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Day trip from London - drive in the countryside

Posted by on

I am planning a 5 day trip to London at the end of March. My hotel will be near St. James Square in central London. I would like to spend one day out in the countryside, seeing the lovely small towns and rolling hills of Surrey. From my research, towns like Mickleham, Brockham, Shere, Wonersh, and Shamley Green would fit the bill.

Where do you recommend I pick up my car? I'm thinking it might be a good idea to pick up the car outside of London to avoid the stress of driving in London. For example, I could take the tube to Wimbledon tube station, then take a taxi to the closest car rental spot I can find which is Europcar in Kingston upon Thames. Or I could take the train down to Gatwick Airport and rent from there.

Are these good ideas, or am I just making this too complicated?

Posted by
316 posts

I would choose to collect the car from Gatwick. It’s further from London, but once you’re there, you’re right in the part of Surrey you’re looking for. The Kingston area is still very suburban and crowded with traffic, so it would be simpler and easier to get your car at Gatwick and return it there. Are you used to driving in the UK? It’s not just that you’ll be driving on the left, but even if you’re used to constant traffic where you live, the roads are much narrower and that makes a big difference to speed and stress.

Posted by
32817 posts

If you want to go to Kingston, go to Kingston. Train goes right there.

But I agree, if you want to be south of the M25 go to south of the M25 - Gatwick is good. And, as said, you'll be where you want to be.

Voice of experience here, because I have to drive in and around Kingston fairly often. Traffic is horrendous. Not much better in Wimbledon either. Don't do that.

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