Car Hire Islington

Islington lies within inner London, just north of the River Thames. The southern part of the borough borders the City of London – the central business and financial district.

As you’d expect, Islington is extremely well-connected by road. The A1 passes right through the centre of the borough, beginning in the City and continuing north into Haringey.

The A1 provides a link to the M1 motorway, a major route which runs through England from London to Leeds. Following it north from Islington provides access to Watford and other towns on the outskirts of London, before continuing to Luton, Milton Keynes and towards Birmingham and the Midlands.

You can also use the A1 to join the A1(M), which provides access to destinations east of the M1, including Stevenage and Peterborough. It also connects to the A406, sometimes known as the North Circular, an important ring road that encompasses North London’s suburbs from east to west.

The A501, in the south of Islington, forms part of the Inner London Ring Road. This marks the boundary for the city’s congestion charge zone, which means you will need to pay if you are heading into this part of the city on weekdays. The charge can be paid online, with details available on the Transport for London website.

Parts of Islington are subject to a Controlled Parking Zone, which means you need a permit to use the bays. But there are many short-stay parking spaces, and you can check the Where to Park section of the Islington Council website for full details.

Speed limits are given in miles per hour, and are typically 20mph (32km/h) or 30mph (48km/h) in built-up areas, and 70mph on motorways and dual-carriageways, but this can vary so always check the signs. For example, parts of the M25 operate a 50mph (80km/h) limit.

Packed with boutique shops, hip restaurants and trendy cultural venues, this is a great base for your visit to London.

With a hire car in Islington, you’ll also be able to head further afield to explore more of the attractions on offer in the UK capital.

Stage and screen

Islington is home to some of London’s most renowned fringe theatres, so you’ll be spoilt for choice if you want to catch a performance during your stay. The Almeida Theatre, located on the street of the same name, is famous for hosting shows before they hit the West End, while the Pleasance Theatre – housed within a former timber store – showcases dynamic contemporary performances all year round.

Whatever you want to see, you’re sure to find something on offer in Islington. Sadler’s Wells is devoted to dance performances ranging from ballet to hip hop, while the King’s Head Theatre, located in the back room of the pub of the same name, offers a truly intimate setting.

Meanwhile, Screen on the Green, one of London’s oldest cinemas, regularly hosts late-night screenings of classic films, and Angel Comedy has a reputation for one of the best live stand-up clubs in the UK. Its free shows often draw big crowds, so try to arrive early if you want to get a seat.

Retail therapy

As well as its incredible array of cultural venues, Islington is also home to some great shopping opportunities, including Chapel Market every Sunday where you can browse dozens of colourful stalls.

Also not to be missed is Camden Passage, a small side street situated behind Upper Street which runs right through the centre of Islington. It’s packed with boutique shops and stalls selling everything from art to vintage clothing and antiques.

There are some great cafés where you can relax with a hot drink, while the restaurants along Upper Street offer all kinds of culinary delights from around the world.

The great outdoors

Islington boasts lots of great attractions, but it’s also conveniently situated for other days out nearby.

Just a short distance away is Regent’s Park, one of London’s most popular outdoor destinations. Home to rose gardens, a boating lake and an open-air theatre, it’s a great place to enjoy some rest and relaxation in one of the world’s busiest cities.

Also within the park is London Zoo, which gives you the chance to see hundreds of exotic species. From the penguin pool to the rainforest-style Gorilla Kingdom, the zoo is packed with things to see, and you can even get up close with giraffes, monkeys and more at one of its ‘Meet the Animals’ experiences.

Another highlight of Regent’s Park is Primrose Hill, just across Prince Albert Road. One of London’s protected viewpoints, it offers panoramic views of the city and its landmarks. Parking is available on King Henry’s Road and Regent’s Park Road. With car hire in Islington, you can explore all this and more during your visit.