Why rent a car in Hampshire?
Hampshire is one of the most beautiful counties in England, situated on the south coast and with a strong naval heritage. With two magnificent natural parks, and a host of cultural and historic attractions to explore, it’s no surprise that Hampshire is a very popular place to visit.
Getting around in this area is best done by road, as excursions are often well spread out. Rent a car in Hampshire and you can explore conveniently and in comfort, with no need to rely on the schedules of public transport.
How to get to and around Hampshire?
The main airport in Hampshire is Southampton Airport, with a range of domestic and international flights arriving daily. Should you have an early arrival time, you can spend some time in Southampton before moving on to your accommodation. Alternatively, there are many pleasant small towns and villages in the vicinity to explore.
What brands are available?
You can be sure of getting a good deal on Hampshire car rental when you use the Expedia search tool to book. Choose from a range of reliable car hire companies including Avis, Hertz and Budget.
Must-sees within an easy drive of Hampshire
Southampton is a historic port city in southern Hampshire, within easy reach of both the New Forest and the South Downs National Park. It has many renowned museums and other cultural attractions to enjoy, including the SeaCity Museum and the Mayflower Theatre. The city also hosts annual festivals including the world-famous Southampton Boat Show. Around 30 miles from Southampton, Basingstoke is a charming old market town dating to Roman times and surrounded by picturesque landscape. Jane Austen, one of England’s greatest novelists, attended balls in the area during her youth.
Perched at the edge of the South Downs National Park, Winchester is steeped in history. Once the seat of King Alfred the Great, it is lined with magnificent ancient buildings and monuments. Yet this is also a city that moves with the times, and you’ll discover a range of lively entertainment options here beyond the heritage attractions such as Winchester Cathedral.
Alton, in East Hampshire, is another handsome market town with a rich literary past. You can visit the former home of Jane Austen in the nearby village of Chawton, or roam some of the county’s most captivating countryside.
Tips and tricks for driving in Hampshire
Outside of the major cities, the roads in Hampshire are usually fairly uncongested, with pleasant scenery on both sides. In built-up areas, however, you can expect to encounter traffic, especially during rush hours or popular times of year.
Hampshire car hire companies can provide satnav to help you navigate, as well as any other extras you need for your trip including child booster seats.
Ready to plan your Hampshire city break?
Explore Hampshire at your leisure with the Expedia search tool, helping you book everything you’ll need on your trip from great-value hotels and flights to Hampshire car hire and things to do while you’re there.
