Car Hire Southampton

The backdrop of the glistening rivers Test and Itchen makes this port city an attractive destination. With a car at your disposal you can visit the beautiful beaches and areas of outstanding natural beauty that make up England’s south coast.

First stop, the cultural quarter of the city. This is where you’ll find Southampton City Art Gallery and the SeaCity Museum. From the train station, it’s less than five minutes in the car around the one-way system and Havelock Road. Those setting off from the airport should head down the A335 and onto the A3024. To visit the bustling harbour, packed with hotels, bars and restaurants, follow the A33 down to the quayside and discover all that this lively waterside area has to offer.

A 25-minute drive via the M3 will take you to South Downs National Park. It’s the perfect place to embrace your inner explorer and hike, cycle and horse ride to your heart’s content. Breathe in the fresh country air as you discover its diverse landscapes, ranging from ancient woodlands to flower-specked meadows.

Swap the county for the coast with a scenic trip through Devon, along the A35 and A30 to reach Cornwall’s surf capital, Newquay. You can master the waves at the city’s famed Fistral Beach before stopping off at the idyllic fishing villages dotted along the Atlantic coastline.

Driving in Southampton is much the same as it is in Ireland – you’ll use the left-hand side of the road and the driver and all passengers must wear a seatbelt. Keep an eye out for national speed limit signs, with the maximum varying from 48 km/h in built-up areas to 112 km/h on motorways. The distances and speed limits in the UK are in miles and miles per hour.

Its waterfront location has given Southampton a rich maritime heritage and a focus, today, on water sports - particularly sailing.You can take in the stunning south coast scenery at your own pace, stretch your legs on mile after mile of sandy beaches or wander in the luscious green countryside - it’s your choice.

Trace the city’s roots

Learn all about Southampton’s connection to the sea at SeaCity Museum. The Titanic Story exhibition provides insight into the city’s links with the infamously doomed ocean liner – wander around the interactive model of the Titanic to get a feel for its design and listen to the stories about the locals who worked aboard the ship. It’s a story that still fascinates today.

The city’s proximity to the coast makes it the perfect place to sample fresh seafood. After a day of exploring, make your way down to the waterside and take a seat at The Jetty. Enjoy beautiful views of the river as you feast on local catches – sea bream ceviche, stone bass bourguignon and sashimi all feature on the menu.

Leave footprints in the sand

It’s just a short, scenic drive straight through the centre of the New Forest National Park to Bournemouth. You may well spot wild ponies on your way through what was, long in the past, King William I’s hunting ground.

As you arrive into this seaside resort, fringed by pristine beaches and exotic palms, you could be forgiven for thinking you’d been transported to a Mediterranean seafront. The seven miles of golden sand form some of the best beaches in the UK. When the weather sends the mercury upwards, head to Bournemouth beach, which boasts Blue Flag status. Relax on the honeyed sands or, for something a little more high-octane, try your hand at paddle boarding, kayaking or canoeing on the water.

The wonderful Isle of Wight

Voyage across the Solent from Southampton aboard a car ferry for a day trip to the Isle of Wight. The journey itself is all part of the experience as you sail over to the island, with panoramic views across the south coast.

Pack a picnic and take a road trip around the island – with its compact size you can easily visit a handful of its quaint villages and pristine beaches in just one day. Embrace the unspoilt nature of its secluded spots and take the opportunity to discover hidden coves and dramatic cliffs. Alternatively, make for Shanklin Beach. Popular for its long, sandy shore and vibrant promenade, there’s no better place on the island for a typically British seaside experience.

Finish off your day at Needles Old and New Battery. This Victorian coastal defence to the west of the island once served as a secret rocket testing base in the Cold War, but now offers an intriguing glimpse into the Isle of Wight’s past. Amble around the history-stuffed exhibits and enjoy the beautiful views of The Needles Rock from the cliff top fort.

As you can see, car hire from Southampton is the perfect way to explore this port city, and also the perfect starting point for a memorable south coast road trip.