Southampton is a city on the south coast of England, in between Portsmouth and Bournemouth. The trade stemming from the commercial port means that there is a great mix of cultures in the city. Car hire from Southampton is a great idea for shopping – the West Quay shopping centre is by the waterfront, as is a bowling complex and cinema. You may also wish to hire a car from Southampton for getting out and seeing the fantastic coastline, and for visiting the lovely gardens on the other side of the city centre.
Southampton is close to some major natural and cultural attractions. Car hire from Southampton allows you to visit the historic New Forest; less than an hour away depending on the traffic through the Saxon town of Lyndhurst. The New Forest is the UK's newest national park, although the area was designated as a hunting ground when inaugurated in the 11th century. It is also famous for its semi-feral ponies which roam the Forest. The seaside town of Lymington is also under an hour away if you rent a car from Southampton – the town has lots of boutique shops.