Hertz car hire in Sheffield

Car hire in Sheffield ushers you into a proud, northern English city famed for its steel production for centuries, but now known for its spirit of reinvention.

Sheffield has gone from strength to strength in recent years. It’s a university city with a thriving music and culture scene packed with things to do, and its centre has been redesigned and reinvigorated.

By hiring a car in Sheffield, you can navigate the sights and sounds of this vibrant place, while the beautiful countryside of South Yorkshire and the nearby Peak District are also on your doorstep.

We have various convenient pick-up locations in and around the city, including at the railway station. Browse our car collection online and you’ll find vehicles suited for leisure and built for business, whatever it is that brings you to the Steel City. Book direct in advance, and our helpful team will aim to get you on the road as smoothly as possible when you arrive.

Driving in and around Sheffield

Sheffield’s prime position in South Yorkshire makes it perfect for business trips or holiday getaways. The road network is extensive, with major A-roads and motorways, of course, but also more scenic routes, especially those leading into the Peak District – the picturesque National Park that lies just to Sheffield’s west.

The main motorway in the area is the M1, which runs to the east of Sheffield and is easily accessible via the A631, A630 or A57. As the country’s main motorway, you can go south through the Midlands and all the way down to London,or drive north towards Leeds.

Numerous A-roads lead to nearby towns and villages, with the famous spire of Chesterfieldjust a short drive south on the A61. Alternatively, take the A61 north and connect with the A629 to explore Huddersfield and the village of Haworth near Keighley, famous as the home of the Bronte sisters.

Sheffield is encompassed by an inner ring road, which encircles the city centre, the universities and many of the main museums and shopping areas. This is made up of the A61 along the east and north, and Hanover Way, Netherthorpe Road and Hoyle Street to the south and west. When driving in the city centre, watch out for the Sheffield Supertram and pedestrianised areas in Fargate and the Moor Quarter. There’s plenty of parking to be found, with numerous multi-storey car parks close to the main sights.

Heading beyond the city, there are several routes into the Peak District. Take the A57 (Manchester Road) west, which becomes Snake Pass as it enters the park. You’ll pass the Ladybower Reservoir, streams and woodland in one of the country’s most beautiful areas.

Driving around Sheffield and the UK is similar to back home, with the major different being speed limits, which are displayed in miles per hour. In towns and cities, the top speed is usually 30mph (48km/h), while on motorways the maximum is typically 70mph (112km/h). Always check signs however, as these can vary.

A quick guide to Sheffield

Sheffield has the advantage of offering a little bit of everything. A stellar live music scene, two rival football clubs, the buzz of university life and superb places to eat can all be found here.

Add these urban treats to the mix, along with the picture-postcard Peak District nearby, and you’ve got a top-notch destination.

From grit to gardens

Sheffield hasn’t just relied on the nearby Peak District to provide a place for residents and visitors to relax, with the city itself hosting several fantastic parks. Two in particular stand out – the Winter Gardens and the Botanical Gardens.

The former is housed in a stunning modern building, with its huge glass roof – it’s Europe’s largest urban glasshouse – and holds over 2,500 plant species. It’s an oasis of greenery right in the city’s heart and doubles up as a striking venue for live events. It sits wonderfully with the Victorian grandeur of the town hall and the outdoor Peace Gardens with their water cascades and poignant memorials.

There are another 5,000 plant species at the Botanical Gardens on Clarkehouse Road, which has been open since 1836. There’s even more spectacular glasswork here too, as well as 18 different themed gardens and even a former bear pit.

Steel appeal

The city is famed for its steel, and this heritage can be found across Sheffield in various museums and attractions. The Millennium Gallery, for example, combines both art and industry, with a huge array of local steel products.

There’s also the collection of inspiring artworks by noted Victorian artist John Ruskin, archaeological finds and ambitious exhibitions – from Da Vinci’s drawings to Lego models.

If this has given you a taste for art, you’ll find more at the compact Graves Gallery. This place punches above its weight with modern pieces from the likes of Damien Hirst on display next to classics from luminaries such as Cezanne, Turner and Lowry.

Head next to Kelham Island, a manmade island which hosts a remarkable and singular museum focusing on the industrial history of the city. There’s a vast steam engine which runs twice a day, workshops that give a flavour of the past and various exhibits around the wonders of steel.

Peak practice

While the city is undeniably green – some claim it boasts the most trees per head in all of Europe – you can explore some of Britain’s finest countryside by venturing out in your hire car from Sheffield and visiting the Peak District. This was the first national park in the country, and boasts nearly 1,500 square kilometres of moors, woods, reservoirs and lakes.

Driving through, you’ll find rocky escarpments giving way to serene bodies of water, while grand houses of the present and past pepper the landscape. At Peveril Castle, time has diminished the structure, but the place still evokes stories of a glorious past – it was built by the son of William the Conqueror and was a royal hunting lodge favoured by several kings.

By contrast, Chatsworth House is a perfectly preserved stately home where Dukes and Duchesses have sat pretty for hundreds of years. Tour the rooms and you’ll find lavish decorations and an admirable art collection, all the while discovering much about the imprisonment of Mary Queen of Scots here. The grounds outside are handsome, while there’s also a farm shop and an adventure playground for children.

Whether you’re in search of steel city attractions or venturing out into the great outdoors, plan your perfect trip with car hire in Sheffield.