Have you ever spent a day exploring close to home and thought, “Why go on holiday when there’s so much to see nearby?” That’s exactly how I felt driving through Somerset, using the new car-sharing service from Car and Away at Bristol Airport. This service is like Airbnb for cars, allowing you to rent out your car while you’re away or rent someone else’s car at Bristol or Gatwick Airport.

Thanks to Car and Away, I picked up a rental car from Bristol Airport and drove through the beautiful Mendip Hills, just south of Bristol. My journey took me to the charming village of Bruton in Somerset, where I met a friend for lunch and enjoyed the Hauser and Wirth art exhibitions and gardens. Although I only had the car for a short time, it gave me a taste of the wonderful things to do near Bristol Airport.

Picking up the car at Bristol Airport was quick and easy. From the arrivals terminal, it’s a five-minute walk to the multistory car park where the Car and Away rental cars are located. If you’re dropping off your car for Car and Away to rent out while you’re away, the process is the same. You drive to the multistory car park, get buzzed in by the team, and leave your car in their designated area.

Since all the paperwork was handled online before I arrived, it only took about ten minutes to get on the road. I had already uploaded my driving license details, so I just needed to show my actual license. Then, I spent ten minutes with the Car and Away team checking the car for any scratches or dents. The paperwork, including insurance details and contact numbers, was already in the car, along with some sweets and bottled water—a nice touch!

Driving south of Bristol Airport, I enjoyed the stunning views of the Mendip Hills’ patchwork fields and woodlands. I was amazed that such beautiful English countryside was so close to home and promised myself to explore more of Somerset. In less than an hour, I arrived in Bruton, a village known for its artistic vibe and attractive old stone houses.

Bruton is full of charming shops selling vintage clothing and luxurious boho items for your country home. I visited At the Chapel, a place I’ve wanted to stop for coffee after seeing so many perfect photos of it. I also wandered through the lanes between the houses, imagining myself living the good life in this picturesque village.

I managed to tear myself away from the boutiques in time to meet my friend for lunch at the Hauser and Wirth art center, located in the converted farm buildings of Durslade Farm. The center features innovative contemporary art exhibitions in beautiful old barns. The exhibitions are free to visit, and we had a great time discussing the thought-provoking art pieces.

The gardens at Hauser and Wirth were stunning with their autumn colors. Designed by renowned landscape designer Piet Oudolf, the gardens feature a meadow of perennial plants, a reflective lily pond, and a pavilion shaped like a giant pebble.

For lunch, we went to the Roth Bar and Grill, also part of the Hauser and Wirth complex. The bar has a colorful, quirky vibe, and the dining room in the open-beamed barn is decorated with artworks. The menu changes based on seasonal and local produce, and we enjoyed fresh pressed juices and delicious dishes like sea bass in butter sauce and spicy Moroccan beef.

It was a fantastic day exploring Somerset, and the drive from Bristol Airport was easy. Although I was trying out the Car and Away service differently than a typical customer, the booking process was straightforward. I entered my dates on their website, chose a VW Golf, and completed the pre-rental checks online. This included providing my driving license details and credit card information.

The whole process was quick and painless, taking about 5-10 minutes online. Car and Away’s prices are competitive, and they aim to be slightly below the market rate. Additional drivers, sat nav, and children’s car seats are either included or come with a small, clear charge upfront.

Overall, I had a great experience with Car and Away and highly recommend exploring Somerset if you’re visiting the West Country.