Bristol, which lies between Gloucestershire and Somerset is often called the “Gateway to Southwest England. Originally called Brycgstow by the Saxons, this city on the River Avon with its rich maritime history, ports, and docks has been renamed as Bristol. With a population of about half a million, Bristol is often referred to as the European Green Capital.
Bristol is an attractive city that beckons tourists from across the globe. That’s why TravelCar’s car rental UK is very popular. Although there are several transport options to visit the city sights and Bristol’s surrounding fascinations, self-drive car rental in Bristol is possibly the best way to savor the city at leisure.
Pricing & availability
TravelCar’s car rental is an extremely viable option of getting around the city in comfort and great style, especially when you don’t want to be at the mercy of public transport. There’s nothing like picking up a rental car in Bristol and dropping it off whenever you want to. TravelCar’s pick-up and drop-off locations are conveniently located all over the city. That it offers all types of rentals that range from hourly, daily and weekly to short-term and long-term at affordable rates is typically characteristic of TravelCar. You can enjoy the sights and sounds at your own pace and your own time and also book in Campervan hire style if you so want. You can enjoy the best car rental in Bristol, delight in TravelCar’s excellent services and have a hassle-free, safe and comfortable ride in the city.
Ease of Service
Hiring a car should be a seamless process and that’s what it is with TravelCar. With access to a wide selection of top-notch car rental agencies, this car rental provider is well positioned to provide a reliable car to suit your needs. The high quality of all its vehicles, the great savings it guarantees merely serves to reinforce its position as a ‘people’s car rental provider.’ You can easily compare car rental prices with its easy to search tool and be satisfied that no other company can offer better terms than TravelCar. Add-ons or additional features are provided too and can be opted for during the booking service, which is a simple and seamless operation. Rest assured, you can find the best car rental rates here, the best service and the best cars to travel in.
Regardless of the car you choose, being able to explore the city of Bristol on your own wheels at your own time is a boon. Whether you opt for our budget car rental Bristol or Luxury car hire in Bristol, TravelCar affords a none-of-the kind-before experience. Start your engines, get ticking and enjoy what Bristol has to offer.
Great customer service
Traveling should be an enjoyable sightseeing experience and also a good driving experience. TravelCar ensures that both happen- its customer service team makes it a point to render as much help as it can during the car selection process as they are locals with a lot of experience in city roads and streets. They offer discounts wherever possible, ensure that a few dollars stay back in your pocket without compromising on the quality of the rental car. It keeps its booking and modification services free and doesn’t charge even when you make a cancellation. TravelCar offers reliability and a TravelCar guarantee that’s worth its weight in gold. Competent staff, trained and experienced personnel to handle customer queries and requests are only a few of its highlights. Experience TravelCar’s car rental offerings and see a world of difference.
Getting a good rental car that suits your needs is of prime importance and that’s TravelCar’s no.1 priority too.
Are you looking for a car that’s easy to handle, drives fast and parks easily- the Mini or the Economy is for you. In case you decide to opt for a fuel-efficient, affordable car that turns easily to your touch, the Compact car should be your choice. The intermediate Car combines luxury and utility and is roomy enough for families and groups- the SUVs and Audis are ready for you. Families looking for powerful cars with lots of luggage space and headroom will not be disappointed with our Full-Size Cars. Do you want to travel in style? Then our luxury and exotic cars give you a driving experience that’s memorable and amazing.
Car rental is a great way to see the city of Bristol and the host of attractions that it has to offer. Drive around then and steep yourself in them.
The Clifton Suspension Bridge
This suspension Bridge across the Avon Gorge and River Avon was opened in 1864. It is 412 m long, 26 meters high, weighs 1,500 tons, made up of 3,500 load bearing bolts and huge, strong chains that stretch 20 miles underground. It is an engineering marvel created by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, but when he died, the work was completed by Sir John Hawkshaw and William Henry Barlow. A great vantage point, it is also the scene of many import events such as the “first modern bungee jump in 1979 and handing over of the Olympic torch in 2012.” The bridge is a symbol that’s internationally recognized and adds to the beauty of the Bristol skyline
SS Great Britain
This famous steamship, built in the year 1845, was then the longest passenger ship that operated between Bristol and New York. It was designed by the famous engineer Brunel, who also created the Clifton Suspension Bridge and its interior was made of gold columns and large mirrors. Converted into a cargo ship in 1882, it was used for storing coal and then became a quarantine ship. In the year 1970, it came back to Bristol and was converted into a museum. The ship was restored to its former glory and is a popular tourist attraction. Walking around the dry dock and the air-sealed glass ceiling above your head is a fascinating experience. Entry may be a bit pricey, by considering that tickets are good for a whole year, this ‘achievement in historical preservation’ is remarkable.
Harbourside
“We The Curious”, in the heart of Bristol’s historic Harbourside, is a fascinating collaborative world, which is a must-see for young and old- alike. There are so many exhibits, events and activities going on at the same time that you’re spoiled for choice. You can choose to become an animator by participating in Aardman’s exclusive exhibition, create a TV show of your own, experience what it feels like to walk through a tornado, or how it feels to be encapsulated in a giant bubble. Get a feel of UK’s first 3D Planetarium here or just brush up on your astronomical facts. There’s so much to do that you won’t have one dull moment.
Wookey Hole
If you want a glimpse of limestone caves then visit this stunning one with its natural lakes, stalactites, and stalagmites. The Stalagmite stone is said to be that of a petrified witch and can be seen in the Witch’s kitchen. In addition to the caves, you can go through a mirror maze, experience a fairy garden and the Valley of the Dinosaurs’ that houses over 20 life-size dinosaurs. Don’t forget to visit the Cathedral Cave- known as the birthplace of cave diving in the UK. A great West county experience and an icy sight that will hold you spellbound.
Perfectly located, Bristol forms the base for those one-day trips across south-west England and Wales. With your rental car, go ahead and enjoy a few of them:
Weston-Super-Mare
This seaside town, just 28 km from the heart of Bristol is a treat and a great attraction for the many that throng its sandy beaches. The sand is ideal for making superb sandcastles and sand sculptures that are world-class. Sand exhibitions held from April to September allow visitors from across the world to try their hand at the art and marvel at the masterpieces that are created.
You can reach this town either by train or bus- More than 48 trains operate between Bristol Temple Meads and Weston-super-Mare and the journey time is less than half an hour. Bus services are operated by First Run between the Bristol City Center and Weston-Super-Mare.
Cheddar Gorge
A truly iconic landmark, it is said to be England’s largest gorge, spanning almost 5 km in length. Cheddar Gorge with over 400 ft. high cliffs million-year-old caves present a breathtaking vista. The caves have been carved out by meltwaters from the Ice Age and are home to the famous Diamond Chamber and Solomon's Temple. The stalactites and stalagmites and the well-lit caves bring it to life. If you tend to associate Cheddar Gorge with Cheddar cheese, you’re not far off the mark- The 500,000 Gough cave within is believed to be still used to mature cheddar cheese.
Though there is no direct bus from Bristol to Cheddar Gorge, services operate between Bristol Temple Meads and Cheddar. You can also take the Great Western Railway to Yatton and from there catch a bus or taxi to Cheddar. The distance between Bristol and Cheddar Gorge is about 15 miles.
Glastonbury
Famous for the Glastonbury Festival of Performing Arts on Worthy Farm, the town attracts more than 150,000 visitors from across the world. It’s a five-day festival that hosts comedy, theatre, music, circus, dance and other performing arts and takes place between the small villages of Pilton and Pylle in Somerset, about 6 miles from the town of Glastonbury. The Glastonbury Tor rises high above the flatlands right into the skies and offers amazing views of the British Channel, Mendip, and Wells. It’s well known for its handmade crafts shops and innovative homemade organic products. You can also walk about the abbey grounds, visit the White Spring and the Chalice Wall Garden, relax in the Goddess Temple or be awed by the 2000-year-old trees.
Direct buses transport you from Bristol Temple Meads to Glastonbury. First Run operates services every 30 minutes, every day, and the journey time is just a little over an hour. The distance between Bristol and Glastonbury is 22 miles.
One look at Westonbirt’s tree-lined avenues and blooming gardens gives you an idea of what the rest of the Westonbirt Arboretum can be expected to look like. Home to 15,000 plant species, 8,000 shrubs, and trees, the arboretum is a paradise for lovers of nature and extends over 600 acres. Take the Treetop walkway and walk among the leaves getting a birds-eye view of the wonderful gardens. The Arboretum presents an amazing spectacle in autumn.
The distance between Bristol and Westonbirt Arboretum is 19 miles and though there are no direct buses operating between the two places, many First services operate between Broadmead in Bristol and Westonbirt Arboretum. Stagecoach West operate services that arrive at Westonbirt Arboretum station. The bus journey is over 2 hours but the sight of the arboretum makes it well worth it
Speed limits in the UK
| Motorways | 70 mph |
| Dual carriageways (roads divided by grassy areas or barriers) | 70 mph |
| Single carriageways (undivided roads) | 60 mph |
| Built up urban roads | 30 mph |
| Built up area near schools | 20 mph |
| Road with sharp bends | 50 mph |
Many areas in Bristol have changed over to 20mph speed limits in residential areas.
There is a toll charge if you enter Bristol via the Clifton Suspension Bridge.
If you have an EU country license, it will be treated on par with a UK one. However, those with an international driving license can use it only for 12 months from their entry into the United Kingdom.