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One of England's most prominent south-coast cities, Bournemouth is a famous tourist destination. It is one of the top coastal resorts in the United Kingdom, featuring sandy beaches, a classic pier, and a variety of traditional and modern attractions and activities. Bournemouth is a little over two hours distance by rail from London, making it a convenient day trip for those already in town. Whether you’re coming for a day trip to the seaside town or want to remain for a longer period of time, Bournemouth is a charming destination.
Bournemouth International Airport (formerly known as Hurn Airport) is an airport situated 3.5 nautical miles north-northeast of Bournemouth city. A fun fact about this airport is that it used to be London's international airport for a brief time (between 1944 and 1946) before London-Heathrow Airport (LHR) became operational. A little over one million people used the airport at its busiest period in 2007. RyanAir, easyJet, and TUI Airways all fly to Bournemouth Airport, with the most popular destinations being Palma de Mallorca, Malaga, and Alicante, all located in Spain.
Many visitors to Bournemouth opt to rent a car at the airport for convenience and ease of travel so you can just get off the aircraft, hop behind the wheels, and drive away to begin your vacation or business trip. Because of the airport's central position, you don't have to depend on public transportation to go around the surrounding region. Currently, Bournemouth Airport has one dedicated desk for Hertz, an internationally-renowned rental car agency with thousands of 5-star reviews. If you wish to pay for gasoline in advance, have multiple drivers, or add GPS to your trip, you'll have those options available as well.
Don't worry if you didn't rent a vehicle at the airport. There are also various pick-up spots in downtown. The advantage of hiring a car in Bournemouth’s city center is that you will have more options than at the airport. Some of the companies with offices downtown include Europcar, Thrifty, and Enterprise, in addition to Hertz. Compare Bournemouth car rent agencies to see which one offers the best pricing and vehicle pickup locations for you.
If this is your first vacation to the UK, it's critical that you learn the ins and outs of driving before getting behind the wheel. Even if you travel often, it never hurts to review some key driving regulations to ensure smooth and safe travels.
Without further ado, here are some key driving tips for Bournemouth:
There are a large number of well-known local and international car rental firms in Bournemouth. Consider hiring a minivan or big SUV with lots of luggage room if you're going with a large party. If you're here on a short business trip, a Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Roadster or a BMW 5 Series will guarantee you arrive in style. Many automobiles now include Wi-Fi, allowing you to work while on the road. If you want to embark on a road trip with your buddies, the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek, 2018 Subaru Crosstrek, or 2020 Honda HR-V are all good options. Always compare your options among the various dealers to discover the perfect match for you.
Many people choose to spend their vacations at Bournemouth because of its 7-mile stretch of silky-soft sand. That being said, there are several wonderful attractions you can drive to from Bournemouth as well-
You can get to Badbury Rings from Bournemouth in 28 minutes by car. Badbury Rings is one of the eighteen Iron Age hill forts in Dorset that rises more than 100 meters above the surrounding landscape. There is an avenue of beech trees if you turn left out of Kingston Lacy's Blandford Drive. William John Bankes, who acquired Kingston Lacy in 1835, planted the beech trees that line the avenue in the 19th century.
A 20-minute drive from Bournemouth, Wimborne Minster is another worthwhile destination. It is the perfect place to unwind in a tranquil riverside market town. A picturesque village that dates back to pre-Roman times is on the banks of the rivers Allen and Stour, and is known for its welcoming atmosphere and flower-lined streetscapes.
Our customers rated Bournemouth airport with an average of 9.7 based on 3 ratings, and these are the most recent tips, experiences and highlights.