Car Hire Kidderminster

Car Hire

Kidderminster is a town within the Wyre Forest District, a beautiful countryside area of Worcestershire, Western England. The town is the commercial and industrial centre of the county, situated right on the River Stour, a tributary that is slowly regaining life after years of industrial pollution. Kidderminster has long been known for its beautifully crafted woven carpets. A number of great daytrip drives can be done from this town, showcasing some of the best the English countryside has to offer.

Who to Book With
Sixt and Enterprise are the international car hire brands with a presence in this town. Sixt has an office in the Gemini Business Park, while Enterprise has one along Worcester Road in the Hoobrook area. Local car rental companies include Kidderminster Car Hire and CFL Central. Whenever possible, check prices for car rentals online before arrival at your destination to see the best deals available in town.

Best Time to Go
The city remains cool throughout the year, with winter conditions dropping to an average of 6°C. Summer can still be quite chilly, as temperatures play around 10- 20°C. However, summer remains a great time to visit, as the weather is generally sunny and dry, even if not that hot.

Need to Know Essentials
The following items are needed when obtaining your rented vehicle:

- Credit card of the renter
- UK driving licence (or International Driving Permit)
- Proof of identity with a photo
- Confirmation of booking

For more info read our FAQ's.

Driving
Many roads in the Wyre Forest District converge or pass through Kidderminster. From Kidderminster, the A456 runs northeast to Birmingham, while the A449 runs south to the county town of Worcestershire and the City of Worcester. Kidderminster used to have a bit of a traffic problem, eased only by the opening of the ring route that now partly circles the main area of town. It is always best to find a parking spot before exploring the fairly compact downtown area on foot.

For other tips and useful information on driving in the UK, please see our guide to the UK.

Transport

The shopping areas and the family-friendly attractions of the town centre are easy to reach without having to drive. However, there are some great destinations outside of town, so having your own car will still prove useful. At any rate, buses provide a service for those looking to use public transport within the city. Two railways lines also radiate out of Kidderminster, one of which is a still-functional heritage railway.

Trains
There are two railway lines operating in town. Kidderminster Station receives trains operated by Network Rail, which owns most of the railways and rail services of the United Kingdom. Trains run to London, Worcester and Birmingham. A heritage railway line, part of the Severn Valley Railway that runs to Bridgnort, can also be enjoyed here.

Taxis
The UK taxi company Regency Taxis has a base in Kidderminster. The office is located in Comberton Terrace, with services covering Kidderminster, Bewdley and Stourport. Saloon cars and seven-seaters are available. Other taxi companies include The People Carriers and Luxury Travel.

Buses
Buses take passengers from Kidderminster to many stops around town, as well as to other outlying cities and towns. Direct buses are available from Kidderminster to the city centre of Birmingham, as well as to Bewdley, Worcester, Stourport, Bromsgrove and Halesowen.

Exploring

The main attractions of Kidderminster are located in and around the town centre. Shopping areas with cafés and pubs are the popular tourist spots here. Those visiting in the summer will see a lively Carnival and the Kidderminster Art Festival celebrated here. From Kidderminster, it is easy to drive around the picturesque countryside of Western England, visiting small villages such as those of the Cotsworlds, or heading to the main attraction of the county, the West Midland Safari.

Recommended Drives

Bewdley - A nice town sitting along the western banks of the wider River Severn. It offers an excellent daytrip option from Kidderminster, as the town will be a sure hit with children with attractions like the Leisure Park and the West Midland Safari, a recreational area covering about 200 acres featuring exotic animals such as giraffes, lemurs and lions.

Malvern Hills - An area south of Kidderminster and west of Worcester, boasts beautiful scenery and is the perfect place for those looking for a more active holiday. The hills and grasslands here make for fantastic hiking and biking opportunities.

The Cotswolds - These offer the best of the English countryside, with villages made up of quaint little wooden houses, small quiet ponds and short stone bridges. The area can be reached by driving south on the A449 and branching east on the A44 just before Worcester. The Cotsworlds are only around 40 miles from Kidderminster.