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Car and Van Rental in East Anglia

Find out more about where you can hire a vehicle from at Rent Direct

Searching for car or van hire shouldn’t be a stressful task, so thanks to us here at Rent Direct, it isn’t! Specialising in hire cars, vans and MPVs, we offer short term and long term rental agreements to suit your needs and also provide corporate contracts too. 

Proudly serving customers across East Anglia for over 20 years, you won’t find us on price comparison websites because at Rent Direct you’re doing just that - renting, direct! Unlike many of the national vehicle hire companies, we own our cars, vans and MPVs which means you benefit from the best price possible. 

Visit a Rent Direct branch at one of six locations across the region, including branches in Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk, so we’re never too far away! Whether you’re local to us or visiting from elsewhere, we want to make your visit as enjoyable and straightforward as possible. 

Each of our branches will be found next to our sister company car dealerships - EMG Motor Group - so you won’t be able to miss us. From transport links to useful information, fun facts and tourist ‘hotspots’ find out more about each of our branches across the counties of East Anglia… 

Visit the Rent Direct Cambridge branch in Cambridgeshire

If you’re looking to rent a car, van or MPV in the Cambridge area then you know where to come; the Rent Direct Cambridge branch is within easy reach: 

How to find the Rent Direct Cambridge branch by road

Located on the A1309 Milton Road in Cambridge, you’ll find the Rent Direct Cambridge branch just off the main A14 at the Milton Interchange junction and a stone’s throw from Cambridge Science Park (dubbed the Silicon Fen area).  

Travelling to Cambridge by train

A sought-after destination for many people, Cambridge can be easily reached by rail with connections to major train stations in London (including Stansted Airport), Norwich, Peterborough, Oxford, and Nottingham to name just a few of the most popular routes. 

Find out the routes and travel time to Cambridge from where you are by visiting the National Rail Enquiries Trains to Cambridge page.   

Top attractions in Cambridge  

The town of Cambridge located on the River Cam in the east of England is best known for its world-famous university. Brimming with culture, a staggering 7.6 million tourists visit Cambridge every year to experience their own slice of history. Here’s five of the top attractions in Cambridge you simply won’t want to miss! 

  1. Go punting and enjoy a picnic on the River Cam
  2. Soak in the spirit and spaciousness of King’s College
  3. It’s mind over matter with a walk on the Mathematical Bridge
  4. Get back to nature in the Cambridge University Botanic Garden
  5. Wow at the architectural wonder of the world-famous colleges at The Backs 

Fascinating facts about Cambridge

  • Cambridge is the cycling capital of the UK
  • Cambridge is considered to be the birthplace of football
  • The University of Cambridge is over 800 years old
  • 121 ex-students of the University of Cambridge have been awarded the Nobel Prize
  • The famous Mathematical Bridge uses only straight pieces of timber to create an illusion that it is in fact arched
  • The Museum of Zoology is home to the largest fin whale skeleton ever found which is 21-metres long
  • The Jesus Green Lido is the longest outdoor pool in Europe at 91-metres long
  • The Bridge of Sighs shares its name with a bridge in Venice and is Cambridge’s most famous landmark
  • In the middle ages Cambridge was called Grantabridge

Visit the Rent Direct Huntingdon branch in Cambridgeshire

If you’re looking to rent a car, van or MPV in the Huntingdon area then you know where to come; the Rent Direct Huntingdon branch is within easy reach:

How to find the Rent Direct Huntingdon branch by road

Located on the B1044 Stukeley Road, you’ll find the Rent Direct Huntingdon branch nestled in the Stukeley Meadows Industrial Estate just off the A141. We’re accessible from the A1 motorway and A14.  

Travelling to Huntingdon by train

The traditional market town of Huntingdon is accessible by rail with connections to most of the major London train stations, such as London St Pancras International and London Bridge, as well as a direct route to Gatwick Airport. 

Top attractions in Huntingdon

Officially declared a town by King John in 1205, Huntingdon sits within the historic county Huntingdonshire within the Cambridgeshire district. A bustling market town, Huntingdon sits on an ancient Roman Road called Ermine Street and boasts a traditional medieval square. Here’s five of the top attractions in Huntingdon you’ll want to put on the list:

  1. Take a trip over the Town Bridge which crosses the Great River Ouse
  2. Immerse yourself in history at the Cromwell Museum
  3. Stop off at the Tudor George Hotel once owned by Oliver Cromwell’s grandfather
  4. Visit the 1,000-year-old Houghton Mill Grade 2 listed building
  5. Explore England’s largest reservoir and relax at Grafham Water     

Fascinating facts about Huntingdon

  • Oliver Cromwell was born in Huntingdon in 1599 before he became an MP
  • Former Prime Minister John Major served as MP of Huntingdon from 1979 until he retired in 2002
  • A species of elm was discovered in the area and rightly named the ‘Huntingdon Elm’
  • Dick Turpin stayed in the town’s famous George Hotel
  • Huntingdon boasts the largest meadow in England, called Portholme Meadow 

Visit the Rent Direct Bury St Edmunds branch in Suffolk

If you’re looking to rent a car, van or MPV in the Suffolk area then you know where to come; the Rent Direct Bury St Edmunds branch is within easy reach: 

How to find the Rent Direct Bury St Edmunds branch by road

Located on the A1101 Fornham Road, you’ll find the Rent Direct Bury St Edmunds branch right by the railway station and opposite Tesco superstore. Not far from the A14, turn off at junction 43 to find us.

Travelling to Bury St Edmunds by train

Bury St Edmunds is accessible by rail and sits on the Ipswich to Ely trainline. Operated by Greater Anglia, you can rely on regular services from London Kings Cross and Liverpool Street. 

Top attractions in Bury St Edmunds

Bury St Edmunds (that’s Bury to the locals!) is a historic cathedral town considered to be the ‘jewel in the crown of Suffolk’. It’s fast becoming the go-to place for foodies thanks to the collection of award-winning fine dining restaurants and pubs renowned for their home-cooked cuisines. Here’s five of the top attractions in Bury St Edmunds you’ll want to visit:

  1. Step back in time with a walk around the Abbey of St Edmund
  2. Explore an abundance of medieval streets and architecture
  3. Breathe in nature with miles of parkland at the National Trust’s Ickworth Park
  4. Take part in a ghost tour to discover Bury St Edmunds’ haunted side
  5. Have a history lesson at West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village - a site of huge archaeological importance

Fascinating facts about Bury St Edmunds

  • Home to the original patron Saint of England - Saint Edmund
  • The Abbey of St Edmund was the largest, richest and most powerful Benedictine monasteries in England during Medieval times
  • King John accepted the Magna Carta (Great Charter) in Bury St Edmunds
  • Greene King has been brewing in the town for over 200 years
  • The British Sugar Factory was built in Bury St Edmunds in 1924     

Visit the Rent Direct Ipswich branch in Suffolk

If you’re looking to rent a car, van or MPV in the Suffolk area then you know where to come; the Rent Direct Ipswich branch is within easy reach: 

How to find the Rent Direct Ipswich branch by road

Located on West End Road next to the River Orwell, you’ll find the Rent Direct Ipswich branch not far from Ipswich Town Football Club. Reach us via the A14 before taking the A1214 towards the river. 

Travelling to Ipswich by train

Set on the River Orwell, Ipswich is a must-visit destination in Suffolk and accessible by rail from other major towns such as Lowestoft, Norwich and Cambridge. Jump on a train from London’s Liverpool Street and arrive in Ipswich in under an hour.

Top attractions in Ipswich

A county town packed full of hidden treasures, Ipswich is a great day out for the entire family. The port town boasts a wonderfully historic waterfront which is lined with shops, cafes, restaurants and galleries. Here’s five of the top attractions in Ipswich you’ll want to visit:

  1. Sail down the River Orwell for a trip by boat
  2. Whet your appetite down at the waterfront where you can experience the historic port of Ipswich
  3. Go back in time by visiting the 15th-Century Tudor Manor in Christchurch Park
  4. Take in the stunning views at Alton Water which is Suffolk’s largest reservoir
  5. Experience country life at Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park  

Fascinating facts about Ipswich

  • One of Suffolk’s most prominent landmarks, Ipswich’s Framlingham Castle has been made even more famous thanks to Ed Sheeran’s hit song ‘Castle on the Hill’
  • Speaking of which, Ed Sheeran was once a resident of Ipswich, and actors Ralph Fiennes and Richard Ayoade were born there too
  • Nearby Lavenham was used as ‘Godric’s Hollow’ in the Harry Potter movies
  • Charles Dickens used Ipswich as the setting in his novel The Pickwick Papers    

Visit the Rent Direct King’s Lynn branch in Norfolk

If you’re looking to rent a car, van or MPV in the Norfolk area then you know where to come; the Rent Direct King’s Lynn branch is within easy reach: 

How to find the Rent Direct King’s Lynn branch by road

Located on Hardwick Narrows by Puny Drain, you’ll find the Rent Direct King’s Lynn branch via the A47 at the Hardwick Roundabout. Not too far from the Hardwick Retail Park, you can also get to us from the A10 and A149. 

Travelling to King’s Lynn by train

Visitors to King’s Lynn by rail will find the market town on the Fen line in West Norfolk. Travel on the train stress free from Cambridge in under an hour, Peterborough in under 90 minutes, and London’s King’s Cross station in under two hours. 

Top attractions in King’s Lynn

Lovingly referred to by the locals as ‘Lynn’, the important port town of King’s Lynn is brimming with history and things to do and see. Expect an abundance of cobbled streets alongside the maritime landscape of the quayside. Here are five of the top attractions in King’s Lynn that will keep you busy during your visit:

  1. Take the ferry across the Great River Ouse for a view along the water
  2. Experience a taste of royal life at Sandringham House and Gardens
  3. Discover Norman Castle - the largest and best-preserved medieval keeps in England
  4. Wonder at the wild birds who consider the well-known ‘Wash’ their home
  5. Get back to nature with a walk in Norfolk’s world-famous Fens 

Fascinating facts about King’s Lynn

  • King’s Lynn used to be called Bishop’s Lynn until 1537
  • Drummer Roger Taylor from the rock band Queen was born in King’s Lynn
  • The 800-year-old King John's Cup is displayed at the town hall, and is the oldest and best example of its kind
  • Actor Michael Caine was evacuated to King’s Lynn during the second world war  

Visit the Rent Direct Spalding branch in Lincolnshire

If you’re looking to rent a car, van or MPV in the Lincolnshire area then you know where to come; the Rent Direct Spalding branch is within easy reach:

How to find the Rent Direct Spalding branch by road

Located on the B1180 Glendum Close, you’ll find the Rent Direct Spalding branch alongside Vernatt’s Drain on the edge of the town and within easy reach of the A16. We’re not far from the popular Springfield’s outlet shopping centre.

Travelling to Spalding by train

The town of Spalding is accessible via rail where you can enjoy a scenic journey through the Lincolnshire Fens before reaching the River Welland. While there aren’t any direct trains from London to Spalding, the journey to/from King’s Cross is about one and a half hours. 

Top attractions in Spalding

Situated on the River Welland in what’s called the ‘South Holland’ district of Lincolnshire, Spalding is the largest market town in the county. Famous for its tulip industry, the town is rich with exciting history and connects from the River all the way to the world-famous ‘Wash’. Here’s five of the top attractions in Spalding you’ll want to stop off and visit:

  1. Sail along the River Welland in one of the many taxi boats from the town centre
  2. Enjoy an abundance of colour when the tulips are in full bloom across various destinations in the town
  3. Shop for less at Springfields Outlet Shopping Centres
  4. Entertain the kids at Springfields Adventureland - home to the UK’s largest JCB young rivers zone!
  5. Discover over 100 different owls and birds of prey at Baytree Owl and Wildlife Centre

Fascinating facts about Spalding 

  • The town has played host to an annual springtime Flower Parade for 55 years 
  • Spalding was a central point for the Romans who used the land for salt
  • In the 6th century, the Spaldingas tribe settled in the area from where the town got its name
  • The very first barcode was used at Key Markets in Spalding back in 1979

Hire a vehicle for the holidays

Whether you’re visiting the area for a few days or a few weeks, then make your travels around East Anglia much easier with a hire car, van or MPV. Use our online booking system to rent a vehicle at a time that suits you or visit one of our branches to chat with us in person - we’ll have you on the road in no time!  

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