Car Hire at Highclere Castle, GBR

Reasons to book a car hire around Highclere Castle

Renting a car around Highclere Castle offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the surrounding attractions at your own pace. This is particularly beneficial for travellers wanting to make the most of their trip without the constraints of public transportation. With a rental car, you can conveniently manage your luggage and enjoy flexible travel plans while visiting nearby highlights. For instance, you can drive to Donnington Castle, which is 10 km away, for a romantic experience, or explore the historic Newbury Town Hall, located just 9 km from Highclere Castle. Nature enthusiasts can venture to the North Wessex Downs, situated 17 km away, for a peaceful retreat. Additionally, having a car allows you to easily navigate the nearby cities of Newbury and Highclere, both rich in culture and history, as well as the charming Old Burghclere, only 2 km away. This convenience is especially appealing for families or groups, ensuring everyone can travel together comfortably. Overall, a rental car enhances your sightseeing experience around Highclere Castle, providing opportunities to discover the local area with ease.

Most popular car hires near Highclere Castle

• Compact: The Compact car is a popular choice for visitors to Highclere Castle. Accommodating up to 5 travellers with space for 3 medium suitcases, it is perfect for solo travellers, couples, or families. This option offers a good balance of size and comfort, making it easy to navigate the roads while providing ample room for luggage. If you prefer a car that’s easy to park and manage, the Compact is an excellent choice for your trip.
• Economy: The Economy car option is ideal for those looking for a budget-friendly rental around Highclere Castle. It accommodates up to 5 travellers with room for 2 medium suitcases, making it suitable for solo adventurers, couples, or small families. This car type is not only economical on fuel but also convenient for city driving, allowing you to explore nearby attractions without the hassle of larger vehicles.
• Midsize SUV: For families, couples, or small groups seeking extra space, the Midsize SUV is a great choice when visiting Highclere Castle. It comfortably accommodates 5 travellers and offers room for up to 3 large suitcases. This car type combines versatility and comfort, making it ideal for those who may have more luggage or wish for a higher driving position. The Midsize SUV is perfect for a relaxed journey, ensuring you have enough space for all your travel essentials.

Where to stay near Highclere Castle

• Newbury: Newbury is the closest city to Highclere Castle, making it an ideal base for your visit. The city offers a vibrant cultural scene and is home to various attractions such as the historic Highclere Castle itself, suitable for a romantic or cultural holiday. Additionally, you can explore nearby Welford Park and Donnington Castle, both rich in history. Newbury also features numerous dining options, including local wineries and distilleries, enhancing your stay with delightful culinary experiences.
• Thatcham: Located 12 km from Highclere Castle, Thatcham provides a charming setting for outdoor enthusiasts. The city is recognised for its adventure and sports experiences, with access to attractions like the Newbury Showground and The Living Rainforest. Thatcham’s dining scene includes various bars and restaurants, allowing you to unwind after a day of exploration. Its proximity to Highclere Castle makes it a convenient choice for those wishing to delve into the local culture.
• Basingstoke: Approximately 20 km away from Highclere Castle, Basingstoke offers a mix of outdoor activities and family-friendly experiences. You can visit the Milestones Museum for a cultural journey or enjoy the recreational areas at Basingstoke Leisure Park. The city features a variety of eateries, including local distilleries, adding to your culinary adventure. Consider Basingstoke for a slightly larger city vibe while still being within reach of Highclere Castle’s attractions.

10 tips to save on your car hire around Highclere Castle

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for the summer months, or an economical car for budget-friendliness, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you are more likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy greater availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to park in busy locations. Mid-size rentals offer a balanced combination of cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters aged 70 and above. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most favourable option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling options, which can also be acceptable. Just ensure you return the car with an empty tank in this scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You will often incur a surcharge for collecting your rental car from airports, but the added convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind should anything unexpected occur during your trip. It is straightforward to add car hire insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you are planning extensive road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car around Highclere Castle

The best value period to rent a car around Highclere Castle is February, when prices are moderately low and demand is at its lowest. March follows closely, also offering good rental rates and low demand. As spring arrives, April and May see prices rise to moderately high levels alongside average demand. June through August are the busiest months, with demand peaking and prices averaging out. Finally, December stands out as the most expensive month, with demand returning to average levels.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	39.4°F (4.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
February	40.5°F (4.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Moderately Low
March	43.3°F (6.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Moderately Low
April	47.5°F (8.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Moderately High
May	52.9°F (11.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Moderately High
June	58.8°F (14.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Average
July	62.6°F (17.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Average
August	61.9°F (16.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Average
September	58.1°F (14.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	52.5°F (11.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Moderately Low
November	45.7°F (7.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average
December	41.9°F (5.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Moderately High