First Time Visit to UK - Car Rental Pickup in London

I would pick up the car at LHR , one major advantage being that major airports have large inventories , and that would make it easier to obtain an automatic transmission , which most American drivers need . I'm also going over then , but will pickup at Manchester and return in Edinburgh . Read this recent thread for a little more information pertaining to your plans https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/england/rental-car-nerves-bath-to-glastonbury-wells-stonehenge

The major car hire companies have their offices strung out off the Botley Road in Oxford, close to the railway station & easy access to the ring road. However, at some time this year the road will be closed off completely just west of the station for bridge reconstruction making it difficult for anyone wanting to be picked up, although walking there would remain possible.

Thank you for your advice!

As long as getting out of LHR isn't too much of a nightmare with traffic, I think picking the car up there makes sense.

I, too, recommend picking up the car at Heathrow. Logistical reasons to do so include:
-larger inventory (as noted in another post)
-rental car offices are open every day for long hours
-it's easy to take either the Underground or Heathrow Express to Heathrow, then from any terminal take the rental car's shuttle bus to the rental car office
-Heathrow is on the west side of London, thus on the way to Oxford

BUT it would also be worth obtaining a quote for picking up the car in Oxford to be sure it's not alot cheaper. If you do choose to pick up the car in Oxford, be sure the car rental office is open on the day you want the rental to begin.

Welcome to the forums Lisa!

Just an fyi. An official black cab from LHR to a central London hotel will likely be very expensive. I’d guesstimate more than £100. A minicab service will be slightly cheaper. Both would be subject to delays due to traffic. Depending on where you hotel is located the rail options (tube, heathrow express, Elizabeth line) will get you into town cheaper. Possibility quicker too. There’s also the National express bus to Victoria station.

Here’s a link to one minicab service where you can get an estimated cost.

https://www.blackberrycars.com/

Another vote for Heathrow since it’s west of London and in the direction you’d be headed in. From it you’ll be on the road to the Cotswolds in 5-10 minutes. I did a quick check for September using Enterprise and by dropping it off in Glasgow the drop fee is only £66, so that’s not bad.

For getting into London we always take the Piccadilly Line to the Gloucester station since that’s where we get our hotels. The trip is about 45 minutes and I believe it’s now £5.50 per person; much cheaper than a cab.

Thank you, everyone! This is very helpful.

Hi Lisa, I've rented cars in England many times. I agree to request an automatic, you'll be so busy watching traffic that shifting with your left hand will be a distraction.
If you are driving in the UK for the first time, I'd be nervous about picking up a car by the airport, too much at once, and why go back to Heathrow to pick up a car anyway. I've had good luck picking up the rental in west London, ie Notting Hill or Shepherds Bush as its easy to get to your route to the Cotswold's from there.
Two tips for driving - the slow lane is on the left, and don't rent a long vehicle (ie large sedan) parking spots in the small towns and villages may be shorter.
Take the Elizabeth Line from the airport, after all the taxi will just get stuck in traffic anyway.
Have fun!