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Discover Southampton by Hire Car

The port city of Southampton in the south of England can look back on almost 2000 years of history. Originally founded by the Romans in 70 AD as a place called “Clausentum”, it initially had a purely strategic importance due to its exposed location.

After the Norman invasion in 1066, it was renamed Hamwic and the port became the access to the sea for Salisbury, as well as the then capital Winchester.

Economic importance of Southampton

Over the years, Southampton gained increasing importance, especially for shipbuilding, which continues to this day. For example, the Queen Mary II, among other ships, was built here.

In addition to its relevance to trade routes across the North Atlantic, Southampton is also one of the most important departure points for cruise ships worldwide. As early as 1912, the legendary Titanic set sail here on her maiden voyage.

Sights in Southampton

During the Second World War, the historic old town of Southampton was almost completely destroyed. However, still worth seeing is the God`s House Tower from the 15th century, where the Museum of Achaeology is now housed. In the Tudor House Museum, a half-timbered building from 1485, you get an insight into family life in Victorian times.

Since 1990, Southampton has also become increasingly interesting for international tourism. This is no doubt due to the close proximity of the “New Forest” bordering the city to the west, a large undeveloped area of heathland, woodland and moorland that is considered unique, particularly in the densely populated south of England.

To get an overview of the Southampton region and its highlights, a hire car is highly recommended.