London to Southampton: stops along the way

Posted by pearlsgirl (Virginia ) on 01/22/19 12:00 AM

We are coming early from the states the last week of June to adjust to the time change before leaving on a cruise out of Southampton. Want to see Windsor, Stonehenge/Avebury, Bath but open to other places. We’ll probably hire a car as we don’t want to drive in the other side of the road. (Did the group bus trip in Scotland and spent too much time driving and not enough sightseeing)

Should we go direct to Southampton, stay there and day trip out? Or stay along way? Suggestions on our route? Or save one of the spots for our one night return trip and go back to London the morning of the departure...so many options!

Posted by Kathleen

Camano Island, WA, usa

01/22/19 12:12 AM

1526 posts

Read Edward Rutherford's "Sarum" about Stonehenge and Salisbury throughout the ages, and "The Forest" which tells the history of the New Forest which borders Southampton. Look at the National Trust UK website for their properties and parkland in the region. They have a Touring Pass for 7 days that can be purchased online. They have a companion pass that may save you on admissions. You could take the train to Southampton and rent a car from there. It's not really that different to drive on the left...just follow the other drivers and be sure to look both ways.

Posted by JC

Portsmouth

01/22/19 07:55 AM

5553 posts

In the UK to "hire a car" means the same as to "rent a car". What I assume you mean is that you want a private guide to drive you somewhere or a taxi.

Southampton is not a particularly attractive place to stay but if you're taking day trips then it will be fine and has good transport links. Another alternative is to stay in Winchester, far more interesting and attractive than Southampton and also with good transport links.

What time is your departure flight? A morning flight for me would necessitate an overnight stay close to the airport but everyone has their own preference, some are quite happy to get up at 4 a.m to make their way to Heathrow from central London, I'm not one of them. Remember that you will need to be at the airport three hours before your departure.

Posted by TimW

Hampshire, UK

01/22/19 11:26 AM

407 posts

I'd second the suggestion to avoid Southampton itself as a base - it has little going for it except transport links. Given your choice of destinations, I would probably suggest Salisbury as a base (Easy access to Stonehenge and Bath, OK for Windsor (need change of train). As previously stated, Winchester is lovely, but you would need to change trains for Bath/Salisbury.