London is a fascinating city, crammed with history, famous attractions, exciting culture and recognisable landmarks. There are so many ways in which to fill you days: take in a West End show, cruise along the River Thames, feed the animals at London Zoo or check if the Queen is in residence at Buckingham Palace. 

You may never have considered car hire; London is synonymous with black cabs and red double decker buses, but once the novelty of those have worn off (both your feet and wallet will feel the pinch), renting a car is actually a great way to see the sights while avoiding train delays, huge crowds of people and long walks between tube stations.

Why hoof all your bags of shopping - inevitable as no trip to London is complete without hitting Oxford Street, Covent Garden, Kings Road or Camden Market - on and off public transport when you can fling it easily in the boot of the hire car? Why be restricted to times of the last bus or train when a hire car will provide the freedom to come and go as you please?

If your trip extends beyond a couple of days, why not take your hire car outside the capital and visit some of the South's other great towns and villages? It's cheaper than getting the train.

Within an hour and a half of leaving London, you could be eating fish and chips on the seafront at Brighton followed by a walk along the historic Pier, catching the sun and dipping your toes in the sea. You could follow that up with a visit to the Brighton Pavilion, formerly the residence of the Prince Regent and built in the beautiful, ornate Indian "onion" style. 

Wind your way along The Lanes in search of some great antiques and a nice meal before sampling Brighton's famous nightlife or perhaps seeing a top act in concert at the Brighton Centre. You might want to stay overnight, you'll be exhausted. Then take a leisurely drive back to London, through the countryside, maybe stopping for a picnic.

Make the most of your trip, hire a car and get sightseeing properly!