Leicestershire Car Hire

Reasons to book a car hire in Leicestershire

Renting a car in Leicestershire provides the freedom to explore this diverse county at your own pace. With a car, you can easily visit key attractions such as the thrilling Donington Park Racing Circuit, perfect for adventure seekers, or the romantic Belvoir Castle, ideal for those interested in culture. The historic Loughborough Town Hall is another highlight that you can conveniently reach by car.

Having a rental vehicle also allows you to explore popular destinations like Leicester, known for its National Space Centre and Leicester Cathedral, or Loughborough, which features both the Town Hall and the Great Central Railway. Nuneaton, with places like Arbury Hall and the Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre, is also accessible, making it easy to fit a variety of interests into your itinerary.

The convenience of managing your luggage and the flexibility to adjust your travel plans makes car hire particularly appealing for families and groups. With the scenic routes and attractions of Leicestershire waiting to be discovered, a rental car is a practical choice for any traveller looking to experience the beauty and culture of the area.

Most popular car hires in Leicestershire

• Economy: This car type accommodates up to 5 travellers and offers space for 2 medium suitcases, making it an ideal choice for solo travellers, couples, or small families. Its compact size is perfect for navigating Leicestershire's roads while providing the flexibility to explore at your own pace.
• Compact SUV: With room for 5 travellers and capacity for 3 medium suitcases, the Compact SUV is a versatile option for solo adventurers, couples, or families. This vehicle provides a bit more space and comfort, allowing you to enjoy your journey through Leicestershire with ease and convenience.
• Midsize SUV: This car option comfortably accommodates 5 travellers and can hold up to 3 large suitcases, making it a great fit for families, couples, or small groups. The Midsize SUV combines spacious interiors with the ability to manage larger amounts of luggage, ensuring a comfortable and practical travel experience in Leicestershire.

Where to stay in Leicestershire

• Leicester: A vibrant city known for its family-friendly attractions and outdoor activities, Leicester is an ideal base for your stay in Leicestershire. Notable highlights include the National Space Centre, perfect for families, and Leicester Cathedral, which offers a glimpse into the area's rich culture. The city also features various food and drink options, including local distilleries and sweet treat shops, ensuring you have all you need for a delightful stay.
• Loughborough: Renowned for its cultural and adventurous experiences, Loughborough is home to the historic Loughborough Town Hall, a must-visit for culture enthusiasts. The Great Central Railway adds a unique touch to your journey, while Donington Park Racing Circuit caters to adventure seekers. With its delightful local distilleries and sweet treats, Loughborough presents a charming destination for those wanting to explore the outdoors and immerse themselves in local culture.
• Nuneaton: A great choice for families and outdoor adventurers, Nuneaton offers attractions such as Arbury Hall and the Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre, both steeped in history. The Nuneaton Museum and Art Gallery provides a cultural experience, while the local area features an array of sweet treat shops and distilleries to enjoy. This city balances entertainment and culture, making it a wonderful spot for your stay in Leicestershire.

10 tips to save on your car hire in Leicestershire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly options, utilise the filters on Expedia to pinpoint the ideal match 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're likely to obtain better rates and enjoy greater availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller cars typically come at a lower rental cost and are easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a balanced combination of affordability, 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 accessible. This also applies to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is often the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fuel choices, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: There is often a surcharge for collecting your rental car from airports, but the added convenience may make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unforeseen expenses and provides added peace of mind should something unexpected occur during your trip. It’s straightforward to include car hire insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning extensive road trips, seek 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 in Leicestershire

The best value period to rent a car in Leicestershire is January and February, when prices are slightly low, although demand tends to be slightly high. March continues this trend with similar rates and average demand. Moving into the summer months, July and August see a rise in prices, with demand also peaking during this time. This makes late summer the most expensive period for car hires, as both rates and demand reach higher levels.