I have just spent 3 weeks in the country of my birth driving around southern England with a hire car. I have driven in the UK many many times, but each time I go things have changed. Here are my top 10 driving tips which will help you when/if you drive in the UK.

• Hire an automatic car. Yes they are 50% more expensive than a manual in the UK but there is so much traffic at times, that you will be SO glad that you have an automatic. I think I would have worn out my left leg with a manual car and spent the large part of my holiday changing gears.

• Take your own GPS. Yes you can hire one from the car company but very expensive. Some of the more expensive cars have them in the vehicle but I have found it always best to have your own. It will be invaluable. I know southern England like the back of my hand, but even so I would have had major trouble finding some places without my GPS.

• When finding specific places like hotels use the POSTCODE in your GPS as do all the locals and businesses alike. Every single house/hotel/shop has its own dedicated postcode – brilliant. Put that into your GPS and it takes you right to the door. It is great for places out in the country which often have a vague street address.

• Buy your petrol from the service stations of the major supermarkets like Tesco and Sainsburys. It will often be as much as 12p (20c) per litre cheaper than others.

• Parking. Carry plenty of change for parking – you pay to park everywhere even out in the country if it is a popular tourist location. You can feed the machine with a credit card but in some locations there is a man in a box collecting as you enter the car park.

• Parking again. Trying to find a central park on the street in popular villages and towns can be very frustrating so look for the big blue P sign for parking off the main street. Even there you may have to battle to find a park. By the way – be prepared to do a lot of walking from car parks to the attraction – often several hundred metres each way.  

• Avoid driving to major tourist sites and attractions on weekends – you get the locals as well as the international tourists. 

• No stopping on many narrow, busy country roads. You will see the international sign for no stopping (X) frequently in tourist locations with attractive views, and where the road is narrow. Don’t be tempted to stop on these roads or you will cause a serious accident. In many areas with great views it is frustrating to be looking at the view fleetingly without being able to stop. My advice is to look for a side road or gateway to a field, and if necessary turn around (when you can!) and make your way back. Often you may have a fair walk from your parking spot but the view may be worth it.

                          

• Video and Camcorder. The passenger can use a video from their window or even perhaps invest in a camcorder for those exciting views, especially through the windscreen. 

                     

• Invest in an AA Big Road Atlas of Britain for about $20. They are really great and very helpful to look at your whole itinerary, see local attractions and very useful for your accompanying passenger. GPS is great but a really good atlas is a great supplement.        

If you are considering a driving holiday in the UK then go to www.britainrevealed.com and look at my Drive Itineraries which will be added to each month. You will find them very helpful.                                                                                                            

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