Bristol and its airport are exceptionally well-connected. As you leave Bristol Airport in your hire car, the first major road you'll come across is Bridgewater Road (A38). Heading north along here will take you into central Bristol – around a 30 minute journey by car. Take this road south and you'll find it forks into the A38 and A368, with both of these routes offering access to the major M5 motorway (depending on which junction you need to join).

Head south down the M5 for Exeter, Plymouth and, if you’re on your holidays, to the county of Cornwall. Go north on the M5 and you'll find Cheltenham, Gloucester and Birmingham, the latter popular for business conventions and exhibitions.

You'll be able to access two of the UK's capital cities from Bristol, along the M4. Take the Severn Bridge west to Cardiff – this has a toll charge, which you can find out more about online – or head east for London.

You'll find driving in Bristol itself simple. If you're heading up from Bristol Airport, follow the A38 north to take the bridge over the river. The A4044 runs through the heart of the city north to south, acting as a good road to catch your bearings and navigate to where you need to go.

There are one-way systems in operation to help ease congestion and traffic flow in the city centre, and there are large pedestrianised areas to look out for too.

From exploring the city's maritime roots, to taking in the great outdoors in the nearby Cotswolds and Exmoor National Parks, you'll find an abundance of attractions and areas to take in when arriving at Bristol Airport.

Sunshine and seaside

The south-west of England is renowned for its coastal retreats, and with a hire car from Bristol Airport, you'll have no problem visiting the best on offer. Situated 45 minutes outside of the city is Weston-super-mare – a traditional British seaside resort. You'll find the town's main beach perfect for a family fun-filled day, but for those wanting peace and tranquillity, head for Marine Cove and the Causeway, next to Knightstone Island.

Take a day trip over the Severn Bridge and explore the beauty of the Welsh coastline. On the end of Cardiff Bay sits Penarth, an elegant Edwardian-influenced seaside town, and if you’re looking for arcades, donkeys and ice cream vans, Barry Island is the place to head.

Down on the south coast sits the Georgian seaside town of Weymouth – you can get here via the A37. A popular destination for sailing and yachting enthusiasts, you'll be able to enjoy Dorset's golden sandy beaches and explore the Jurassic Coastline, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Industrial connections

Situated on the Seven Estuary, you'll find Bristol's major port easy to reach from the airport – it's around a 30 minute drive in your hire car. Split into Avonmouth Docks and the Royal Portbury Dock, the Port of Bristol welcomes over 12 million tonnes of cargo every year, with shipments of everything from fruit and veg to imported cars.

From the sea to the air, the city is steeped in aerospace heritage. Companies such as Rolls-Royce, Airbus and BAE Systems all have headquarters in Filton, just a short drive north of the city on the M32. You'll also find the Ministry of Defence branch of Defence Equipment & Support situated in Abbey Wood.

The city’s media sector has also boomed in recent years – Bristol's BBC Broadcasting House can be found on Whiteladies Road.

Explore Bath's rich history

A trip out of Bristol along the A4 will take you to the spa town of Bath, one of Britain's most historically significant cities. Set in the River Avon Valley, you'll be truly mesmerised by the variety of architecture on display throughout Bath, from the original Roman spas to the well-preserved Georgian-style buildings of the 18th century.

Explore one of northern Europe's most prominent historical hotspots at the Roman Baths on Abbey Church Yard, where you can walk around the almost 2,000 year old heritage site. Fast forward 700 years through history and take a trip to Bath Abbey, a Grade I listed building, to learn about Britain's relationship with religion throughout the ages. Stroll the streets of this beautiful city and be sure to see the Royal Crescent, widely regarded as one of the UK's finest examples of Georgian architecture.

From the industry and innovation within the city centre, to the historic backdrop of the surrounding areas, hiring a car from Bristol Airport will allow you the freedom to explore the south-west of the UK.