Campervan Hire near Southampton

Motorhome Hire Southampton

One of the UK’s most important ports, Southampton has witnessed many great moments in world history, from the sailing of the Titanic in 1912 to a departure point for the Allied armies that landed on Normandy’s beaches on D-Day in June 1944 to liberate France. But its history as a station for the Royal Navy extends back centuries before either of these two events, as any tour of the city will quickly establish.

Southampton’s southern and eastern flanks are met by Southampton Water and the River Itchen. Much of the attraction to Southampton for visitors comes from its proximity to the New Forest National Park – actually one of the oldest areas of woodland in the country. It covers 566 square kilometres, making it almost 11 times larger than Southampton itself. There are almost no limits to the ways of getting out into the open landscape, whether that’s on foot, by horse, by mountain bike or by getting a campervan rental in Southampton.

Getting to Southampton

Southampton Airport, located in the neighbouring town of Eastleigh seven kilometres away, has year-round flights to destinations in the UK and Northern Europe via British Airways and KLM. It is connected to the city by rail, as is London Gatwick Airport roughly 150 kilometres away, which has a much broader arrivals board. Gatwick can also be reached along the M3 motorway, which links up with the orbital M25, which rings London.

From abroad, it’s possible to arrive in Southampton by cruise ship, although the last remaining ferries only make the short journey across the Solent to the Isle of Wight.

The city’s main railway station is known as Southampton Central and sees the passage of trains to London, Bristol, Cardiff and Poole among a whole range of other destinations. The local bus network is pretty expansive, connecting up all major points of interest within the city limits.

Parking in Southampton

It can be difficult to find street-side parking bays that are large enough for the average motorhome hire in Southampton, so whenever possible, it’s best to park up at a campsite outside of the city before making use of public transportation services. There is just one dedicated space available at Harbour Parade long-stay car park near the Isle of Wight ferry terminal. It costs roughly €1 per hour, with an additional charge of around €2.50 for an overnight stay. If this is already taken, you will have to try your luck at the bay outside the city on the other side of the River Itchen at Weston Lane Car Park, which does have the advantage of a free stay of 24 hours

Annual Events in Southampton

• Common People festival, Southampton Common, May. A music festival with a family-friendly vibe, Common People welcomes both well-known and up-and-coming talent to its mains stage. Weekend tickets start at around €60.
  
• Southampton Mela, Hoglands Park, August. A celebration of the city’s diversity, this event features international music, dance, food and crafts. Free.
  
• Guy Fawkes’ Night, Mayflower Park, November. As the sun sets, friends and family begin to gather for the annual bonfire and fireworks display that lights up the skies above Southampton Water. Free.

Camping in Southampton

• Andark Lake Campsite. Located approximately 10 kilometres from central Southampton, Andark Lake Campsite is set within the grounds of an open water swimming lake and offers electric and non-electric pitches for €29-37 per night.
  
• Marwell Resort. Around 20 minutes by road from Southampton, Marwell Resort sits on another lake on the edge of the South Downs National Park. It offers a range of optional activities, and pitches from €41 per night.
  
• Woodington Training Centre. This is an adults-only and pet-friendly site forming part of the stables and equestrian centre with non-electric grass campervan pitches for €23 per night.