Car and Driver Hire – The Best Way to do Sightseeing in England

May 31st 2022

With some of the most cultural and historical landmarks to enjoy, it is no wonder Surrey is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the south of England. If you’re headed for the countryside, or fancy exploring one of the county’s beautiful villages, why not hang up the car keys, forget about the expense of parking and the stress of wayward satnavs, and think about car and driver hire instead?

If you hire a car and driver for a day, you instantly opening up a realm of possibilities that would just not be viable if you were to drive yourself, or use public transport.

Top reasons to hire a car and driver for a day

For a start, some of the quaintest villages, outstanding natural landmarks and most charming beauty spots are nestled in places that would be hard, if not impossible, to reach by public transport. Driving yourself is of course an option, but when you start to look at the downsides, car and driver hire quickly starts to look more and more appealing.

No parking problems

Parking for one is often a real chore. Finding a space in a tiny village can be a challenge, and you wouldn’t want to drive all the way there, only to find you can’t even stop off. Plus it can be expensive to park up for a while as you head off to explore the winding streets and dip in and out of the shops, maybe stop of for a spot of lunch in traditional pub, and then take in some of that fresh country air.

Enjoy lovely lunches

Talking of a traditional pub lunch, there are plenty of real ale houses in Surrey. But how frustrating if you’re the appointed driver and can’t enjoy a drop of your favourite tipple on your day out in the country?

Banish satnav woes

And then there’s the satnav and its rebellious streak. Country villages and remote landmarks are renowned for being tricky to pinpoint using GPS, so you may find yourself becoming increasingly frustrated as you attempt to navigate your way down single track lanes, only to find yourself at a dead end, rather than that historical church you were heading for.

When you hire a car and driver for a day, all of these worries and frustrations can be set aside, as you take to the passenger seat and enjoy the ride, the scenery, and the freedom.

You won’t have to worry about parking, as the driver will drop you off and head off somewhere convenient to wait until an agreed time, or until you let them know you’re ready to move on. And you can enjoy that pint of real ale with your ploughman’s lunch after all!

What’s more, car and driver hire operators are experts in local sightseeing trips. They’ll plan you a route in advance, making sure you take in all the sights and experiences you want to include on your day out, often adding in their own lesser known gems as part of the tour.

Top picks – our favourite car and driver hire destinations in Surrey

Brimming with picturesque villages, quaint cottages, glorious green countryside and woodland, and cosy village pubs, Surrey really is the perfect remedy for anyone looking to make a brief escape from city life, especially as many of its top visitor attractions are just an hour from the capital. Rural sightseeing in England really doesn’t get much better.

So, let’s take a look at some of our most popular destinations to hire a car and driver for a day.

Betchworth

The winding tree-lined streets of Betchworth are charming, but they are not its main attraction. That honour is afforded to the tumbledown ruins of the medieval and allegedly haunted Betchworth Castle, supposedly inhabited by its ghostly former owner Lord Henry Hope.

If you’re visiting this village, be sure to stop off at St Michael’s Church, which played a starring role in hit film Four Weddings and a Funeral. The pub next door, and the traditional blacksmithing forge, are also worth a visit.

Ripley

If you love a relaxing riverside stroll, head for Ripley in Surrey where the serene River Wey ambles along, radiating streams and tributaries on its way. When you get into the town itself, you’ll stumble upon old world coffee shops and curious boutiques, all keen to welcome you in.

Rock fans may wish to pay a visit to the Ripley Guitars music shop, which pays homage to the legendary Eric Clapton, who grew up in the village. And if you plan your trip to coincide with the second Saturday of the month, the Ripley Farmer’s Market will delight you with speciality foods and seasonal fare.

Peaslake

Hire a car and driver for the day, and head into Peaslake. With its outstanding natural scenery, cloaked by woodland and surrounded by a maze of walking trails, this hamlet is peacefulness personified.

Pack a picnic and settle down alongside the sparkling lakes of Coverwood, or head to the local pub for a spot of wining and dining. After all, you’re free to eat and drink as you please, with your private hire driver all set to get you home safely.

Chiddingfold

This former glassmaker’s village is now a popular destination for tourists, thanks to its charming pubs and bed and breakfasts that appeal to inbound Londoners.

If you can, take a sunset stroll and prepare to witness the village wildlife emerging from its daytime hideaway in the surrounding woodlands. You may also wish to visit the nearby Ramster Gardens, a 20-acre spring woodland garden featuring flowering shrubs, first laid out and created at the turn of the 20th century.

Shere

Huddled between Guildford and Dorking, the tranquil village of Shere has a claim to fame in that it’s appeared in a host of Hollywood blockbusters. But its true celebrity lies in its history. Featuring 14 ploughs, two mills, a meadow and woodland all mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086, Shere really has been around for centuries.

Throw off your shoes and take a cooling paddle in the stream, pay a visit to the local history museum, or stop off at a local tearoom or cosy pub for a spot of well-deserved sustenance.

Chobham

If you love quintessential sightseeing in England, you’ll adore Chobham. Chobham Common is the largest national nature reserve in the south east of England, and the village itself is packed to the rafters with listed buildings, including an 11^th century church. There’s also an intriguing high street lined with shops, restaurants and pubs.

Looking to hire a car and driver for a day? Let ZedCarZ show you the sights.

Looking for a safe, comfortable ride to make the most of your sightseeing day out in Surrey? Here at ZedCarZ, we offer a premium car and driver hire service. Just let us know your itinerary, and we’ll arrange the rest.

To book your Surrey day out, whether it’s for the whole family or just the two of you, please contact us for a quote.