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.