Car Hire Bracknell

Bracknell is located just off the A322, which connects with the M4 to the north and the M3 to the south. Both of these motorways eventually join the M25 orbital road that runs around London, while the M4 also goes west all the way to Bristol, around an hour-and-a-half away.

Closer to the town, many single and dual carriageway A roads lead to some of the premier attractions in the south outside of London. LEGOLAND Windsor is only a 15-minute drive from Bracknell, while Ascot Racecourse is a mere 10 minutes, situated on the outskirts of the town.

On the motorways the speed limit is 70mph (112km/h) for the most part, although in sections of the M25 it does drop to 50mph. The national limit on A roads where it’s a single lane is 60mph, unless signs indicate otherwise.

Once you get into the town centre, most roads are modern and easy to drive along with a speed limit of 30mph and sometimes lower.

The new town centre is mostly a pedestrianised zone, with a one-way road known as The Ring running around its edge. There are a range of car parks, some of them open 24 hours. Charges vary – you can get more details about the council-run car parks here.

A mix of country roads and major motorways around Bracknell provide speedy connections to other locations. Head down the M3 to reach Southampton and the coast in little more than an hour, or take the A322 to Guildford, bordering the South Downs National Park, in 40 minutes.

Before it was designated a New Town, Bracknell already had a long and important history. Today, there’s a good mix of historical and modern influences within the town and plenty of natural areas around it.

The Lexicon

After the Second World War, Bracknell was booming as its population rapidly increased and many new homes were built. The post-war centre developed but by the 2000s it had become dated[ leading to a third of the old town centre being demolished in 2012.

Five years later, The Lexicon opened, covering most of this space. Costing £240 million, it’s one of the largest urban regenerations in the UK. The Lexicon is home to 70 new shops, restaurants and a 12-screen cinema – ideal for a rainy-day activity.

The Lexicon also hosts live music, exhibitions and has a few terraces that are perfect for outdoor dining. Meanwhile, you can still get a taste of Bracknell’s heritage in the centre at The Bull, a cosy 15^th-century pub.

South Hill Park

A 10-minute drive south of Bracknell centre sits this impressive 18^th-century Italian style mansion, within the old Birch Hill Estate.

South Hill Park is surrounded by luscious parkland, woodland filled with oak, sweet chestnut and birch trees and an array of sculptures. Follow one of the trails to uncover the natural beauty across the estate.

The mansion itself underwent a renovation at the beginning of the 21^st century and is now home to the South Hill Park Arts Centre. Catch one of the 300 performances it hosts each year, whether it’s a film, theatre show or dance. The arts and craft studios also offer a variety of workshops and courses.

Check out the exhibitions during your visit, along with the seven artists in residence. They specialise in everything from printmaking to ceramics, so there are always some fascinating pieces of artwork to admire.

Woodland wonders

Bracknell is surrounded by vast areas of magical woodland. Forming a boundary to the south, Swinley Forest is a huge area filled with pine trees and gently rolling hills.

Take one of the many paths and trails running through it for a brisk stroll or relaxing bike ride, looking out for local wildlife. You might also recognise areas that featured in the Harry Potter films.

Within the forest is the Lookout Discovery Centre. Its facilities include an educational science exhibition, play areas and shows at the weekend and during school holidays. More adventurous youngsters and grown-ups will enjoy the challenging treetop rope courses at Go Ape in Swinley Forest.

Slightly further west, Bramshill Forest offers a range of riverside paths great for seeing butterflies, deer and other wildlife. It’s not as big, but a bit quieter if you’re after a peaceful way to get back to nature. 

Hire a car in Bracknell and see the best of the town and beyond.