Car Hire Southampton

Parking in Southampton

• College Street Car Park (SO14 3EJ is pay and display operated. The car park is just 10-minutes’ walk from the city centre.
• Town Quay Car Park (Located in the Marina) is a car park situated in the ABP Town Quay Marina. You can purchase a parking ticket at the Marina’s ticketing machines. Parking spaces are limited so arrive early if you want to explore the Marina.
• James Street Long Stay Car Park (SO14 1PJ) is opposite St. Mary’s Stadium, the home of Southampton football club. Payment is by the hour and tickets can be purchased on-site.

Key roads in Southampton

• M27 runs around the northern edge of the city, connecting Southampton to the New Forest National Park in the west and neighbouring Portsmouth in the east.
• M3 runs northwards, past the South Downs and eventually leading to London, capital of the UK.
• A31 heads east and leads to the coastal city of Bournemouth, a beloved seaside town on the south-coast with some of the best beaches the country has to offer.

How to get from Southampton to Portsmouth

It takes around 30 minutes to drive the 19.5 miles from Southampton to Portsmouth.

1. Leave the city centre via St. Andrews Road/A33.
2. Stay on the route as it becomes the A3024 and follow for two miles.
3. Keep left onto Bitterne Road/A334.
4. At Kane’s Hill Roundabout, use the fourth exit onto the A27/Kanes Hill.
5. When you reach Windhover Roundabout, use the first exit onto the A3024.
6. At the Windhover Exchange, take the M27 slip road to Portsmouth.
7. Follow for 10 miles, then at junction 12, use the M275 exit to Portsmouth and follow into the city centre.

How to get from Southampton to Stonehenge

Stonehenge is little more than an hour’s drive from Southampton. Take the A33 and M271 out of the city centre. Then, turn left onto the M27 and right onto the A36 at Ower Interchange. Follow the A36 for around 14 miles until you reach Salisbury, then take the A360. As you reach Airman’s Corner, park up and follow signs to reach Stonehenge.

Best hotels in Southampton

Doubletree Hilton Southampton

Bracken Place, Chilworth, Southampton, SO16 3RB

Set back in wooded surroundings, the Doubletree Hilton is just minutes from Southampton Airport, sitting on the edge of the city centre. Rooms are light and airy, complete with modern amenities. The on-site restaurant is the perfect place to wind down after a day at Southampton Marina and there’s an on-site gym if you still have the energy.

Bitterne Park Hotel

2-4 Cobden Avenue, Southampton, SO18 1FZ

This charming little hotel is situated just off the banks of the River Itchen, a bridge away from central Southampton. It’s the perfect choice for those who want a quieter stay within sight of the city hubbub. Rooms are pleasant and there are several expansive family rooms with space for the whole household.

Jurys Inn Southampton

Charlotte Place, Southampton, SO14 0TB

You’ll enjoy Jurys Inn Southampton’s prime location in the heart of central Southampton. This modern hotel overlooks the green lawns of East Park, ideal for enjoying a quiet morning in the city. An on-site restaurant and coffee bar will keep you feeling full and fresh ahead of a day’s sightseeing at the Quayside.

Best restaurants in Southampton

Ennio’s

Town Quay, Southampton, SO14 2AR

Once you’ve finished marvelling at the old Victorian warehouse setting, settle down for dinner at this popular Quayside restaurant. Traditional Italian fare is the order of the day and the menu makes best use of Southampton’s seaside location. Think delicious, fresh seafood dishes like steamed mussels and crisp baby squid.

Carnicero Steakhouse Restaurant & Bar

29 Oxford Street, Southampton, SO14 3DJ

Another wonderful seafood location, Carnicero blends locally sourced ingredients with Galician flare for a decidedly Mediterranean-inspired menu that packs plenty of punch. Sample any one of the stunning steak cuts prepared to perfection on the restaurant grill.

Piecaramaba!

30A Carlton Place, Southampton, SO15 2DX

Celebrate the good, old-fashioned British pie at this spot in the city’s Polygon district. Tuck into tasty parcels of all shapes and sizes, including classics like Bounty Hunter’s Chicken Pie and instant favourites like Mac to the Future.

Best things to do in Southampton

SeaCity Museum

Havelock Road, Southampton, SO14 7FY

Southampton is a city entwined with the sea. As one of the UK’s premier ports, this coastal location has a rich maritime history. Explore the stories of Southampton’s residents from bygone eras at the SeaCity Museum. Here you can learn about the departure of the Titanic and Southampton’s important to British seafaring past.

Port of Southampton

Southampton, SO15 0HT

The city port still functions today as an important entry and exit point for passenger and cargo vessels to and from the UK. The Port of Southampton has played a vital role in several key events from world history, which you can trace for yourself among the quays. The RMS Titanic set sail from these quiet waters on its doomed voyage in 1912. As did the Mayflower in 1620, the ship that carried the Pilgrims to the New World.

Solent Sky

Albert Road S, Southampton, SO14 3FR

As well as a seafaring past, Southampton has a great affinity for air travel. The city’s Solent Sky Museum is dedicated to the area’s aviation history. The legendary WWII Spitfire, the most iconic of Britain’s war machines was originally built nearby. Explore Spitfires and more at this family-friendly location.