Car rental in Leicester

Driving around Leicester with a rental car

Leicester is one of the largest cities of the East Midlands, and is situated on the River Soar. Its pleasant location and a plethora of interesting tourist attractions is a natural magnet for tourists all over the world.

It offers a diverse selection of local attractions – historical gems, entertainment venues, and restaurants bustling with life. Those who enjoy peace and quiet should definitely visit one of Leicester’s parks and gardens.

Not only Leicester itself, but also the surrounding areas are definitely worth exploring during a holiday in this part of England. The most convenient way to do this is to hire a car. With Driveboo, you can easily compare different car rental offers and book your rental car directly online.

Where is it best to rent a car in Leicester?

Car hire companies are popular in Leicester. Therefore, you won’t have any trouble finding a vehicle with features of your liking. However, for those visitors who are travelling to Leicester by plane, it is more convenient to rent a car directly at the airport.

There are two major airports recommended when travelling to Leicester:

• Birmingham Airport (BHX)
• East Midlands Airport (EMA)

Airports near Leicester

Insurance of a rental car in Leicester

When searching for a car online, you might come across one of the terms below:

• Car Excess Reimbursement
• Total Damage Excess Waiver (TDEW)
• Fully Refundable Excess
• Excess Protection

They are all related to the purchase of additional insurance for your hired vehicle. Online purchase is always cheaper in comparison to booking in person at car rental companies.

It is advisable to read the terms and conditions of your agreement carefully so that you can make a fully informed decision about any additional insurance. This type of insurance may cover the damage of vehicle parts such as glass, wheels, or chassis. There are additional options in case of theft, acts of vandalism, or legal aid as well.

Driving a rental car in England

The most important thing to remember is that in England, drivers have to stick to the left side of the road. Inexperienced drivers are advised to first practice their skills on less frequented roads.

In order to hire a car, you should be at least 18 years of age and be a holder of a valid driving licence. A European driver's licence is sufficient. All passengers must wear seat belts, but drivers are only responsible for themselves and minors.

What are the speed limits for cars in England?

Are there any toll roads in England?

In England, there is currently only one toll road – M6 Toll. You will also find several bridges and tunnels where tolls are collected.

What is the legal alcohol limit while driving in England?

The permissible level of alcohol content in a driver’s body is 80 mg per 100 ml of blood (35 mg per 100 ml of breath).

How much are speeding tickets in England?

The minimum speeding fine in England is GBP100 and the maximum fine is GBP 1,000 (or 2,500 on a motorway), depending on the offence.

Emergency phone numbers in England

Highlights of Leicester, perfect to discover with a rental car

Leicester is an important commercial and cultural centre in England. In 2012, the identification of the remains of King Richard III in a park brought new life into the city’s heritage.

Lovers of history and architecture won’t be disappointed when paying a visit to Leicester Cathedral, located in the heart of the peaceful Old Town. It is open for visitors on a daily basis. Inside, you can explore almost 900 years of city’s history and the tomb of King Richard III. The cathedral is surrounded by quaint gardens offering plenty of space to stroll and relax.

Avid fans of space exploration should head towards the National Space Centre. Inside, you will go through a journey in time. The centre offers interactive galleries, UK’s largest planetarium, and 3D SIM rides.

Leicester can also boast a number of intriguing art galleries with the largest collection of German Expressionist masterpieces. Additionally, there is a dinosaur gallery inside New Walk Museum. Children will be surprised by the height of Rutland dinosaur, in this museum!

Explore the surroundings of Leicester with a rental car

Renting a car will grant you the freedom to treat Leicester as a gateway to the East Midlands.

From Leicester, you can easily reach Birmingham, an important industrial and cultural centre of the region. After a short trip to the city, you could visit Cadbury World for a guided tour, offering an insight into the production process of the famous chocolate. Why not visit the traditional city of Doncaster or head for the stunning Manchester, an important shopping metropolis?

You should also visit Nottingham, which is another popular destination in East Midlands. It is where the legend about Robin Hood originated. Allegedly, the avenger of the poor lived in Sherwood Forest, which is a great attraction for those who seek some solitude.

A rental car is also perfect to take a trip to the countryside. The extensive Sutton Park offers multiple lakes, green zones, and a large golf course. Families with children can enjoy a petting zoo and a plethora of playgrounds.