The city of Manchester is England’s lively northern capital offering visitors a special combination of arts and culture, eclectic shopping, trendy bars and of course a rich sporting history.

The city isn’t the only place to discover adventure and excitement though – it is also the gateway to the north of England. Manchester is a great base to explore the surrounding countryside, or take a trip to the seaside. Other cities such as Leeds, Sheffield and Liverpool are also within easy reach. The choice is yours in an Avis hire car.

You'll find the Avis rental station in Manchester at Manchester International Airport. The Avis rental location at Manchester Airport offers car hire vehicles for all occasions whatever your plans and is just a short drive from the city centre. You don't need a car to reach our location, it's easily accessible by public transport and an airline ticket is not needed to get to our rental desk.

When people think of the UK, they often think of London, but Manchester has just as much to offer, from its music to football and its vibrant nightlife. With Avis Car Rental, you can easily and conveniently explore Manchester and the surrounding area and experience all it has to offer.

Museums and Culture

Discover Manchester's industrial past in the city’s 19th-century heartland which today houses museums including the 2.8-hectare Museum of Science and Industry, and People's History Museum and renowned art galleries like the Manchester Art Museum and The Whitworth. Wherever your cultural interests lie, Manchester has got it all and you can explore all of it in comfort and at your own pace in one of our many available hire cars.

Football

Football fans across the globe know of Manchester for its two world-famous clubs Manchester United and Manchester City. Why not join a stadium tour where you'll go up into the stands, get to see inside the players' lounge and even have the chance to walk down the tunnel to the pitch side dugout.

Shopping

You’ll be able to find everything you are looking for, from clothes right through fun activities when you’re out on the town in Manchester. For great shopping head to the Arndale Centre in the heart of Manchester or for even more choice, just 5 miles from the centre of the city, The Trafford Centre is packed with over 200 stores. The Trafford Centre offers plenty of entertainment for all the family from a 20-screen cinema to the SEA LIFE Manchester aquarium and LEGOLAND discovery centre.

Nightlife

In the evening head out to enjoy Manchester's famous nightlife. From real-ale pubs to clubs and live music venues, there's something to suit everyone. Manchester is known for its famous musicians, including bands like Oasis. The city stays true to its musical roots with a full calendar of live music gigs. Find your favourite band performing at one of the many venues or just enjoy live music at a local bar.

Manchester is within easy reach of some of the north of England’s most popular destinations. Hiring a car gives you the chance to head off and explore the countryside around the northern capital, or head for the coast - the choice is yours.

Tatton Park

Take the M56 out of the city and arrive at Tatton Park just around 40 min drive away.  This 19th century mansion with its beautiful, landscaped gardens is set in a 1,000-acre deer park. Kids will love the rare breed animals at the working farm, as well as the adventure play area, woodland trail and den building zone making this the perfect trip for families and friends. Look out for special events throughout the year, such as garden shows and open-air concerts, making a trip to Tatton Park the perfect day out from the city.

Blackpool

Blackpool is just over an hour’s drive from Manchester via the M61. This famous seaside resort draws visitors to the world-famous Blackpool Tower and Pleasure Beach. Don’t miss the Illuminations, an annual light festival that runs from late August to early November.

If you’ve always wanted to experience a typical British seaside resort, Blackpool’s seafront promenade is a great example with three piers, fairground rides, trams, donkey rides and plenty of fish-and-chip shops. It offers a perfect day out whether you are with friends and family or on a solo trip.

Delamere Forest

If you are keen to escape the city, take your hire car to Delamere forest just an hour from Manchester on the M56. Explore the hiking trails, watch out for wildlife or get the adrenaline going by exploring the forest canopy in a treetop challenge. The forest also hosts camping and lodge breaks so when you are booking your hire car, select a vehicle offering plenty of space to pack all the necessities for an outdoor adventure.

If you are feeling inspired, check out our guide to great drives from Manchester.

While many parts of central Manchester and its local attractions are easy to get to on foot and by public transport, it is worth hiring a car to travel across and outside the city. Renting a car in Manchester gives you the chance to explore further afield opening up opportunities to plan a road trip around the north of England.

So, whether you are looking for a good night out, a good game of football or even just an escape from city life you have the freedom and flexibility to take to the open road with your Avis car rental.

Manchester is a well-connected city surrounded by a good road network. In the city centre there is a one-way street system, a tram network and a speed limit of 30mph reducing to 20mph in residential areas. The top tip for driving around Manchester is to plan your route carefully, use GPS and try and avoid peak times – be aware that the rush hour in Manchester runs from 4pm to 6.30pm.

If you are new to driving in the UK, it’s worth checking the driving rules before you travel and pick up your hire car. In Manchester, like the rest of the UK, you will be driving on the left-hand side of the road and when you are driving in the city, be aware that at zebra and parallel crossings, you need to give way to pedestrians and cyclists.

See more on the UK road rules you need to know.