Car hire Southampton

The historic UK port city of Southampton lies at the confluence of the rivers Test and Itchen, just up from the narrow strait giving access to the Isle of Wight. The city offers lots of fascinating attractions and museums and is the perfect base for exploring the Hampshire coastline and the New Forest. Major companies offer self-drive vehicles in Southampton, so compare cheap car hire in Southampton, in advance for the best rates and deals.

The 13th century Town Quay is sited at the fork where Southampton's two rivers meet. The adjacent Mayflower Park is the venue for the Southampton Boat Show, an annual event that attracts millions of visitors. The medieval walls in town are some of the finest in England, with the God's House Tower housing archaeological relics dating back as far as Romans times. Tudor houses and the city maritime museum are among other great draws.

Most major roads and rail routes in Hampshire pass through Southampton. The M27 bypass skirts the north side of the city. For those with car rental in Southampton this is the route east for Portsmouth and west for the New Forest. Southampton Central has trains running from London, Bournemouth and local stations. The town centre is easily explored on foot, and buses travel out to the suburbs. There is a car ferry service from the Town Quay to the Isle of Wight.

The New Forest begins on the opposite bank of the River Test and boasts pastoral scenes and charming villages. Southampton car hire offers easy access to Buckler's Hard, the Beaulieu Motor Museum and Paultons Family Theme Park in the forest. Other great destinations within a comfortable driving distance of Southampton are Marwell Wildlife Sanctuary and Winchester. The latter is noted for its stunning cathedral, the ruins of the 12th century Wolvesey Castle and the museum housed in the medieval Winchester Castle's Great Hall.