Car Rental Uxbridge

Uxbridge lies in the London Borough of Hillingdon, just a few miles west of the city center. To reach central London it’s just a short drive along the A40, which will take you right into the heart of the city.

The A40 also offers access to the A406, known as the North Circular, which allows you to drive around the outskirts of London to reach destinations east of the city such as Stratford, home to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, ArcelorMittal Orbit – the UK’s largest sculpture – and Westfield Stratford City shopping mall.

In the other direction, west of Uxbridge, the A40 becomes the M40 motorway – the UK term for a freeway. This route leads out through Colne Valley towards the town of High Wycombe and the countryside of the Chiltern Hills. You can also follow this route to reach the historic city of Oxford, famous for its college buildings and the ancient Bodleian Library.

From Uxbridge it’s also easy to access the M1 motorway, a major route that runs through the south of England to towns such as Watford and Milton Keynes then all the way north to cities including Leeds.

One of London’s main airports, Heathrow, is just six miles from Uxbridge along the A408. The south coast of England is also within reach in a rental car, with resorts such as Brighton and Worthing less than two hours’ drive along the M25 and A23.

When you’re driving in the UK, remember that you’ll be using the left-hand side of the road and overtaking on the right. If you plan to take your rental car into central London, you’ll find a congestion charge applies in some parts of the city from Monday to Friday. Rental cars are not exempt from this charge, which can be paid online.

Uxbridge has a lively town center where you’ll find many stores, cafés and restaurants. And with its close proximity to central London, Uxbridge is ideally placed for visiting many attractions around the capital. With a rental car you’ll find all these destinations on your doorstep.

Wartime history

Uxbridge is home to a former air force base, which was in operation until 2010. Today, it’s one of the town’s top visitor attractions, the Battle of Britain Bunker. This building was the headquarters of No 11 Group Fighter Command, which was responsible for the air defense of London and south-east England during World War II.

Inside, you can see the control room as it was in 1940, with maps and display boards still in place. There’s a museum on site, and tours are available to learn more about the crucial work that went on here to protect London from Luftwaffe attacks.

For history buffs, another fascinating experience is the Churchill War Rooms, just a short drive from Uxbridge in central London. Here you can discover the stories of the men and women who worked in the city’s underground war rooms and the key role they played in the Allied victory.

City culture

Uxbridge is just a short distance from the heart of London. Here you’ll find many cultural and historic attractions on offer. Many visitors head straight for the London Eye on the banks of the River Thames, which offers incredible views of the city.

From one of the pods on this gigantic Ferris wheel, you can see many of London’s most famous attractions – from Buckingham Palace to the Houses of Parliament. The attraction is hugely popular, so arrive early to avoid the longest lines.

Once you’ve seen London from the skies, head across the River Thames to Westminster Abbey, a magnificent structure that has been the site of royal coronations in England since 1066. Many former monarchs are also buried here, along with famous figures such as Stephen Hawking and Sir Isaac Newton.

From Poets’ Corner to the Coronation Chair and royal tombs, there are a host of fascinating things to see at the abbey. One of the newest additions is the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries; a revamped medieval space that houses treasures including ancient manuscripts and the royal marriage license for William and Catherine, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Back to nature

For a break from the busy city, you can take just a short drive outside the center of Uxbridge to Colne Valley Regional Park, a beautiful stretch of land that reaches all the way to the River Thames. It covers 43 square miles and features hills, lakes and woodland, as well as farmland.

The central part of the park is home to wetland habitats where you can see many species of birds, and you might spot rabbits, squirrels or even foxes. If you’re feeling active, there are plenty of activities on offer, from horse riding to hiking, and even several golf clubs.

All these attractions and more are within easy reach with a rental car in Uxbridge.