Car Rental England
Hertz car rental in England
England might be smaller than many US states, but it’s packed with must-see attractions - from grand cathedrals and royal palaces, to prehistoric monuments and stunning scenery. Many of the country’s cultural highlights can be found in the capital London and other major cities such as Bath and Liverpool. But venture further afield and you’ll be rewarded with spectacular road trips taking in rugged coastlines, charming towns and scenic national parks.
Whether you’re flying in for business or bringing your family here for a vacation, make car rental your first port of call. We’ve got convenient collection points located across the country, from Heathrow and Gatwick airports to popular destinations in the north including Manchester, Sheffield and Leeds. Simply select your vehicle and make a reservation online before you fly, and we’ll have your car ready and waiting when you arrive.
Hertz Airport Locations England
Driving in and around England
England’s road network is generally well-maintained, making car rental the perfect way to get around. The main routes in England are motorways. These major highways, usually with two to four lanes, connect the country’s biggest cities and have the country’s highest speed limits of 70mph.
One of the most important motorways is the M1, which runs from London in the south to Leeds in the north. Another is the M62, which cuts across the north between Hull in the east and Liverpool in the west. Meanwhile the M25, also known as the London Orbital Motorway, loops around the UK capital and provides connections to many towns on the outskirts of the city.
Away from the motorways, there is also an extensive network of A-roads, many of them dual carriageways, and smaller B-roads that connect many of the country’s towns and villages.
When driving in England, there are a few important rules to remember. Drivers must use the left side of the road and overtake on the right, giving way to traffic on their right at roundabouts. The national speed limit on motorways is generally 70mph and on single-lane carriageways this falls to 60mph.
In towns and villages, you will find the maximum speed is limited to 30mph or even 20mph. Parking rules are strictly enforced in England, particularly in major cities, so you should always read the signs carefully before leaving your rental car to explore on foot.
Motorways in the UK do not usually have tolls, although there is a section of the M6 north of Birmingham where charges apply. You should also be aware of the congestion charge if you are planning to drive in London, which applies from Monday to Friday between 7am and 6pm.
A quick guide to England
Many visitors to England head straight for the big cities, but renting a car allows you to get on the road and explore this country - discovering everything from sleepy countryside villages to vibrant seaside resorts. Here’s our quick guide to just some of the best things to do and see.
The Big Smoke
London is without doubt England’s most popular city. Home to everything from the British Museum and National Gallery to Saint Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey, there’s more to see and do here than you could ever hope to fit into a single visit.
For any first-time visitor, a walk up The Mall from Trafalgar Square to Buckingham Palace is a must. You might see the Changing of the Guard, or even the Royal Standard flying outside the Palace to indicate the Queen is in residence. Afterwards, browse the markets at Covent Garden, hit the stores on Oxford Street or head for Leicester Square to catch a West End show – it’s all within easy reach of the city center.
Natural treasures
Away from the busy cities, England boasts some truly spectacular scenery. With a rental car you’ll be well-placed to plan some memorable road trips along the coast.Head south west to explore the Jurassic Coast, which stretches almost 100 miles from Devon to Dorset. Along the way you will see iconic landscapes including Durdle Door, with its limestone arch, and Golden Cap, the highest point on the south coast.
Further north, the Lake District offers you the chance to take in everything from quiet countryside villages to ruined castles and rolling hills. Base yourself in Ambleside for the star attraction - Lake Windermere - or climb England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike, to enjoy views as far away as Ireland and the Isle of Man.
Historic highlights
England is packed with attractions to delight anyone with an interest in history and culture, not all of them housed within the biggest cities. The prehistoric monument Stonehenge, in Wiltshire, remains one of the country’s top tourist destinations. Visitors are drawn to the mystery of this famous ring of stones and its origins dating back thousands of years.
England’s northern cities offer some of the most spectacular historic architecture anywhere in the country. Spend a day in York to admire the mighty Minster, a 7th century cathedral renowned as one of the finest in Europe, and to explore the Shambles, a medieval shopping street that is today packed with quirky boutiques and souvenir stores.
Northern soul
Outside of London, many of the country’s northern cities have reinvented themselves from industrial heartlands to vibrant cultural hubs. Liverpool, the home of The Beatles, today draws music and culture lovers from all over the world.
They come to explore the Cavern Quarter and Beatles Museums, but also to see the city’s two cathedrals and remodelled Albert Dock. This is now the city’s premier waterfront area and home to a thriving dining and cultural scene.
Just a short distance along the M62, Manchester continues to thrill visitors with its iconic football rivalry, art galleries and outdoor markets. When you rent a car in England, all this and more is within easy reach. Start the adventure when you reserve your vehicle online today.
