Has anyone had experience in renting a car in Southampton? We usually use AutoEurope and will certainly talk to them, but are there any quirks about location, specialty rental places, or what-have-you that we should know about? or is it just a straightforward rental?

AND, does England have high drop off charges for rentals in Southampton and returns to Manchester?

Thanks for any insight.

I have never rented a car from S'hampton but I can't imagine you'll have a problem.

"<i>AND, does England have high drop off charges for rentals in Southampton and returns to Manchester? </i>"

I've rented many cars in the UK and have only had two drop off charges - and one was a special case and worth it to avoid a huge hassle. Generally there are no drop off fees, especially w/ a drop off at an airport like MAN.

Thanks, Janisj, I was hoping that was the case. Think we'll do the usual AutoEurope route.

SWe just did the QM2 crossong. We took the Cunard bus into London but I did see rental car agencies at the port .and cars from agencies picking up people at the dock! Hope you have as great a time on the crossing as we did!! The food was so good and the service is beyond exceptional!!

Taxis were also available at dockside.

Mkae sure you take some knid of hat or hair ornament for the ascot ball I was the only unadorned female there. I forgot!! I have a trip report here . you can do a search on my name. It is posted as Cunard something or other! There are slao pictures of the ship and dinner arrangements. We loved Tomas ,one of our waiters

Avalon: Thanks so much for the info. We are really looking forward to this trip, traveling with friends who are going to Wimbledon. We are driving then to Hereford, (Ross-on-Wye) to visit a friend and then up to Cheshire (Audlem) to see other old friends, then a day and night around Bolton Abbey, and flying home from Manchester.

I'll check out your report!

Thanks, LS13 - we are actually staying in Burnsall at Devonshire Fell. Thanks also for the link.

LS13: I notice you have recommended that same website many times -- on all the forums. By any chance are you flogging your own site???

It was awhile ago but we had no trouble picking up a car in Southampton. However... beware.. if they want to upgrade you. We ended up with a Mercedes station wagon. Just what you don't want in the little lanes etc. if you go sightseeing out in the country. -) Anyhow, my husband and I coped and had a lovely time... even tho he did clip off a few mirrors.

From Ross on Wye up to Cheshire take the A49 route. not the motorway. It is a lovely drive through the English borders (with Wales) and passes Ludlow and Shrewsbury both lovely towns. Much more scenic than using the motorway and much less stressful.