'll pass through along the journey.

The drive along the A591 usually takes around 35/40 minutes and the sights you'll see along the way are no to be missed.

B3135 Cheddar Gorge in Somerset

Setting off from the picturesque town of Cheddar (the cheese originated here), the drive through the Cheddar Gorge along the B3135 is a spectacular experience.

In recent years the naturally formed limestone gorge has been recognised as one of the UK's greatest natural wonders which has in turn meant that more and more people are visiting the attraction.

This however does not detract from the fact that the cliffs and rock formations are stunningly beautiful and driving through them is still a great experience.

The climb up through the gorge involves a number of tight turns on a narrow two-laned road, after which you can drive further along the B3135 to Green Ore.

The drive of around 10 miles takes around 20 minutes to complete although this will vary depending on the time of day you are travelling.