London to Edinburgh Road Trip

[jase05]

Obviously a smaller car? Whats a good size for Old England?

Really depends on your needs.
I’ve used Sixt 3 times now and the first time we got a Renault Captur which is fairly small but drove nice and was fun to drive in Scotland being a manual and with the narrow one lane roads and numerous pull over bays. We picked that up at LHR and dropped off at ABZ.
The next time I booked a Kia Wagon and got an upgrade to a Peugeot Wagon, that drove beautifully and had plenty of room for luggage plus I was able to pick up the rellies in Manchester and go for a few drives with them.
The last time I booked a Tesla electric as I wanted to see what they were like and we scored an upgrade to a BMW electric and that was absolutely brilliant to drive

 

[Happy Dude]

How is the electric car charging situation in Britain?

Not good according to a few posters here. Preparation is paramount.

C

Thread 'Hertz Pick Up at LHR - Beware [Forced an Unsuitable Vehicle for Planned travel]'

May 15, 2023

Last month I picked up a Hertz car at the Hertz LHR depot, having booked it online several weeks prior. I had a confirmed reservation for a compact car with petrol engine, for my 600-mile round-trip to the North of England, to see some relatives. As I was travelling alone, that's all I needed.

However, when picking up the car I was told by the agent that there were no petrol powered vehicles available and that I had no alternative but to take an EV (at the same price). I told the agent that this wouldn't be suitable, due to range issues, but in the end I had no other practical choice if I...

• clifford
• Replies: 33
• Forum: Car Hire

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[RooFlyer]

Obviously a smaller car? Whats a good size for Old England?

Emphasis on Old England. Smallest as you may be comfortable with. Very narrow parking spaces & very tight parking in general in many places, plus expensive fuel. Very narrow roads out in some of the country.

Of course no matter what you book, the car rental company will give you anything that’s in the lot that day that’s convenient for them. I’ve been stitched up a couple of times with ‘ upgraded to a big car’ and both times I pushed back and once I even got a rebate on the extra fuel consumption when I couldn’t get what I wanted. If possible I would pick the car up the day before you are driving out of anywhere so that if you get stuck with a bigger car than you want or need at least you’ve got a day to swap it.

 

[BCons]

Anybody mentioned Bletchley Park ? Worth a visit, on the S side of Milton Keynes.

Apart from that, take a week for this drive, you'll need it with the M1, M4, M6 et al.. Driven sevrl times in last few yrs Lon to Lakes district and def took time off my life expectancy.. Roads are often difficult and u need eyes in the back of yr head on the m'ways

 

[kookaburra75]

I see so many reports that say ‘Collect car outside London City’ - is that really necessary?

It depends where you are staying in London, and how much time you want to spend in traffic. If you're staying out of the centre, then anywhere near the M25 loop road is good. If you're in the city, I'd recommend using the train (Heathrow Express or Elizabeth Line) to get to Heathrow and pick up the car from there. If your plan is to take in Oxford/Stonehenge/Cotswolds, it's easy to jump onto the M4 or the M40 to get going. Use the back roads and loop through Henley-on-Thames, it's a picturesque drive through the green stuff that England does so well.

Recommendation for car hire companies please thanks
Especially one way?

I've used Avis, Hertz and Sixt, and they were all much the same for one way hires. I selected them based on where their offices were, especially the drop off point. I picked Avis when we went Glasgow to Heathrow a few years ago as Avis had an office in the T5 terminal, so we could just walk from the car to the check in for BA. I don't think they're there now, maybe Sixt?

Obviously a smaller car? Whats a good size for Old England?

A small as possible, and as large as necessary (as @RooFlyer suggested) - given the width of the roads and the shortage of parking spots, especially in the towns and villages. I normally go for a Ford Focus/Hyundi i30/Renault Captur, which are comfortable for one with a suitcase and extra bag, or two at a squeeze.

 

[TheRealTMA]

Recommendation for car hire companies please thanks

Especially one way?

We always use Avis Prestige. They deliver and pick up from hotels. Been very happy with them over the years.

 

[MacReady]

It’s a nice drive no matter which way you go.

My tip, don’t drive in the UK like you would in Europe. UK is overflowing with cameras and they like to send you plenty of mail.

 

[RooFlyer]

Welcome to AFF @MacReady

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Still planning this trip - more questions coming soon if that’s ok?

 

[Flyfrequently]

Another welcome to AFF @MacReady

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Thanks so much for those who have contributed thus far but it’s time to get serious:

Over how many days? Once off the motorways can be slow driving. Compared to AU not many miles, but a lot to see-visit.
Can go up the west or east.

Preliminary thoughts are up western side to Glasgow - 2 or 3 nts in Glasgow then 2 or 3 nts in Edinburgh then back east coast to LHR to fly out.

No idea if this is sensible or too ambitious - what I need to start with is coming from where I do in much younger years driving narrow tight twisty country roads is second nature so we take that out of equation immediately.

Museums / churches etc bore both of us to death - well the Beatles Museum excluded here.

Castles we can take or leave - a couple visits prolly max

Attempting to experience the smaller quaint country town feeling if it exists

So some questions please if I may:

1. Should we plan 4 or 5 days north and south legs?
2. Is 3 nts / 2 days in both Glasgow / Edinburgh sufficient? Too long?
3. I assume rental cars in UK are similar to AU in terms age / quality etc? (Def will be hiring SUV)
4. Rental car company recos if you have any please
5. Any suggestions to avoid newbie traps appreciated

Again thanks so much for taking the time to contribute - very much appreciated.

 

[RooFlyer]

No idea if this is sensible or too ambitious - what I need to start with is coming from where I do in much younger years driving narrow tight twisty country roads is second nature so we take that out of equation immediately.

Don't understand what you mean - do you mean that you are OK with narrow etc country roads?

Attempting to experience the smaller quaint country town feeling if it exists

I assume rental cars in UK are similar to AU in terms age / quality etc? (Def will be hiring SUV)

A SUV and quaint country towns can be done, but not ideal for accommodation. Parking can be an absolute PITA - often very small, tight spaces. Think possibly needing about 8-point turns to get in or out of; or inches between bumpers along the kerbs. But as SUV is 'def', as you say, then check parking situation at your accommodation first; of course check it anyway. Once I was going to book a lovely sounding pub close to Edinburgh but on asking found there was no parking provided at all. On the street, round the corner. Passed on it.

There is no shortage of quaint country towns. Whet I did last time was to plan the route looking with booking.com filters - then checking them out on their own websites and Google street view. As I mentioned before, look for gourmet type country pubs and you can't go wromg.

4-5 days north and south will be terrific. What about stately homes? Blenheim etc.

I just recalled this from one of my early trips. Incredible

The Manor House | Luxury Hotel in Wiltshire

The Manor House hotel offers an idyllic 17th century retreat nestled in the picturesque Cotswold Village of Castle Combe in Wiltshire. Book your stay.

www.exclusive.co.uk

 

[TheRealTMA]

Thanks so much for those who have contributed thus far but it’s time to get serious:

Preliminary thoughts are up western side to Glasgow - 2 or 3 nts in Glasgow then 2 or 3 nts in Edinburgh then back east coast to LHR to fly out.

No idea if this is sensible or too ambitious - what I need to start with is coming from where I do in much younger years driving narrow tight twisty country roads is second nature so we take that out of equation immediately.

Museums / churches etc bore both of us to death - well the Beatles Museum excluded here.

Castles we can take or leave - a couple visits prolly max

Attempting to experience the smaller quaint country town feeling if it exists

So some questions please if I may:

1. Should we plan 4 or 5 days north and south legs?
2. Is 3 nts / 2 days in both Glasgow / Edinburgh sufficient? Too long?
3. I assume rental cars in UK are similar to AU in terms age / quality etc? (Def will be hiring SUV)
4. Rental car company recos if you have any please
5. Any suggestions to avoid newbie traps appreciated

Again thanks so much for taking the time to contribute - very much appreciated.

Don’t get an SUV. Too large for uk roads, parking a nightmare, won’t fit into council car parks. Audi A3 is prefect size.

 

[MacReady]

So some questions please if I may:

1. Should we plan 4 or 5 days north and south legs?
2. Is 3 nts / 2 days in both Glasgow / Edinburgh sufficient? Too long?
3. I assume rental cars in UK are similar to AU in terms age / quality etc? (Def will be hiring SUV)
4. Rental car company recos if you have any please
5. Any suggestions to avoid newbie traps appreciated

Again thanks so much for taking the time to contribute - very much appreciated.

Thanks so much for those who have contributed thus far but it’s time to get serious:

Preliminary thoughts are up western side to Glasgow - 2 or 3 nts in Glasgow then 2 or 3 nts in Edinburgh then back east coast to LHR to fly out.

No idea if this is sensible or too ambitious - what I need to start with is coming from where I do in much younger years driving narrow tight twisty country roads is second nature so we take that out of equation immediately.

Museums / churches etc bore both of us to death - well the Beatles Museum excluded here.

Castles we can take or leave - a couple visits prolly max

Attempting to experience the smaller quaint country town feeling if it exists

So some questions please if I may:

1. Should we plan 4 or 5 days north and south legs?
2. Is 3 nts / 2 days in both Glasgow / Edinburgh sufficient? Too long?
3. I assume rental cars in UK are similar to AU in terms age / quality etc? (Def will be hiring SUV)
4. Rental car company recos if you have any please
5. Any suggestions to avoid newbie traps appreciated

Again thanks so much for taking the time to contribute - very much appreciated.

We did something similar Sept / Oct last year. The following maybe useful

We took the train from London to Edinburgh. Nice scenery pretty much the whole way.

Two nights in Edinburgh was sufficient for us as it's not that big. We stayed at Gleneagles Townhouse (excellent). Recommend doing The Water of Leith walk (stunning)

We then hired a car for 13 days and took the long way to Heathrow. Ended up getting upgraded into a GLE450D SUV as they were keen to get the car back down to London town. We went with Sixt as they were half the price and had unlimited milage included. Milage is important as we ended up clocking up around 2300 miles over the 13 days. The GLE450d is kinda big and it handled the conditions very well throughout Scotland, England and Wales. We travelled hundreds of miles on one lane roads with tiny passing places - no worries.

We headed North with stays at Braemar (2 nights at The Fife Arms - excellent), Tongue (2 nights at Lundies House - beautiful), Skye (2 nights at Kinloch Lodge - great history), Loch Lomond (1 night at Cameron House - big). With all these stays in Scotland we did many outings in the car and really got to see the local area.

We then headed to the Lakes District and based ourselves in Cartmel (2 nights at L'Enclume - this was outstanding and very, very special - great lodgings and superb food!) Again we did trips in the car and travelled all over the district.

It was then Wales as we'd never been before with a 2 night stay at Narberth (Grove of Narberth - beautiful). Again the car got a workout seeing the local area.

Headed to Heathrow with a one night stay in Oxfordshire staying at Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons - an absolutely beautiful property within striking distance of Heathrow and Windsor. The meal was sensational and with a 4pm checkout via Amex the breakfast, property, and local area could be enjoyed before our 8.30pm flight to Singapore.

We did drive through Glasgow and thought is was definitely worth visiting next time.

Sixt was ok, particularly their return area being right smack in the middle of terminal 2. You need the usual - passport, license, credit card you made the booking. We ended up needing to put Adblue, oil and air in the car which was all refunded minus the usual bank transfer fees. The car was new, but still required about 100GBP worth of stuff.

Scotland is very different to England, you can see there's not much money spent on general maintenance or infrastructure, but it was stunning and well worth heading north into the highlands.

There are cameras everywhere, and they work unlike Italy / Europe! Ended up collecting three fines - bridge toll, 24hr bus lane in Glasgow, and doing 28miles in a 20 mile zone in Wales. Wales only dropped their speed limit down to 20 from 30 days before I turned up. Sixt slugged me a 40GBP admin fee for every fine - I still had to pay the actual fines.

The SUV was perfect and handled all conditions and areas easily. Given the amount of driving we did it was nice to have a bigger / higher car.

Enjoy!

 

[Oubline]

The Lake District would be a lovely stop, we stayed in Keswick and there’s some amazing driving, (easy) climbing and lake cruising to be done. Also as others have mentioned Hadrian’s wall is definitely worth a stop, around the town of Hexham.

For a short drive north of Newcastle if you go up that side, I recommend the National Trust property Cragside, a very interesting house but also beautiful grounds. Captain Cook’s town of Whitby, Bamburgh Castle and Lindisfarne / Holy Island are also up that way too.

With hire cars I’ve found the best results at least starting with Skyscanner, often it will identify resellers such as VIPCars which I have used and basically give you Avis/Budget etc but for a lot cheaper than direct.

 

[Beano]

Don’t get an SUV. Too large for uk roads, parking a nightmare, won’t fit into council car parks. Audi A3 is prefect size.

Recommend VW T-Roc, which I got from Hertz a couple of years ago.

Post automatically merged: Yesterday at 5:03 PM

Recommend VW T-Roc, which I got from Hertz a couple of years ago.

and it can self-park!

 

[Beano]

Thanks so much for those who have contributed thus far but it’s time to get serious:

Preliminary thoughts are up western side to Glasgow - 2 or 3 nts in Glasgow then 2 or 3 nts in Edinburgh then back east coast to LHR to fly out.

No idea if this is sensible or too ambitious - what I need to start with is coming from where I do in much younger years driving narrow tight twisty country roads is second nature so we take that out of equation immediately.

Museums / churches etc bore both of us to death - well the Beatles Museum excluded here.

Castles we can take or leave - a couple visits prolly max

Attempting to experience the smaller quaint country town feeling if it exists

So some questions please if I may:

1. Should we plan 4 or 5 days north and south legs?

1. Is 3 nts / 2 days in both Glasgow / Edinburgh sufficient? Too long?

Not long enough if you do short side trips, but OK as a taster.

1. I assume rental cars in UK are similar to AU in terms age / quality etc? (Def will be hiring SUV)
2. Rental car company recos if you have any please
3. Any suggestions to avoid newbie traps appreciated

Again thanks so much for taking the time to contribute - very much appreciated.

Not sure what the rule is in Australia but you can park any side of the road pointing in any direction.

 

[VPS]

We did something similar Sept / Oct last year. The following maybe useful

We took the train from London to Edinburgh. Nice scenery pretty much the whole way.

Two nights in Edinburgh was sufficient for us as it's not that big. We stayed at Gleneagles Townhouse (excellent). Recommend doing The Water of Leith walk (stunning)

We then hired a car for 13 days and took the long way to Heathrow. Ended up getting upgraded into a GLE450D SUV as they were keen to get the car back down to London town. We went with Sixt as they were half the price and had unlimited milage included. Milage is important as we ended up clocking up around 2300 miles over the 13 days. The GLE450d is kinda big and it handled the conditions very well throughout Scotland, England and Wales. We travelled hundreds of miles on one lane roads with tiny passing places - no worries.

We headed North with stays at Braemar (2 nights at The Fife Arms - excellent), Tongue (2 nights at Lundies House - beautiful), Skye (2 nights at Kinloch Lodge - great history), Loch Lomond (1 night at Cameron House - big). With all these stays in Scotland we did many outings in the car and really got to see the local area.

We then headed to the Lakes District and based ourselves in Cartmel (2 nights at L'Enclume - this was outstanding and very, very special - great lodgings and superb food!) Again we did trips in the car and travelled all over the district.

It was then Wales as we'd never been before with a 2 night stay at Narberth (Grove of Narberth - beautiful). Again the car got a workout seeing the local area.

Headed to Heathrow with a one night stay in Oxfordshire staying at Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons - an absolutely beautiful property within striking distance of Heathrow and Windsor. The meal was sensational and with a 4pm checkout via Amex the breakfast, property, and local area could be enjoyed before our 8.30pm flight to Singapore.

We did drive through Glasgow and thought is was definitely worth visiting next time.

Sixt was ok, particularly their return area being right smack in the middle of terminal 2. You need the usual - passport, license, credit card you made the booking. We ended up needing to put Adblue, oil and air in the car which was all refunded minus the usual bank transfer fees. The car was new, but still required about 100GBP worth of stuff.

Scotland is very different to England, you can see there's not much money spent on general maintenance or infrastructure, but it was stunning and well worth heading north into the highlands.

There are cameras everywhere, and they work unlike Italy / Europe! Ended up collecting three fines - bridge toll, 24hr bus lane in Glasgow, and doing 28miles in a 20 mile zone in Wales. Wales only dropped their speed limit down to 20 from 30 days before I turned up. Sixt slugged me a 40GBP admin fee for every fine - I still had to pay the actual fines.

The SUV was perfect and handled all conditions and areas easily. Given the amount of driving we did it was nice to have a bigger / higher car.

Enjoy!

Interesting I got the admin fee from Sixt but never got the actualy fine from Cambridge city council for driving in a bus lane

Some lovely places you've stayed at but a bit above my budget

 

[VPS]

I used Sixt - will never use Hertz again

Arnold Clark often has good deals but more north.

2-3 days in Glasgow and Edinburgh is not nearly enough to scratch the surface but if that's all you have then it will do.

 

[Beano]

I used Sixt - will never use Hertz again

Sixt is owned by Hertz. It depends on individuals on the service you get, not necessarily the brand.

Arnold Clark often has good deals but more north.

2-3 days in Glasgow and Edinburgh is not nearly enough to scratch the surface but if that's all you have then it will do.