OliverDouglas

We are planning a multi-day trip from London to Leeds Castle, to Canterbury, to Dover, and back to London and were thinking we should rent a car, as we will have two large bags with us and don't want to deal with stowing luggage on and off the trains (at least one of which would be a commuter). Our thought was that we would take a taxi cab from our hotel in London to a rental car agency just outside of London (in order to avoid driving in London). Can anyone suggest a good place in that area to rent a car? I noticed there is a railway station in the south, Penge, that has car rental, but I'm guessing there is probably something more convenient southeast of London. Thanks.

janisj

>>Our thought was that we would take a taxi cab from our hotel in London to a rental car agency just outside of London (in order to avoid driving in London). <<

Far easier, faster and cheaper would be to take the train to Maidstone and collect a car there. Or even train to LGW and get the car there.

Driving in south London is a bear and a taxi far enough south or east to be out of the mess would cost a fortune.

Re the luggage - just how 'large' are you talking about?

OliverDouglas

By large, I mean two rolling suitcases that weigh about 50 lbs. each.

OliverDouglas

Thank you for your suggestion, I think we are going to do as you suggested and take the train to Maidstone, rent a car there and then return it to Maidstone on the way back.

janisj

>>and then return it to Maidstone on the way back.<<

Only if that make sense re your full itinerary -- are you just going to Dover/Canterbury/Leeds Castle -- or are you also exploring other parts of Kent/East Sussex?

If Just those three places -- then yes, returning it at Maidstone works.

PalenQ

Just some note from Maidstone to Canterbury:

From Maidstone -a nice regional town- stay off the motorway and take side roads - like Pilgrim's Way - which medieval pilgrims took to Cantrbury- it is however a narrow road with 'passing lanes' - when long ago leading bike trips between Maidstone and Canterbury we took that route - so so sweet - the quintessential English countryside.

Chilham is a small village near Canterbury if looking for a more romantic place to stay other than Canterbury and Chilham Castle is dreamy too - much more than a Leeds that always left me underwhelmed - but if you like dog collars its dog collar museum is nice.

Also near Maidstone is Allington Castle which is a neat old medieval castle in a sylvan setting by locks on the River Medway:

http://www.hha.org.uk/Property/788/Allington-Castle

Dover Castle is one of the finest in England.

Well anyway some thoughts in case you want to stay off the blah motorway filled with trucks from the Channel Tunnel and see some castles perhaps more romantic than Leeds.

OliverDouglas

Yes, just those three. Thanks.

OliverDouglas

We will try to go with the side roads. Thanks.

PalenQ

The real side roads like Pilgrim's Way (a road part -most of Pilgrim's Way is a foot path or cycle way) are one land roads with as said before 'passing lanes' - these require constant attention when rounding curves, et especially as they are often lined on both sides with hedgerows.

I find that my right-hand drive American mentality is no problem on dual carriageways but when on an isolated narrow road I sometimes revert to the right hand thinking without thinking.

But these roads are so so sweet - very few other cars and well paved but just a word of caution.

PalenQ

http://www.shepherdneame.co.uk/pubs/...ma/find-us/367

Looking for a real typical English country pub? Just a short way off the A-2 main road to Canterbury, near Faversham - I've stumbled in (and out of) there many times as on our bike trips we camped in this tiny hamlet - Painter's Forestall - anyway about 15 miles before Canterbury for a pub lunch or R&R!

http://www.almafaversham.co.uk/

Trip Advisors like it too:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaura...t_England.html

We biked on neat rural roads to Painter's Forestall where the ancient Alma Pub is the village gathering place - farmers in their work clothes - more posh locals working in cities - grannies - everyone it seems at their local.

Anyway for something you won't find on motorways or in large cities.

Cheers!