Car Hire Preston

• St. George's Shopping Centre on Lune Street: Offers around 400 paid parking spaces close to Preston Railway Station and Fishergate shopping district.
• Sykes Street Parking: Provides approximately 150 paid parking spots near the Harris Museum and Art Gallery and Preston Bus Station.

Electric vehicle charging points are available at:

• St. George's Shopping Centre
• E.ON Drive Charging Station, Bluebell Way, Preston PR2 5PZ

Speed Limits in Preston

Be sure to adhere to the local speed limits when you hire a car in Preston:

• City Centre: Generally 30 mph, limited to 20 mph in specific zones.
• Residential Areas: Typically 30 mph, although many neighbourhoods now have 20 mph limits.
• Peripheral Areas: 60 mph applies only to national speed limit single carriageways, and 70 mph to dual carriageways and motorways — unless signage states otherwise.

Speed limits are clearly posted and enforced with cameras in some zones.

 Key Roads in Preston

When you rent a car in Preston, getting around is easy because of the city’s connectivity. Explore these roads in your Preston car hire:

• A59: Runs from Liverpool to York, close to Preston's city centre and connecting conveniently to Blackburn and Clitheroe.
• M6: A part of the UK's primary motorway spine, it is also a north-south motorway that links Preston with Birmingham to the south and Carlisle towards Scotland.
• A6: Connects Preston directly to Lancaster in the north and Chorley in the south.

Traffic in Preston

To avoid delays in your car rental in Preston, be aware of local traffic patterns:

• The busiest road is the A6, particularly around the city centre.
• Peak congestion typically occurs on weekdays between 8–10 AM and again from 3–6 PM, so plan your journeys accordingly.

• Harris Museum, Art Gallery & Library: A landmark museum showcasing fine art, local history, and cultural exhibits. Enjoy interactive displays and art events. Paid parking is available close by on both Church and Sykes Streets.
• Ribble Steam Railway and Museum: Discover Lancashire's steam locomotive history with vintage train rides and fascinating exhibits. Free parking is available on-site for your rental vehicle.
• St Walburge's Church: View the tallest parish church spire in England and explore its Gothic Revival architecture. Free parking is available at Victoria Car Park II.

Things to Do in Preston

Preston has plenty to keep you entertained, from lively city spots to peaceful countryside escapes. Make the most of your car rental in Preston with these exciting activities:

• Have a day out at Level Preston: Enjoy family-friendly bowling, laser tag, and mini-golf. Ideal for groups, it's conveniently located with parking facilities nearby.
• Drive to Brockholes Nature Reserve: Just a 30-minute drive via the A59, this picturesque nature reserve offers scenic walking trails and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.
• Catch a show by the Preston Musical Comedy Society: Enjoy musicals, comedies, and original local productions in an intimate theatre setting. Their shows are usually held at the Preston Playhouse Theatre.

Shopping in Preston

Preston offers a variety of retail experiences. When you hire a car in Preston, you can easily explore everything from modern shopping centres to lively open-air markets.

• Fishergate Shopping Centre: Located at the heart of the city, this indoor mall features popular brands, cafés, and quick bites. It's a convenient stop for clothing, electronics, and everyday essentials.
• Flag Market: A historic market space right outside the Harris Museum, Flag Market often hosts pop-up stalls selling local produce, vintage books, crafts, and seasonal goods.
• Miller Arcade: A Victorian-era arcade with boutique stores, barbers, and cafés. It's a charming spot for buying unique gifts and artisanal items, and browsing independent labels.

Nightlife in Preston

Preston's nightlife offers a variety of options, from music venues to comedy clubs and playhouses. Here are some spots you can explore:

1. Preston Guild Hall: This iconic venue has been closed to the public for a few years now. It used to host everything from stand-up comedy and concerts to theatre productions. 
2. Preston Opera: For refined entertainment, catch a performance by the Preston Opera Company. Their shows feature talented local artists and timeless classics that are performed at the Charter Theatre or other local venues.

A car rental in Preston city makes it easy to navigate between the Paseo Marítimo and the historic center, allowing you to experience the diverse nightlife options Preston has to offer.