car hire london
Pick up your hire car at Heathrow Airport, Gatwick Airport, Stanstead Airport or one of many other locations and you're ready to enjoy the thumping heart of Britain. Book car hire London now
the 60-second guide to London
in its own head
"Leave your pyjamas behind, baby. London's the best, most cosmopolitan, fashionable city in the world and we're on the go 24/7."
but more realistically
You can party, for sure, but London is massive and there's plenty more on offer than two-for-one cocktails.
the vibe
Whatever you're into you'll find something to tickle your fancy, from classic museums to modern burlesque and a world of cuisines to fuel your fun.
the natives
Londoners are in a hurry. Always. Avoid stopping to take pictures at the top of stairs or in the entrance to the Tube and you'll be fine.
the weather
Ah, the great British weather. Pack an umbrella, a scarf, gloves, some shorts and sunglasses at all times.
the local speciality
Pie and mash is having a well-deserved renaissance. The more adventurous should also seek out the classic London treat 'liquor' - a lurid-green parsley-based gravy.
the celebrity
Just the one? It's wall to wall celebs in London town. It's also got the queen of all celebrities - the Queen.
did you know?
The oldest man buried in Westminster Abbey is Thomas 'Old' Parr. He died in 1635 at an alleged age of 152.
they say
"When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford." - author Samuel Johnson
5 to see in town...
- 1. Buckingham Palace
- 2. Big Ben
- 3: The London Eye
- 4: Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
- 5: St Paul's Cathedral
Do take a turn around the state rooms and imagine the royals padding about in their slippers. Don't break into the Queen's bedroom, as Michael Fagan did back in the 1980s.
where to park?
There are car parks in Arlington Street, Horseferry Road and Belgrave Road - all walking distance from the palace. Prices start from £6.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Buckingham Palace
- 2. Big Ben
- 3: The London Eye
- 4: Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
- 5: St Paul's Catherdral
Arm yourself with the fact that Big Ben isn't the iconic gothic clock but actually the bell inside it and you'll impress the locals no end.
where to park?
Abingdon car park on Great College Street is just a few minutes walk from Big Ben. It's £6 for two hours.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Buckingham Palace
- 2. Big Ben
- 3: The London Eye
- 4: Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
- 5: St Paul's Catherdral
Get an eyeful of London in all her glory on this giant Ferris wheel. The 'journey' takes half an hour but feels like it's over in seconds. You might want to do it again.
where to park?
Abingdon Car Park in Great College Street and Trafalgar Car Park in Lockspur Street are both nearby.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Buckingham Palace
- 2. Big Ben
- 3: The London Eye
- 4: Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
- 5: St Paul's Catherdral
Renovated to give you an idea what it was like listening to the Bard back in his hey day, without the running sewage.
where to park?
There is an NCP car park over Southwark Bridge on Upper Thames Street.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Buckingham Palace
- 2. Big Ben
- 3: The London Eye
- 4: Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
- 5: St Paul's Catherdral
Prolific architect Christopher Wren's most famous offering and one of London's most iconic landmarks. Prince Charles married a certain Lady Diana here.
where to park?
There are NCP car parks in Lower Thames Street (£2.50/hr) and in Whites Row, Spitalfields (£2/hr).
and 4 to drive to...
Put on your best sandals and socks and join the Brits ramming fish and chips into their mouths before dancing the night away in a happy, sweaty club.
how to get there?
Head south on the A23. Via a short stretch on the M23, it goes all the way to Brighton.
and 4 to drive to...
Release your inner hippie at these mystical stones. Prime time is summer solstice on 21 June but you can get your chill on all year with a private tour booked through English Heritage.
how to get there?
Head out of London towards the M3, which leads to the A303. Stonehenge is about 86 miles away.
and 4 to drive to...
The spiritual home of catwalk queens feeling the credit crunch. A whole village dedicated to shopping, it offers both high street and designer stores without the WAG price tags.
how to get there?
Follow the A40 onto the M40 towards Oxford. Turn right onto the A34 and you're there.
and 4 to drive to...
If you didn't catch the Queen at Buckingham Palace, try your luck at her other gaff. It's the largest occupied castle in the world and has a massive doll's house too.
how to get there?
Find your way onto the M4, which, after turning onto the A332, takes you to Windsor in approximately 45 minutes.
ask a London cabbie!
Local taxi driver Steve Bishop on car hire in London: "Though you might not think it, driving in London is actually fun - but you need to keep your wits about you as some of the locals take no prisoners! Watch out for kamikaze cyclists at all times - most seem to have a death wish - and never, ever go anywhere near Piccadilly Circus in rush hour. Sometimes a good option is to park near an underground station in Zone 2 then take the Tube into the centre of town. And watch out for the big 'C' signs - they mean Congestion Charge and you'll have to shell out £8."