Ideally placed for exploring London and south-east England, Stansted is a great way to begin your journey in the UK. You’ll find major cities and beautiful countryside within easy reach, and with a rental car you can set your itinerary to explore at your own pace.
Capital culture
Without doubt the main attraction on Stansted’s doorstep is the UK capital, London. There are so many things to see and do that it’s impossible to fit them all into one trip, but many visitors head straight for the central area around the south bank of the Thames near Westminster Bridge.
Here you’ll find the iconic London Eye, an enormous Ferris wheel constructed to welcome the new millennium.
Initially intended to be a temporary structure, it proved so popular that it has become a permanent fixture of the city skyline. Reserve tickets for one of its pods and you’ll be able to enjoy incredible views of London, including Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament.
From the London Eye it’s just a short journey along the river bank to the Tower of London, a former fortress and prison that is still home to the Crown Jewels and of course the ceremonial guards known as Beefeaters. Guided tours are available, and if you’re lucky you might even see the famous ravens that live at the tower. Legend has it that if the ravens ever leave, the whole kingdom will fall.
Garden getaway
With a rental car it’s also possible to escape the crowds and visit some attractions near the outskirts of London. Just a short drive away from the center you’ll find Kew Gardens, London’s biggest UNESCO World Heritage site and home to an incredible collection of flowers, plants and woodlands.
It’s the perfect way to enjoy some peace and quiet without leaving the city. The beautiful centerpiece is Temperate House, the world’s largest Victorian glasshouse that first opened in the 1800s and reopened after a five-year restoration project in 2018.
This structure shelters many incredible trees and plants, including some of the world’s rarest and most threatened species, some of which are extinct in the wild. It’s possible to reserve tickets for Kew Gardens online and there are a number of car parks close to the site, making it an excellent destination to visit by car.
A historic gem
With a rental car from Stansted it’s also possible to visit many other excellent destinations around the south and east of England. Just 30 miles north of the airport you’ll find Cambridge, a historic city on the River Cam that is famous for its architecture, particularly its college buildings.
Head to the Fitzwilliam Museum where you will find an impressive collection of art and antiquities, from ancient armor to Renaissance paintings. It’s also possible to take a tour of some of the colleges, where you can learn all about their fascinating history and beautiful architecture.
For a relaxing afternoon, visit the river where you’ll find boat tours available and even the option to rent your own punt, offering a unique way to see the sights. Cambridge is just one of the destinations within easy reach when you collect your rental car at Stansted Airport.