Car & Van Hire - Stansted

Enterprise options in Stansted include vehicles ranging from compact cars for customers travelling light, through to full-size MPVs for larger families with luggage. Larger groups may also wish to consider a Ford Transit Custom Tourneo nine-passenger mini bus hire.

Alternatively, a small 4x4, such as a Toyota Rav 4 (or similar vehicle), will suit groups who wish to drive deep into the green countryside and explore the area's nature trails, wooded picnic places and local hostelry.

In addition to the airport and a selection of hotels to suit various budgets, the nearest village is Stansted Mountfitchet, situated only two miles away on the border of Essex and Hertfordshire. Part of Uttlesford district, the village population totals around six thousand. The original Saxon settlement of Stansted predates the Norman invasion in 1066, when the village took the suffix of Mountfitchet from a French baron who settled there. A small remnant of an original castle remains, which these days is surrounded by the reconstruction of an early Norman castle. Bishop's Stortford is a drive of just a few minutes, being situated only 3 miles away. London is 35 miles from here and quickly reached via the M11 motorway.

Spicing up that trip to Stanstead, you might even decide to explore the local area. Nearby locations include Elsenham and Thorley, along with Braintree and historic Saffron Walden, a picturesque rural market town in north-west Essex. Its rich heritage dates back some nine centuries, to 1141. There are numerous independent shops and boutiques to delight keen shoppers, especially in the charming Rows. As well as cafes and restaurants, the centrally located St Mary’s parish church is the largest in the county, though there are some interesting pubs that may appeal to the less saintly - the Old Sun Inn and the timber-framed Cross Keys being just two examples.

Alternatively, the medieval building at One, Myddylton Place is particularly interesting for architectural buffs. Saffron Walden Museum is one of the oldest museum buildings in the country, with displays that include Egyptian mummies and ancient mammoth tusks.

Bridge End Garden boasts a hedge maze and the Fry Art Gallery. The town’s open spaces include an old common that features a turf labyrinth, ideal for children to play energetically as they run, turn and wind round the circular maze.

Near Saffron Walden, Audley End house and gardens are not to be missed by visitors who appreciate impressive period properties. This stately home is interesting for a longer visit, with something for all ages - from the Mansion House with nursery, the Coal Gallery, an 1880s Service Wing and walled gardens to the stable yard, cream teas and playground.

Further afield lie the university city of Cambridge, the immense Thetford Forest and the fine city of Norwich. Here, classic Victorian market stalls can be found in the curiously yet aptly named centre, Haymarket. This busy crossroads is replete with shops and within sight of the Forum, built to commemorate the new millennium and as a futuristic home for Norwich Library and a museum. A little further northwards is the Norfolk coast, with Hunstanton Beach and the attractive Victorian coastal resorts of Cromer, Sheringham, Blakeney and Morston for boat trips to Blakeney Point.

Short-stay and long-stay parking are available at Stansted Airport. Additionally, a number of long stay parking companies operate from nearby bases and offer transfers to the terminal building. Occasionally, the access road to the terminal building may be closed for security reasons. In these cases, traffic is usually redirected to the airport short stay car park.

Traffic may sometimes be slow on the nearby M11 during peak hours. From time to time, this arterial motorway is subject to road works, with lane closures, contraflow and possible delays. When possible, work is planned during the late evening and the night to alleviate the effects on traffic. Ample parking is also available in the nearby town of Bishops Stortford.

With rental branches across the county, Enterprise offers cheap car hire from convenient, accessible locations. Our large fleet of new vehicles includes great value economy and compact cars, sporty SUVs and spacious people carriers. Whether you need a vehicle for a single day or longer, Enterprise Rent-A-Car has the perfect car to suit your needs. Book online from our Staffordshire branch to guarantee your choice of vehicle at the best possible price.

Moving house or just moving furniture? Enterprise has you covered with a range of vans from our Staffordshire branch. From smaller passenger vans to larger commercial vans, book online from our Staffordshire van hire page to reserve your perfect vehicle at an unbeatable price.