You’d expect each country in the UK to be somewhat different, but the various regions and counties that make up these islands all have their individual characters too.
The bustle of London sits in stark contrast to the picturesque villages, dramatic Lake District, snow-capped peaks of Scotland and the stunning valleys of Wales.
Green and pleasant land
It can be hard to get a handle on the real England. Stand in Soho or on Oxford Street in London and you’ll be swept away by the tide of people, by the sense that no-one stands still. But then travel to a village mere miles away and it can feel as if time has stopped in its tracks.
England is a place that loves to charge forward while staying true to its past and its place in the world. The cities outside of London are fiercely proud of their own cultures, from the Liverpool music scene that brought us Beatlemania to the football tribalism of Manchester.
A day at a soccer game is a unique experience, and the best stadiums in the UK – Wembley, St. James’ Park, Old Trafford – are temples of sport, UK-style.
The UK food scene has also come on in leaps and bounds, thanks in no small part to the eclectic mix of people who now call it home. You can start the day with a bagel, sample Michelin-starred French cuisine for lunch and then finish with a fiery curry at night.
Sweeping through Scotland
Scotland is a proud nation that sits at the north of the United Kingdom and boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.
The major cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh both have their own flavor; a visit that coincides with the annual Edinburgh Fringe Festival will reveal the quirky heart of this cobbled city.
Further north lie the Highlands, complete with an awe-inspiring landscape that will let you make the most of your car rental. Whether you want to explore the mystery of Loch Ness or just breathe in the clear air and stunning scenery, there are countless driving routes that will have you pulling over to soak it all in.
The wonders of Wales
Whether your visit takes you to Wales’ capital Cardiff, the gorgeous expanses of Pembrokeshire or the twinkling tides of Colwyn Bay, Wales will send you home with warm memories.
Its seaside towns are friendly and charming, and you can park your car and take to the Wales Coast Path, which stretches some 870 miles.
You’ll also find hundreds of castles here in Wales, from ruins and wrecks to perfectly preserved heritage sites. Snowdonia National Park is well worth a visit, with activities aplenty, but you can also just drive through a natural world of lakes, waterfalls and mountains.
Belfast and beyond
Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland, and the perfect springboard to explore the rest of the country. The city has reinvented itself in recent years, with lots of development including the popular Titanic Quarter at the former shipyard where the doomed ocean liner was built.
Centered on land in Belfast Harbour, it comprises historic maritime landmarks and the world's largest Titanic-themed attraction. Take some time as well to saunter through the ancient cathedrals and sample the booming restaurant scene.
Beyond Belfast’s boundaries you’ll find idyllic villages, numerous filming locations for the hit TV show Game of Thrones (see if you can check off all 25) and some of the best places to drive in the world. The coastal route that takes in Giant’s Causeway alone is reason enough to visit.
The UK holds countless treasures for visitors to unearth, and car rental in the United Kingdom is your key to unlocking as many as possible during what is sure to be a memorable visit.