Starting your Journey from Gatwick Airport

Gatwick Airport

If you have just arrived at Gatwick Airport, a car rental Gatwick service provider is just what you need to help you get in and around the Gatwick area. There are lots of things to see and do!

1st stop: Guildford Cathedral

The Cathedral Church of the Holy Spirit, Guilford is a good place to start your journey. One of the architectural masterpieces of Sir Edward Maufe, it took 25 years to construct due to the interruption of World War II. With a height of 160 feet and of a Gothic style, the interior of the cathedral may be defined as noble and subtle. It has 12 classic bells, with the largest weighing in at about 1.5 tonnes. The cathedral has a beautiful garden named Seeds of Hope Children’s Garden.

2nd stop: Jerwood Gallery

If you want to learn more about British culture and arts, you can visit Jerwood Gallery. A contemporary museum located in Hastings, East Sussex, it was opened in March 2012.  Operated by the Jerwood Foundation, the gallery boasts an exhibition and collection from the following artists:

  • Rose Wylie – a British painter and a representative in the National Museum of Women in the Arts in 2010.
  • Philip Guston – a well-known abstract expressionist in 1950.
  • Marlow Moss – a British constructivist artist during the early 1900s.
  • Sir Quentin Saxby Blake – an English cartoonist, writer and illustrator that was inaugurated as Children’s Laureate in 1999-2001.

3rd stop: Chessington World of Adventure

It’s time to have fun! Chessington World of Adventure combines a zoo, a theme park and a hotel complex. Located in Central London, England, this adventure haven was opened in 1987.

  • Zoo

Featuring over 1,000 animals including sea lions, gorillas, lions, tigers, etc., the zoo is divided into different areas including Sealion Bay, Penguin Bay, Sea Life Centre, etc.

  • Theme Park

The theme park area houses the Pirates Cove, Forbidden Kingdom, Market Square and Mexicana. It offers different rides and attractions including Dragon’s Fury, Scorpion Express, Black Buccaneer, Monkey Swinger and a lot more.

  • Hotel Complex

Chessington has two on-site hotels: Safari Hotel and Azteca Hotel.

4th stop: Shopping Centre

Of course, an escapade will not be complete without shopping. There are three popular shopping centres near Gatwick airport. These are:

  • Guildford

Lined with cobbled streets, Guildford’s shops display clothes, books and home decors. There are also restaurants and bars near the area.

  • Lewes

A small yet progressive place for shoppers, all the items that you are looking for are widely available within the area.

  • Royal Tunbridge Wells

Home to high quality boutiques, antique shops, bars and cafes, you can shop til you drop for jewellery, designer clothes and different gift choices in the Royal Tunbridge Wells.

Are you ready to make the most out of Gatwick and its neighbouring towns? Check the Choice Vehicle Rentals website and book a vehicle for your trip. For enquiries, please call 01293 825 149.

Image source: http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02845/gatwick_2845146b.jpg

Beware: Common Rental Scams

Rental scam

Renting a vehicle is beneficial for people who are planning to travel or to go on a business trip. However, those who need to hire a vehicle have to look for a reliable Brighton van hire provider to avoid the following rental scams.

 

Extra-low front fares

Rental companies commonly offer almost the same price range. Do not entertain extremely low offers because they can lead to expensive and inadvertent upgrades later on. The company could also require you to pay “hidden charges” after you have signed the agreement or contract. It is best to ask for the breakdown of things included in their package or special offers before entrusting in their services.

Unnecessary add-ons

Some companies require clients to buy add-ons like insurance. According to research, additional insurance coverage is often unnecessary because it just duplicates the insurance that you already have. For example, you have insurances like supplemental liability protection, collision damage waiver, personal effects coverage and accident insurance. All of these have different insurance titles and payments, yet they cover the same things.

“Unlimited mileage” offer

Most rental companies offer “unlimited mileage”. This means you can use the car wherever you want to go. However, some companies use this strategy to increase your rental fees. If you want to use the vehicle for an out of town trip, you will be required to inform the company first. If they say that you have to pay extra charges, then it’s up to you if you want to continue with your use of the vehicle for your out of town trip.

Choice Vehicle Rentals is a trusted rental company in the UK, offering a wide range of vehicles for hire, with NO hidden costs. With all your enquiries, please call 01273 819 303. You can also visit their website to review the vehicles available for rent.

Places to Visit in Crawley

Crawley offers a plethora of tourist attractions including historical sites, museums, country parks and more. Availing car hire Crawley services from Choice Vehicle Rentals will allow you to visit these places with ease. Here are the some of the most visited tourist attractions in Crawley:

Tilgate Park

tilgate park

Tilgate Park is ideally located in the South East of Crawley. It is the biggest and the most famous park that has a lot of history to tell. There are lawns and gardens, woodland, beautiful lakes and other places that are ideal for long walks. Tilgate Park has Champion trees, which are known to be the oldest and the tallest of their type.  Additionally, there is a small nature centre that is a home to over 500 animals, of 95 various types. Tilgate Park is a great place to visit in all seasons.

If you wish to park your car in the main car park, you have to pay £1.00/hour or a maximum of £5.00/day. The main car park is available from 9 am to 6 pm during the summer and 9 am to 4 pm during the winter.

Crawley High Street Market

crawley high street market

Crawley High Street Market is located in the paved area from the Jubilee Oak down to Ifield Road and in Queens Square. There are around 100 shopping stalls in this area. Some of them sell clothing, fruits, vegetables and other household goods.  The Traditional market opens every Friday and Saturday from 8:30 am to 5 pm.

You may park your rental vehicle at the Orchard Street car park.

The Hawth

the hawth

The Hawth is a venue for theatre, west end shows, dance, opera and many more. It offers a Curzon Cinema with 855 seats and a Sway Dance Studio with 146 seats. You will also find a woodland amphitheatre and some outdoor exhibition areas during summer. The Hawth may also be used for conferences and presentations. There are 250 free car parking spaces on site.

Arctic Jungle

arctic jungle1

(image source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OK50Az9Ylhs)

The Arctic Jungle offers a children’s indoor play centre, with over 70 various play elements, a 7-metre high climbing wall and a large space for parties. There is 3 hours of free parking outside the premises.

Crawley Museum Centre

crawley museum centre1(Image source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/arts/yourpaintings/galleries/collections/crawley-museum-centre-283)

The Crawley Museum Centre exhibits life during the Bronze Age until the modern day. Additionally, there are artifacts that came from the Iron Age and the Romano-British sites at Goff’s Park and Broadfields. There is free parking available within the vicinity.

Hire a car at Choice Vehicle Rentals and visit these beautiful places in Crawley! Call us on 01273 819303 to learn more.

Different Events to Attend in Eastbourne

Locals and tourists alike can enjoy many events in Eastbourne. Choice Vehicle Rentals, a car hire Eastbourne provider, has the perfect vehicle for you to travel the district in style and be part of the varied activities.

1. Eastbourne’s Annual Beer Festival

Eastbourne’s Annual Beer Festival

Eastbourne’s Annual Beer Festival is the largest beer festival in East Sussex. This 3-day event is usually held on the 1st or 2nd Thursday, Friday and Saturday of October. The festival starts at 6:00 pm and ends at around 11:00 pm. The price of the ticket varies depending on the day of the event and on the participant’s membership. Members of the event will pay lower rates compared to non-members. Thousands of ales, wines, international beers, ciders and perries will be overflowing throughout the festival. This event also includes live music, food and traditional pub games such as bar skittles, toad in a hole and more! This beer festival is usually held in the Winter Garden in Eastbourne.

2. Magnificent Motors

Magnificent Motors

Magnificent Motors is the biggest motoring event in Eastbourne. Hundreds of motorbikes, buses, classic cars, scooters, stream traction engines and both commercial and military vehicles are featured in this festival. Usually held on Eastbourne’s Victorian seafront, this two-day motor cavalcade includes fairground rides, live entertainment and a classic night, drive-in movie showing. You can be part of this event for free.

3. Eastbourne Lammas Festival

Eastbourne Lammas Festival

Featuring carnival giants, morris dancing and live music, such as folk-rock, traditional and modern jazz, the Eastbourne Lammas Festival is a two-day event (Saturday and Sunday) that traditionally starts with a parade at 12:00 noon. Herne and Andred, the Eastbourne Giants, usually lead the performance of dancers and drummers. Everyone is invited to join the parade at the Pier entrance. This exciting event is held annually in July.

4. AEGON International Tennis Eastbourne

AEGON International Tennis Eastbourne

The Devonshire Park in Eastbourne hosts some of the major world tennis tournaments every year. Some of these tournaments include AEGON Internationals, ATP World Tours, WTA Premier Tournament, Wimbledon Grand Slam event and other international cups. The green grass court tournament is usually held every June. It lasts for 6-7 days, including the awards ceremony.

Call your car hire Eastbourne provider to experience these fun-filled events. Choice Vehicle Rentals offers a wide range of cars and vans for hire in Eastbourne. Please call 01273 819303 or visit our website for more information.

Vehicle Breakdown and Recovery at Choice Vehicle Rentals

Vehicle Breakdown and Recovery at CVH

Vehicle breakdown is inevitable. For those who invest in Crawley van hire services from Choice Vehicle Rentals, here are the company’s terms and conditions regarding vehicle breakdown and recovery.

General Terms:

  • If the vehicle breakdown occurs during office hours, call Choice Vehicle Rentals direct for assistance.
  • If the vehicle breakdown occurs out of office hours, contact the AA for assistance. You can find the number included at the front of the vehicle hire contract.
  • If the vehicle breakdown occurs outside the UK, please contact your vehicle breakdown assistance provider, in accordance with your mainland breakdown cover.

Conditions:

  1. Please inform the lessor directly if you detect any vehicular fault or if the vehicle becomes “unroadworthy” (not fit for road use) for any reason.
  1. Should the vehicle become “unroadworthy” and you are without a vehicle for 4 hours or more and the lessor is incapable of replacing the vehicle with an identical match, a portion of the hire charge will be credited to your account. This represents the unexpired portion of the hire period and is subject to notification, as per the above mentioned condition. If the damage is brought about by the hirer or driver, any refund will depend solely on the decision of the lessor.
  1. If you think that the refund will not be enough to offset any probable loss that may arise because the vehicle is “unroadworthy”, you must accomplish the “Form EX1” before entering into any vehicle hire contract with the lessor. This condition is bound by the condition mentioned above (#2). The “Form EX1” can be obtained without charge from Choice Vehicle Rentals Head Office. However, the lessor may use their discretion to refuse entering into a vehicle hire contract where the company’s possible accountability may go beyond the vehicle hire charges.

If you want to know more about the terms and conditions regarding the vehicle hire services of Choice Vehicle Rentals, visit our website or contact us on 01273 819303.

4 Reasons Why Renting a Minibus is Highly Beneficial

Ford MinibusFord Minibus

Ford Minibus

Choice Vehicle Rentals, a Gatwick car hire provider, offers a wide range of vehicles for rent including minibuses. Here are some of the advantages that you can get from renting a minibus:

  1. Comfort

A minibus can accommodate more than 7 people. It can afford ample space and comfort during a long ride. The minibuses from Choice Vehicle Rentals have tinted windows and curtains for the privacy of the travellers.

  1. Space and Convenience

With a separate compartment space for luggage and belongings, you can even bring your own pillows or blanket if you want.

  1. Modern Amenities

A modern minibus offers the same features as a car — audio system, automatic emission, power steering, USB ports, plugs for computers and so on. Choice Vehicle Rentals provides minibuses that are fully equipped with heaters and air conditioners and depending on the agreement they may also be adorned with LCD screens!

  1. Low-End

The greatest benefit of renting a minibus is its affordable price. Split the cost between the passengers to limit your expenses.

Exploring the Gatwick area? If you are looking for a minibus that can accommodate your needs, you need look no further! Choice Vehicle Rentals offers 4 multi-seater minibus options: 9, 12, 15 and 17 seater variables. Costs will vary depending on the minibus you require.

Visit the Choice Vehicle Rentals office during weekdays and every Saturdays from 8:30am to 5:30pm and see what they can do for you. With all enquiries please call 01273 819303. You can also send an email to gatwick@choicevehiclerentals.com for more details.

Hiring a 7.5-tonne Vehicle at Choice Vehicle Rentals

7.5 Ton

Choice Vehicle Rentals offers a wide range of vehicles for our Gatwick car hire services. Aside from cars and vans, we also offer 7.5 tonne vehicles with tail lifts.

The 7.5-tonne Vehicle at Choice Vehicle Rentals

Our 7.5-tonne vehicle is powered by diesel fuel and has a manual transmission.

  • Common Use

7.5-tonne vehicles are commonly used by businesses for deliveries or by people who are moving house or business. They use this type of vehicle to transfer large and heavy articles like furniture and appliances. On the other hand, businesses use this type of vehicle to deliver hefty products or a large number of food supplies, packages and parcels. Since the 7.5-tonne has a tail lift (mobile dock leveller), it can facilitate the handling and transferring of heavy products or goods from the bed of the vehicle to the ground level or a loading dock and vice versa.

  • Compliance to Low Emission Zone

All 7.5-tonne vehicles at Choice Vehicle Rentals comply with London’s Low Emission Zone standards. The Low Emission Zone or LEZ is a traffic pollution charge scheme that works 24/7, all-year round in most parts of Greater London. It works to support the aim to reduce the tailpipe emissions of heavy diesel-powered commercial vehicles operating in London. Vehicles that do not comply with the high emission standards will be charged. On the other hand, there are vehicles that are allowed to enter the controlled zone for free.

The C1 Category Licence Requirement when Hiring a 7.5 Tonne Vehicle

To hire or book a 7.5-tonne vehicle, you should possess a C1 category on your driving licence and have previous experience in this category. The C1 Category driving licence permits people in the UK to drive C1 rigid vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes, with a trailer equivalent to 750kg.

Hiring a 7.5-tonne at Choice Vehicle Rentals

Choice Vehicle Rentals offers online booking. You can also visit our branches accessibly located throughout the south of England. For more details about the requirements, terms and conditions, please visit our website or call us on 01273 819 303.