Discount Car Hire in Southampton

A vibrant city on the south coast of England, Southampton has over the centuries evolved through many forms. An important location for shipping due to the deep waters of the bay led to Romans, Saxons and Normans all settling in the area over time. With plenty of historic attractions and stunning scenery alongside all the benefits of a modern city, it's easy to see why Southampton is such a popular place to both live and visit. Auto Europe offers several pick up locations and a large fleet selection, so finding a car rental in Southampton is both easy and economical.

Exploring Southampton with a Rental Car

Having been a significant settlement for many centuries, Southampton has plenty of history, much of which is well preserved and documented. For an insight into the early days of the city, Park your hire car in the city centre, and visit the Medieval Merchant's House, a recreated 14th century dwelling, complete with everything it would have contained at the time. To check out some of the area's even earlier history, drive your rental car to the suburb of Bitterne Manor, where Roman ruins still stand today.

Just a short distance south of the city centre near the village of Netley, you can visit the ruins of a 13th century abbey. Built by French monks of the Cistercian order, the remains of the abbey are still impressive to this day. Head further south in your hire car, where you can visit the historic city of Portsmouth and its attractions. Particularly worth a visit is Southsea Castle, built in 1544 to defend against the French attacking from the south. Also worth a visit is Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, home to several historic ships, as well as many exhibits and interactive displays.

To the west of Southampton, across the bay, lies New Forest National Park, the most recently established national park in England. Rich in wildlife such as deer, ponies and birds of prey, the park is highly popular with visitors. Perfect for a day trip with your rental car, you can explore the woods, grassy plains and picturesque villages of the forest and perhaps stop for a picnic, or even a spot of fresh food shopping at the markets which boast forest friendly farming.

Back in Southampton, why not enjoy some of the modern attractions the city has to offer. Theatres and concert halls are found throughout the city, as are museums and art galleries. The most notable of which is the City Art Gallery, which houses over 3000 works of art, some dating back 6 centuries. At night time, head out to one of the many restaurants, and for the young (or young at heart) check out the city's nightlife. With a large student population, there are plenty of bars and clubs to choose from.

Useful Distances and Day Trip Ideas in Southampton

Car Hire in Southampton with Auto Europe

Book your car hire in Southampton with Auto Europe over our safe, reliable and secure online booking system. Our exceptional customer service and Beat Rate Guarantee assure the best savings and quality of service on your car hire. For more information, read our Car Rental FAQ page, read our Terms and Conditions, or Contact Us.