Car Hire Basildon

Basildon was one of the UK’s New Towns, designated after the Second World War, and today it remains an important commuter base for people working in London. As such, it’s well-connected to the capital, with the A127 heading joining to the M25, also known as the London Orbital Motorway.

This route circles the city, providing access to major destinations such as Heathrow Airport as well as towns on the outskirts of the city such as Watford and Slough.

From Basildon you can also follow the A13, which crosses over the M25 near Purfleet and continues into the heart of the capital towards London City Airport, just under an hour’s drive away, and the business hub of Canary Wharf. If you are driving into London, you’ll need to pay a congestion charge in the city centre between 7am and 6pm on weekdays. The charge can be paid online at the Transport for London website.

In the UK, speed limits are displayed in miles per hour. Expect the limit to be 50mph (80km/h) along much of the A13 and the M25, unless signs state otherwise. Within the centre of Basildon, as with other towns and cities, this generally drops to 30mph (48km/h) or even 20mph (32km/h) in built-up areas.  

Visiting the south-east coast of England is also easy, with the resort of Southend-on-Sea less than 20 kilometres away – east along the A127 – while Clacton-on-Sea is north-east and the 80-kilometre drive along the A12 takes over an hour. These are popular resort towns in Essex, but you’ll also find an array of quieter spots within easy driving distance of Basildon, such as Mersea Island.

Basildon has several town centre car parks, including at the Eastgate Shopping Centre and the Great Oaks multi-storey car park. Most are privately owned but the council-run Townsgate surface car park is a free option on Saturdays.

With so much to see and do in the surrounding area, hiring a car in Basildon as the perfect way to make the most of your visit to Essex.

The coast, countryside and some great heritage attractions are all within easy reach.

Roam the rural landscape 

Although Basildon boasts a vibrant town centre, rural charm is still visible in its surrounding areas.

Wat Tyler Country Park, located in neighbouring Pitsea, has more than 120 acres of peaceful green space. Enjoy relaxing walks and wildlife spotting, with seasonal guided tours available at the RSPB Visitor Centre and Discovery Zone.

Not far away to the north is Norsey Wood Nature Reserve in Billericay, an ancient woodland site home to an array of plants and wildlife. Some of its pathways are thought to date back to the Iron Age, and today it remains a popular spot for visitors walking among the beautiful natural surroundings, particularly in May when bluebells bloom in the woods.

Explore castle ruins and cruise along the coast

Just a short drive outside Basildon lies the atmospheric Hadleigh Castle, a former 13^th-century fortress that overlooked the Thames Estuary. Now owned and maintained by English Heritage, the ruins still offer impressive views of the surrounding coast and countryside.

If you’re travelling with kids, a visit to the nearby Salvation Army farm at Hadleigh is a great way to keep them entertained. Home to rare breeds of ponies, sheep and poultry, the centre’s volunteers also offer guided walks of Hadleigh Castle and the surrounding area.

You can also hop in your hire car from Basildon for a day trip to the Essex coast. Southend-on-Sea, home to some lovely beaches and the world’s longest pleasure pier, is just a half-hour drive away. It’s full of family-friendly attractions, including an aquarium and adventure golf. Sample traditional English fish and chips or a generous helping of pie and mash at the various cafes overlooking the coast.

Further north you’ll find Clacton-on-Sea, as well as other beaches off the beaten track. Head to Walton-on-the-Naze to enjoy a quiet stroll along the sands or climb the Naze Tower, a 26-metre high structure housing a museum and art gallery. Views from the top are spectacular, allowing you to see all the way to Suffolk and Kent on a clear day.

Uncover Roman remains

For something completely different, head north of Basildon towards Colchester, one of the oldest towns in the UK and a treasure trove of historic and cultural attractions.

It’s home to Colchester Castle, built on the former site of the Roman Temple of Claudius – today housing a popular museum packed with archaeological artefacts.

Other must-see attractions include the remains of a Roman theatre, visible in the Dutch Quarter, as well as the Roman Wall, the oldest surviving town wall in the UK. Return to the present day by visiting the thoroughly modern Firstsite art gallery, where there’s an impressive collection of exhibitions all year round. Or browse locally-made crafts and food on one of the town’s regular market days.

With car hire in Basildon, all this and more is within easy reach. Book direct online today.