Car Rental Preston

Preston lies on the banks of the River Ribble, a short distance inland from the Fylde peninsula on the north-west coast of England. As the country town of Lancashire, it enjoys excellent road connections to the surrounding area, making it a great base for getting around in your rental car.

Two A roads - the A6 and A59 - run through the heart of Preston, providing good access to the city centre, shopping areas and suburbs. Both are important commuter routes, particularly the section of the A6 that runs through Fulwood and brings people into the city from the M55 motorway to the north. 

Preston also lies just off the M6 motorway, a major route running north / south through the western part of England. Beginning in the West Midlands, it takes in Birmingham and Stoke-on-Trent, before continuing north to Warrington, Preston and Lancaster.

From Preston, you can follow the M6 north to the Lake District National Park, Carlisle and Scottish border. West of the city, the M6 joins the M55 providing an easy route to Blackpool and other coastal destinations.

With a rental car it’s also easy to follow the M6 south and hop onto the M62 motorway. This commuter belt runs from east to west across the north of England - from Hull on one coast to Liverpool on the other. Along the way, it provides access to both Manchester and Leeds, making it an important route for any business traveller. Like the M6, this route gets busy during the morning and evening rush hours so you should always allow plenty of time for your journey.

Preston has a proud industrial history, but today is also a popular visitor destination, with many cultural attractions in and around the city centre. With a rental car, you’ll be free to explore the surrounding towns and countryside, as well as heading out to the coast.

Marvellous markets

Spend time exploring the heart of Preston to discover lively shopping areas, bustling markets and more. Market Hall, recently reopened to the public following a major regeneration project, is packed with local traders offering hot and cold foods, drinks, crafts and gifts.

Just a short distance away are the city’s main shopping centres - St George’s and Fishergate. Each offers a wealth of high street names and big brands. Take a short drive out of the city centre to reach Deepdale Shopping Park, an indoor mall boasting dozens of stores selling clothes, homeware and more.

Historic treasure

Housed within a magnificent 19^th century building on Market Square, the Harris Museum and Gallery is a must-see for any visitor to Preston. With an impressive array of permanent and temporary exhibits, it boasts everything from fine art to ancient relics, making it a fantastic day out for all ages.

Highlights include the Discover Preston gallery, where you can see an Ice Age elk skeleton dating back 13,500 years, as well as Viking treasure and a collection of prehistoric and Bronze Age tools. There are plenty of interactive displays where kids can get involved, too.

Gorgeously green

Preston might be famous as an industrial city, but it has a surprising number of green spaces. The most impressive is Avenham and Miller Park, an idyllic area of traditional Victorian parkland boasting a Japanese rock garden and beautiful water features. Situated on the banks of the River Ribble, it’s the perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon.

Just a short drive north of the city, not far from the historic Deepdale soccer stadium, Moor Park is another popular choice among locals and visitors alike. With woodland walks, picnic areas and excellent facilities for children, it’s a great choice if you’re visiting the city with little ones.

A day at the beach

When you rent a car in Preston it’s easy to add the north-west coast to your vacation itinerary. Just a short drive west of the city lies Blackpool, one of the UK’s most famous resort towns thanks to its historic amusement park, Victorian tower and traditional seaside attractions.

For spectacular coastal views, head to the top of Blackpool Tower where you can see as far as North Wales on a clear day. If you’ve really got a head for heights, try Blackpool Amusement Park where you’ll find white-knuckle rides including The Big One rollercoaster as well as Valhalla, a dark indoor flume ride that’s packed with special effects.

With a rental car, all this and more is within easy reach during your time in Preston.