If you’re planning on driving into central London you’ll find it’s a simple journey along the M11, taking around one hour – ideal if you’re stopping by for a quick city break or passing through for a business trip.

The capital is home to many world famous sights, such as the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace, and a broad range of local and worldwide businesses.

London's roads can become very busy during peak hours, and it’s worth being aware of the congestion charges which apply when driving into the city. They’re applied during peak times of the day, between 7am-6pm Monday to Friday – you can find more about them on our London page with our Hertz in 60 Seconds video.

If you head towards the north from London Stansted, you’ll find the university city of Cambridge just 40 minutes up the M11, and the city of Peterborough can be reached in just over one hour. Home to Flag Fen, a Bronze Age archaeological site, and Nene Park, a 10km park which stretches along the River Nene, Peterborough can make an interesting day out for the family.

Head north-east and you’ll find the towns of Colchester and Ipswich along the A120, and the city of Norwich along the A11. You’ll also find Chelmsford along the A120 – around a half hour drive from the airport. Awarded city status during the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, Chelmsford can offer you a step back in time with the city’s museum or a fun-filled day out at the Tropical Wings Zoo.

London is a hive of activity, with both tourists and locals all taking in the atmosphere of the capital city. You can also take your hire car from London Stansted Airport and explore the wider UK and all it has to offer.

Education, education, education

The city of Cambridge sits on the world’s stage due to its impressive university – one of the oldest and still a world leader. With a large student population, you can be sure there’ll be plenty to see in this small city. You can reach Cambridge in around a 40 minute drive from London Stansted and begin exploring the wealth of museums and art galleries on offer. The Fitzwilliam Museum holds a remarkable collection of artwork, with paintings from Rembrandt and Titian on display. First built in 1816, the museum will be celebrating its 200th anniversary in 2016 with an exhibition based around its history.

If you’re looking to explore the city in a different way, you can go punting down the River Cam. As it runs through the centre of Cambridge, you’ll be able to take in sights such as King’s College Chapel and the Bridge of Sighs.

A town through history

Just 40 minutes east from the airport along the A120 is the notable town of Colchester. As Britain’s oldest town, the history of Colchester dates back over 2,000 years with many architectural gems to see.

One of these is the largest Norman Keep in Europe, Colchester Castle, constructed when the town was England's first Roman capital. There are interactive displays to get involved in, as well as fascinating exhibits where you can explore the story of the castle. If you’re looking for a fun-filled family day when in Colchester, why not visit the local zoo. With over 270 different species of animals to see, Colchester Zoo has won numerous awards. You can learn all about the impressive menagerie and even get the chance to feed the elephants or giraffes.

Stroll along the water’s edge

The town of Ipswich can be found around an hour’s drive from London Stansted Airport. Take a walk down the waterfront where you may see some yachts sailing by. One of the most famous sights in Ipswich is the Ancient House, a Grade I listed building originally constructed for a fishmonger in 1567. Formerly known as ‘Sparrow House’, this is a building which can be admired for its history and beauty.

Ipswich is also home to one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time. Just a 30 minute drive east from the centre is Sutton Hoo, an ancient Anglo-Saxon burial mound. With around 18 of these mounds within the royal cemetery dating back to around the 7th century, this impressive sight is not to be missed.

With such fascinating sights dotted around the area, hiring a car from London Stansted can take you on a journey of discovery, whether you have a day planned in the bright lights of the capital or are looking for something a little more relaxing.