Why rent a car in Berkeley?
Situated on the edge of the beautiful Cotswolds, Berkeley is a small town principally famous for its 12th century castle, which has hosted royalty on numerous occasions. The town itself is lined with superb historic architecture and contemporary amenities.
Car hire in Berkeley is essential for exploring the rolling hills and picturesque villages of the nearby Cotswolds. You can also easily get to the lively city of Bristol, just 30 minutes by road, to enjoy its nightlife and excellent restaurant scene. Gloucester, another attractive and historic city, is only slightly further.
How to get to and around Berkeley?
Berkeley is easily reached by road, taking you through some of England’s most breathtaking scenery. If you’re planning to arrive by air, however, Bristol Airport is just an hour’s drive away to the south, while Birmingham Airport is slightly further, and to the north. Both offer many international and domestic scheduled flights daily, and have a range of car rental companies on-site, allowing you to get to Berkeley quickly and hassle-free.
What brands are available?
The Expedia search tool is the most convenient way to book car hire in Berkeley. Search a range of reliable operators quickly and efficiently to find the right make and size of car for your needs, and arrange any extra you require from satnav to child booster seats. Choose from Berkeley car rental companies including Avis, Europcar and Sixt.
Must-sees within an easy drive of Berkeley
The principal attraction in the area is, of course, Berkeley Castle, a wonderfully well-preserved landmark with a deer park, manicured gardens and a fine collection of antiques, documents and artworks. Wolverhampton, just under two hours’ north of Berkeley, is a historic city with a number of popular attractions, from RAF Museum Cosford to brewery tours. There are also plenty of attractive green spaces to explore, and a busy weekly farmer’s market.
Three hours up the motorway from Berkeley, Manchester is a hotbed of culture, with a fantastic nightlife scene, museums and a wealth of excellent restaurants. Football fans can tour Old Trafford or the Etihad Stadium, or even catch a match at two of England’s biggest football clubs.
The capital, London, lies to the east of Berkeley along the M4, and can be reached in under three hours. Whatever your interests, from watching a show in the West End to shopping, dining out or visiting some of the country’s most prestigious museums and monuments, London never fails to entertain. Bristol, only half an hour from Berkeley, offers another exuberant setting, with buzzing nightlife and a vast number of cultural excursions such as the Clifton Suspension Bridge, the Avon Railway and the SS Great Britain, one of famed engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s many masterpieces.
Tips and tricks for driving in Berkeley
Berkeley is for the most part very easy to get around by car, though in common with many small and historic towns in England, some roads can be narrow and tricky to navigate. The town has excellent road links to nearby cities including Bristol, Gloucester and Birmingham.
Ready to plan your Berkeley city break?
Get your trip to Berkeley started in the best possible way, with the convenient Expedia search tool. Use it to find cheap flights, hotels and car hire in Berkeley, as well as a valuable resource for things to see and do while you’re there.
