Following our successful roll out of the Avis Home Delivery Service to West London, I am pleased to announce that we have extended the service across North and South London, enabling us to offer Home Delivery throughout the area of London.

We can now deliver hire cars to areas including; Chelsea, Kensington, Chiswick, Ealing, Finchley, Golders Green, Acton, Chingford, Barnet, Marylebone, Islington, Abbeywood, Bethnal Green, Greenwich, Woolwich, Crystal Palace, Stretham, Wimbledon and Penge, to name a few.

Reservations can now be taken for Delivery across London and these can be made via our website www.avis.co.uk/homedelivery, through our central reservations team on 0844 581 8181 or direct at our local Avis branch.

It would be good to hear your views on our Home Delivery Service and the roll-out of the service across London.

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.

With Glastonbury and Reading festivals just around the corner, it’s time to heave aside the pinstripes and spreadsheets and to embrace your inner cool. And though we’re big fans of the big festivals, we thought we’d take a look at some of the smaller set-ups that sometimes slip under the radar.

And if you’re heading to a festival this summer, why not hire a larger car or people carrier from Avis to get you, your mates and all of your stuff there in total comfort? – As we all know there is never quite enough room for everyone and everything in a small car.

Indietracks – 23-25 July 2010
Near Ripley, Derbyshire
A hidden gem for the lucky 2,500 who get tickets. Bands play in a train shed or on moving trains: trippy. The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart headline, along with plenty of off-the-grid new talent.

National Forest Folk Festival – 2-4 July 2010
Conkers, near Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire
A natural outdoor amphitheatre in a forest with Adrian Edmondson and The Bad Shepherds, Eliza Carthy and Saul Rose, Lau and the Peatbog Faeries. Bring your woggle.

The Secret Garden Party – 22-25 July 2010
Near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire
A Fact or Fiction theme plus the Gorillaz Sound System and Mercury Rev competing with the Suicide Sports Amphitheatre, 20ft punch fountains and the Kissing Den. And busboys to carry your bags if you really must.

International Gypsy Guitar Festival – 30 July-1 August 2010
Cam, Dursley, Gloucestershire
Paulus Schafer, Antonio Forcione and Andreas Oberg twang guitars in a small but perfectly formed festival. Bring your guitar, fiddle or double bass and jam.

Truck – 23-25 July 2010
Steventon, near Abingdon, Oxfordshire
No advertising or sponsorship, just young up-and-coming bands plus Bellowhead, Pulled Apart by Horses and Steve Mason. Village fete meets Woodstock, where the local vicar runs the tea stall.

Rame Dance Festival – 2-4 July 2010
Mount Edgcumbe, Cornwall
Small-scale event by the beach. It’s dance plus live bands, experimental cabaret, open mike and a dance tent with reggae and dance tunes. Hire a teepee and get that mike.

North Wales Bluegrass Festival – 1-4 July 2010
Conwy, Wales
The 22nd year of this humdinger, where you can catch Jeni Hankin and Billy Kemp, Brian Golbey, Chill Until Blue and Chris Moreton.

Summer Swing – 6-10 July 2010
Kew Gardens, Richmond, Surrey
What to do when you grow up? Get down to Kew for Jools Holland, Björn Again and a Queen symphonic spectacular suite. Dahling, did you pack the organic terrine?

The Big Chill Festival – 5-8 August 2010
Eastnor Castle, Ledbury, Herefordshire
Massive Attack and Lily Allen are the biggies, with a lucky dip of alternative, reggae, electronica, dance and chill-out music and comedy – from seasoned to green. Film, art, cabaret, poetry and some really, really good food stalls.

2000trees Festival – 16-17 July 2010
Withington, near Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
50 acts encompassing rock and indie, folk and metal, pop and experimental, with campfire sing-a-longs and famous headphone disco. Watch out for Frank Turner and Your Twenties and The Xcerts.

These are just a few of the smaller festivals we think you might like to visit, but if you think there are other great festivals that we have missed off please let us know.

Forget about badly organised coach trips from your holiday resort; the best way to experience the sights, culture and way of life of a country, is to take a road trip. And being able to hire a car at any Avis branch across the world makes road trips a real option, not just a daydream!

The home of the great road trip has to be the United States, with thousands of miles of wide open highway criss-crossing America and creating some of the most famous road trips in the world. The iconic Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica takes in 2,400 miles of ever changing country, while the Pacific Coast Highway includes the magnificent Big Sur. On the East Coast, you can drive all the way from New England to the southern tip of the Florida Overseas Highway, with its 43 bridges across the Florida Keys.

World wide, there are lots more thrilling drives for you to enjoy with a little help from Avis. The Savannah Way carries you 2,300 miles from coast to coast in Australia, from Cairns, in Queensland to Broom on the west coast, via 15 stunning national parks. Discover the spectacular settings for Lord of the Rings by driving the 300 miles of New Zealand’s South Island, or drive across Canada, taking in incredible wildlife and wilderness along the 5,000 miles of the Trans Canada Highway – a trip that makes Avis GPS an essential extra.

Europe too has some stunning drives right on your doorstep, so you don’t have to fly off around the world to enjoy a classic road trip. From the French Riviera to Italy’s beautiful Amalfi Coast, from Finland’s 1000 Lakes to the ethereal beauty of Iceland, there’s so much to see. Head for Central Europe and put your driving skills to the test with the twisting, winding Alpine passes. Great St. Bernard Pass, in Switzerland and Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria, both offer breathtaking views. These can be quite challenging but having an extra driver gives you a chance to enjoy some of the scenery and sharing the drive.

And don’t forget about the top road trips you can take right here at home, from the Devon and Cornwall coasts, to the historic Highlands of Scotland, plus of course, the all time classic Lands End to John O’Groats run.

Renting a car from Avis gives you the freedom to explore anywhere you want, in your own time and the way you want. Plus, you can choose the perfect car for any journey, be it a convertibles for Route 66 or a 4×4 for the Australian Outback. And thanks to the convenience of one-way rentals, one-way trips are no problem.

So this summer, forget the bland resort holiday full of fellow Brits; head out and discover the real world on an original road trip with Avis Car Rental Rent a Car.

I am pleased to announce that Avis UK has launched its “Home Delivery” service across the UK. Designed to make the car rental experience more convenient, Avis customers can now request for their rental car to be delivered directly to their home and for it to be collected again at the end of the car hire period.

Avis Home Delivery is ideal for customers that don’t really have the time to pick a hire car up, particularly when they don’t live near a station. It offers them a convenient service and at just £10 each way, it’s great value for money.   This time-saving product is available to UK households across the country* between 08:00 and 18:00, six days a week. 
For more details or to make a reservation visit www.avis.co.uk/homedelivery or call 0844 581 8181.

* Available across the country, with the exception of London

The two Bank Holidays in May are always welcome but after the winter we’ve had this year, they definitely need celebrating. With an Avis car, you can make any trip, near or far, just that little bit more special…

Impress your friends…
Bank Holidays are great for catching up with friends you haven’t seen for a while. Especially if you have pals who live somewhere that has better scenery. Make the most of it by hiring a car instead of taking your own – you don’t have the expense of a hotel, so why not travel in style? Rent a BMW or a Mercedes for the weekend and enjoy the celebrity lifestyle. If you are not 100% sure where you are going Avis GPS to make sure getting lost doesn’t spoil your image.

Enjoy the UK as a tourist…
Living here tends to make you take Britain for granted. Bank Holiday travel outside your own country doesn’t mean going too far when there are three others to explore within the UK.

A really good trip is to take the sleeper to Edinburgh, explore the city and then pick up your Avis rental car to get out to a small family run hotel on the Scottish Coast. Driving back in stages can then take you to Holy Island and the historic city of York. With additional driver cover, you can share the driving and the sightseeing.

Or head further north to Inverness and taking the car to the highlands. Otherwise fly to Dublin then pick up the car at the airport and spend the Saturday evening toasting the Bank Holiday with smooth single malt or some real Irish Guinness. From Dublin you can then take the car up the coast and spend a night in Belfast before flying home from there. Single tickets are available to and from any airport, and a car can be dropped off at any Avis desk, so just make your own rules.

Some early spring sun…
May Bank Holiday weekends at home can be a lot of fun but it’s tempting to plan a longer European break at Whitsun as the kids will be off school at half term. Getting a fly/drive deal is easy and there are so many possibilities within 2 hours of major UK airports.

A plane to Bergerac or Toulouse will deliver you straight into the heart of the French chateaux region to spend a few days driving around the gorgeous medieval villages and dining in style in the warm evenings. A trip to Alicante, Malaga or Lisbon in late May will mean packing sun lotion as the temperatures will be in the mid 20s at least. But if the thought of sunbathing makes you feel hot and bothered, check out flights to Venice – it’s one of the busiest regions in Europe for Avis and a great base for renting a car and exploring northern Italy.

With Avis car hire available at all major European airports, why not make the most of your May breaks?

If you have some great May Bank holiday tips or top locations let us know.

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.

As many of you’ll be heading to South Africa for the football & will be renting a car, we’ve teamed up with the Department of Transport to provide you with helpful driving tips to make your trip more relaxed & enjoyable.

For many people the challenge of driving an unfamiliar vehicle is hard enough, but is made more daunting by having to drive on the left hand side of the road – something which we assure you gets easier after the first day. The trick, aside from the gear lever being operated by the left hand, is the need to look to the left to focus on the central rear view mirror.

South African roads carry close to 10 million vehicles and while the highways have recently undergone major renovations some still have a fair amount of pot holes. Therefore caution is needed when driving, as an inadvertent encounter with a pot hole could cause serious damage to your rental vehicle. You should also be aware that many South African drivers are relatively inexperienced and may be inclined to making a few errors of judgement. So stay alert as you don’t want to sour an otherwise enjoyable drive.

A last note of caution relates to the much publicised crime situation. While the probability of such an incident is slim, we encourage customers to use “common sense”; so steer clear of driving late night in central major cities, be alert when stopped at traffic lights, do not leave valuables and hand bags in view of pedestrians and street hawkers etc. These simple actions will add to a trouble free journey.

Driving around South Africa:

To make your journey easier, Avis provide easy reference maps that cover many of the great drives available in South Africa. We would also recommend hiring a GPS device, which will safely guide you to your destination. In addition to this we advise that you travel with your lights on at all times; while the law doesn’t require this, it’s a sure way of reducing the chance of an accident.

Even more important is the need for you to familiarise yourself with the workings of the vehicle before you drive off. Know how to open the boot and bonnet, plus find where the tools are for changing the wheel in the event of a flat tyre.

Most drivers in South Africa are courteous and will accommodate the needs of another driver, but remember that unlike other countries where vehicles are automatically “given a gap” here it’s acquired partly by some assertive driving and accompanied by a big smile and appropriate gestures (not aggressive ones).

Obeying the law

Generally the road rules are fairly easy to follow,. In South Africa two of the more common speed limits are 60 kph and 120 kph – the former being applicable in built up areas, while the higher speed is for travelling on highways or main roads. If you do encounter a law enforcement office resist the temptation to “bribe” the officer. Politely greet the officer and acknowledge the error with the request to have the “ticket” issued will make the point that as a visitor you do intend to obey the law.

South Africa has some of the best scenic driving roads in the world. We hope that you will not only enjoy a number of these but that the activities and experiences on the way will be savoured and enjoyed.

Enjoy South Africa!