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Search for the best car hire deals in Sheffield
Renowned for its green backdrops, steelmaking past and burgeoning tech scene, Sheffield is a great choice for a 2020 city break. Rent a hire car in Sheffield and it’s also a gateway to the Peak District – just a short drive from the city centre – and the rest of Yorkshire, including York, Leeds, and the Yorkshire Dales.
Hiring a car in Sheffield city centre
Finding cheap car hire deals in central Sheffield is straightforward, with operators including Hertz, Sixt, Enterprise, Europcar and Avis all present. Most pick up points are located on the Inner Ring Road, with a cluster around Sheffield Station.
Fast facts about hiring a car from Doncaster Sheffield Airport
If you’re flying into Sheffield’s local airport, Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA), hiring a car is easy. Compare prices online before you travel, book a great deal, and then simply head to the arrivals area to Avis or Hertz car rentals. Once you’ve picked up your car, you’ll be able to drive to the centre of Sheffield in less than an hour.
The drive to Sheffield city centre from the airport is reasonably simple: head towards Doncaster on the A638 to join the M18 heading southwest, then join the M1, and eventually Sheffield Parkway, which leads into the heart of the city. The route is well signposted, but for a belt-and-braces approach, bringing a satnav or GPS-enabled smartphone can be helpful.
You’ll find the car hire desks at Doncaster Sheffield Airport in the arrivals hall, and the car park conveniently nearby. Simplify things by pre-booking, whether you choose Avis, which has a rental office at the airport, or Hertz, which offers a meet-and-greet service to pick your car up from a nearby location.
Car rental companies operating at Doncaster Sheffield Airport include:
- Avis (Tel: +44344 544 3997)
- Hertz (Tel: +44843 309 3067)
Driving in Sheffield city centre
Driving in Sheffield should be simple for experienced drivers, with well-marked and accessible roads. It’s worth paying close attention when driving on the city’s inner ring road for the first time, as the roundabouts can be confusing, while bus lanes and one-way streets can also catch out non-residents. Again, a satnav or GPS-enabled smartphone can assist with some of the city’s trickier points.
While there can be plenty of traffic at peak times, it’s nothing out of the ordinary for a busy city. However, the centre is currently undergoing a major regeneration plan, meaning there are lots of roadworks.
Parking is more straightforward than in many other UK cities, with metered street parking and an abundance of cheap multi-storey car parks. There are also a number of Park and Ride sites, where you can park your car and head into the city centre and other destinations on a tram, train or bus.
Recommended day trips from Sheffield
York
Driving time: One hour 30 minutes
The walled city of York has a fascinating array of activities to enjoy. Walk those well-preserved city walls – at two miles, they’re the longest in England – or head to the Jorvik Viking Centre to see, hear and smell how the horn-hatted warriors lived.
You needn’t be a train-spotter to enjoy the National Railway Museum, where you can see the Flying Scotsman alongside a Japanese bullet train. Reward yourself with a visit to York’s Chocolate Story, where after learning about the city’s famous cocoa bean families – Terry’s and Rowntree – it’ll be time for a tasting.
The Peak District National Park
Driving time: 20 minutes
Britain’s first National Park, the Peak District is the place to get away from the city’s bustle in stunning natural surroundings. Despite its name, the terrain is not particularly mountainous – instead you’ll find wild moorland, rolling hills, rocky outcrops and historic villages. Depending on the pace you prefer, you can stroll through the dales and visit grand country houses, or test your mettle with adrenaline sports including paragliding and potholing.
Penistone
Driving time: 40 minutes
The highest market town in the country, Penistone is postcard-pretty, with beautiful walks and historic buildings. Stop for a quiet drink in one of the traditional pubs – perhaps The White Hart, which dates back to 1377 – or check out the Paramount Cinema, a heritage building that is home to one of the few working theatre organs in the country.