Car Hire Farnborough

Farnborough’s mix of idyllic rural countryside, glimmering lakes and high-octane air displays make it a fun-filled destination to visit. Its north-Hampshire location also makes it a prime spot for visiting some of the south of England’s largest towns and cities, including Reading and London, while on your trip.

Ideal for those who’re heading into the capital for business or for a spot of shopping, Farnborough is situated on the edge of the Blackwater Valley, around one hour and 15 minutes’ drive away from central London via the M3. 

Its location is also close to some of the south coast’s most coveted areas of natural beauty. To explore the expansive South Downs National Park, take the A3 for roughly half an hour south, while the beautiful New Forest is also close by, around an hour’s drive away along the M3 and M27.

The bustling town of Reading is a mere 40-45 minutes away via the A329 or A33, ideal for lively nights out and cultural excursions. Basingstoke and its indoor sky diving centre are also within close distance, just 30 kilometres away to the west of the town.

Parking is plentiful in Farnborough town centre, with many on street spaces. Parking at the Meads Shopping Centre meanwhile is reasonably priced, with costs from around £1 an hour, and the Queensmead car park also has plenty of spaces.

When driving in and around Farnborough, general UK rules of the road apply, with speed limits given in miles per hour. These are typically 30mph (48km/h) inside towns, cities and villages, 60mph (96km/h) on many country roads and 70mph (112km/h) on motorways and dual carriageways, but always check signs in case of any changes.

With a compact, newly renovated town centre and an illustrious sky-high heritage, this destination has many exciting attractions for visitors.

Choose from ample eateries, bars and bistros, take in the countryside and head to a museum or two. With a hire car in Farnborough you’ll be able to experience it all.

Take flight 

No visit to Farnborough would be complete without getting completely absorbed in its fascinating aviation history. The Farnborough Air Sciences Trust (FAST) is a great place to start, spanning back to 1908 when it launched the country’s first ever powered flight.

At the museum, you can learn all about the proud birthplace of British aviation by wandering through the interactive displays, and be whisked away by its flight simulators. Admission is free (though donations are welcome), with a number of exhibits and attractions hosted throughout the year. From full scale models, to whirling wind tunnels and photographs spanning the site’s history, spend a whole day in the skies inside this museum.

The highlight of many aviation enthusiasts’ calendar is the Farnborough International Airshow. Held in July every even-numbered year, aircraft lovers from across the globe flock to the quaint English town to network and relish in all things aviation related. Be sure to witness the exceptional flying display, demonstrating some of the world’s most advanced aircrafts gliding through the skies. 

Cool off by the canalside

Running for 50km, the Basingstoke Canal is one of the best places to enjoy the scenic Hampshire countryside.

Starting at Greywell village, the canal ends in Woodham in Surrey, providing a perfect place to sit, walk and cycle along its picturesque paths after you park up. There’s a campsite along the canal in Basingstoke if you’re looking to experience a quintessential British holiday – ideal for a few nights of family fun.

If you prefer taking in the spectacular views from the water, take a narrowboat trip through the 29 locks. Be the captain of your own ship or embark a tour boat so you can relax and soak it all in. Summer opening times usually start from the 1^st of April, ending in September.

The Military Medicine Museum

Close to Farnborough, in the nearby village of Aldershot, you’ll find the Military Medicine Museum, which displays a collection of incredible advancements in military medicine and healthcare through the ages.

The museum is a must-visit for both history enthusiasts and those interested in the medical profession alike, and it’s a great educational experience for kids too. Discover the medical services uniforms from years gone by, be amazed by the advancements in dental equipment, and even learn about the veterinary methods used to care for animals during past wars.

Hire a car in Farnborough to make the most of this tranquil corner of England, Hampshire and beyond.