museum
National Motor Museum Beaulieu
Set in the grounds of a historic abbey, it houses over 250 vehicles telling the story of motoring from 1893 to the present.
10 km · about 20 min drive
EuropeUnited KingdomEngland
Southampton
England, United Kingdom · Europe
About Southampton
Southampton works well as a base: 5 minutes from Marchwood, 14km from New Forest National Park.
Southampton is in England, United Kingdom, with about 270,000 people. You drive on the left here. The nearest town is Marchwood, about 4 km away.
Southampton is a port city and unitary authority in Hampshire, England. It is located approximately 80 miles (130 km) southwest of London, 20 miles (32 km) west of Portsmouth, and 20 miles (32 km) southeast of Salisbury. Southampton had a population of 248,922 at the 2021 census, making it one of the most populousRead more
cities in southern England.
Southampton forms part of the larger South Hampshire conurbation which includes the city of Portsmouth and the boroughs of Havant, Eastleigh, Fareham and Gosport. A major port, and close to the New Forest, Southampton lies at the northernmost point of Southampton Water, at the confluence of the River Test and Itchen, with the River Hamble joining to the south. Southampton is classified as a Medium-Port City.
Southampton was the departure point for the RMS Titanic and home to 500 of the people who died in the sinking. The Spitfire was built in the city, and Southampton has a strong association with the Mayflower, being the departure point before the vessel was forced to return to Plymouth. In the past century the city was one of Europe's main ports for ocean liners. More recently, Southampton is the home port of some of the largest cruise ships in the world. The Cunard Line maintains a regular transatlantic service to New York from the city. Southampton is also one of the largest retail destinations in the South of England.
Southampton was heavily bombed during the Second World War during what was known as the Southampton Blitz. It was one of the major embarkation points for D-Day. In the Middle Ages Southampton was where troops left England for the Battle of Agincourt. It was itself raided by French pirates, leading to the construction of the fortified town walls, many of which still stand today. Jane Austen also lived in Southampton for a number of years. In 1964, the town of Southampton acquired city status, becoming the City of Southampton.
Some notable employers in the city include the University of Southampton, Ordnance Survey, BBC South, Associated British Ports, and Carnival UK.
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Explore the Area
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Southampton?
Within an hour or so of Southampton: National Motor Museum Beaulieu (10 km), Beaulieu (10 km), Buckler’s Hard (12 km), New Forest National Park (14 km).
Are there any good drives near Southampton?
The nearest famous roads are Rhinefield Ornamental Drive, Military Road, Isle of Wight and Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Where is Southampton?
Southampton is in England, United Kingdom, about 4 km from Marchwood.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 269,781
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Region
- England
- Timezone
- Europe/London
- Coordinates
- 50.9040, -1.4043
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in United Kingdom
112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.
Full driving guide for United KingdomTags
Worth the detour from Southampton
8 notable places within an hour's drive.
landmark
Beaulieu
A New Forest village around a 13th-century abbey and the Montagu estate, at the head of the tidal Beaulieu River.
10 km · about 20 min drive
landmark
Buckler’s Hard
A single Georgian street running down to the Beaulieu River, built as a shipbuilding village that supplied Nelson's navy.
12 km · about 20 min drive
national park
New Forest National Park
Ancient royal hunting ground where wild ponies and deer roam freely through 219 square miles of heathland, woodland and coastal marshes.
14 km · about 25 min drive
famous road
Rhinefield Ornamental Drive
A New Forest road lined with giant redwoods and Douglas firs planted in 1859, running between Brockenhurst and the A35.
17 km · about 20 min drive
natural wonder
Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary
A New Forest clearing with a raised viewing platform where fallow deer are fed most afternoons in summer.
18 km · about 20 min drive
landmark
Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum
A remarkable collection of rare and unique motorcycles in the New Forest assembled by legendary trials rider Sammy Miller.
24 km · about 30 min drive
cafe
Loomies Moto Cafe
A beloved biker cafe on the A32 in Hampshire that draws motorcyclists from across southern England with its welcoming atmosphere and hearty food.
27 km · about 30 min drive
Driving roads near Southampton
- 17 kmRhinefield Ornamental DriveA New Forest road lined with giant redwoods and Douglas firs planted in 1859, running between Brockenhurst and the A35.
- 29 kmMilitary Road, Isle of WightThrilling clifftop road along the southwest coast of the Isle of Wight with sweeping sea views and access to dramatic landslip scenery.
- 47 kmGoodwood Festival of SpeedThe hillclimb course on the Goodwood estate driveway where Formula One cars, prewar Grand Prix machinery and rally legends run flat out past a country house each summer. The 1.16-mile course is estate road year-round.
- 50 kmBallard DownThe chalk ridge above Swanage running out to Old Harry Rocks, with views over Poole Harbour and Studland Bay.
Driving in United Kingdom
- Drives on
- the left
- Petrol
- ~€1.73/litre
- Motorway tolls
- None
When to drive here
April to October
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