Car Rental Gatwick Airport (LGW)

Just on London’s periphery, with the likes of Sussex and Kent not too far away, this is the perfect place for car rental with incredible amounts of things to see and do.

Take the A23/M23 north into the heart of London for royal palaces, world-class galleries and museums, fine dining and iconic monuments like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. Be aware that there is a congestion charge in operation between 07.00 and 18.00, Monday to Friday in central London – speak to our local teams when you pick up your car, as they can advise you on how to pay it.

London’s Orbital Road - the huge M25 - grants access to every part of the city through a series of junctions. If you cross the Thames at the Dartford Tunnel or over the QE2 Bridge there is a toll, which can be paid in advance online.

For a taste of English countryside head to the South Downs National Park, just a 20-minute drive south along the M23/A23. Carrying on south through the rolling farmland brings you to the buzzing coastal city of Brighton, home to the UK’s biggest Pride Parade and a warren of cool shops and cafés.

It’s an easy car ferry from the mainland at Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight. Portsmouth is a city famed for its naval history, while the car ferry departs every hour to Fishbourne on the wild Isle of Wight for hillwalking and dramatic sea views.

While in the UK, you’ll be driving on the left-hand side of the road, overtaking on the right. Mobile or cell phone use while driving is illegal, while the driver and all passengers should use seatbelts at all times. In built-up areas, the speed limit is 30mph (48km/h) and on the UK’s version of highways – motorways), a maximum of 70mph (112km/h)

Gatwick is the gateway to London and the south of England. Whether you’re visiting the multitude of iconic sights in the capital, heading south to sights, sounds and smells of the sea or embarking on a UK road-trip hitting all the major cities, you’re in for a treat.

Capital gains

Never mind having something for everyone, London has a museum for everyone. Visit the UK’s thriving capital for a culture injection with world-class venues like the British Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, Tate Modern Art Gallery, National Gallery and the Natural History Museum. From ancient history to contemporary art, all tastes are catered for, and many of these places are past masters at keeping the little ones entertained.

You’ll want to see Big Ben, rising out of the Gothic Houses of Parliament on the banks of the Thames – across the way there’s the London Eye, a never-stopping wheel that affords panoramic views.

Witness the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace then learn about royal scandal and dark history with a trip to the Tower of London, complete with Beefeater tour. If you have time, marvel at the intricate architecture of Westminster Abbey or St Paul’s Cathedral, both inside and out.

London doesn’t stop when the sun sets. The West End comes to life with lively musicals, West End shows and Michelin-starred restaurants. Wander the alleys of Soho for a taste of real London life.

A doze in deckchairs

The quirky, south-coast seaside city of Brighton has been attracting visitors for years, luring them away from London. Sit in a stripy deckchair and slurp an ice cream on the pebble beach on a sunny day for a thoroughly British experience.

The Victorian pier that juts out into the sea is a great spot for lunch or a nostalgic trip to the lively arcades and roller coasters. Peruse bohemian shops in The Lanes and pick up vinyl records, vintage clothes and other knick-knacks. Brighton is without a doubt Britain’s most colourful and outrageous city.

Embrace the English countryside

Drive out to the classic green and pleasant hills of the South Downs National Park. Here you can join beautiful walking trails through the fields and fells of East Sussex, and stop for scones with jam and clotted cream in quiet villages nestled in the hills.

Situated just off England's South coast, the Isle of Wight is the perfect island escape. Rugged hills smattered yellow with gorse and striking white cliffs that plummet into a restless sea. It’s also known as the ‘Dinosaur Capital of Great Britain thanks to its fossil-rich beaches and the UK’s first dedicated dinosaur museum.

It might be tempting to head straight into the bustling city of London with car rental at Gatwick Airport. However, exploring the area around London will reward you with country walks, island getaways and eclectic seaside cities.