Car Rental Southampton

Navigating Southampton is a relatively straightforward experience, since the city is framed by the wide, open lanes of the M27 highway. This connects the airport with the charming coastal roads that meander to the south.

Bassett Avenue is an important central road, connecting the airport and the M3 highway to the city centre and the ferry and cruise terminals at Ocean Village below.

Many key attractions are within a close distance of Palmerston Park – part of a sprawling patchwork of lush greenery inside the city. Find a parking lot close to the civic centre for the best access to the cultural centre, or turn south in your rental car in Southampton to find the main retail area. The famous Ocean Village is located to the south near Queen’s Park – here, you’ll find upscale restaurants and exciting museums.

St Mary’s Stadium is around four minutes north of Ocean Village by car, so it’s easy to pair a visit to the home stadium of the city’s soccer team with quayside sightseeing or a boat ride into the English Channel.

Outside of the centre, there are many adventurous things to do, from freejumping in the eastern suburbs to trying out dry AlpineSnowsports in the suburb of Bassett. Near to the airport, you can even try your hand at high ropes and zip lining at Go Ape.

The M3 connects Southampton to London in around two hours, and you can also head out to explore southern England’s breath-taking National Parks too.

The South Downs Area of National Beauty is about thirty minutes from Southampton by road, and New Forest National Park is also on the doorstep. Plus, it’s easy to book a ferry package for a journey to the Isle of Wight.

Driving in the UK is on the left-hand side of the road, and speed limits are indicated in miles per hour. These are typically 30mph (48km/h) around towns and cities, 60mph (96km/h) on many rural roads and 70mph (112km/h) on most dual-carriageways and motorways, but always check the signs as these can vary.

Southampton is the cruise capital of England, mesmerizing millions each year with its bustling harbour.

But the city also boasts charming parks, an historic Tudor House, and plenty of contemporary sights to marvel at too.

Historical England

Southampton’s timber-framed Tudor House and Garden form one of its most renowned attractions, offering a window into English life from the times of King Henry VIII.

In fact, eight hundred years of history can be found in this charming complex – there are lush gardens and even a Norman House named King John’s Palace.

You’ll find interactive learning opportunities here for families and big kids alike, while a selection of special exhibitions bring added excitement. There are tours, traditional craft days and talks on local history too.

The Tudor House and Garden is tucked beside Southampton’s Old Town Walls, which are some of the best-preserved medieval fortifications in the UK. They house more than 90 listed buildings and 30 historical monuments, and can be explored with a special walking tour.

Saintly soccer

Soccer is Britain’s favourite sport, and Southampton Football Club is one of the best-loved clubs in the area. Step into St Mary’s Stadium and feel the atmosphere created by the team locals know as ‘The Saints’.

You can even take a behind-the-scenes look at the sporting greats with a stadium tour of the boardroom, players’ tunnel and changing rooms on non-matchdays. Reserving in advance is a must.

Action and nature

Drive out of town to discover the great outdoors in beautiful Hampshire. Go Ape Southampton is an adventure centre with a heart-pumping treetop rope trail. The forest canopy has never been easier to reach.

If you prefer nature’s quieter side, however, venture to New Forest National Park. The Heritage Centre is filled with wildlife activities and the surrounding landscape has hiking trails that stretch for many stunning kilometres. After your stroll, take a break in the cafe and enjoy traditional afternoon tea beneath the trees.

Take to the ocean

Titanic famously set sail from Southampton on a fateful trip that would end in disaster for the ‘unsinkable’ ship. More than one hundred years later, you can still experience the awe and terror in Southampton.

Park up your rental car, take a walking tour of Southampton, and you’ll spot the Titanic Engineers’ Memorial in East Park. The bronze and granite sculpture is dedicated to the memory of the engineers who died as they worked to save others during the disaster of 1912.

The Titanic Story is a short walk away – you’ll find it inside the SeaCity Museum. This maritime museum tells the tale of hundreds of years of seafaring history, including the most notorious voyage of all. There is a learning deck and powerful testimonies from survivors. Other artifacts include archaeological finds and stories of how Southampton connected Britain to the world.

For a cruise with a difference, take the SS Shieldhall to experience riding on the oldest active steam ship in Europe. It departs each weekend during the summer months and cabin tours are also available.

Renting a car in Southampton allows you to explore the best of southern England.