Renting a Car in the Cotswolds: Everything You Need to Know

Published November 3, 2025

Last year, I enjoyed my family holiday in the Cotswolds so much that we returned again late this summer. Spending a week each time exploring the idyllic region of southwestern England, having a car made visiting the gorgeous villages and towns throughout the region so much easier.

If you’re picking up a car from Heathrow Airport, reaching the Cotswolds is easily managed in under two hours. With most of the route from the airport to the Cotswolds being along the motorway, it’s quick and easy to reach this charming corner of England.

The flexibility that renting a car in the Cotswolds gave us was unmatched. It gave us the freedom to explore numerous locations that have limited public transport options. It meant we could enjoy a mix of incredible historic manor houses, charismatic towns like Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold, and secluded hamlets. It really is the perfect way to enjoy this part of the UK.

Having completed two week-long trips in the Cotswolds now, I can say with absolute certainty that renting a car is the way to go. That’s why I’ve put together this guide to help you plan your own Cotswolds rental car trip, and why I choose Discover Cars whenever I rent a car in the UK. 

In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about renting a car for the Cotswolds, from where to pick it up, things to be aware of before renting, and how to choose the right rental car company. I’ve even included driving tips for England so you can feel prepared for your travels.

A Guide to Renting a Car in the Cotswolds

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How to Book a Car in the Cotswolds

Start by Comparing Prices

I always begin my research by using a rental car comparison website so I can see all my options in one place. When traveling in the UK, I look at Discover Cars for booking my rental car. It makes it easy to see the different car rental companies, a selection of cars available, and the pricing. 

I also really like the way Discover Cars clearly shows pricing with all relevant fees, taxes, and extras up front, so you know what to expect without hidden add-ons.

Who Should I Use to Book a Car in the Cotswolds?

My top recommendation is to book with Discover Cars. I’ve had consistently good experiences with them, and I love the transparent pricing and easy filters. They now operate in 165+ countries with 50,000+ pickup locations worldwide, have been recognized in the Financial Times list of Europe’s Fastest-Growing Companies, and their app was named Best Car Rental Booking App 2024.

We’ve booked with Discover Cars across Europe, Mexico, Ireland, and beyond—our experiences have been consistently smooth. Founded over a decade ago, the platform sees 3M+ monthly visitors and is a trusted place to find competitive rates.

The Full Coverage Policy also offers additional protection and peace of mind at an affordable price point. I love the price transparency and how user-friendly the website is, making it easy to select my location and dates of travel, and then filter preferences such as vehicle size and transmission to find the best rental car to suit my needs. 

There are rental company ratings and reviews from other users, the option to add on extras, and I can book right through the site with all my selections applied. 

Pick a Well-Rated Car Rental Agency

With Discover Cars, it’s easy for me to filter rental car companies by their ratings, and I always choose ‘Very Good 8+’. It means I can choose providers with a good reputation, such as Sixt, Hertz, and Alamo. My preferred agencies are Alamo, Hertz, and Sixt.

Should I Get Full Coverage Insurance?

Discover Cars’ Full Coverage Policy is my go-to for peace of mind—covering exterior parts, towing, and even lost keys. In the Cotswolds, roads are narrow and parking can be tight, so I find the small extra cost worth it. Always double-check the terms so you know exactly what’s covered.

What is Included with Discover Cars Full Coverage

Discover Cars’ Full Coverage provides cover for the following expenses for total peace of mind:

• Deductible/excess charge for damage
• Deductible/excess charge for theft
• Charges for repairs of the car’s body, undercarriage, tires, wheels, roof, windshield, windows, mirrors, locks, and hubcaps which are a result of a collision
• Towing expenses
• Taxi expenses directly related to the accident (excluding mechanical problems)
• Costs directly related to losing the key(s) to or locking oneself out of the rented car (e.g., fees for a locksmith or delivery of a spare key)
• Administrative fees related to damage (excluding other administrative fees, for example, for traffic violations) and loss of use fees (charges to compensate the rental company for the loss of earnings while the car is being repaired).

Where Should I Get My Car in the Cotswolds?

Discover Cars offers rental car pickup from numerous locations across the UK, and my top recommendation is to pick up a car at Heathrow Airport. The route from Heathrow Airport to the Cotswolds is well-connected via the motorway, making it easier to avoid London’s congestion. Heathrow Airport also offers the largest selection of cars to rent with Discover Cars, making it easy to find a vehicle that suits your needs. Gatwick Airport is another great choice, especially if your flight arrives there, as it also offers a wide range of rental car options via Discover Cars. You can also compare pick-ups in Oxford, Bath, or Moreton-in-Marsh if you’re arriving by train and starting from within the region.

Travel Tip: Rental pickup lines at Heathrow can be long—budget at least 1 hour to get your car upon arrival.

What are the Average Rates for Car Rentals in the Cotswolds?

The size, make, and model of the rental car you choose will impact the price, as will which rental car company you choose. But if you rent a vehicle from Heathrow Airport, you can expect rates to range from around $40 to $90 per day. 

For the Cotswolds, I would recommend choosing a smaller car, where possible, as many of the historic towns can be tight at times. Country roads are also narrower, so a smaller car can be more convenient to drive and park.

Automatic vs. Manual?

If you usually drive a manual car, then rates are typically lower for manual transmissions in the UK. This is a great way to save money on your rental car hire. However, if you aren’t used to driving a manual car or on the left side of the road, then I recommend sticking with an automatic car, especially on unfamiliar roads. 

Travel Tip: Automatics are in higher demand in the UK—book early for the best selection and pricing.

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Driving in the Cotswolds: What to Prepare for Driving on the Left Side

Always Remember: Driver is in the Middle of the Road

If you’re from a country that drives on the right, you’ll need to remember that things are a little different when driving on the left. While it might feel a little nerve-inducing initially, it doesn’t take long to get used to it. If you can, spend a bit of time practicing on a few local, quieter roads to get used to driving on the left before taking a route that involves navigating a city center or getting on the highway. Don’t forget to be mindful of where you are in the lane. Since the side you’re sitting on when driving on the left has changed, you’ll need to adjust how it feels a little in your lane to stay in the middle.

Travel Tip: If you’re new to driving on the left, be prepared that the first part of the drive, as you leave Heathrow and make your way out of the urban areas, can feel a bit hectic (I always find it tricky to figure out what turn lane to be in when approaching the roundabouts), but things calm down once you get into the countryside. So take your time and know it’s always okay to take an extra loop around a roundabout if you end up in the wrong turn lane!

Roundabouts in the Cotswolds

Roundabouts are quite common in the Cotswolds and throughout England. They are often used in smaller towns and villages, as well as on larger roads off the motorway. Despite driving on the opposite side, the rules are the same or similar in most countries. Check for oncoming traffic, coming from the right in this case, before you enter the roundabout. Once you are in, you have the right of way.

Travel Tip: Drivers in England are great about signaling in roundabouts—use your indicators to show both when you’re staying in and when you’re exiting.

Toll Roads in the Cotswolds

There aren’t any toll roads in the Cotswolds, and you’re unlikely to encounter any on the journey between Heathrow Airport and the Cotswolds region. However, if you are traveling elsewhere nearby, such as in the Midlands, then you may need to pay the M6 toll. If you do travel on the M6 toll, the amount you are charged is based on the distance you travel using Automatic Number Plate Recognition. You can pay via contactless card payments at the toll booths if you do travel on a toll road.

Prepare for Narrow Roads

While England’s motorways are wide and often have at least three lanes, the roads are different once you exit and enter the English countryside. The historic towns and villages often have very narrow roads, and sometimes there are stone walls or hedges running along the farms on both sides. 

Street parking is also common, and you may need to yield to allow an oncoming vehicle to pass in narrow streets. It’s important to take it easy and be aware of potential oncoming vehicles you may not see from a distance due to woodland or stone walls when driving around the Cotswolds.

Travel Tip: I’ve found the drivers in the Cotswolds to be quite kind and conscientious of one another when making room for each other on narrow roads. Generally, whoever is closer to a turnout or spot to pull aside and make room will do so. Also, a friendly hand wave goes a long way, as everyone is happy to help each other navigate the narrow roads.

Parking in the Cotswolds

The parking varies from town to town throughout the Cotswolds. Some towns and locations have larger dedicated parking lots, while others have timed or paid curbside parking. Most payment systems are a ‘pay-and-display’ system, where you need to purchase a ticket from a machine nearby and place it on the car dashboard inside the windscreen. In most cases, you will pay for a specified amount of time. Be sure to check signs for time limits or parking restrictions that may apply.

Speed Limits in the Cotswolds

Speed limits in England are usually marked by speed signs and are listed in miles per hour (mph). However, in some cases, the speed won’t be listed, and instead, a national speed limit for a specific road type will apply. Here is an overview of the various speed limits you’re likely to encounter while driving in the Cotswolds.

• Motorways: 70 mph for most vehicles
• Dual carriageways: 70 mph
• Single carriageways: 60 mph
• Built-up areas (residential, school zones etc.): 30 mph

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What to Expect When Renting a Car in the Cotswolds

There Will Be a Large Credit Card Deposit

In the UK, you can expect the credit card deposit to range from around £250 to over £2000. The deposit amount will vary depending on the type and size of the vehicle, as well as the rental car company you book with.

Almost all rental car companies in the UK only accept credit cards for deposits and in-person payments. The card being used must also match the name of the primary driver listed on the rental reservation.

Valid ID Is Required and Often an International Driving Permit (IDP)

To book a rental car in England, you’ll need a valid ID, such as a passport, along with a valid driver’s license. You can use an international driving license; however, if it is not in English, it must be accompanied by an International Driving Permit (IDP). Some companies will still require an IDP, so check when you make your reservation about what forms of ID and driving permits are required by the company you book with.

There Are Age Requirements

You must be at least 21 to rent a car in the UK, and not all companies will rent to drivers under 25. If they do, there is often a ‘young driver surcharge’ that you will need to pay if you are between 21 and 25.

Consider Mileage Limits

When renting a car in England, it’s important to check whether there’s a mileage limit or a limit on how far you can drive the rental car. While most companies don’t tend to cap the distance covered by your rental car, some do, and any distance that exceeds that will incur a fee. So be sure to review the details when choosing your rental car.

Be Aware of the Fuel Policy

Most companies operate a full-for-full policy, which means you’ll pick up the car with a full tank of fuel and be expected to return it with a full tank. If not, you will be charged a fee, often at a much higher rate than the standard per-liter rate, for the amount of fuel required to refill the tank. However, some companies will offer you the option to return the car without refueling. I don’t recommend this, as it will end up costing you more.

Consider the Collision Damage Waiver

The Collision Damage Waiver protects you as the driver in case of damage. It’s not always offered as standard in your car rental agreement, but it’s worth having and gives you peace of mind. Some credit cards provide this benefit, but it’s essential to make sure that the credit card’s CDW benefit explicitly covers rental cars in the UK.

You Need GPS to Get Around

The roads connecting the numerous towns and villages throughout the Cotswolds are best navigated with a GPS. Some towns also have one-way streets, so using the GPS to guide you can take out a lot of the stress associated with driving in the Cotswolds. Car rental companies usually offer the option to book a GPS for an additional fee. However, I recommend using your phone and pre-purchasing a UK mobile data eSIM, then downloading offline Google Maps for the Cotswolds.

Always Review Your Car Upon Collection and Return

There’s nothing worse than an unexpected charge at the end of a trip. So I always thoroughly review the rental car when I collect it and return it. I always note any marks or scratches on the car when I pick it up and take a photo or video of the car’s condition. I do the same when I return the car, so that way I won’t be charged for any damage that was already on the car before I picked it up.

Travel Tip: Booking with Discover Cars and choosing full coverage insurance is the best way to avoid surprises.

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