For most of us, August Bank Holiday weekend marks the end of the summer as the last Bank Holiday before Christmas in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. So to help you make the most of it, we’ve put together five of the best Bank Holiday events up and down the country for you to explore with Avis Rent a Car.

Renting a car from Avis makes sense for so many reasons. For a start, you’ll keep the miles down on your own car, preserving its value. Plus you get the chance to treat yourself by hiring a luxury car from our prestige range, so you and your family can travel in style. Alternatively, why not hire a people carrier and bring everyone along to make it a real family day. With a rental car from Avis, you’ll enjoy the convenience of driving door to door, and stopping wherever you want along the way to see the sights. Whichever car you choose, we’re sure you’ll have a great weekend.

Here are our five top spots for a Bank Holiday Weekend to remember:

1. England’s Medieval Festival, Herstmonceaux Castle, East Sussex, 29-31 August
England’s Medieval Festival is Britain’s largest three day celebration of the Middle ages and includes a morning siege and afternoon battle for Herstmonceux Castle involving 1,000 knights, bowmen and men-at-arms, plus a Grand Parade of knights, lords, ladies, jousting competitions, fire-eating, falconry displays and medieval puppeteers with 12-foot stick puppets. A historic day to remember. Find Herstmonceux Castle off the A271 north east of Eastbourne in the heart of Sussex.

2. Notting Hill Carnival, Central London Monday 30th August
This spectacular event is well worth the drive from almost anywhere in the UK. Park and ride as you reach the London Underground network and you’ll be whisked into the heart of the colourful carnival atmosphere of Europe’s biggest street festival. The Notting Hill Carnival attracts over a million people every year along the 20-mile parade route packed with party music and classic Caribbean food stalls.

3. Knebworth Classic Motor Show, Hertfordshire, 30-31 August
If you think Avis have an extensive range of cars, that’s nothing compared to the Knebworth Classic Motor Show. On Bank Holiday weekend, over 2,000 gleaming classic and vintage cars come together to celebrate the best in motoring. And don’t worry there’s something for all the family with a large adventure playground, Dinosaur Trail and miniature railway for the kids and delightful formal gardens. Find Knebworth just off the A1(M) J7

4. Matthew Street Music Festival 29-30 August
Liverpool offers two days of free fun over the bank holiday weekend, with the Matthew Street Music Festival to rival Notting Hill in the capital. Offering over 80 hours of live outdoor music from over 95 cover bands, original bands and the hottest new bands, it’s a feast of free music on six huge stages across the city centre, with something for every musical taste in the home of the Beatles.

5. Edinburgh International Festival and Fringe
Most events claim to have something for everyone, but few can back that up as much as the world famous Edinburgh Festival and Fringe. From classical music to contemporary theatre, outrageous comedy to stunning circus style acts, it is a cultural event like no other and has to be experienced at least once. Wherever you’re travelling from it’s a trip worth making!

Avis think of everything
It’s not just our cars that make hiring from Avis so easy; it’s all the extra attention to detail too. We’ve thought of everything to make your trip go smoothly, from SatNav to a second driver, baby and child seats to home delivery, leaving you free to concentrate on enjoying a brilliant Bank Holiday trip.

With more of us staying at home for holidays, finding fun days out for the whole family has never been more important – and with Avis Rent a Car, it’s never been easier. Rent a spacious estate and fit in everything you need for a seaside summer day, or rent a people carrier and take the kids and their friends too.

By renting an estate or people carrier from Avis you avoid all the worry of wear and tear on your own car, and avoid all those endless fights that come from squashing all the kids together in the back. Our extensive fleet of vehicles makes a great family day out full of fun, and it’s so much simpler than struggling with public transport as you can drive right to the door of your destination. And when you add up the cost of the train or coach for everyone, you’ll find hiring a car from Avis is well worth it.

Here are five top days out that all the family will enjoy:

1. Isle of Thanet, Kent
Head east from the capital on the A28 or A299 and enjoy a traditional day out at the seaside on the Isle of Thanet in Kent. Not strictly an island, this superb stretch of coast boasts no less than nine clean, safe Blue Flag beaches full of fascinating rockpools to keep the kids amused all day. Plus there are promenades, cliff top walks and all the family fun you’d expect from great British seaside towns, including Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate.

2. Alton Towers, Staffordshire
With world famous rides and attractions, Alton Towers theme park needs no introduction. Simply follow the signs from the M1 (J23a or J24) or M6 (J15 or J16) for an adrenaline filled day with something for everyone. Speed from 0-60 in 2.2 seconds on the Rita ride, or experience the world’s first vertical freefall drop rollercoaster TH13TEEN. One admission price pays for all the rides you want, and if you book online in advance you’ll save even more.

3. The GreenWood Forest Park, Snowdonia
Situated in the foothills of Snowdonia, just off the A55 between Bangor and Caernarfon, you’ll find rides of an altogether different kind at GreenWood Forest Park – because at this award-winning eco-friendly attraction, all the rides are people powered! And that’s just the start of the fun in the forest. You can try your skills as Robin Hood on the archery range, go Indiana Jones on the Jungle Boat Trail, or create your own souvenirs in the wonderful woodcraft centre, in a delightfully different day out with something for everyone.

4. Chester Zoo, Cheshire
Just a few minutes drive following the signs from the M53 (J10) and M56 (J14), Chester Zoo is a must for any family’s summer schedule. Chester is the UK’s number one zoo, with over 7000 animals and 400 different species, including some of the most endangered on the planet, all surrounded by stunning gardens. Don’t miss the boat ride around the zoo or see it all from above on the monorail.

5. Scottish Seabird Centre, North Berwick
25 miles east of Edinburgh on the A198, the Scottish Seabird Centre is like Springwatch all year round, with everything from seal pups to sea birds, puffins to dolphins all on view, up close and personal, on giant screens at the centre and out and about around the grounds. Book a boat trip to Bass Rock, one of Sir David Attenborough’s ‘wildlife wonders of the world’, and enjoy the rest of the day on the white sand beaches of the Firth of Forth.

Everyone can come along with Avis
You can bring the whole family along when you hire a car from Avis, because you can organise baby and child seat hire on request and add an extra driver so you can take turns at driving and looking after the kids. And with home delivery available in most parts of the UK, your big day out starts right from your doorstep.

Summertime is all about getting out and enjoying the countryside, and there’s no better way to do it than on a classic family picnic. And with Avis Rent a Car, you can make sure that no one gets left behind, with estates and people carriers that can fit in everyone and everything you need, from hampers and ice boxes to chairs and cricket sets.

Renting an estate or people carrier from Avis means that the whole family can share in the scenery, history and beauty of Britain. With an extensive fleet of vehicles and so many great picnic spots across the country, from stately homes to spectacular coasts, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Here are our top five suggestions for the perfect picnic, from Edinburgh to Brighton.

1. Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh
For a breathtaking view, without getting too out of breath, head up to Arthur’s Seat, one of the famous seven hills that surround Edinburgh. This is a popular picnic spot, with plenty of sheltered nooks and crannies in which to make camp along the way, and the view from the peak across the city and out along the Firth of Forth is well worth the half hour climb. Find Arthur’s Seat in the heart of Edinburgh.

2. Padley Gorge, Derbyshire
Pretty much anywhere in the spectacular Peak District National Park, to the South East of Manchester, is worth a visit, but Padley Gorge is a particular favourite for picnics. There’s something for everyone in this fairyland location, as the stream winds its way between grassy banks and off into the woods, creating fascinating rock pools and attracting a wealth of wildlife. Find Padley Gorge on the B6251 Grindleford road, just off the A625.

3. Hardcourt Arboretum, Oxford
Hardcourt Arboretum is the perfect place to get back to nature with a private picnic in one of the many clearings dotted among the ten acres of woodland. Let the kids go off safely squirrel spotting, running through the wildflower meadow and playing hide and seek amongst the trees, while you relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. Hardcourt Arboretum lies six miles south of Oxford on the A4074.

4. Avebury Stone Circle
Unlike its better known partner at Stonehenge, Avebury Stone Circle enjoys open access, allowing you to pitch your picnic right in the heart of history. Despite being the largest stone circle in Europe, Avebury also has far fewer visitors, so you can picnic in peace and experience first hand the strange ethereal energy of this fascinating location. Find Avebury Stone Circle around ten miles south of Swindon and the M4 on the A4361.

5. Devil’s Dyke, East Sussex
Our final picnic destination takes us right to the south coast, with stunning views across the South Downs and out over the English Channel. Devil’s Dyke has lots of open space to enjoy, with everything from Iron Age forts to rare and exotic wildlife, and its higher ground is especially good for flying kites. Devil’s Dyke is on the A23 just outside Brighton, within easy reach of London for a day trip.

Avis makes it easy
Whether you’re hiring a car in England or hiring a car in Scotland, with Avis it couldn’t be easier, because we take care of everyone. You can hire baby and child seats to make sure the little ones stay safe, and even add an extra driver to share the miles on longer trips. We’ll even arrange delivery to your door, to take the hassle out of your big day out.

So get out and enjoy the great outdoors of Great Britain this summer. From Scotland to the South Coast, there are hundreds of different picnic places to explore. Why not let us know your favourites – we may even feature them on the Avis blog.

Getting out into the British countryside after working hard all week is great for relaxation and family time. So why not guarantee the car of your choice with Avis Select Series and make the most of your weekends this summer?

I am sure you’ll agree that spring is definitely in the air and it’s the perfect time to start planning weekend getaways for the warmer weather. So when Friday afternoon comes, leave the stress of work behind, arranging to pick up your rental car and look forward to exploring the beautiful British countryside. But don’t forget to plan the route before you leave.

Spoilt for choice

With Avis car hire available locally you can take your pick of UK destinations within 150-200 miles of home. Wherever you live there’s plenty to see, so check our favourite places to get some inspiration for your weekend getaway:

Devon boasts more than 300 miles of stunning coastline with 60 beaches of every kind for surfing, sailing, relaxing in the sun or strolling along the cliffs. With theme parks, castles and forts, zoos and aquaria, landscaped gardens and farm attractions to visit, it’s hard to fit it all into one weekend.

The Cotswolds in central England are famous for gentle rolling hills, charming villages and enticing tea shops. Stay in a lovely small hotel or wake up to breakfast at a local farm and enjoy the peace of the countryside. If that’s not your thing, why not visit Bath or Cheltenham for their rich history, impressive architecture, or even just the boutique shopping.

Brecon Beacons is a National Park in south Wales packed with vast natural landscapes, traditional market towns, canal paths, castles and lots of family attractions. Just being in the rolling countryside and valleys, big open spaces, and near to rugged waterfalls and caves makes work pressures vanish. Wales is a perfect place for guided walks, wildlife, camping and canoeing – and with a roomy Avis luxury car such as an Audi A4, there’s plenty of space for all of you and your kit.

Yorkshire is the largest county in England and is packed with weekend treats. Cruise around the beautiful Dales near Ripon and Harrogate, the Yorkshire Moors up by Pickering and Malton or along the coast to take in the delights of Scarborough and Whitby. After a bracing walk, why not stop for Sunday lunch and all the trimmings in a traditional Yorkshire pub before heading home in comfort.

With a rental car you won’t miss the train…

Trains are fine but with a rental car you don’t have the restriction of timetables or the fight for cramped seats, or getting the family’s suitcases from one train to another, especially after commuting all week long. Plus rail companies often resort to doing engineering works at the weekends which causes major delays for weekend breakers. It also means arranging extra transport to your hotel the other end and then relying on local buses if you want to explore… Not exactly a stress-free break. With Avis car hire you can book a luxury rental car for the whole weekend, take all the luggage you need and go exactly where you want, when you want.

We hope this helps you with inspiration for you weekend get away, but if you have any other suggestion of your favourite weekend getaway locations in the UK we would love to know.

I recently decided to visit one of this country’s most mystical landmarks, Stonehenge. And as I live in London, I decided to see what else was on offer in that area, because I rarely get to explore this country’s heritage outside of the city.

On this road trip I discovered the marvellous array of attractions and historic sites around Stonehenge itself. I also found a recently renovated English tradition along the way.

Coming from London the journey involves taking the M3 south before heading West on the A303. It is here, near Basingstoke, that I discovered the reborn English tradition that is the recently renovated Little Chef in Popham, this featured on Michelin Starred chef Heston Blumenthal’s documentary “Big Chef takes on Little Chef”. This is well worth a visit if you’re travelling on the A303, although be prepared for a more crowded atmosphere than your standard Little Chef.

From here continue West until reaching the Legendary Stonehenge and take some time to marvel at its shear size and shrouded history. There are plans for the A303 to be placed in a 2km tunnel in the future, removing the road from sight and sound of the stones and meaning a coach journey, with a 1km walk to get there. So go and visit it sooner rather than later.

Why not drive further west enjoying the beautiful thatched housing and country roads that Wiltshire and Somerset have to offer, heading towards Glastonbury. Here you can venture into King Arthurs Avalon, also riddled with legend or enjoy a leisurely walk up Glastonbury Tor and enjoy the breathtaking views.

There are tons of heritage sites to visit in this area so I would recommend having a look around as there is far too much to cover off in this Blog. This drive around the Wiltshire and Somerset area will whisk you back in time and leave you wishing you had hired that car for just one day longer.

I’ve always considered the switching on of lights in London the official kick off to the festive season, and this morning it was announced on the radio that lights ceremony would be next weekend. When I arrived at the office, ready to share my new found Christmas spirit, one of my colleagues pointed out he is way ahead of me, as he has already finished his Christmas shopping. This sparked an animated conversation about the best places in the UK for Christmas shopping, here are our favourites. Let us know what you think and give us your suggestion.

Westfield shopping centre – London
This is one of my favourites; it is one of the largest shopping centres in Europe, with over 275 shops for you to choose from. No matter if you’re looking for Tiffany’s or Next it’s all there for you to choose from. Also with loads of great restaurants and the fact that it’s open until 9pm most evenings, you can make a whole day of it.

MetroCentre – Gateshead
If you are up in the Gateshead and Newcastle area then visit the MetroCentre. This is THE largest shopping centre in Europe, with over 330 stores, 50 restaurants and a cinema. There is a great mix of designer stores and ‘highstreet’ shops, so you should be able to find exactly what you are after.

Brighton
Although it is not the time of year to be sitting on the beach, Brighton has some great and unique shopping areas. If you are looking for ‘highstreet’ shops then Churchill Square is the place for you, but if you are looking for an array of boutiques, unique shops and restaurants then you need to head down to The Lanes. But if you are looking for a bargain then make sure you head down to the outlet shops at Brighton Marina. This charming seaside town has something for everyone.

Bicester Village, York Outlet Village and Gunwarf Quays
Also for all you bargain hunters out there make sure you check out one of these outlet villages. Bag yourself a great bargain on designer brands and highstreet labels, but all at affordable prices. Also with places to eat or have a coffee you can spend all day shopping to your hearts content (or until you have get everything you need).

Hyde Park London – Christmas Market
If you’re in London between the 21st November to 3rd January and looking to get into the Christmas spirit then make sure you head over to the Christmas market at Hyde Park. This winter wonderland has traditional Christmas market stall, fair ground rides, great food and drinks and much more. You’ll have a great day out and be able to do some Christmas shopping at the same time.

Bath Christmas Market
As Rob mentioned last year Bath Christmas market has been highly recommended as somewhere to go to get in the mood for Christmas. So this year make sure you visit spectacular Christmas market between 26th November and 6th December. There are loads of great stalls to brows and buy unique Christmas gifts form for your family and friends.

Back in March Rob posted his blog post “What are the United Kingdom’s seven natural wonders?”. While it highlights just how beautiful the British landscape is, I think there are plenty of architectural marvels on our doorsteps also. So today I launch our poll to find out what you think are the UK’s seven man-made wonders. And if your favourites aren’t on the list let us know by posting a comment and we will add them.

PS – we’re going to publish the results of the natural wonders next week so this your last chance to get your vote in for this one as well.

PPS – if you’re interested in visiting any of these places and need a car to get you there then we do currently have an offer on weekend car hire. There is more info on our website: www.avis.co.uk/weekend_inspiration

Hi, my name is Dan and I am the station leader of Exeter Airport.

Following Darren’s blog post last week, I thought I would write a something to tell you about a new travel option for those visiting the South West by train. We have just opened a new service from Exeter St Davids train station that is really easy and simple to use. For those arriving on the train, we are providing a complimentary taxi transfer from the train station to our rental office where the Exeter team will be able to get you on your way with no fuss. Simply show your taxi receipt to our rental agent and they will take the cost of the taxi off the bill. There is a regular train service from London Paddington to Exeter and it usually takes 2.5 hours. To book just go to avis.co.uk and select Exeter St Davids as the rental branch you would like to rent from.

For those of you who have not come to Exeter before let me tell you a little bit about my home city. Exeter is a vibrant university city with loads to do for all tastes. We have an excellent range of shops, all the big high street names as well as many independents. The new Princesshay shopping centre contains over 50 shops and has won prizes for its innovative design. It also contains restaurants and bars for when you need a break!

When you are shopped out there are plenty of things to see. You can walk along the roman wall which dates back to 180 -200AD or take a trip through the underground passages which are medieval aquaducts built in the 12th century. Exeter cathedral is also well worth a visit. Free redcoat tours are available and meet on cathedral green daily.

My personal favorite place is down on the quay which grew around the canal in the late middle ages. It is a great place to sit and watch the world go by or grab a drink and dustbin lid pizza at The Waterfront. After all that pizza you can walk or cycle along the canal all the way to the coast- a really nice way to spend an afternoon.

Hope to see some of you soon.

I haven’t had a chance to blog about it until now but a few weeks back I drove up to the Peak District for the weekend. The Peak District had never really appealed to me but a few recent trips around the UK had opened my eyes to how beautiful our country can be and, as it is very accessible from the south, I thought I’d make the drive up. Armed with my “Walk Britain: Great Views” book, I set my sights on hiking The Roaches and Mam Tor. Here is my account of my two hikes:

The Roaches
As you drive through Upper Hulme and approach the gritstone cliffs and clustered rock formations of the Roaches, you can’t help but get a little excited. While I’ve seen plenty of beautiful sights on the British landscape, I’ve never seen anything so quite unusual. When you approach the gritstone rocks themselves you will wonder what natural events could possibly have led them to take on such mangled and twisted shapes. But there is plenty more going on. On the larger cliff faces you’ll find rock climbers taking on the challenge of scaling them. Surrounding the rocks are clusters of woodlands, pasturelands and moorlands that add plenty of colour and texture to the scene. The problem is that if you focus too much on the details in front of you, you may miss the stunning panoramic views of the hilly Peak District countyside beyond. The views are visible from all the way along the ridge and stretch for miles.

Starting at the road alongside the Roaches, you can start your hike at Hen Cloud, the first of four distinct summits. Make your way along the The Roaches until you come to Roach End. Many people turn back here but I’d recommend carrying on through on the “Concession Path to Danebridge”. Then, at the intersection, if you turn right, heading in the direction of Gradbach, you’ll come to Lud’s Church. Which, incidentally, is not actually a church but a green, mossy chasm that seemingly appears out of the middle of nowhere. It is the stuff of fairytales. From here, make your way back along the ridge towards Hen Cloud. All in all, the hike is about 8.5 miles.

Mam Tor
My second hike was Mam Tor, or the “Shivering Mountain” as it also known. The hike centres around the Great Ridge, where you hike up to the top of Lose Hill and make your way along up to Mam Tor. The views are amazing, particularly over Hope Valley where you can see cliffs, moorland and the dramatic gorges – most notably Winnat’s Pass which is believed to have once been an undersea ravine. Meanwhile, the cliff-face of Mam Tor reveals it’s layers of shale and grit, an awesome addition to the view.

From Mam Tor you can either head back down to town via Winnat’s Pass or through Cave Dale. The latter option provides this hike’s fairytale addition: Peveril Castle, which sits nestled along the edge of the cavern. The town you are heading into (which is also where you’ll start) is Castleton is blessed with an abundance of great pubs that you can visit for a well earned post-hike drink. Castleton also has a number of other great local attractions most notably Peak Cavern.

Despite my preconceptions, these hikes opened my eyes to what a stunning addition the Peak District National Park is to the British landscape. The Roaches is now one of my favourite UK hikes. And the best thing is that it’s central position makes it a highly accessible park to visit from many parts of the country!

[flickr]set:72157622018865955[/flickr]

When you think of festivals at the moment you’re mind is probably going to turn to the upcoming music heavyweights such as Reading/Leeds and V. But my colleague Vicky has tried to think outside the box and, in doing so, has put together this great guide to some weird and wonderful festivals that you might not know about. Some of them look brilliant. The 80’s Rewind festival in Henley is not too far from me… although I’m not so sure about brushing off the spandex…

The Out Of The Ordinary Festival 2009
A three day eco-friendly family festival from the 18th – 20th September, set in the lovely Sussex countryside. A chance to experience the Equinox Sunrise and really get back to nature, with solar-powered music stages, a green market and a zero waste policy. Tickets available via the site from just £57 for three days.

Festibelly 2009
A one day festival on the 29th August, this is an intimate event with only 1000 tickets on sale. Set in gorgeous countryside in Hampshire, it features up-and-coming new musical talent and street-art battles. At just £25 per ticket you’ll be able to watch some fantastic bands, eat some scrumptious food, and enjoy what’s set to be one big party. Oh and they’re throwing in camping for free!

Solfest 2009
Held on the August bank holiday weekend (28th- 30th August) at Tarnside Farm in West Cumbria, Solfest aims to create a great atmosphere through its sense of community. Welcoming everyone from all walks of life to four music stages, workshops and classes from Yoga to Burlesque; drumming to Sing-A-Long-A-Soundwave! Tickets are £85 for the weekend, and for some added luxury, why not rent a yurt or a squirt for the weekend?

One Love Reggae Festival
Head down to Port Lympne Safari Park in Kent from 21st-23rd August for three days of live reggae music. Not only will you be spoilt for choice with five stages playing everything from roots to ragga, but you’ll also have unlimited access to the wildlife park for just £5 extra! Where else in the UK can you chill out to drum beats in the company of rhinos, tigers and elephants? Weekend tickets are £70.

Wizard Festival
Is taking place from the 28th- 29th of August in Aberdeenshire. A Scottish festival for families and festival-goers alike in its third year, featuring fabulous bands and family entertainment. A ticket for the entire weekend only costs £70 – including camping!

80’s Rewind Festival
On the 21st – 23rd of August in Temple Island Meadows, Henley on Thames. If you’ve got love for the 80’s then this is the festival for you! All the original acts of the era will be dusting off their spandex and busting the moves on stage once more. You can visit the fun fair, comedy tent and eat all the posh nosh you like at this festival and you can even moor your boat for the weekend if you please! Tickets £90 including camping.

Newquay Fish Festival
Being held from the 18th-20th of September, this festival is not just for fans of the fruits of the sea, but those looking for a fun day out too. There will be live bands and entertainers, dolphin and shark-spotting trips, a fresh fish BBQ, beer tent and a sandcastle competition, just to mention a few of the activities lined up.

PS – please let us know if you have any alternative festivals of your own!