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Hertz car rental in Essex

Whether you choose traditional, hybrid or electric car hire in Essex, you’ll find what you need at Hertz.

We provide a fine fleet of any car type you’re looking for. Need a small car with great fuel economy for zipping around Essex? No problem, browse our hatchback and compact car selection. Or, if you’re bringing all the family along for an adventure, you might want something bigger, like an SUV. Our friendly staff are always on hand to advise you on what car type fits your needs best, and what extras you may be interested in taking up.

Whatever choice you make, car hire in Essex gives you the keys to Colchester - Britain’s first city, the famous Southend Pier and ancient castles galore. Hire with Hertz today.

Driving in and around Essex

Parking in Essex

Priory Street in Colchester (CO1 2QA) close to Colchester Castle, Colchester Arts Centre and Castle Park, this car park has three EV charging points for an electric car hire.
Baddow Road in Chelmsford (CM2 7PJ) close to Chelmsford Cathedral, Rascal Bay and Central Park this car park has two electric car charging points.
Seaways in Southend-on-Sea (SS1 2AT) close to Adventure Island and Southend Pier and Railway this car park has an electric charge point

Electric car hire in Essex

Charging point locations in Essex

The county of Essex has around 300 registered public electric charge points, with many more planned.

Congestion charges in Essex

Congestion charges are not currently in place in Essex. There are plans to expand London’s ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) into places on the borders of Essex and London. If agreed, a charge would be enforced in certain areas for selected vehicles between 7am and 6pm Monday to Friday and 12noon to 6pm on weekends and bank holidays. Electric vehicles would be exempt from such a charge.

Key roads in Essex

The M11 runs along the western edge of Essex, close to Harlow. It connects Essex to Cambridge in the north and London toward the south.
The A120 goes west-to-east through Essex, passing Bishop’s Stortford, Stansted Airport, Braintree, Colchester and heads towards the port town of Harwich.
The A12 starts in Ipswich, north of the county in Suffolk, passes Colchester and continues south through Chelmsford and Brentwood, towards London.

How to get from Colchester to Southend-on-Sea

It takes 54 minutes to drive the 41 miles from Colchester to Southend-on-Sea.

Get on the A12 from Westway/A134 and A133.
Follow the A12 to the A130.
Take the exit for the A1114 from the A12.
Follow the A130 and A127 to Carnarvon Road in Southend-on-Sea.

How to get from Basildon to London

London is a one-hour drive from Basildon in Essex. From the Roundabout on Broadmayne, take the A132 south and merge onto the A13. Then, continue on the A13 into Leamouth, exiting onto East India Dock Road as you pass Bow Creek on the River Lea (Close to the English National Ballet). Follow on this road, onto Aspen Way, then Limehouse Link and follow this road into central London.

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A quick guide to Essex

Best hotels in Essex

Delta Hotels Waltham Abbey

Old Shire Lane, Waltham Abbey, EN9 3LX

Located near Epping Forest, Delta Hotels by Marriot provide a family-friendly service, with spacious rooms and complimentary wifi. Enjoy the hotel gym and indoor pool before setting off to explore the forest and market town with your family.

Greyfriars

High Street, Colchester, CO1 1UG

Located in central Colchester, Greyfriars is a contemporary hotel that was once a medieval monastery. These days it offers five-star service, cosy club rooms, lounges and spacious luxury suites.

Milsoms

Stratford Road, Dedham, Colchester, CO7 6HW, four EV charge points are available on site

An elegant boutique hotel with a relaxed feel, Milsoms is a quirky delight and dog-friendly. The en-suite bathrooms are lovely and in summer, the shady gardens are perfect for a daydream or a good book.

Best restaurants in Essex

The Bell Inn

High Road, Horndon-on-the-Hill, Stanford-le-Hope, SS17 8LD

Think of a cross between a Parisian wine bar and charming London pub. This pub-brasserie is highly regarded as one of the best places to dine in the area. With a menu which changes daily and knowledgeable staff your sure to enjoy a meal here.

Food Leigh-on-Sea

92 Leigh Road, Leigh on Sea, SS9 1BU

Michelin-starred chef John Lawson was handpicked by Gordon Ramsay to star on TV in Australia, until he was diagnosed with cancer. Luckily, he survived and has gone on to wow critics and diners alike with a menu that puts health to the forefront, as well as amazing tastes.

Alec’s Restaurant

Navestock Side, Brentwood, CM14 5SD

Specialising in quality, fresh fish dishes, Alec’s uses meat cuts sourced from across the globe. Highlights include the miso cod, half lobster and hake fillet. Book early, as Alec’s is always packed out – and for good reason, with food this good.

Best things to do in Essex

Southend Pier

Western Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 2EE

This iconic pleasure pier is the longest in the world, and a must-see when you enjoy car hire in Essex. Stretching out over a mile into the Thames Estuary, Southend Pier is also home to a famous Railway trail.

Colchester Castle

Castle Park, Colchester, CO1 1TJ

Culture vultures will love the chance to see history come alive at this castle dating from the second half of the 11^th century. Learn all about the Roman and Norman conquests, as well as the Civil War, in beautiful surroundings.

Audley End House and Gardens

Audley End Rd , Saffron Walden, CB11 4JF

Enjoy family fun at this beautiful location. As you wander round the grounds and estate of this mansion, you’ll find out what life was like for the owners of this Victorian house – and how the other half lived, below stairs, too.