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The coast of Scotland is full of quaint villages that nestle in between the rugged moor land and commanding mountains. The best way to see all this beautiful stretch of coast has to offer is to hire a car and tour at your own pace, from village to village stopping off at the many fine bed and breakfasts. The coast of Scotland includes lochs and wonderful examples of British wildlife at times it is possible to imagine yourself at the mouth of a Scandinavian Fjord.
Scotland possesses some fine examples of coastal villages but one worthy of excursion in a hire car is Plockton, made famous by the BBC TV show ‘Hamish Macbeth’ it is located near Kyle of Lochalsh. The village has the highland cattle wandering through it that were part of the show so be sure to drive carefully in your hire car. The whitewashed houses are quaint in appearance and the palm tress that sit along the main high street are a strange accompaniment considering the harsh weather in Scotland.
A short drive around Kyle of Lochalsh in your hire car gives the opportunity to see some of the indigenous wildlife. Otter and seal watching tours operate frequently during the summer months. Predominantly in glass bottomed boats the tours offer great experiences seeing these magical creatures in their natural habitats. There is also a World War Two shipwreck that is arguably one of the best diving experiences in Britain.
If a lover of wildlife the village of Cromarty in the vicinity of Inverness makes an ideal excursion in a hire car. Here it is possible to see bottlenose dolphins, seals and porpoises on boat tours, minke whales are even viewable along this stretch of coast. Scotland does have some fascinating wildlife and along the coast is where you will find some of the best sea life in all of Britain.
If history appeals to you Scotland will not disappoint. Touring the villages in your hire car be sure to stop off at Culcross. This historical town in Fife is believed to be the birthplace of St Mungo and its whitewashed tile buildings will take you back centuries. The town also has a amazing history of witch executions where it is believed that almost four thousand witches were executed between the mid sixteenth and early eighteenth century.
Fishing is an integral part to the coastal life of Scotland, so ensure your hire car is large enough to fit your tackle. Most of the villages possess small harbours and off shore fishing is one of the most popular tourist pass times. Not only is off shore fishing popular but the many lochs that are located near the coast offer marvellous specimens for anglers; salmon of course is a speciality.
No trip to Scotland would be complete without a round of golf. As the birthplace of this artful game the coast has some excellent links courses. Dealing with the sand and the strong winds will keep all levels of golfer entertained; again ensuring your hire car is large enough to cater for all your clubs is a prerequisite.
The beaches along the coast of Scotland are as beautiful as they are rugged; the Silver Sands beach near Aberdour has been voted one of the finest beaches in all of Britain. Whether it is warm enough to take a dip is questionable but walking and taking in the pure sea air is a delight that should not be missed.
Touring the coastal villages of Scotland in a hire car will suit all manner of visitor. Families will enjoy the wildlife and wide open spaces while couples will love the romantic hideaways and peaceful idylls that dot the coastline. For the more active fishing and golf are plentiful ensuring even the most restless of traveller will be entertained. The Scottish coast truly has something for all comers.
Edinburgh is widely regarded as a fantastic city break, but did you know it also provides a fantastic gateway for visiting many of Scotland’s greatest attractions?
Situated to the South East of Scotland, Edinburgh is ideally placed for exploring the stunning coastal areas of East Lothian, the rich countryside of the Scottish Borders and the often underestimated charms of Fife and Kinross.
As a relatively small city, Edinburgh offers easy and fast accessibility to the countryside. Visitors can enjoy the trappings of an urban break, yet be out enjoying unspoilt nature within 30 minutes.
It is entirely realistic to plan daytrips to the Pentland hills, the beaches of East Lothian or rugged woodland walks as part of your Edinburgh break.
The Scottish capital is well served for transport and communications. A train from Waverley station will take you from the hustle and bustle of the city centre to the open air and stunning scenery of East Lothian, West Lothian, Stirlingshire, Perthshire or Fife in under an hour.
Car hire is another great option, as traffic is nothing like as scary as it is in most major European cities, and the city bypass provides an easy gateway out of town.
The surrounding countryside provides a haven for walkers and bikers, wildlife watchers, golf lovers, outdoor enthusiasts or just anybody who enjoys a relaxing day out in beautiful surroundings.
There is also a plethora or cultural and historical attractions to explore, with castles, museums, galleries and heritage sites throughout South, East and Central Scotland.
Even the Highlands can be reached during a slightly longer, but truly thrilling, train ride from Edinburgh.
Many visitors enjoy combined city-and-country holidays, perhaps indulging in shopping and theatre in the centre one day, and an exhilarating forest walk or castle visit the next.
Edinburgh is an ideal destination for a holiday which combines the best of both, with a wealth of options of offer – it really is a gateway to Scotland.
There is plenty of good quality Edinburgh accommodation to choose from for your holiday in Scotland. Many benefit from the flexibility of serviced apartments in Edinburgh, which provide a real ‘home from home.’
With luxury Edinburgh apartments located close to the city centre, you will be ideally placed to explore the best of the capital, or just hop on a train at Waverley and take off into the great playground of Scotland’s countryside.
The area of Dyce, an area located approximately five miles from the centre of Aberdeen is the location of the city’s servicing airport. While it is not the largest of the UK’s airports, passenger numbers are steadily on the increase and have been for the last decade. At the moment the airport sees around three and a half million passengers pass through annually, this number is eight percent higher than the previous year and hence shows the level of growth for the site.
In terms of Scotland, Aberdeen is regarded to be the third largest airport, meaning that it is of vital importance to the air travel network in Britain. The British Airports Authority owns the site and over the years has worked hard to improve the facilities in the terminal; this has meant allowing shops, restaurants and car hire desks to trade within the terminal building. As well as aeroplane flights, Aberdeen plays a major role in servicing the needs of the North Sea oil industry.
In the early thirties the airport was opened with the goal of providing a link between the northern Scottish islands and major airports such as London’s Heathrow and Gatwick. This role however was taken over by Inverness due to a more preferential and northerly location. As with most UK airports Aberdeen was requisitioned by the military during the war years and played an important role in the protection of northern Britain. Fundamentally the role of Aberdeen was to protect the north from German bombing raids originating from Norway. Even with this ultimately important role, the airport predominantly flew reconnaissance sorties in Scandinavia to assess the state of the war effort. After military control was ended, the site returned to civil aviation uses.
Aberdeen was in a prime position to take advantage of the North Sea oil boom during the sixties. This meant helicopters were regularly flown from the site’s heliport to ferry workers to the numerous oil rigs in the North Sea. The role continues to this day and currently Aberdeen is regarded to be the busiest Heliport anywhere in the world. These flights form a large constituent of the airport’s income; around five hundred oil industry workers use the airport annually, while around forty thousand flight movements were controlled from the site. This role is so important to the airport that it is estimated that over half of the movements at any one time are made up from helicopters.
As well as this vital function servicing the needs of the oil industry, Aberdeen has increasingly attempting to court business from budget airlines to increase destinations to Europe. This increased tourist focus has meant that shops, cafes and car hire provisions have been expanded to meet the needs of travellers. Additionally, to service both oil rig customers and tourists a number of hotels have been built to accommodate travellers. One of these is rumoured to be part of the Hilton chain, showing that not all those flying to the oil rigs are blue collar workers; plenty of executives also regularly make the journey.
As a result of government legislation Aberdeen has had to put down in writing its plans for development over the next thirty years. The executives at the airport are hoping to extend the runway by around three hundred metres. This extension, if given planning permission will give the airport facilities to land flights from America, a vital link for many of the oil industry players. The extension however will not just bring transatlantic flights, it is also hoped a larger runway will mean European destinations further afield will become a reality.
As with many of the airports in the UK local residents are vehement that expansion should not happen in their back yard; additionally, environmental campaigners have also voiced protestations. These protests however are likely to be overruled should planning permission be given. Whatever happens with the expansion plans, the airport will continue to perform an important function in servicing both the Scottish nation and the oil industry.
Practical car and van hire in Britain is expensive. Automatics are much more expensive than manual transmission cars. Some car hires don’t even have automatics, because every car in Britain seems to be manual.
Insurance is expensive because of the way it is handled. No matter if your insurance company coverage is adequate or not, there is a high excess (deductible). The excess is added to your rental charges until you return the car. You can pay another fee that reduces the excess, as well.
There is also Tire and Windshield Insurance that you must pay in addition to any other insurance.
The fueling is the same in Britain as in the United States; you must return your vehicle with the same amount of petrol in it as there was when you left. If you return your vehicle with less fuel than you had upon leaving it, they refill it at the current rate plus a small service charge. They do not gouge you for gas by charging the highest rate possible; it’s just the average, plus the service charge.
Most places in Britain inspect the cars rather well before handing you the keys. In any case, be certain to look over your practical car and van hire before leaving the premises, as you will be responsible for the excess should you return the vehicle damaged in any way.
If you are on vacation in Britain, and are looking for a practical car and van hire, the rental agent will want to see your passport and, possibly, your flight details in order to confirm that it is a temporary hire.
It’s best to rent with a credit card and remember that Discover Card is rarely accepted in Britain.
It’s a good idea to shop online for car hire in England. The terminology for a standard car rental is practical car and van hire. If you enter this information into a search engine, you will come up with hit after hit for car hires all over Britain, North Wales, Ireland, and Scotland. If you are visiting or on vacation, you may want to go with a major car rental firm, one whose name you recognize, as they are most adjustable to visitors and vacationers not familiar with excess charges and Tire and Windshield Insurance.
Mostly, renting a car in Britain is not so much different from renting a car in the United States, except that the steering wheel is on the other side of the car, and you must remember to drive on the left instead of the right. Car hire is commonplace at airports and hotels and the international chains like National, Enterprise, and Avis offer the same expedience services they do in the States. So, the process will not be unfamiliar to you, even if some of the charges and most of the vehicle options will be.
The best thing to remember about arranging practical car and van hire in Britain is to be patient and learn to adjust, mostly to manual transmissions and driving on the left.
I have been looking into various types of rallies that have taken part across the UK in the name of charity. I have found quite an unusual one that consists of travelling from John O’Groats to Lands End. Not that different in itself apart from a few difficult rules.
The rules were that the vehicle could not be a sports model or modified in any way, it had to be an average road-going vehicle and it couldn’t be owned by the driver or borrowed from somebody known to the driver.
It was also compulsory to arrive at each check point in a different vehicle. If anything happened to the vehicle en route, a new car was not allowed. However, you could still win the rally if you made it in person to the final check point within a vehicle. Help was allowed as the rally is in aid of charity.
Short of stealing a car, I couldn’t see how this would work but most people got around the rules by hiring a vehicle and routes were planned via the designated check points.
All participants were to arrive in Scotland on the night before the start of the rally to complete necessary paperwork.
Dundee City was the first check point followed by Paisley and nothing interesting was reported thus far. Various cars were checked in from the car hire companies including Clio’s and KA’s. I think everybody must have been pacing themselves and setting off in small cars thinking this will get them through the cities a little speedier.
Paisley check point reported the first man down. Apparently, he lost his vehicle to irresponsible shopping and getting clamped. Fortunately for him, he was kindly picked up by another couple who chose to upgrade to a Megane before the next check point due to the rescued man being rather portly.
According to the records, cars were getting increasingly bigger as time went by due to participants helping each other out and the couple who collected the portly wheel clamp man also picked up a couple with a baby that was delivered in the back of their own vehicle!
Newcastle went by without a hitch and various repairs are being made along the way with participants bodging cars to make it to the next car hire company.
Other checkpoints along the way included Nottingham, Birmingham and Peterborough. The records show that at this point the number of vehicles were fewer, occupants numbers increasing and vehicles becoming larger.
Despite the rally being in aid of charity, the worst side of human nature did kick in along the way and several fights were reported where the police had to come and calm the situation. This had already calmed down by the time rally members made it to the M25. Quite an achievement because in my days of travelling as a reporter, the M25 has never been the most relaxing road to travel.
Southampton check point reported no disturbances, however one group had grown to the point where they had to hire a Luton van!
Penzance was the last location for changing vehicles with a disappointing breakdown by the Luton van and the race was won by an old couple in a Citroen CV.
This was, indeed, an unusual race but all in a good cause.
Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh is a key element of any trip to Scotland, the use of a hire car service will allow the visitor to get the best out of this unique city and its surrounding area. A city that is almost a thousand years old, Edinburgh has a fascinating history.
The stunning Lothian area that surrounds the city is the perfect excuse for a day trip in a hire car. Split into three distinct areas they offer the chance escape the bustle of the city. Filled with rolling hills and wonderful examples of ancient ruins they will enthral and amaze. The castles of Scotland are an ideal tour in a hire car and give a brilliant insight in to the country’s turbulent past; history lovers will be fascinated at every turn.
You cannot visit Edinburgh however without a trip to the castle, sitting at the top of Edinburgh Rock, the castle has been the centre of Scottish power for centuries. Its strong defensive position makes the climb an effort, but is well worth it for the stunning views that are visible from the summit. Be sure not to miss the imposing Mons Meg.
A large bombard cannon from the mid fifteenth century it gives a fantastic representation of past ordnance technology. Once one o’clock comes about make sure you have your ears covered as the famous salute rings out around the city, a tourist event that cannot be missed.
The use of car hire services opens up the rugged Scottish coastline to tourists. With unspoilt beaches and wildlife in abundance this stretch of coast is a must see for all visitors to Edinburgh, as beautiful as it is striking, bearing the cold and venturing out is fun for all the family.
For younger children who may be bored by the historical elements of a trip to Edinburgh the city’s zoo is a great attraction, use a hire car to make the short ten minute journey and see the fabulous collection of penguins who parade daily. With the largest penguin enclosure in the world fans of these waddling creatures will be amazed.
The collection also includes polar bears, monkeys and tigers while the forest experience with marmosets and tamarin monkeys will have young children shrieking with joy; be sure not to miss the feeding times as this lets visitors view the animals at their most active.
Be sure to take a trip in your hire car to Holyrood House. As the official Scottish residence of the Queen in Scotland it is a fantastic example of a Scottish palace. Home to all of the kings and queens of Scotland since the fifteenth century, the house has had a turbulent history. It has seen fire, allegedly at the hands of Oliver Cromwell’s troops then reconstruction to its current form by Charles II. Some parts of the old building are still recognisable by the MR (Maria Regina) IR (Jacobus Rex) carvings that represent Queen Mary and King James VI (I of England) respectively.
As the most visited tourist destination in Scotland, Edinburgh is a vibrant and energetic city. No more is this evident than during the festival period where entertainers come from around the world and create a carnival atmosphere in the city. Comedians, street performers and great plays add a cultural richness to this city that is hard to be found anywhere else on the planet.
Twinned with the inhabitants love of partying it makes Edinburgh a pleasure to visit. Whether touring the Lothian region in a hire car or walking the medieval streets; Edinburgh and its surrounding area truly is the jewel in Scotland’s crown.
For an entertaining, challenging and ultimately fulfilling experience, hire vintage cars to have a distinct driving experience in the winding roads and the idyllic country of the British country side for a few days. Whether for birthdays, special breaks or anniversaries, driving or being driven in an old-timer is a classic way to celebrate a short break or a special occasion. Those who would like to drive classic cars for various reasons without incurring the high maintenance costs associated with ownership may opt for vintage car hire.
If you want a vintage vehicle for a corporate event
Chauffeur driven old-timers may be hired to shuttle guests to the event site, giving guests the delight of being driven in an authentic classic and adding to the event, a touch of character and sophistication. Hire a vintage car to create a lasting impression on your business associates.
If you want an unusual Weekend Break
What could be more fascinating than a classic car break in Yorkshire? Yorkshire with its widespread heritage including magnificent ruins and the National Parks of Moors and Dales with stunning Landscapes and its breath taking Coastline offers an ideal weekend destination for families to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. You can choose to hire a jaguar sports car or one that would fit the whole family in total comfort.
If you want an exclusive gift
Hiring an Aston Martin and driving a loved one for a special occasion such as birthdays or silver, golden or even diamond jubilee celebrations is an exclusive experience that will definitely exceed loved ones expectations. Dumfries and Galloway the biggest town in the South Western part of Scotland offers beautiful landscape and atmosphere for you to drive your old-timer. This ideal location will leave definitely leave fond memories to all who visit it.
If you want a Wedding get away Vehicle
Hiring a vintage is a different and exciting way for honeymooners to spend their special time together after the hectic phase of planning the wedding and the wedding itself. What could be more enchanting than a classic Rolls Royce honeymoon in Cornwall and Devon’s idyllic countryside and Coast? The awe-inspiring scenery of the country side with its welcoming atmosphere and winding roads will definitely bring back fond memories of the wedding thereby providing couples a real escape from chaotic city life.
Classic car hire will enable enthusiasts; tour some of the finest countryside for truly memorable drives thereby rekindling their fondest classic car memories with the smell of leather and the bubble of the exhaust.
Are you considering a holiday to Edinburgh, Scotland? Have you considered hiring a car to ease the travel stress? Hiring a car is the easiest way to see the local sites within the city you are traveling to and other cities and attractions that might not be available through normal mass transit means.
Edinburgh, Scotland is the capital of Scotland and home to the largest zoo in the country. Rich in culture and history, this city is a virtual Mecca of attractions and entertainment.
Edinburgh?s architecture and medieval buildings and ruins are considered some of the most picturesque in the world. It is also home to the largest comedy and performing arts festivals in the world. The Edinburgh Festive is a collage of different genres of festivals over four weeks in August. Thousands travel to the city to be part of these galas.
Edinburgh Castle is one of the most prominent structures in Edinburgh. A military stronghold, it still is the Headquarters for the Scotland division of the British Army. Many ceremonies are held at this castle, including the Military Tattoo.
A nice afternoon drive to Dundee is certainly in order when on holiday in Edinburgh. Dundee lays only thirty-seven miles north east of Edinburgh and is easily accessible by motorway. Dundee, Scotland is the one of the largest cities in Scotland. It sits on the north side of the River Tey.
In medieval times, the Dundee was the site of vicious battles. Now the city has tried to rename itself self image to reflect ?City of Discovery.? The Antartic adventure ship, aptly named ?The Discovery? was built in Dundee. It is still on display today.
Dundee was actually built around the base of an extinct volcano. Once a large whaling town and port, the history of such is often visible in the architectural structures and in its residents.
Seventeen miles from Dundee lays the small town of Abroath, Scotland. A quiet coastal townm Abroath is famous for its crimson sandstone cliffs, which house two dynamic caves: The Forbidden Cave and Dickmont?s Den.
The Signal Tower and Bell Rock Lighthouse lay just east of the cliffs. In 1813, Robert Stevenson was the man behind the blueprints of these works of art.
Another site to see is Arbroath Abbey, which occupies the center of town. The ruins of this abbey played an important part in Arbroath?s history.
With so much to see and do within driving distance of Edinburgh and the surrounding cities, it makes sense to hire a car and enjoy the scenery. Time restraints imposed by a tour guide can often lessen the awe as you are quickly moved from area to area. You are on holiday to relax and enjoy the sights and attractions. Hiring a car will ensure this is what you do.
Belfast is the capital city of Northern Ireland and is located on the east coast of the country. Also part of the UK, the history and environment makes this city is a really wonderful place to visit. The natural surroundings are some of the most attractive features to the city. The inlet of the Belfast Lough and the guarding hills coupled with a classical European skyline give Belfast its charm. The best mode of transportation to all of the interesting places is with a car hire in Belfast. There are many attractions spread around the urban area that are readily accessible with a freedom of a cheap Belfast car hire.
The best place to start your Belfast explorations are in the city centre. Here you will find the the exquisite Belfast city hall and the Belfast Wheel. The city hall is in Baroque Revival style and was completed in 1906. This is truly one of the best places to visit in the city. Whether you go inside or not, the Belfast city hall will dazzle your senses. Located adjacent to the city hall is the iconic Belfast Wheel. It is a 60 meter high rotating observation wheel that offers unbeatable views of the city. Recently opened in 2007, the Belfast Wheel in itself is worth a trip to the city. If you have not been here for a while, now is a great opportunity to come back and see something new.
Moving away from the city center, you will be spoiled for interesting sites. The best way to travel to the places outside of downtown is with a cheap Belfast car hire. If you go to the east of the center you will find the Parliament Buildings at Stormont. More commonly referred to as “Stormont,” this building will take your breath away. There is a long road leading to the entrance that provides a picturesque setting. If you have a car hire in Belfast, drive to Stormont and park it so you can take the enchanting walk to the front door.
Although the manmade structures of the city are amazing, the true beauty of Belfast rests in the natural environment. The hills that guard the city are perfect for exploring and getting vistas of the urban area below. It is possible to hike all the way to the top of the most famous Cavehill, but the fastest route is to drive a Belfast car hire to the summit. Once on the peak, you will be treated to incredible views of the land and water surrounding Belfast. If the sky is clear, it is possible to see all the way to the Scotland and the Isle of Man that are 70 miles and 120 miles away respectively. The only thing that will bring you back from the pinnacle of Cavehill is the promise of a local beer or some Irish Whiskey. Following a long day of touring, the best place to resign is to one of Belfast’s famous pubs.
Edinburgh Airport is located merely 12 km outside of the city centre and is easily accessible from the surrounding motorways. The airport is being operated by BAA and is within the easy reach from the North of England and other locations throughout the UK. There are many ways to travel from the airport whether private and public transport. It is a good idea to get car hire Edinburgh Airport for an easy transfer to your hotel and a nice vehicle for touring the area.
The airport has one terminal which serves around 30 airlines. The airport is easily equipped with short, valet and long stays parking, there are two floors of the building. Arrivals both domestic and international are located on the ground floor. International and European passengers should check in at least two hours before the departure, while domestic passenger should check in at least one hour before the departure. Passengers can find information desk in the international arrivals hall on the ground floor. Cash dispensers accept all major bank cards can be located throughout the terminal building before and after the security. Check-in desks and baggage reclaim is situated on the ground floor. Departure gates are located on the first floor of the terminal building. For the most convenient way of travelling through the city, you can use a car hire Edinburgh Airport. It is always a good idea to book your car hire well in advance. It will make for a very smooth transition if you pre book your car hire Edinburgh Airport.
Now that your transportation problems are solved, it is recommended to see the attractions of this beautiful and cosmopolitan city of Edinburgh. Whether you are on a business or a leisure trip, you will want to take some time and visit the great places of the city.
Edinburgh is often touted as the jewel in Scotland’s crown. If you love museums you won’t be disappointed by visiting some of the finest institutions and galleries like National Museum of Scotland, the National Galleries of Scotland, the Scottish National Museum of Modern Art and Scottish National Portrait Gallery.
There are various other remarkable places which can’t be missed while in Edinburgh, like the famous floral clock located at the Princes Street Garden. The author of the famous Sherlock Holmes detective mysteries, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was born at Picardy Place in Edinburgh, in him memory there is a statue erected here.
Drive towards Winter Wonderland in Prices Street Gardens to see the Christmas celebration. This public park is transformed into a magical place offering sideshows, roller coasters, fairground rides and a Bungee Snow dome. It is the perfect treat for a family outing while enjoy the city of Edinburgh. Don’t miss out the ice rink in this garden which one of the most picturesque skating venues in the world. No matter what time of year you come to Edinburgh, there will be a lot of fun things to do.
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