Book yourself a car on Turo and drive off into the sunset.
While holidaying abroad is still off the cards, many Brits are turning to the humble staycation to satisfy their longings for sun, sea and city breaks. Luckily, the UK is full of beautiful destinations that are more than postcard-worthy!
The only snag being that if you don’t want to rely on public transport, you kind of need a car… Now, those of us Londoners without cars might feel like we were missing out, if it wasn’t for the ease of booking a car with Turo.
This incredible app is basically Airbnb for cars. Hosts can share their car on Turo when they’re not using it to make a bit of extra cash, and you can book those cars to help rev up your summer plans and get out of the city. It’s way better than a rental car, with less faff and a huge selection of cars: from classics, convertibles, minivans, SUVs, and sports cars– there’s something for everyone.
Getting yourself a Turo car for your staycation means an easy booking process, flexible cancellations, and insurance included. And as you can book nearby cars from £30 a day, this rental car alternative is also an affordable solution.
Turo is also currently implementing rigorous Covid-19 safety protocol including strict car disinfection policies and contactless check-in options. While the world takes a few steps closer to the new normal and you start booking your summer getaways, it’s still important that you feel as safe and confident as possible.
So, ready to hit the road? We say throw your bags in the car and head on your merry way to one of these stunning locations. It only takes a couple of hours to reach some of the UK’s most picturesque spots so you could feasibly manage these as day trips, but with hotels and Airbnb’s back in business these are great options for a full-on staycation.
1. Stroll along the beach in Brighton
Brighton, the archetypal British seaside town has long been popular with British holidaymakers and for good reason! It’s got sun, it’s got sand, it’s got sea– and it’s so close to London. Although often dubbed ‘London-on-Sea’, Brighton is actually a welcome contrast from the capital. Fresh sea air and pebbled beaches are notably not found in the Big Smoke! And then there’s the seaside (which always means great fish and chips), the famous pier, and beautiful buildings that will transport you to even further away lands…
Distance from London: 1 hour 30 minutes
2. Punt along the river in Cambridge
Come rain or come shine, if you go to Cambridge it’s generally recommended that you go punting down the River Cam. It’s one of those “when in Rome” things. But there’s plenty else to do, too. Wander about, hire a bike, admire the beauty of the cobbled streets and the lovely green parks. There’s also tonnes of history, and plenty of classic English pubs (including the Eagle, which—fun fact—was once frequented by the blokes who discovered DNA).
Distance from London: 1 hour 45 minutes
3. Admire the stunning countryside scenery in The Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is a great place to visit if you’re after a quintessentially British countryside scene and a bit of a ramble. Everywhere you look is absolutely beautiful, think rolling hills and particularly cutesy villages such as Castle Combe. It’s worth bringing a car here just for the ease of village hopping! You’ll feel the stress of London life simply rise off your shoulders as you step into the fresh countryside air. Sunsets and sunrises are especially gorgeous– so if you can stay overnight here, you most definitely should.
Distance from London: About 2 hours
4. Enjoy a stunning coastal walk in Eastbourne
When in Eastbourne you’ve got to venture out to Beachy Head. Take a stroll along the chalky cliffs and admire the stunning views of the lighthouse and out across the sea. You might recognise the setting from a few films, including James Bond and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (while your Turo car might not fly, you can still try and book a classic car to pay homage to the magical motorcar). The area is surrounded by some amazing coastal walks, and some proper olde English pubs. Oh and *apparently* it’s the sunniest place in the UK, so we’re sold.
Distance from London: About 2 hours
5. Step in Shakespeare’s footsteps in Stratford-upon-Avon
As the birthplace of the Bard himself, no trip to Stratford-upon-Avon would be complete without its fair share of Shakespeare. Visit the writer’s childhood home and the picturesque cottage that was the family home of Anne Hathaway (no, not that one– Shakespeare’s wife!). But there’s also plenty of non-Shakespeare things to do in this gorgeous historic town. You could purchase a wand and try some Butterbeer at the Magic Alley, visit the Butterfly Farm, have a pint at the Grade II-listed Old Thatch Tavern, or enjoy a leisurely boat ride down the River Avon.
Distance from London: 2 hours
Tempted? Book your summer staycation with Turo now!
And if you want to venture further afield? We’ve got you covered.
The Peak District
This gorgeous National Park boasts some of the most beautiful views and scenic driving routes the country has to offer– just driving down the Snake Pass, through the Pennines, will take your breath away! For cyclists, climbers and outdoor enthusiasts there’s no end to adventures you can find here. And for those less athletically inclined, why not pay a visit to the lovely village of Bakewell, the birthplace of (you guessed it) the Bakewell Tart.
Distance from London: 3 hours
The Lake District
There’s no countryside idyll quite like the Lake District with its towering fells, still lakes and breathtaking views. You could easily spend days exploring the quiet walking routes, hiking up Helvellyn and scrambling up Scafell Pike. And when it’s time to kick up your walking boots and have a breather you can enjoy a boat ride on Windermere or visit one of the many cafes and tea rooms. PSA: the gingerbread at Grasmere is out of this world.
Distance from London: 4 hours 45 minutes
Wales
Visit the stunning Brecon Beacons just an hour’s drive from Cardiff. And if you’re staying in the South and the weather’s good then why not have a go at surfing at Porthcawl or Three Cliffs Bay? Or you could venture further north to Snowdonia and explore jaw-dropping mountains and glacial landforms, beautiful beaches and incredible views. Why not do it all and make it a longer road trip? You can find the perfect car for your next adventure on Turo!
Distance from London: 4 to 4 hours 30 minutes
Check out a full list of all the glorious National Parks you should visit here!
Turo is the world’s largest car sharing marketplace, and is a safe, reliable, and affordable way to travel around in this new normal. Choose from hundreds of models and book the perfect car from a trusted, pre-screened, local Turo host. All hosts are required to clean and disinfect their cars between trips, so guests can travel with peace of mind. Book your Turo car here!