Hertz car hire in Gloucester

Car hire in Gloucester is your gateway to a place of beautiful watersides, attractive Romanesque architecture and prominent filming locations. With a history dating back two millennia, explore the city’s medieval past when you round every corner.

But Gloucester has both feet firmly in the present too. Nowhere is this better illustrated than in its thriving docklands – once an industrial heartland, but now the city’s primary recreational hub.

This English destination is perfectly located for a Midlands and south-west road trip – with the rural paradise of the Cotswolds and the urban energy of Bristoland Worcesterboth close by.

With car hire in Gloucester you can discover all the treasures the city has to offer, and the incredible scenery beyond, at your own pace. Whether you’re travelling for business or leisure, browse our vehicle selection to find the perfect option for your trip, and book direct online.

Driving in and around Gloucester

Gloucester is around an hour’s drive from Bristol Airportand Birmingham Airportvia the M5 motorway, if you’re flying into the UK.

The city has fantastic transport links to the rest of England too. The M5 runs alongside the east side, connecting it with popular locations north and south. Bristol can be reached in roughly 50 minutes when you drive south down the M5. The UK’s ‘second city’ Birminghammeanwhile takes slightly longer when you take the M5 northbound – just over one hour – and the cathedral city of Worcester is a 40-minute drive north.

Speed limits are signposted in miles per hour, as in the rest of the UK.. Many roads in Gloucester and other towns and cities have a maximum of 30mph (48km/h),through some central routes, residential areas or zones close to schools may be 20mph (32km/h). Motorways and dual-carriageways typically have a limit of 70mph (112km/h), but always check signs in case of any changes.

Parking is available in abundance in the city, with several council-owned and private parking garages in the centre. If you’re visiting Gloucester Quays, there’s a multi-storey car park situated close by. It has around 1,400 spaces and is a short 10-minute amble from the centre. For something a little more central, Longsmith Street car park is a four-minute walk from the Cathedral.

Street parking is also available within the city, on a pay and display basis. In many cases you’ll be able to pay for parking with your smartphone – though it’s best to check this before you travel.

A quick guide to Gloucester

Gloucester is a place of cobbled streets, fine dining and boutique shopping – but there’s so much more that draws in visitors.

Here are just some of the things you can see and do here.

An intriguing history

Gloucester Cathedral is the city’s most famous structure. Standing tall over the surrounding landscape, you may recognise its striking Gothic exterior from many TV shows and films – including Harry Potter, Doctor Who and Sherlock.

Walking inside is a truly breathtaking experience. Whether you’re gazing up its impressive stone columns or climbing up its tower, there’s much to admire in this architectural masterpiece.

For something a little livelier, take a drive down to Gloucester Quays. It’s a mecca for shoppers and fine diners alike, with an array of brand outlet stores and premium restaurants. There’s a tangible buzz in this part of the city – one of the most happening parts of town.

While you’re exploring the Quays, head down to the historic Docks. You could easily spend a few hours immersed in the fascinating displays and exhibitions in the National Waterways Museum – a great place to learn how Gloucester came to be.

The sporting stage

While you’re in town, be sure to catch Gloucester’s fantastic sporting pedigree in action. Watch the Gloucester Rugby team take to the field at the nearby Kingsholm Stadium – around a 10-minute drive north of the centre.

They ply their trade in the top flight of rugby union – so it’s well worth the relatively low ticket prices to see some pulsating action in a friendly atmosphere.

If you feel like going on a mini road trip during your stay, why not take the drive to Bristol to watch Gloucestershire County Cricket Club take to the crease? They play at the picturesque Bristol County Ground, one of the finest cricket stadiums in the country. You’ll be able to catch a game on many weekdays during the summer, or on the evenings for some high-octane Twenty20 action.

Breathtaking natural beauty

While Gloucester’s city centre has many attractions and activities on offer, it’d be a crime to miss out on the Cotswolds during your visit. With sights, sounds and serene beauty, it offers a quintessentially English experience across five county borders – such is its size.

The Cotswolds encompasses sleepy villages that you can visit on your drive, nature reserves with staggering amounts of wildlife across the landscape and cycle paths that offer unrivalled viewpoints along the way.

Hit the road and create wonderful memories when visiting this beautiful part of the UK with car hire in Gloucester.