Compare Bridgwater car hire

Host of one of the largest illuminated carnival processions in Europe, Bridgwater is a charming historic market town set within the bucolic wonders of Somerset. While it's easy to explore and get around the town centre on foot, you’ll need to get behind a wheel for day trips further afield and to experience the beauty of the Cheddar Gorge, one of the most scenic routes in the UK. And a hire car is just the ticket.

Bridgwater has a number of local car hire companies in town, including Bridgwater Car and Van Hire and Falcon Vehicle Solutions. There are more options in nearby Taunton, too, where you’ll find well-known brands like Avis, Thrifty and Enterprise. Once you’ve picked up your car, it’s time to explore Bridgwater and its surroundings.

The town is an easy place to drive around, however, as with most places, it’s best to avoid the roads during rush hour when there’s a lot of traffic. Parking shouldn’t be an issue as there are several car parks dotted about, but if you’re travelling in for the Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival in November, park-and-ride services are recommended to avoid congestion and road closures.

When it comes to sightseeing further afield, the M5 is the main road through Somerset. The motorway connects Bridgwater to both Bristol to the north and Exeter to the south in under an hour.

Smaller towns around Bridgwater are reachable via A roads, such as Glastonbury, which is 30 or so minutes away along the A39. With Somerset being as flat as it is, you can see Glastonbury Tor and St Michael’s Tower perched on top from miles away – the mound is associated with Celtic mythology and Arthurian legend. Set your alarm and drive to the tor just in time for sunrise – the view is worth the early start.

If you follow the A39 in the opposite direction, you’ll reach Exmoor National Park, which, courtesy of being Europe’s first international dark sky reserve, is celebrated for its lack of light pollution. Visit in the evening to enjoy a sea of stars (if the weather plays ball that is).

Half an hour from Bridgwater, along the M5 and A38, you’ll reach the stunning Cheddar Gorge. The B3135 – aka Cliff Road – winds through the valley with high limestone cliffs rising dramatically on either side. Considered one of the UK’s most picturesque drives, this is a must-do on a Somerset holiday. And a top tip: do take it slowly around the tight corners and keep an eye out for cyclists.

If you’re not in any rush, make the short drive along the A371 from Cheddar to the Wookey Hole cave network or the extraordinarily grand Wells Cathedral, before taking the A39 back to Bridgwater.

Fair fuel policy

A fair fuel policy (also known as full-to-full or same-to-same) means you’ll only pay for the fuel you use. All car rental deals compared on TravelSupermarket come with a fair fuel policy, so you can book your hire car safe in the knowledge there will be no nasty surprises at drop-off. More information on TravelSupermarket’s commitment to fair fuel policies can be found here.

No hidden fees

All rental deals compared on TravelSupermarket include mandatory fees (for example, one-way and young driver surcharges) in your rental quote at the time of booking, meaning you’ll know the full price of your car hire upfront.