English Counties & Regions

Here is some more detailed information on the different regions on England which should help you to arrange your itinerary. To save having to scroll through regions you may not be interested in, here is a list of the areas covered, please click on the regions you are interested in.

• BIRMINGHAM
• THE BLACK COUNTRY
• BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
• CENTRAL ENGLAND
• DERBYSHIRE & THE PEAK DISTRICT
• DORSET
• GLOUCESTER & THE COTSWOLDS
• HEREFORD & WYE VALLEY
• KENT
• LEICESTERSHIRE
• LINCOLNSHIRE
• NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
• NOTTINGHAMSHIRE & ROBIN HOOD COUNTRY
• OXFORDSHIRE
• RUTLAND
• SHROPSHIRE
• STAFFORDSHIRE
• SURREY
• EAST SUSSEX
• WEST SUSSEX
• WARWICKSHIRE & SHAKESPEARE COUNTRY
• WILTSHIRE
• NORTH WILTSHIRE
• SALISBURY & SOUTH WILTSHIRE
• SWINDON
• WORCESTERSHIRE
• YORKSHIRE

BIRMINGHAM

Welcome to Birmingham, a diverse and dynamic city, vibrant by day and by night, a city where yesterday and today combine to give you a glimpse into a city full of surprises.

With its fascinating history and world-class cultural scene, combined with superb shopping, major international events and exhibitions, great nightlife and award-winning restaurants, Birmingham has a unique quality that brings with it an exciting and dynamic spirit.

The creation of world-class attractions and facilities, such as The Water's Edge at Brindleyplace, an award-winning waterfront, it's pedestrian friendly squares and streets, coupled with venues such as the National Indoor Arena, Symphony Hall and the NEC Arena, the city resounds to world-class live music and sport, and ensures a city experience like no other.

Cosmopolitan in its make-up, Birmingham is an exciting city, hosting a range of visual and performing arts and a variety of music and theatre, difficult to surpass. Home to the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and Birmingham Royal Ballet, Birmingham really is a city of world-class culture.

A city located at the heart of a region full of history and heritage, beautiful quaint villages and access to lush rolling countryside - Birmingham really is a gateway to the heart of England!

The nearest airport is Birmingham International Airport – We can arrange for you to collect your car hire at this location, to make a booking or search for a price Click Here!

THE BLACK COUNTRY

Tour the Black Country and you travel a trail through time, from a primeval shallow sea, to the birth of the Industrial Revolution, to the modern day. A visit to The Black Country reveals a rich seam of art, crafts, tradition and culture set amidst historic towns and inviting green countryside.

Just thirty minutes by bus or train from Birmingham International Airport you can watch Black Country artisans in authentic 18th and 19th century workshops busy at their crafts. Well worth a visit are the leatherworks at Walsall, the Red House Cone and Broadfield House glass-making museums at Dudley and the enamelling workshops at Bilston. Alternatively, discover the origins of famous names like Chubb and Yale at the Lock Museum in Willenhall or visit the Black Country Living Museum at Dudley, where you will see the painstakingly reconstructed original buildings and cross the portal into Victoria times, magically recreated for you.

In Wednesbury, you'll find one of the world's largest collection of Ruski 1930s pottery. The stunning New Art Gallery in Walsall opened in February 2000 and features the magnificent Garman Ryan Collection - over 350 internationally important paintings by artists like Picasso and Van Gogh.

Prepare to be amazed by the colourful flotillas of narrow boats and myriad of canals that twine through the towns and countryside.

Perhaps you prefer to walk along quiet nature trails or through peaceful green countryside above which historic castles and stately homes majestically arise. Or spend time at Sandwell Valley Country Park, home to rare, native farm breeds like the Tamworth pig.

For entertainment, come to Wolverhampton. Spend an evening within the Victorian splendour of the Grand Theatre, or dine at one of the many restaurants and enjoy the varied nightlife in style. There are exciting opportunities for shopping too, like the vast Merry Hill Centre, factory shops, street markets and crafts centres where works of contemporary Black Country artists are for sale and on display.

Throughout the four boroughs of Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton you'll find traditional Real Ale pubs, excellent restaurants and the warm hospitality and dry sense of humour that Black Country people are famous for.

Whatever your age or interest, The Black Country beckons with its unique, living heritage - truly a place of surprises and delights.

The nearest airport is Birmingham International Airport – We can arrange for you to collect your car hire at this location, to make a booking or search for a price Click Here!

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

Welcome to Buckinghamshire where you can escape into a contrasting landscape of tranquil countryside and lively towns.

For excitement look no further than Xscape, Europe's largest indoor skiing complex, or Silverstone Motor Racing Circuit. Please the children with a trip to Bekonscot Model Village or the Roald Dahl Children's Gallery!

The nearest airports are London Heathrow Airport and London Luton Airport – We can arrange for you to collect your car hire at either of these locations, to make a booking or search for a price Click Here!

CENTRAL ENGLAND

Discover the roots of 2,000 years of civilisation in a land famed for its natural heritage and beauty.

Here you'll experience sights, sounds and sensations that will live in your memory forever: sunset over the Cotswold hills, the rugged beauty of the Derbyshire Peaks, the sight of Lincoln's magnificent cathedral on the hill...

The story of the Heart of England is written in a time capsule of stone - mighty castles, cathedrals and stately homes, and picturesque cottages in countless sleepy hamlets where, at the village inn, the tradition of hospitality spans centuries.

Delve into glorious gardens from a romantic scented rose garden to an elegant landscaped park alive with breathtaking water features and rare plant and tree collections. Maybe you'll stop for afternoon tea in a lively market town or browse for bargains at one at the local markets. Outdoor enthusiasts can look forward to superb fishing, sailing, bird watching, walking and cycling. Try a car-touring route, steam train or even explore by boat - the waterway network is second to none.

While those in search of cultural pursuits need look no further than Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon, plus hundreds of music and arts festivals, theatres, concert halls, museums and art galleries.

Last but not least, experience those singularly English pleasures, cricket on the village green, real ale, the summer garden fete, and the Christmas pantomime. Take time out to discover the Heart of England - you are sure to enjoy it!

The nearest airports are London Luton Airport, Birmingham International Airport and Nottingham East Midlands Airport – We can arrange for you to collect your car hire at any of these locations, to make a booking or search for a price Click Here!

DERBYSHIRE & THE PEAK DISTRICT

At the Heart of England you will find the beautiful countryside of Derbyshire and the country's first national park - the Peak District.

With hundreds of square miles of spectacular, unspoilt moor lands and hills, lush valleys, forests and reservoirs, the Peak District can offer every outdoor pastime from walking and climbing, to the gentler activities of painting, photography and just relaxing and watching the world going by.

Seek out the towns and villages hiding in the hills, such as the elegant spa town of Buxton, famous for its mineral water. Ashbourne is also famous for its water but you can't visit this market town without trying its gingerbread, in the same way that you can't visit Bakewell without trying its pudding. Chesterfield has perhaps the largest flea market in the country, trading under the shadow of the town's famous 'Crooked Spire'. Bargains can be found here and in the many factory shops scattered throughout the Amber Valley.

The mysterious art of well dressing is practised in the county's towns and villages during the months of May through to September. How do they make such beautiful and intricate pictures using only growing things - flowers, berries and leaves? There's only one place to find out - Derbyshire.

History is all around you here. Follow the National Heritage Corridor along the River Derwent, from the dams in the north, through lead mining land around Matlock to Belper, where the river was harnessed to power the first cotton mills, and Derby, site of Britain's first factory and still home to Royal Crown Derby Porcelain.

Great houses are scattered throughout the countryside. There's the Elizabethan brilliance of Hardwick Hall, the grandeur of Chatsworth, medieval Haddon Hall, Bolsover Castle and Kedleston Hall - to name but a few.

The nearest airports are Nottingham East Midlands Airport and Birmingham International Airport– We can arrange for you to collect your car hire at either of these locations, to make a booking or search for a price Click Here!

DORSET

Dorset is a county of outstanding natural beauty, a land of great contrast and breathtaking scenery. The literary heritage of Thomas Hardy ensures that many visitors from all over the world feel they already know the towns and the countryside, the people and their cultural past.

The heritage coast stretches 88 miles from Christchurch in the east to Lyme Regis in the west, providing sandy beaches, sheltered harbours and busy ports. Further inland are a wealth of market towns, hidden villages, thatched cottages, narrow lanes and flowering hedgerows.

Families will also find plenty of attractions to visit, and activities to enjoy. Cycling, horse riding, golf, fishing, and climbing are just a few of the many sports that are well catered for at all levels. If none of this catches your fancy then you can just walk and enjoy some of the most spectacular views in Britain.

Excellent road, rail, sea and air communications bring the visitor to Dorset, where its central southern location creates a favourable climate and temperatures above the national average. 

Dorset offers a wide range of accommodation. Whether you are seeking the luxury of a country house hotel, the individuality of a family farmhouse, B & Bs or the freedom of self-catering, caravanning or camping - the choice is endless.

Whatever your reason for visiting Dorset you can always be sure of a warm welcome.

The nearest airports are Bournemouth Airport and Exeter Airport – We can arrange for you to collect your car hire at either of these locations, to make a booking or search for a price Click Here!

GLOUCESTER & THE COTSWOLD

The Cotswolds are unarguably romantic with country roads leading to peaceful river valleys, through country towns and villages of honey-coloured stone, complete with manor houses, churches and traditional pubs…..even an ancient forest.

Think of the essential England and you're probably already thinking of Gloucestershire's village greens, cottage gardens, churches and characteristic pubs. The pub at Little Washbourne has been run by the same family since 1743. The Ragged Cot at Hyde has two log fires, whilst The Ostrich at Newland has creaky floors and candles on the tables.

Locals will be happy to tell you about customs such as Cheese Rolling - the ancient art of chasing a Double Gloucester cheese down a hill. You can also hear of Forest Freeminers, The Severn Bore, Stroud Water Scarlet on traditional events such as the Tetbury Woolsack Races.

There are also newer traditions such as The Three Choirs festival, which brings music to the awesome setting of Gloucester Cathedral, whilst nearby Cheltenham has world-standard festivals of literature, jazz and horseracing.

England's Regency Spa town is renowned for its stylish shopping, colourful parks and floral displays, horse racing, music and literature festivals.

Fine hotels and guest accommodation plus a wide variety of restaurants combine to make Cheltenham Spa an excellent choice from which to discover the romance of Cotswolds.

Gloucestershire is also a centre for shopping and antiques. There are specialist shops in places such as Stow-on-the-Wold, Tetbury and Tewkesbury, whilst the enthusiastic bargain hunter can find intriguing shops all over the county - including Gloucester's dockside Antiques Centre.

No visitor in Britain should miss Gloucestershire's glorious gardens: the National Trust gem at Hidcote Manor, the rose and knot gardens at Sudeley Castle, the Dutch-influenced water garden at Westbury Court or Painswick Rococo Garden. No lover of unspoiled natural beauty should miss the Forest of Dean or Wye Valley.

Combine all this with excellent walking and cycle routes and outstanding hotels, B&B's, inns or farmhouse accommodation and you'll see why Gloucestershire is a 'must' for your next vacation itinerary.

The nearest airports are Birmingham International Airport, Bristol Airport and Cardiff Airport  – We can arrange for you to collect your car hire at any of these locations, to make a booking or search for a price Click Here!

HEREFORD & WYE VALLEY

Uncrowded roads winding through beautiful countryside, fascinating Black and White villages grouped around historic churches, a rich agricultural heritage and a warm welcome wherever you go - all this and more awaits you when you escape to Herefordshire, a county where rural England still survives.

Put the hustle and bustle of every day life behind you as you discover this part of the Heart of England. Fought over for centuries between England and Wales, Herefordshire is England as you have always imagined it.

Black and White timber framed houses and buildings are a particular feature of the area, Ledbury boasts a magnificent market house dating from the 17th century and in Hereford you will find the Old House Museum, a fine example of Jacobean England. In the north of the county you can follow a way marked trail, The Black and White Village Trail, taking you through Weobley, Eardisley, Pembridge and Eardisland.

The city of Hereford's pride is its magnificent Norman Cathedral, where you will find one of the world's rarest treasures, the Mappa Mundi, a 12th century medieval map of the world together with the world's largest chained library.

The market towns of Ledbury, Leominster and Ross-on-Wye offer wonderful shopping opportunities with antiques, craft shops and a wide range of specialist food outlets. Herefordshire has its own Hampton Court where you can visit the stunning new gardens including a maze and a sunken garden. It is just one of the many gardens in a county with over ten national plant collections.

You will find miles of green countryside, perfect for walking and cycling, or just simply savouring the delights of areas such as the Golden Valley or the breathtaking view over the River Wye from Symonds Yat.

The nearest airports are Birmingham International Airport, Bristol Airport and Cardiff Airport  – We can arrange for you to collect your car hire at any of these locations, to make a booking or search for a price Click Here!

KENT

Kent - The Garden of England is an enchanting place full of beautiful gardens, a wonderful coastline, quaint villages and bustling towns, all set in delightful countryside! With its proximity to London and the Continent, Kent is ideal for a day trip or short break.

There is something for everyone - Relax and feel the allure of the sea at one of the many coastal towns, or be fascinated by the culture at Canterbury. See the past come alive in one of the many castles and country houses - from the loveliest Castle in the World - Leeds Castle with its breathtaking setting to Scotney Castle, often called the most romantic garden in England.

Kent is rich in culture and charm with small undiscovered villages and unique B&B's. Spend some time travelling through the county passing the renowned oust houses, delightful orchards and hop gardens - full of blossom in the spring and fruit later in the year. Stop at a country pub, local café or restaurant and have some lunch, dinner or a drink.

Visit a farm or wildlife attractions and watch your children enjoy many of the same things you did as a child. Head to the beach, feel revitalised with wind in your hair and be mesmerised by the sun going down.

This enchanting county is rich in diversity and one visit will never be enough to capture the spirit of Kent.

The nearest airports are London Gatwick and London Heathrow Airports  – We can arrange for you to collect your car hire at either of these locations, to make a booking or search for a price Click Here!

LEICESTERSHIRE

Worlds of difference add to the splendour that makes this such a surprisingly diverse county. Imagine a lively capital city and the rural delights of traditional English countryside. There are uplands revealing far off horizons, secluded, almost secret valleys and some of the most beautiful stretches of waterways in Britain - a place where momentous events and discoveries changed the world.

The vibrant city of Leicester has the best of both worlds - here the past rubs shoulders with the present, shopping and sport stand side by side with history and heritage.

A network of arcades and lanes, boutiques, major chain stores, specialist shops and one of Europe's finest markets offer a unique shopping experience.

Add to that historical links from Roman to Victorian times, lively bars and clubs and the riverside development and visitors to Leicester are spoilt for choice.

Visit the National Forest Millennium Discovery Centre, which was opened in Spring 2001. Discover it. Witness it. Be involved in it.

In the country relax in the gentle rolling countryside and ancient villages. The historic Charnwood Forest offers rocky outcrops and Iron Age settlements.

Among Leicestershire's notable towns are Melton Mowbray, home of the pork pie and Stilton Cheese and Market Bosworth, where Richard III met his infamous end.

Come on a voyage of discovery and experience the green and beautiful county with the vibrant, colourful City of Leicester at its heart. Surprised? You will be!

The nearest airports are Birmingham International Airport and Nottingham East Midlands Airport.  – We can arrange for you to collect your car hire at either of these locations, to make a booking or search for a price Click Here!

LINCOLNSHIRE

Imagine one of Europe's loveliest medieval cathedrals, unspoilt rolling countryside, open skylines and beautiful clean beaches - you are beginning to get a picture of Lincolnshire. Add in some of the best gardens and country houses, pretty villages and traditional market towns. Combine it with 4000 miles of public footpaths or bring your bicycle, because this is ideal cycling country.

Approaching Lincoln from any direction the sight of the magnificent cathedral on the hill is unforgettable. The historic 'Uphill' area is also known to thousands of people for the Christmas Market where hundreds of stalls fill the historic streets clustered around the Cathedral.

Yet Lincoln, with its Roman and medieval heritage, represents only a part of what Lincolnshire has to offer. Beaches at the holiday coast resorts of Skegness and Mablethorpe are now officially among the cleanest in Europe.

Lincolnshire's weekly markets are thriving and lively. Most shops are still family businesses with skills and recipes handed down through the generations - do try Lincolnshire sausages, plum bread and stuffed chine.  One hundred and twenty-five miles of the Sustrans Hull to Harwich Cycle Route passes through Lincolnshire and because it joins two ports is becoming increasingly popular with visiting cyclists from overseas.

Lincolnshire's fertile soils ensure beautiful gardens of all sizes. Each year around 150 gardens of all varieties are open to the public.

The nearest airports are Humberside Airport and Nottingham East Midlands Airport.  – We can arrange for you to collect your car hire at either of these locations, to make a booking or search for a price Click Here!

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

Imagine a corner of England, which is just how you thought it would be, with sleepy villages of thatch and stone cottages, village greens and traditional pubs.

Imagine historic houses still lived in by the families that built them and surrounded by lavish gardens and parkland.

The image in your mind's eye is Northamptonshire….

Northamptonshire is best known for Althorp, near Northampton, the family home of Diana, Princess of Wales. Today, you can visit the beautiful exhibition celebrating her life and achievements, as well as the ancestral home of the Spencer family, which has a fine collection of paintings, ceramics and furniture.

A wealth of other stately homes also waits to welcome you, as do historic market towns and quaint villages, complete with traditional pub and village green and an occasional duck pond! You can walk for miles in leafy countryside, follow historic town trails or explore the picturesque waterways by narrow boat.

There is also a lot to see and do in the surrounding area. Northamptonshire is just over an hour's drive from London and within easy reach of Shakespeare's Stratford upon Avon, the university cities of Oxford and Cambridge and the magnificent Warwick Castle.

The nearest airports are London Luton Airport, Birmingham International Airport and Nottingham East Midlands Airport.  – We can arrange for you to collect your car hire at any of these locations, to make a booking or search for a price Click Here!

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE & ROBIN HOOD COUNTRY

Nottinghamshire offers an exceptional combination of peaceful rural character, essential English history and one of the world's most enduring legends. Nottingham City, at the heart of the county, offers an easy transition to the complimentary lifestyle of vibrant city life, quality shopping and abundant cultural opportunities.

The magic of Robin Hood is never far away. Rooted in ancient religion, our hero's trail can be followed from the mystic glades of Sherwood Forest, to the naturalistic carvings of Southwell Minster and on to Nottingham Castle. A major attraction, the Tales of Robin Hood, in Nottingham also offers the chance to experience the legend at first hand.

Nottinghamshire is undoubtedly a rural and green destination. From grand estates to country house gardens, visitors find the true attraction of the sites, not particularly in size, but in history, garden design and personable owners.

Nottinghamshire's countryside has also been the inspiration for two great English writers: Lord Byron and D H Lawrence. Byron's ancestral home, Newstead Abbey is a splendid memorial to the romantic poet, set in landscaped gardens. In stark contrast, Lawrence's birthplace in the mining town of Eastwood, is a tiny terraced house, but offers a glimpse into the author's early life and works.

Nottingham City's medieval and industrial history continues to fascinate visitors who are drawn by the welcoming atmosphere and fascinating attractions. The Caves of Nottingham provide an insight into the man-made cave system lying beneath the city's streets. The Galleries of Justice - an interactive law museum - has recently won the award for England's Visitor Attraction of the Year. Nottingham also boasts some of the finest shopping in the country. From unique designer wear to high street stores, the choice is exceptional. The city is also well known for its nightlife, restaurants and entertainment.

A year round programme of events draws visitors from around the world and includes; the annual Robin Hood Festival, the 700 year old Goose Fair, the Robin Hood Pageant and the world's largest antique fairs.

The nearest airports are Nottingham East Midlands Airport and Birmingham International Airport.  – We can arrange for you to collect your car hire at either of these locations, to make a booking or search for a price Click Here!

OXFORDSHIRE

Some Facts about Oxfordshire

• It was a significant location for the Romans, who developed a successful pottery industry around the abundance of Oxford’s clay, sand and fuel.
• In 849AD King Alfred the Great was born in Wantage and made Faringdon capital of Wessex.
• William the Conqueror crossed the River Thames at Wallingford in 1067 and built a large castle.
  
  
  

• Oxford's university began teaching in 1096 and as it developed so too did trade. By the time the wool industry began to establish itself in the 13th and 14th centuries the county had become extremely prosperous.
• Wealthy landowners established ‘new’ towns such as Henley and extended existing villages such as Banbury and Witney to increase their revenues from rents and market dues. The burgeoning wool trade of the Cotswolds enriched many of the county’s churches.
• Industrial enterprise thrived as the turnpike road system and new canals resulted in faster and more efficient transfer of coal, stone, wood and agricultural produce to the Midlands. The transport network was further strengthened in 1841 with the opening of Brunel’s Great Western Railway. Didcot became a major railway centre.
• In 1912 William Morris, later Lord Nuffield, opened Morris Motors at Cowley in Oxford. In the same year the first Morris car was produced and Morris’s company quickly expanded. Pressed Steel followed and began its production of car bodies, while MG opened in Abingdon. Quickly, as industry grew and thrived 'Town' began to achieve an equal footing with 'Gown'.
• The county prospered even during the slump of the 1930s. The ever-expanding market for cars meant that there was little unemployment.
• Oxfordshire is an appealing mix of old and new, where the commercial, social, cultural, educational and environmental needs of both residents and visitors are well balanced.
• Tourism contributes over £300 million to the county's economy and is a major growth industry.
• Commercially the county is increasingly being recognised as a dominant player in hi-tech industries.
• It has the greatest concentration of performance car development testing and manufacturing in the world, and is known as 'Motor sport Valley'. The BMW Group has invested over £500 million in its Oxford site, where the new Mini is being manufactured.
• The county also has the largest concentration of printing and publishing companies in the UK, outside London, and is at the forefront of the country's medical and biotech industries.
• The county has thriving sports, arts, cultural and leisure facilities for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy and is a near self-contained economy, with 87% of its residents working within the county.
• It is one of England's most popular business relocation destinations geared as it is towards high skilled, high value-added occupations. It has the country's highest concentration of graduates in its workforce.The county's spectacular buildings and scenery attract filmmakers from all over the world.
• Oxfordshire County Council is working hard to support the continued prosperity of the county's economy while protecting its environment, character and natural resources.
• Four main areas have been identified as the sites for preferred future development, namely Banbury, Bicester, Didcot and Witney. By limiting new developments elsewhere it is hoped Oxfordshire's smaller towns, villages and countryside will be protected.

The nearest airports are London Heathrow Airport and Birmingham International Airport.  – We can arrange for you to collect your car hire at either of these locations, to make a booking or search for a price Click Here!

RUTLAND

Tiny Rutland, just 20 miles across, may be the smallest county in England but it's packed with a host of things for you to do during your stay. With its two bustling market towns, Oakham and Uppingham, and more than forty picturesque villages of thatched, stone-built cottages, there's so much to see in Rutland it's hard to know where to start.

Rutland's county town of Oakham, mentioned in the Doomsday Book of 1086, lays claim to England's smallest man, Jeffrey Hudson. Its castle, a fortified Norman manor house, with a collection of horse shoes gathered from visiting nobility including members of the Royal family, makes an ideal starting point for your visit. Clustered around it are the Market Place, Butter Cross and Stocks and numerous small shops selling a wide range of high-class goods. Uppingham has many antique and antiquarian book shops and art galleries.

You'll find plenty of opportunities to enjoy an active break here in Rutland. Watersports enthusiasts should head for Rutland Water where you can hire a canoe or rowing boat to paddle around the sheltered creek and harbour at Whitwell. If you're feeling a little more energetic, you could even launch a sailboard or boat and strike out further across the reservoir. Cycle hire is also available and for the really energetic there is a 25 mile cycling and walking circuit around the water. For the keen angler Rutland Water is a must, stocked with around 130,000 trout each year. With the record fish weighing in at 14lb 12oz, some of the best trout fishing in Europe is available here. Learn to fish with the experts: special all inclusive angling packages can be arranged including tackle and motor boat hire and bed and breakfast.

Throughout Rutland you'll find a host of villages to explore, each with its own unique character and local charm. Like Exton with its thatched cottages or Clipsham, with its topiary walk featuring dozens of trees shaped to commemorate local, national and international events and Tickenote whose church has an elaborate carved Norman arch.

Whatever you choose to do, you'll find that Rutland is England's best kept secret, set amidst part of the English countryside that's largely undiscovered and still unspoilt.

The nearest airports are Birmingham International Airport and Nottingham East Midlands Airport.  – We can arrange for you to collect your car hire at either of these locations, to make a booking or search for a price Click Here!

SHROPSHIRE

Imagine a place where all in one day you could see distant Welsh mountains and stream-filled valleys from heathered hilltops, eat the freshest food in a Michelin-starred restaurant, and visit the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution in a World Heritage Site.

Imagine a place where the only traffic jams are caused by a shepherd and his sheep, yet you can buy the finest antiques and designer clothes just down the same road. Where riverside pubs, tempting footpaths and scented gardens, link market towns and ancient villages... in which country houses and castles fill your visit to the brim.

Could such a place exist except in your imagination? - Welcome to Shropshire the county where, without effort, you can experience all this. Within 2 hours of London, what could be better?

There's poetry everywhere; poetry in motion in the chugging Severn Valley Steam Railway, and in the shire horses timelessly ploughing at Acton Scott Historic Farm. There's mystery in the swirl of the quill pen at the Shrewsbury Quest and legend in the hidden 'shuts' and passages of the medieval county town of Shrewsbury.

There's wonder in the world's first iron bridge - now the centre of the Ironbridge Gorge's series of world-class museums. There's innovation in 'Secret Hills' on the way to Ludlow, that jewel of the Shropshire border country, where gourmand meets grand Norman castle in a perfect English town.

There's pride in the Spitfire and Hurricane in the RAF Museum at Cosford and joy in the swing of the golfer on numerous championship courses.

Whether you'd like farmhouse hospitality or country house hotel splendour, cosy pub lunches with home-brewed beer and a sheepdog by your feet, or Michelin-starred gourmet dinners - amazingly Shropshire can offer it all.

The nearest airport is Birmingham International Airport.  – We can arrange for you to collect your car hire at this location, to make a booking or search for a price Click Here!

STAFFORDSHIRE

Stunning countryside, miles of inland waterways and a host of world famous attractions combine to make Staffordshire stand out from the rest. It's capital, Stoke-on-Trent, is the birthplace of English Ceramics, known affectionately the world over as the Potteries.

Explore the Peak District, ideal for leisure and activity holidays - from the spectacular crags and dales of the Staffordshire Moor lands to the sweeping panoramas of the White Peak, you'll find ample opportunity for walking, hiking and cycling, or the more daring challenges of rock climbing, caving and hang gliding.

Enjoy the traditional bustle of our classic county town, Stafford, brimming with a magnificent array of architectural, cultural and entertainment attractions. Nearby you'll find the 18th century mansion, Shugborough, one of a rich collection of historic houses and home to Royal photographer, Earl Patrick Lichfield.

The brewing capital of England, Burton upon Trent has been producing Britain's ales for hundreds of years; a visit to the Bass Museum will take you behind the scenes of the story of beer and brewing.

In Stoke-on-Trent you'll discover the fascinating skills of Staffordshire's famous potters, it was here that Josiah Wedgwood, Sir Henry Doulton and Josiah Spode worked their magic, transforming base clay into objects of beauty. Today The Potteries has a host of visitor centres and museums telling the story of this fascinating industry. The historic town of Tutbury is a thriving centre for lead crystal, where you'll find displays of glass blowing and engraving.

Rich in history and buildings, the three spires of Lichfield Cathedral tower over the Birthplace Museum of Dr Samuel Johnson and the Erasmus Darwin Centre, based in the home of Erasmus Darwin - grandfather of Charles. Nearby are Drayton Manor Family Theme Park and Zoo, the Staffordshire Regiment and three excellent craft centres

For sheer breathtaking exhilaration there's Britain's number one attraction, Alton Towers. Nestling in beautiful countryside, it has more than 125 rides and attractions for all the family, beautifully landscaped into magnificent gardens.

And for more horticultural delights, visit the Dorothy Clive Garden, Bridgemere Garden World or Byrkley Park - or seek out the Victorian gardens of Biddulph Grange, a truly unique national treasure.

The nearest airports are Manchester Airport, Birmingham International Airport and Nottingham East Midlands Airport.  – We can arrange for you to collect your car hire at any of these locations, to make a booking or search for a price Click Here!

SURREY

Come and discover sun-dappled footpaths that criss-cross one of the most wooded counties in the country. Leap into the 21st Century in our modern art galleries. Stand at the highest point in the south-east of England and marvel at the breathtaking views of the Surrey Hills and surrounding countryside. Experience first-hand the very latest in music at a festival or in the pubs and clubs that abound. Or visit old stately homes where, for centuries, celebrated artists, musicians and literary figures have found inspiration.

Surrey has 32 magnificent National Trust sites, several 1000-year-old churches where England's heritage is expertly maintained. Whatever time of year you visit Surrey, our fabulous gardens are there to be enjoyed.

Stroll around the immaculate grounds of Polesden Lacey, smile at the extraordinary follies in the Painshill Landscape Garden, marvel at the phenomenal collection of trees at Winkworth Arboretum, and then go and visit the flagship of the Royal Horticultural Society at Wisley with its staggering 240 acres of gardening excellence.

Not withstanding its proximity to London, Surrey is a county whose extraordinary natural beauty really has to be seen to be believed. Stretching across the southern part of the county is The Surrey Hills area of outstanding Natural Beauty. Dotted with picturesque market towns and villages. The Surrey Hills is a nationally treasured landscape of beautiful and unspoilt countryside rich in wildlife and ancient woodland.

With the emphasis firmly on fun why not brave the awe-inspiring rides at our internationally acclaimed theme parks? For a quieter day out, visit a wildlife park or farm where children can cuddle the animals and let off steam in imaginatively designed play areas.

To experience the beauty of Surrey's countryside from a different angle, you can hire a boat and explore the network of rivers or hop on a bicycle and set off into the unknown.

There are more than 100 golf courses in Surrey, including Wentworth - the venue of many international competitions. The World Darts Championship is held in Frimley Green and the country's leading County Cricket Clubs play at the fine ground at Guildford. A classically English day out can be enjoyed at any of four spectacular racecourses, which host many internationally acclaimed races including the renowned Derby at Epsom.

Not only is Surrey a county rich in historical heritage, but it also offers a wide and eclectic variety of contemporary culture. The magical Hannah Peschar Sculpture Garden near Ockley enables you to wander through 10 acres of beautifully designed landscape.

Surrey’s concert halls play host to the country's leading orchestras and its theatres are very often used to preview West End productions before they move to London.

The museums are full of interesting and unusual information from the world's largest collection of ex-London Transport buses at Cobham to the military displays at Clandon Park and Camberley, and the fascinating museums of Dorking, Leatherhead and Farnham.

For further information visit www.surreytourism.org.uk

The nearest airports are London Heathrow Airport and London Gatwick Airport.  – We can arrange for you to collect your car hire at either of these locations, to make a booking or search for a price Click Here!

EAST SUSSEX

What makes the perfect holiday? For some, it's walking in peaceful countryside, for others its visiting historic houses or museums, or serious shopping. Whatever your choice, East Sussex has a unique mix of unspoilt countryside, narrow cobbled town streets, medieval cottages and fairytale castles, glorious gardens and picturesque old villages.  

Add some truly unusual shops, the best in contemporary art and design, and stylish bars and restaurants and you'll see what makes East Sussex so special.

The nearest airport is London Gatwick Airport.  – We can arrange for you to collect your car hire at this location, to make a booking or search for a price Click Here!

WEST SUSSEX

West Sussex lies on the coast of southern England, within easy reach of London and the Channel ports, but retains an aura of tranquillity and a sense of being away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.  

The Romans, Saxons, and Normans have all left their legacies including many historic buildings that can still be seen today. West Sussex also boasts some magnificent English country houses, which are set amongst impeccably maintained gardens and immaculately kept lawns and where cricket even to day, is still traditionally played.  There are many wonderful homes to see and exquisite interiors to marvel at such as the portraits at Godwood House, the carvings and paintings at Petworth, the Elizabethan Parham House and the furnishings at Standen….. the list is endless!

For the Gardener there are no better places to visit than the great gardens of Borde Hill, Leonardslee, Wakehurst, High Beeches and West Dean. All are open to visitors.  

For the hiker or rambler, West Sussex offers over 2,500 miles of well kept long distance and local footpaths and bridleways and ………..plenty of lovely village pubs!

Good scenery, good attractions, good beer and good company. What more do you need?

The nearest airport is London Gatwick Airport.  – We can arrange for you to collect your car hire at this location, to make a booking or search for a price Click Here!

WARWICKSHIRE & SHAKESPEARE COUNTRY

The historic town of Warwick is best known for its magnificent Castle, home to generations of the all-powerful Earls of Warwick, including the 13th Earl, executioner of Joan of Arc. A magnificent fortress towering over the banks of the River Avon, on a site first fortified by William the Conqueror in 1068, Warwick Castle is quite simply the finest medieval castle in England surrounded by stories and intrigue which make it one of the country's most popular attractions.

There is also much to explore in Warwick itself plus a wealth of antique and gift shops.

Kenilworth, just north of Warwick, has an excellent choice of restaurants and small shops. It too has a castle - described as England's most romantic ruin for it was here that Queen Elizabeth I was lavishly entertained by her favourite, Robert Dudley.

Within easy reach of both Warwick and Kenilworth lies the fashionable town of Royal Leamington Spa. The range and quality of shops is excellent and make sure you visit the Royal Pump Rooms to taste the spa water, which made this town famous.

The greenest of manufacturing cities, Coventry lies at the crossroads of England, buttressed by the two great medieval castles of Warwick and Kenilworth and surrounded by the rich farming landscapes of Warwickshire, Shakespeare's country.

Any place that can count St George the dragon slayer, fair Lady Godiva and jet pioneer Frank Whittle as locals must have quite a story to tell, and Coventry's is like no other. Six hundred years ago it ranked fourth among England's cities and it still possesses the monuments of that glorious past - one of the country's finest medieval guildhalls, almshouses and monastic foundations, timber-framed shops and pubs. But this is not a place that likes to linger over the past. Birthplace of the motor industry in Britain, it has always moved with the times, pioneering many things, from traffic-free shopping precincts to Basil Spence's extraordinary cathedral, a treasure house of modern British art as well as a symbol of international reconciliation.

Beautifully situated on the River Avon, Stratford has a number of attractions linked to its famous son. Discover the town in which Shakespeare was born and grew up, where he gained inspiration for his work and even where he used to poach deer! A stroll along the River Avon will lead you to Holy Trinity Church - Shakespeare's final resting place. Stratford has many other attractions including Guide Friday, The Butterfly Farm and Cox's Yard.

For the visitor, the area offers the best of town and country, not one but two world-renowned motor museums, Britain's national organic garden and a living Roman fort, canals and country churches, great houses and battlefields. It also has a range of accommodation to match, from elegant country hotels to homely guest houses.

The surrounding countryside offers six fascinating and historical National Trust houses and gardens, including Hidcote Manor and Charlecote Park, with their recent restoration work and exciting new discoveries.

The nearest airport is Birmingham International Airport. – We can arrange for you to collect your car hire at this location, to make a booking or search for a price Click Here!

WILTSHIRE

Known as "The gateway to the West Country", Wiltshire is a beautiful county of great diversity. Covering an area of almost 3,500 sq km it unites the districts of Kennet, West Wilts, North Wilts, Salisbury and South Wilts with the Borough of Swindon. With a population of nearly 430,000 and with much of the county designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Wiltshire is the perfect destination for a relaxing break at any time of the year. Admire the beauty of its gardens; walk the White Horse Trail to see the eight white horses carved into the hillsides; or take a leisurely wander through our market towns and pick up the real flavour of country life.

There are few places in the world that can equal Wiltshire's sensation of mystical forces and unseen timeless energies. Stonehenge needs no introduction and is known the world over as an ancient monument of huge significance. Avebury's enchanting stone circles lie in the epicentre of Wiltshire's mystical landscape, with Europe's largest man-made prehistoric mound, Silbury Hill, and Britain's largest burial chamber, the West Kennet Long Barrow, close by. In the summer months, crop circles also adorn the fields surrounding this enigmatic area.

Children will find many delights to occupy their time in the county. Longleat is home to a multitude of attractions including the world famous Safari Park and the world's largest maze. Discover the history of the railway at Swindon's interactive attraction, STEAM - the Museum of the Great Western Railway, or make a splash at the Oasis Leisure Centre complete with Domebusters. For the more energetic; adventure playgrounds can be found at both Wilton House and Bowood House, and you can even tread in the footsteps of Hollywood at Old Wardour Castle, which was used for scenes in Robin Hood Prince of Thieves. Lacock Abbey also featured very recently in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. 

Salisbury is a beautiful medieval city and its Cathedral, with the highest spire in England, cannot fail to impress. Bustling market towns such as Marlborough and Bradford on Avon offer visitors a warm welcome, and still serve the local farming communities as they have done for centuries. Wiltshire also offers the gentle pastime of canal boating along the famous Kennet and Avon Canal, and the canal towpath is excellent for both walking and cycling, with many friendly pubs along the way offering a well-earned rest.

Visit the Farmers' Markets for an array of the very finest food and drink - try freshly pressed apple juice, smoked local trout terrine, or local goats' cheese. If all the shopping leaves you too worn out to cook, try one of the wonderful selection of pubs, restaurants or tea shops, many of whom specialise in using local produce wherever possible.

The choice of accommodation within the county is unrivalled, catering for everything from a romantic short break at one of many enchanting country house hotels to experiencing the homely comforts of a family owned bed and breakfast. Alternatively, Wiltshire has an excellent choice of farmhouse accommodation, self-catering units and campsites. Look out for providers who serve the "Wiltshire Breakfast" made from high quality local produce, much of which is organic.

Perhaps Wiltshire's real uniqueness lies in the beauty of its countryside; the open downland where your view is uninterrupted for miles; the river valleys with their sparkling clear waters and the ancient forests and picture postcard villages. Wherever you visit in this ancient, unspoilt and truly wonderful county, you will be assured a warm welcome.  

The nearest airports are Bournemouth Airport, Bristol Airport and London Heathrow Airport.  – We can arrange for you to collect your car hire at any of these locations, to make a booking or search for a price Click Here!

NORTH WILTSHIRE

Over half the district of North Wiltshire is in an area of outstanding natural beauty with wooded river valleys rolling downland and timeless villages of mellow stone cottages, portraying the idyllic English scene. Among these are the film locations of Castle Combe, acclaimed as England's prettiest village and the National Trust village of Lacock, which provided the romantic setting for Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice and Emma and where within the medieval abbey, photography itself was pioneered.

Discover Malmesbury, England's oldest borough, with the remains of its impressive Norman Abbey and Cherhill White Horse carved into the open downland near Calne. Trace the architectural heritage endowed by wealthy 'wool' merchants in the Weavers' Cottages at Corsham and fine town houses and manors tucked away in sleepy hamlets.

SALISBURY & SOUTH WILTSHIRE

The massive Iron Age hillfort of Old Sarum is the site of the original City of Salisbury. The fort was used by the Romans, Saxons and Normans and grew into one of the most flourishing settlements in medieval England. Present day Salisbury possesses a Cathedral with the tallest spire in England, the world's oldest working clock and one of the four surviving copies of the Magna Carta.

The district is also home to Stonehenge, a World Heritage Site whose true past still remains a mystery. It stands impressively as a prehistoric monument of unique importance and is surrounded by the remains of ceremonial areas - some older than the monument itself.

The nearest airports are Bournemouth Airport, Bristol Airport and London Heathrow Airport.  – We can arrange for you to collect your car hire at any of these locations, to make a booking or search for a price Click Here!

SWINDON

There is something for everyone to enjoy in Swindon. The fascinating history of Brunel's railway has been brought to life at STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway and the refurbished buildings of the historic railway are also home to Europe's largest covered designer outlet centre (McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Great Western) and English Heritage (National Monuments Record Centre). As well as having its own appeal, Swindon is surrounded by some beautiful countryside. The Ridgeway (Europe's oldest road) and Lydiard Park are both easily accessible and should be included in any visit to Swindon.

The nearest airports are Bristol Airport and London Heathrow Airport.  – We can arrange for you to collect your car hire at either of these locations, to make a booking or search for a price Click Here!

WORCESTERSHIRE

Nestling between the Cotswolds, Shakespeare's Country and the Welsh Marches, the beautiful unspoilt county of Worcestershire offers a mixture of rolling countryside with acres of fruit orchards, the Malvern Hills, riverside towns, picturesque villages and the Cathedral city of Worcester.

Fine churches, historic buildings, a thriving arts scene with internationally acclaimed festivals and events, many featuring the works of Edward Elgar and superb shopping - you will find them all in Worcestershire, the county which is home to Malvern Water, Worcester Sauce and the Morgan Sports Car!

Worcester City lies in the centre of the county - here you can tour the Royal Worcester Factory, Visitor Centre and the Museum of the Commandery, a medieval building with displays covering its 1,000 years history and its pivotal role in England's civil war.

To the north, Avoncroft Museum of Buildings at Bromsgrove provides a wonderful insight into seven centuries of English history, whilst in Wyre Forest Britain's premier steam railway, The Severn Valley, provides some of the best riverside scenery in the country.

South of Worcester lies the Vale of Evesham, noted for its soft fruits. The Spring Blossom Trail is a must if you want to experience some of the most captivating sights in the county and Broadway at the foot of the Cotswolds.

No visit to Worcestershire would be complete without a visit to the Victorian Spa towns of Droitwich in the north and Malvern, which is nestled at the side of the Malvern Hills - enjoy the invigorating air or take in a performance at the new Malvern Theatres, which offer first-class professional productions.

Take time to visit Worcestershire and enjoy the diverse attractions of this traditional, unspoilt county.

The nearest airport is Birmingham International Airport.  – We can arrange for you to collect your car hire at this location, to make a booking or search for a price Click Here!

YORKSHIRE

For more than 2000 years Yorkshire has dared to be different. Once a kingdom in its own right, England's biggest county has never lost that sense of being special. A "grandeur you don't get anywhere else", the power of its history and pride of its people make this a place where 'ordinary' simply won't do.

Yorkshire is "most sublimely beautiful". Ruined abbeys and castles, great houses and gardens are nestled amongst moors, wooded hills and lush farming country. Three National Parks: the Yorkshire Dales, the Peak District and the North York Moors protect more than 1000 square miles of unrivalled countryside.

Yorkshire also boasts a superb coastline offering golden beaches, majestic cliffs and is home to some of the best known resorts in England; Scarborough, Bridlington and Cleethorpes. The county is also home to the historic port of Whitby and the long time traditional favourites of Filey and Hornsea

A visit to York is a “must do”, once a Roman stronghold and Viking capital, it is one of Europe’s greatest medieval cities.

As for 'picture postcard Yorkshire': location for All Creatures Great and Small, Last of the Summer Wine and Heartbeat, those snug villages, country pubs and country folk are familiar friends to millions worldwide. And what you see is what you get.

If clubbing means anything to you, Yorkshire means everything to you. Not to mention serious shopping … including the first Harvey Nichols outside London. "The whole vibe is very funky"

Yorkshire has inspired many people over the years, past and present. Some of its most famous residents include The Brontes of Haworth, the late Poet Laureate Ted Hughes, the sculptor Henry Moore, the artist David Hockney and composer Delius. It is therefore not surprising to learn that Yorkshire produces some of the best choirs and brass bands in the world!

Yorkshire’s vision played a major part in shaping the future of the world. Captain Cook learned his skills at Whitby and sailed round the world in a flat-bottomed Yorkshire collier boat. William Wilberforce set out from Hull to abolish slavery. The South Pennines was the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and the might of its industry made Britain a world power.