Car Hire in Manchester

About Manchester

Manchester is a city in the United Kingdom with a population of2.55 million. The history of Manchester began with the civilian settlement associated with the Roman fort (castra) of Mamucium or Mancunium, established in about AD 79 on a sandstone bluff near the confluence of the rivers Medlock and Irwell. Throughout the Middle Ages, Manchester remained a manorial township but began to expand at an astonishing rate around the turn of the 19th century. Manchester achieved city status in 1853. Its fortune declined after the Second World War, owing to deindustrialisation, but the IRA bombing in 1996 led to extensive investment and regeneration. 
The city is notable for its architecture, culture, musical exports, media links, scientific and engineering output, social impact, sports clubs and transport connections.

Basic info and car hire in Manchester

• Location: United Kingdom
• Population: 2.55 million (2022)
• Official language: English
• Currency: Pounds sterling (GBP)
• Weather: In Manchester, the summers are pleasant and partly cloudy, and the winters are long, very cold, windy and mostly cloudy. During the year, the temperature usually varies between 37°F (3°C) and 69°F (20°C) and is rarely below 27°F (-3°C) or above 78°F (26°C).
• Internet coverage: Hotels, bars, restaurants and cafes offer Wi-Fi.
• Road conditions: The conditions for driving are good. Once you get used to driving in Manchester, it's easy because most roads are two lanes, except for the motorway.
• Car hire in Manchester: When you hire a car from Orbit Car Hire at Manchester Airport or Manchester Piccadilly train station, you can move freely around Manchester and the UK. With a wide range of vehicles to choose from, you can be sure to find the one that suits your needs and gives you the most benefit on your journey.

Driving in Manchester

The north of England is a fantastic place to explore in a hire car. If you plan to spend some time in Manchester, a rental car is a great way to get around. Get used to driving in wet weather. It frequently rains in Manchester, so take extra care and slow down.
Several motorways surround Manchester. Familiarise yourself with the number of the main roads you will need before you travel. The ring road (M60) takes you in a loop around the centre of Manchester. The M62 takes motorists south towards Liverpool. Manchester is a busy place, and roads can often be congested, especially in the central areas where you may also have to use one-way streets. There are several NCP car parks in Manchester city centre and pay and display bays in the city centre. Parking is often accessible in certain car parks if it is a bank holiday. Time restrictions apply in the central parking zones. A toll is charged on Warburton Bridge in Greater Manchester. There are no toll roads in central Manchester, but there is a toll on the M6 if you travel towards the West Midlands. There are toll tunnels and bridges if you travel to Liverpool or Preston. Note that the Mersey Tunnels in Wallasey are toll roads.

• Age limits: The age limit is between 21 and 25, depending on the car rental agency. Many agencies will either charge a young driver fee if you are under this age or not allow you to rent the car.
• International Driving Permit: Yes, if your driver's license is not identifiable as Driving License, for example, if it is written in a non-Latin alphabet (e.g. Arabic, Chinese, Cyrillic, Japanese).
• Additional papers: Identification (passport), a valid driver's license, and valid proof of insurance. (It is advisable to take out insurance with the car rental company if your policy does not cover you when driving in the United Kingdom).
• Additional requirements: Warning triangles, spare wheels and a hands-free kit with hearing aids are required if you are talking on the phone while driving.
• Children in the car: All vehicle occupants must wear a seat belt. Children under twelve years of age or over 5 feet tall may ride in the front passenger seat.
• Driving side of the road: Left
• Lights: Headlights must be on at all times (day and night).
• General speed limits: 80 mph / 130 km/h on motorways, 49 mph / 80 km/h on main roads outside built-up areas and 31 mph/50 km/h inside built-up areas.
• Parking suggestions: Almost all car parks are metered, and the average price per hour is around GBP 1.90/ € 2.20.

Popular day trips from Manchester

With its abundance of shopping centres, museums and music venues, Manchester is not where you get bored. But if you are planning a more extended trip or a day out and looking for new weekend activities, there's a wealth of fascinating attractions on your doorstep. National parks, stunning heritage sites and golden coastlines offer a little break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Pack the car and get ready to explore the best day trip destinations from Manchester.

Liverpool
Liverpool is packed with culture. Great museums in one of the UK's best cities for nightlife. The locals - known as Scousers - could not be prouder of their home. And who could blame them? Attractions abound, including a world-famous football club. The vibrant nightlife has helped make it one of the best places for adults near Manchester. You can admire neon artwork by Tracey Emin in the huge Liverpool Cathedral and plenty of cool bars and restaurants in the recently renovated Baltic Triangle. Do not skip The Beatles Story. It may be cheesy, but it's packed with Fab Four memorabilia and even features a full-size replica of Abbey Road Studios. Liverpool is close to Manchester, only 35 miles (56 km) separate the two cities, and the drive there takes about 1 hour.

Peak District National Park
The Peak District is perfect for a scenic day out with Epic hiking trails and cosy pubs. If you are looking for fresh air and picturesque mountain vistas as far as the eye can see, you can not beat a trip to the Peak District. It is one of several national parks accessible from Manchester and a paradise for walkers of all kinds.
Edale is the destination of choice for day-trippers. You can climb Mam Tor and walk along the Great Ridge to the Back Tor or descend into idyllic Castleton. Explore the ruined village of Peveril Castle - a former royal hunting lodge - and enjoy a hearty pub lunch at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese Inn.
Alternatively, walk to Kinder Scout, the highest point in the region. A circular walk from Edale station will take you around five hours. It is steep in places and sometimes unmarked, so a map is a must.
Edale is 30 miles (48 km) east of the city. The drive takes about an hour.

York

York's interactive museums are great for a family day and soaking up a tapestry of history. York is one of the top places to visit within two hours of Manchester, thanks partly to its incredible history. Walls that once protected the city from invading Vikings encircle a web of medieval streets, while traditional 16th-century pubs house Roman relics in their basements. York Minster is an unmissable behemoth on the city’s skyline and a must-see for first-timers. It’s a particularly good destination for family day trips. Kids will no doubt enjoy the interactive exhibits at the Yorvik Viking Centre and the tantalizing workshops at York’s Chocolate Story. Elsewhere, stroll down the cobbles of The Shambles, where wonky, timber-framed buildings hide boutique shops selling everything from old-fashioned sweets to Harry Potter souvenirs. Hungry? Grab a homemade pie from the Hairy Fig deli or indulge in a classic cream tea at Betty's. Despite being 74 miles (120km) northeast of Manchester, York can be reached in about 90 minutes by road.

What to see in Manchester

Manchester is full of activities, culture and life! There is plenty to do and see in exciting Manchester.

Manchester United Museum & Stadium Tour
The Manchester United Museum & Stadium Tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at the world’s most iconic stadium – Old Trafford. Come and sit in the manager's seat in the dugout, walk through the players’ tunnel towards the hallowed turf and find the seat of your favourite player in the dressing room. Get a feel for life in the Premier League and immerse yourself in an unrivalled story, the most incredible football story ever told. They welcome groups of all sizes from all over the world every day to the home of Manchester United, from individuals and families to international group tours, providing the same world-class experience to all.

Manchester Gin Disterilly
A guided tour and tasting of Manchester Gin's spirits with an insight into the distillery life. Your experience will begin with a drink of your choice upon arrival, ranging from rum, vodka and gin, followed by a tour and insight into the art of distillation and our passion for spirits. The tour will continue with a tasting of Manchester Gin's award-winning spirits, including One-Eyed Rebel Spiced Rum, Manchester Spirit Grain Vodka, Forty-Five Vermouth, abSINthe – and, of course, a couple of Manchester Gin samples thrown in for good measure. You will also get to know about the history behind them and explore new flavour profiles. This experience is perfect if you’re ready to expand your palette if you’d like to join the tasting & tour, but you like more than just gin.

Chester Zoo
A visit to the UK’s number one zoo. Chester Zoo is home to over 27,000 endangered and exotic animals based in beautiful, award-winning zoological gardens. With over 500 different animal species on the 125 acres, you’re sure to have a great day out full of adventure - discovering and learning more about theINCREDIBLE animals and plants. The fun doesn’t stop there! Why not turn your zoo visit into an ADVENTURE and book one of their unique Experiences that gives you an incredible opportunity to get closer to animals and plants and gain behind-the-scenes knowledge from their AMAZING experts? Visiting the zoo can be hungry work, so why not make a meal of your visit and stop for a bite at one of the many restaurants, cafes and kiosks in the zoo? From classic family-friendly dishes to tasty street food and authentic South East Asian-inspired dishes. If you’re looking for something special, their contemporary British pub, The Oakfield, serves freshly prepared locally sourced food and hand-picked beers, wines, and spirits, sure to warm up your winter zoo visit.

Where to eat, drink, and party in Manchester

Manchester's food and drink culture is thriving. Restaurants, bars, gastropubs, microbreweries and cafés are opening weekly, and the city is establishing itself as one of the most exciting foodie destinations in the UK.
From fine dining and afternoon tea to pop-up markets and simple street food, Greater Manchester offers many options for every mood and type of cuisine you can imagine. This city is a vegan and vegetarian paradise and offers a range of halal options.
From family-friendly eateries perfect for little ones (and big ones) to Manchester's massive selection of cafés and delis, you'll be spoilt for choice.

Best restaurants and bars in Manchester

El Gato Negro Tapas
Chef Simon Shaw creates seasonally influenced dishes that combine modern and traditional Spanish flavours and techniques, drawing inspiration from the local area.
The food is perfectly complemented by a fine selection of Spanish wines and sherries and a dedicated cocktail bar.

Tattu
The menu at Tattu focuses on dim sum and small plates prepared by a talented team led by Chef Clifton Muil. The bar offers an extensive cocktail menu and wine list with a selection of sake.
There are high-top tables and intimate seating areas for groups, and a menu of champagne and bottle service is offered. The decadent Tattu Parlour is the venue's exclusive private room with its entrance, bar and toilets. The Parlour can be booked for up to 30 people for a seated meal or up to 60 people for a canapé reception or event.

V Revolution
V Rev is the first and only 100% vegan restaurant in Manchester, established in 2011. The café offers burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches and much more.

Federal Cafe & Bar
Independently run café bar serving gourmet coffee, speciality teas, delicious brunch, bagels and homemade cakes. Now open until 8 pm Monday to Thursday and until 11 pm Friday to Saturday for food, cocktails, gin, beer and wine.

Salvi's Mozzarella Bar and Restaurant
Founded and run by husband and wife team Maurizio and Claire, Salvi's is synonymous with all that is traditional Neapolitan food - rustic, homely, generous and fine dining using the finest, carefully selected Italian ingredients. Upstairs in the café and bar, you can expect Italian hams, Italian cheeses, a wide selection of antipasti, carefully selected Italian wines and proseccos, paninis and specially sourced products for the kitchen - all under the direction of Roberto (Salvi's 'Master of Mozzarella'). Downstairs in the restaurant, expect authentic Neapolitan dishes, including wood-fired pizzas, fresh pasta dishes and hearty main courses. There is also a private dining area (seats 8) and outdoor seating.

Three Little Words
Manchester's only distillery bar & restaurant. Enjoy superb cocktails, G&Ts, beers and wines in beautifully restored II * listed red brick arches in the heart of Manchester. The vaults under Manchester Central, home to Three Little Words and The Spirit of Manchester Distillery, have been lovingly opened up and transformed into a stunning distillery, bar and restaurant. Three Little Words' cocktail menu mixes the best spirits and liqueurs into unique creations. You'll find all the classics, shaken, stirred and poured to perfection, and an original list of drinks created by the talented bar team. In addition to cocktails, you'll also find a well-stocked wine list, an exciting selection of local beers and premium soft drinks. Drink. Eat. Distil.