Plan your journey from Oxford
The most famous attraction in Oxford is its elite university. Many of the colleges are architectural gems, some dating back to the 13th century, with stunning grounds. It’s possible to arrange tours with some of the colleges, so you can get a real sense of the history of the university, as well as campus life.Oxford also has an incredible number of museums to explore. It’s easy to spend a couple of days wandering through them. There are two in particular that are definitely worth a visit. The Ashmolean Museum is the oldest university museum in the world, displaying ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman art. The Christ Church Picture Gallery has works from artists such as Da Vinci, Rubens, and Raphael.
This city also has ample green space, with the university’s Botanic Garden one of the best. This is the oldest of its kind in Britain, dating back to 1621.
Road trips from Oxford
There are great treasures to explore across the county of Oxfordshire. With Oxford the gateway to these destinations, choose what direction you take in your Avis hire car.The Cotswolds
Burford is a beautiful small town and is considered to be the gateway to the picturesque and quaint Cotswolds.
You’ll find ancient cottages, shops and tea rooms to explore on the winding side streets of Burford. The Cotswolds are a great place to experience the great outdoors. Hiking, cycling, and horse riding can be enjoyed in the stunning rural scenery.
Stow-on-the-Wold is a small market town with lots of character. Once an important town, the market square still has the town stocks where criminals were once held, and the ancient cross. Art lovers will enjoy antique shops, art galleries and the stunning stained glass windows of St Edward’s church.
London
It’ll take you around 1.5 hours to drive into London. London has something for everyone. Theatre shows, shopping, historic attractions, events and museums galore.
If you’re driving in central London between 7am and 6pm, Monday to Friday, you’ll have to pay the London Congestion Charge on a daily basis. Look out for the Congestion Charge signs. You can pay the charge itself online.
Bath
Bath is just under a 2 hour drive west of Oxford. Famous for its Georgian architecture, Roman baths and tea rooms, Bath is steeped in history. The city was founded on natural hot springs, which is where the Romans drew the water for their communal baths from. Today you can visit Thermae Bath Spa which is Britain’s only naturally warm spa and bathe like the Romans did over 2,000 years ago.
Driving rules in United Kingdom
Which side of the road?In the United Kingdom, please drive on the left side of the road.
Country driving laws
- Mobile phones may only be used with a headset or hands-free device
- Use the outside lane to overtake on motorways and dual carriageways
- There is a congestion charge payable when driving in London
- Zebra crossings (black and white stripes on the road) give pedestrians right of way to cross the road
Speed Limits
All speed signs will be in mph.
For a standard Avis rental vehicle with no trailers:
- Urban areas: 30 mph (48 km/h)
- Rural areas: 60 mph (96 km/h)
- Motorways: 70 mph (112 km/h)
Unless indicated by road signs.
Child safety / Seatbelt laws
- It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear a seatbelt
- Children aged under 12 or less than 135cm tall must be seated in an appropriate child restraint for their size
Please note - It is the child’s parent / guardian or vehicle renter’s responsibility to fit the
child seat.
This road rules information is for provided for general guidance only. We endeavour to keep the information up to date and accurate, but any reliance you place on this information is at your own risk.