Why holiday in one destination, when with a Hertz car at your disposal you can see so much more?
Our products and services put you in complete control, so you can enjoy a hassle-free trip and plan all the incredible stops along the way.
This summer, we want to inspire you to savour the journey, not just the destination. We’ve teamed up with the travel experts from Culture Trip, the lifestyle and culture hub, to identify some of the best stops to enjoy when driving in Europe this summer.
Find out more about some of our top stops in the UK:
Lansallos – Polperro, England
On the drive through Cornwall down to St. Ives, why not get away from the main tourist spots and stop off at the picturesque village of Lansallos on the south coast, just a short drive west of Polperro. The village itself is tiny, but the breathtakingly beautiful scenery and secluded beach with its inviting blue waters and sandy cove is not to be missed.
Slightly inland, the soft rolling hills separate the coast from farmland and the sunken lane at Lansallos Cove. As the beach is not well known it doesn’t get very crowded. Adjacent to Lansallos Beach is a small cove called Parsons Cove which can be reached on the coast path, as well as a small waterfall on the eastern side of the beach, known as Reed Water.
For dinner, take a coastal drive to Fowey Hall, a luxury family-friendly hotel in the idyllic harbour town of Fowey. Their seasonal menus use only the best local ingredients, with fresh seafood caught by Fowey’s fishermen complemented by Cornish-inspired flavours such as samphire from the beaches and herbs picked from their kitchen garden.
© Shahar Shabtai/Shutterstock
Puzzlewood – Coleford, England
Covering more than 14 acres in the Forest of Dean, Puzzlewood is a magical forest that will leave you enchanted. Stop off between Cheltenham and Newport to explore a mile of pathways winding through deep gulley’s of moss covered rocks, over wooden bridges and through fantastic tree and rock formations; all set in spectacular ancient woodland. Mostly untouched since the 1800s, it’s no wonder JRR Tolkien is reputed to have taken his inspiration for the forests of Middle Earth in The Lord of the Rings right here.
Whilst there’s lots for the children to enjoy here, adults can look forward to Forest House, a building with an interesting history. With the oldest part of the building dating back to 1797, Forest House is now a family run guest house and restaurant in the historic town of Coleford right in the heart of the Forest of Dean. Close to the Wye Valley and Symonds Yat, it sits in an area of outstanding natural beauty, offering elegant accommodation alongside high-quality dining— the perfect spot for a break on your journey.
© GuyBerresfordPhotography/Shutterstock
Portmeirion Village – Penrhyndeudraeth, Wales
You'd be forgiven for thinking you've stopped at a picturesque Italian town, rather than a village in North Wales - but that's precisely the appeal of Portmeirion – found on the drive from Aberystwyth to Anglesey. Architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis bought the sprawling estate in 1925 as a "neglected wilderness" and dedicated most of his life to transforming it into an elaborate Italian-inspired fantasy village. Covering many architectural styles including Arts & Crafts, Classical and Baroque, painted in pretty pastel hues, each of the buildings have their own charm.
Aside from its iconic architecture, scenic surroundings and vast woodland gardens, Portmeirion is home to a range of stylish hotels, a spa, and award winning restaurants. During peak season (late March to late October), you can learn more about this unique village with walking and train tours, free of charge. Just stop by Portmeirion Visitor Centre for more information.
Fine dining can be found at Hotel Portmeirion serving lunch, Afternoon Tea and dinner. Using predominantly regional produce, the award-winning head chef Mark Threadgill, is constantly developing new dishes to wow diners, and if this isn’t enough, simply enjoy the beautiful views across the estuary.
© Radek Sturgolewski/Shutterstock
Shieldaig - Wester Ross, Scotland
Founded in 1800 for the training of seamen for war against Napoleon, Shieldaig is a beautiful village in Wester Ross in the Northwest Highlands of Scotland. Located on the edge of the breath-taking Loch Shieldaig with the dramatic Torridon Mountains as its backdrop, Sheildaig is a very photogenic spot to take a break and enjoy the views while on the drive from Fort William to Inverness.
Covered with rocky outcrops, seaweed, scrub and Caledonian Pine trees, the scenic Shieldaig Island is managed by the National Trust for Scotland. The best way to view the village is on the scenic drive from Applecross, which twists and turns along the coast before revealing Shieldaig and its a scattering of white-washed cottages in all its glory.
For a taste of the local cuisine, try Shieldaig’s local bar and Coastal Kitchen restaurant, which has a magnificent position on the sea front in the centre of the village. Here you’ll sample fresh local seafood delivered straight from the boat to the kitchen door each day, all with views across the loch to Shieldaig Island. If visiting on a Saturday, enjoy live, traditional or folk music in the bar.
© Dave Head/Shutterstock
This summer, wherever you’re going #goviahertz.