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Reading is a town located in the South East of England, in the county of Berkshire. It is about 40 miles (64 kilometres) west of London and is known for its rich history, as it was an important centre for the brewing and baking industries in the 19th century. Today, Reading is a bustling town with a vibrant cultural scene and many attractions for visitors.
The nearest airport to Reading is London Heathrow Airport, located approximately 25 miles (40 kilometres) east of Reading. London Heathrow is one of the busiest airports in the world and offers a wide range of international and domestic flights.
When hiring a car at Heathrow Airport, several car rental companies have rental desks in the airport terminals' arrivals area, including Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Enterprise, and Budget. Rental options include compact city cars, mid-size crossovers, full-size SUVs, and luxury cars. So, you will find the type of car that best suits your needs and budget.
We recommend that you book your car rental in advance, as this will ensure that you get the type of car you want and the best price.
Reading has a relatively well-developed public transportation system, with several options for getting around the town and its surrounding areas. Therefore, visitors should be fine getting around using the town's public transportation system.
In general, car hire prices can vary depending on the location where you rent the car. However, this also depends on the car rental company's pricing policies. Car rental companies may charge higher airport prices due to airport fees and taxes.
If you want to hire a car in Reading, comparing prices between car rental companies in the town centre and the airport may be worth seeing where you can get the best deal. Additionally, it may be worth considering factors such as convenience and ease of access when deciding where to hire a car from.
Some car rental companies also offer discounts or special promotions for specific locations or periods, so it can be a good idea to check for these as well. Ultimately, it is best to research and compare prices and options before deciding where to hire a car in Reading.
Driving in Reading can be relatively easy compared to driving in larger cities like London, but it still requires some attention and caution on the roads. The town has several main roads and highways, including the M4 motorway, which connects Reading to London and other major cities in the UK.
During peak traffic hours, the roads in Reading can become congested, especially on the main routes into and out of the town. Additionally, some of the more minor roads in the town centre can be narrow and winding, so it's essential to be cautious when driving in these areas.
Reading also has several one-way streets and restricted parking zones, so paying attention to signs and road markings is important to avoid potential fines or penalties.
Some things to consider when driving in the UK are:
Drive on the left: In the UK, you must drive on the left-hand side of the road. It's important to remember this as the traffic flow and positioning on the road will differ from what you may be used to in countries where you drive on the right-hand side.
Speed Limits: In the UK, the speed limits are generally 30 mph in built-up areas, 60 mph on single carriageways, and 70 mph on motorways. However, there may be variations in speed limits on different roads, so be sure to check the signs.
Roundabouts: Roundabouts are common in the UK, and Reading is no exception. Be prepared to navigate roundabouts, which require you to give way to traffic approaching from the right.
Drink Driving: The UK has strict laws against drinking and driving, with a legal limit of 80mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood. Drinking and driving is never a good idea, as it endangers yourself and others.
There are several car hire agencies in Reading, including major international companies such as Avis, Enterprise, Hertz, and Europcar, and local operators such as Green Motion. These agencies offer a range of vehicles and typically have offices throughout the town, including at the train station and in the city centre.
There are many beautiful areas to explore within a few hours' drive of Reading. Just remember to plan your route and take breaks as needed to ensure a safe and enjoyable road trip.
Cotswolds: Head northwest from Reading to the Cotswolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty known for its charming villages and rolling hills. You can take the A34 and then branch onto more minor country roads to explore the area at your own pace.
South Downs National Park: To the south of Reading, you can find the South Downs National Park. This picturesque area is home to chalk hills, historic villages, and miles of hiking trails. Take the M3 south to Winchester and then explore the park from there.
Jurassic Coast: For a more extended road trip, consider heading south to the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site on the south coast of England. Along the way, you can stop at places like Stonehenge and the cathedral city of Salisbury. From there, head south to the coast and explore towns like Lyme Regis, Weymouth, and Swanage.
Bath: To the west of Reading is the historic city of Bath, famous for its Roman Baths, Georgian architecture, and picturesque setting. Take the M4 west and then branch off onto the A46 to explore the city and its surroundings.
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