Cotswolds car rentals

Consider hiring a car in the idyllic Cotswold r in the south-western region of England which covers an expanse of 800 square miles, bordering the six counties of Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, Somerset and Worcestershire.  The area is very rural, with hundreds of miles of country lanes and roads, making a car a necessity to discover the region, as public transport can be limiting.  Driving through the county will allow you to discover historic limestone villages nestled in beautiful countryside, castles and miles of protected conservation areas.  You can also visit the historic towns of Oxford, famous for its old university and Bath, which is famous for its thermal waters.

A small vehicle is perhaps the best option for negotiating the country lanes and narrow roads of the Cotswolds.  Manoeuvring along single-track lanes and dipping in and out of passing places is far easier with a smaller car and you are less likely to bump it against a dry-stone wall or another vehicle as you squeeze through small gaps, as opposed to a large SUV or 4x4.  It will also make driving easier in cities such as Oxford with old, cobbled streets and small parking spaces.  Other than this, roads are generally in good condition and the bigger A roads will connect you to many places.  Drivers are generally courteous in the countryside and the pace is slower than London or other southern boroughs, allowing for a relaxed driving experience.

You must be 21 to hire a car in the United Kingdom, although some companies may request higher age restrictions.  A surcharge is common for drivers under 25 and you should present a full UK driving licence which has been held for at least one year.  If you are an overseas driver, you will need an International Driving Permit, alongside your driving licence from your country of residence.

Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.

Based on car searches on KAYAK, the most popular cities to hire a car in Cotswold are Bath (83% of total searches of users looking to hire a car in Cotswold) and Swindon (17%).