• Zipcar reports a 25% increase in users travelling to access green spaces outside of London, compared to this time last year
• Zipcar reveals the top 10 routes that will reconnect busy Londoners with the greenest spaces right on their doorstep, all within an hour of the capital
• Londoners also have the chance to win a free round-trip courtesy of Zipcar UK meaning you don’t need to own a car to experience the great outdoors

THURSDAY 20 OCTOBER, LONDON, UK: In the UK, Londoners are by far the least likely to have access to a garden and one in five (21%) households in the capital has no outside space[1]. With over 9 million people living in London and amid the pressures of city-living, this Autumn offers the ideal opportunity to escape, and explore the greenest spaces right on your doorstep.

As Autumn arrives, Zipcar UK, the UK’s leading car-sharing club, is encouraging Londoners to get outside and reconnect with nature. With 25 percent more Zipcar users travelling to get to green spaces outside of London compared to the same time last year[2], now is the perfect time to book your next road trip adventure, as more people plan to get out of the city and enjoy the great outdoors.

To support Londoners getting outside this Autumn, Zipcar has collated the ultimate list of green road trip destinations. These are all within an hour of London and you can get to them, without needing to own a car.

James Taylor, UK General Manager at Zipcar says: “We know that it’s important for people to reconnect with nature, there is unequivocal evidence that shows spending time in green spaces benefits mental and physical wellbeing. Driving has a role to play in facilitating access to the great outdoors and areas which might feel inaccessible without a car. Giving our members access to newer vehicles and electric cars as part of the UK’s largest publicly accessible EV fleet, means they can get there with fewer emissions.

“Rediscovering the great outdoors is one of the many benefits of having access to a car which is why all our recommended road trips are within an hour of home to ensure that Londoners feel it’s both accessible and achievable to reconnect with nature this Autumn. To support more people to get out on the road, we are also offering the chance to win two days in a Roundtrip Zipcar to help facilitate more opportunities to explore nature all year round.”

 Zipcar UK is inviting Londoners to visit any green destination this Autumn in order to win two days in a Roundtrip Zipcar that can be used any time in the next year.  Follow @ZipcarUK on Instagram, share a photo at the road trip destination of choice and tag #ZipcarExplore for a chance to win, T&Cs apply*.

See Terms & Conditions of entry https://www.zipcar.com/en-gb/blog/community/10-greenest-routes

Top 10 greenest road trip destinations within an hour of Central London

Box Hill

Distance from London: 45 mins (26.8 miles via A3)

Listed as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), Box Hill extends across a quarter of the county of Surrey, from Farnham in the west to Oxted in the east. With its diverse landscape, sweeping hills, colourful flowers and magnificent views of the countryside, Box Hill feels a world away from the bustle of London, yet it is just on its doorstep at only 45 minutes away. The infamous Box Hill Hike takes approximately four hours during which hikers will be treated to spectacular views and plenty of lunch options along the way.

Stop off in Addlestone and charge your EV at the Shell Charging Station while you take a 15-minute walk to Chertsey Meads Park.

Source: Unsplash

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Saffron Walden

Distance from London: 58 mins (46.4 miles)

Located in north-west Essex, Saffron Walden is a picturesque, medieval town with a rich heritage of old buildings and monuments. On the north side of Saffron Walden is the natural charm of Bridge End Garden, which hosts replicated gardening techniques from the Victorian era and a charming maze. The walk into the garden hosts an array of historical galleries including the 1930s Fry Art Gallery making Saffron Walden the perfect weekend escape to get busy Londoners back into nature with a touch of history.

Stop off in Bishops Stortford and charge your EV at the Gridserve Charging Station while you take a 5-minute walk to Bishops Stortford Golf Club and admire the scenery.

Source: Unsplash

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Chiltern Hills

Distance from London: 50 mins (26 miles)

Listed as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), Chiltern Hills is located to the northwest of London surrounded by beautiful countryside and grand estates. Known as a quintessentially English countryside, Chiltern Hills has a landscape of beauty, steeped in history that possesses unique cultural heritage features. With 24 square miles of countryside on the doorsteps of London, Chiltern Hills is the perfect location to explore and unwind from busy city life.

Stop off in Berkhamsted and charge your EV at the Chargemaster Charging Station while you take a 6-minute walk to Berkhamsted Castle.