You’ll want to explore London itself, of course, ticking off the big attractions, such as the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square and the nation’s favourite art galleries. And no first-time visit to London is complete without a spin on the London Eye, a stroll along the River Thames or a show in the West End.

There are plenty of downtown pick-up locations, if you want to rent a car in the city centre. Central parking spots and the peak-time Congestion charge, however, are costly. Unless you need the car for a business trip, or you’re a Londoner escaping the capital for a few days, it’s wise to keep your car rental for journeys outside of the central zone.

A smart alternative, whether you’ve just landed or want to spend a few car-free days in the capital before venturing further, is to look for budget rental deals with an airport pick up. London’s airports offer a huge selection of car hire deals. Simply search for car hire at Gatwick (LGW), Heathrow (LHR), London City (LCY).

If you are thinking of booking car hire, London is a great place to start your road trip. But don’t leave it until you get there to book. By pre-booking car rental in London, you will secure your ideal type of vehicle and make significant savings on the walk-up price.