Travelling by train has become almost prohibitively expensive for many families, especially during the school holidays. One incredulous commuter took to X (formerly Twitter) last week to express his disgust when he discovered it would cost him nearly £800 to travel from Newcastle to London and back.
An expensive start to any staycation, holidaymakers could save hundreds of pounds by considering one cost-effective alternative to taking the train. Once considered a complicated and pricey way of getting around, car hire is now easier and cheaper than ever before.
For anyone looking to escape the city this summer, Enterprise-Rent-A-Car‘s new deals work out considerably cheaper than the train as well as more convenient. To help get your staycation off to a great start, hiring a compact SUV that can seat five passengers costs £111.66 for four days – that’s just £5.50 per person.
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With a wide selection of cars available to suit all budgets, Enterprise-Rent-A-Car has various locations across the Greater Manchester area. Car drivers who book online will also be able to save a further 10% when they prepay, to help keep your holiday lighter on the wallet.
With a hire car, you don’t have to worry about waiting in line for trains or buses, you can simply hop into your vehicle when it’s convenient for you and head off on your next adventure. You can also throw your luggage in the boot without having to worry about lugging it around with you.
Perfectly positioned to reach some of the best beaches in the UK, drivers can explore the rugged coastline of North Wales or the soft sands of Formby in just few short hours from Manchester. Here are three of the most remote beaches that are easier to get to by car.
Haverigg Beach, Millom
As one of the UK’s best-kept secrets, the quiet and expansive sands of Haverigg are just over two and half hours away from Manchester by car. The Blue Flag beach is an ideal spot for families to enjoy on sunny days, and nestled away close to the Hodbarrow RSPB nature reserve visitors will be welcomed by a variety of birds and wildlife.
The beach is dog-friendly and there is a large play area for kids as well as a cosy tea room.
Traeth yr Ora, Anglesey
This secluded beach on Anglesey is a true hidden gem, characterized by its small sand and shingle shoreline. Its remote location, almost one mile from the nearest parking spot at Lligwy, adds to its charm, making it an appealing destination for romantic couples seeking tranquillity rather than families.
The beach remains quiet throughout the year, nestled between the more popular Lligwy Beach and the mouth of Afon Goch (Red River). If you’re coming from Manchester, expect a scenic drive of around two hours and 30 minutes to reach the car park.
Formby Beach
Famous for its soft sandy bay, Formby can be reached by public transport, but why not arrive in style without having to lug all your buckets and spades on the bus?
The extensive, sandy shoreline boasts soft, golden sands ideal for sunbathing, leisurely strolls, and unwinding. Meanwhile, the quaint village offers picturesque vistas of the Irish Sea and the distant mountain ranges of Cumbria beyond.
Hiring a car doesn’t just give you the freedom to take off for the day, a few days hire is perfect for a short break somewhere further afield.
If the ancient city of Edinburgh is calling you, embarking on the four-hour drive could save you money even with the extra cost of fuel. According to Trainline.com, taking that same journey by train could cost as much as £70 per adult, each way.
Alternatively, trips to Hayden Bridge to discover the beauty of the Penines could set you back as much as £90 per adult traveller, each way. Hiring a car will not only cost you less to get there, you’ll also be able to take all the hiking and camping gear you need to really enjoy the great outdoors this summer.
From a cosy cottage by the sea to a treehouse perched high above the countryside, having a car makes it much easier to explore rural retreats. Customers who reserve their car with Enterprise Rent-A-Car can save 10% when they prepay.
Alternatively, FlixBus offers cheap bus coach travel throughout the UK and Europe, and Travel Supermarket has a range a cheap car hire deals to choose from.