self drive day trips from Southampton
 

We plan to stay in Southampton for 4 nights pre-cruise, (June 2017), and use it as our "base" for various day trips. (avoiding re-packing in several hotels) No need for London (done it a few times), and want to limit excursions to a max 1 1/2 to 2 hours drive.... on the list so far is Oxford, Salisbury (Stonehenge), Brighton, Hastings, Portsmouth, Winchester.... we like history, leisurely pace, natural sites.... any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, cheers

I recommend a wander around the New Forest.

First of all -- I would not stay IN Southampton. And you shouldn't need to since you'll have a car.

Somewhere in the New Forest (Lyndhurst/Brockenhurst/Lymington) would be much better for touring. Or somewhere near Chichester/Midhurst.

"I would not stay IN Southampton."

I agree. I stayed for a couple of days in Winchester before getting on my ship and loved it. It's very convenient to Southampton, you could get rid of your car the day before boarding and it's a short car service or taxi ride to your ship.

I love the Montagu Arms Hotel in Beaulieu, New Forest. Beaulieu is a beautiful little village and home to the National Motor Museum which is well worth a visit for anyone with even a slight interest in motor vehicles. It also has the Palace House with its 13th century abbey said to be the most haunted in England if you believe in ghosts. ;) It is an easy and scenic walk from the hotel to Buckler's Hard.

>>I love the Montagu Arms Hotel in Beaulieu<<

Ditto that.

Love Beaulieu, Buckler's Hard is fascinating, and the whole New Forest is lovely. And you could easily do a day trip to the Isle of Wight.

>>Oxford, Salisbury (Stonehenge), Brighton, Hastings, Portsmouth, Winchester<<

Oxford is a bit far for a day trip. Close to 2.5 hours each way and it could take longer.

Agree with all the above, apart from the comment about Oxford. It's perfectly possible to visit Oxford as a day trip from the Southampton area. Up the M3 then a straight shot up the A34. Should take less about 90 mins each way. I know of people who do this as a daily commute. No sweat at all unless there's an accident blocking the road. Brighton on the other hand (apart from being a dump) is a trickier journey due to the overcrowded and roundabout heavy A27 road.

I would not stay anywhere in the New Forest that means you have to travel through Lyndhurst to get to or from your target visits/hotel.

I have very strong family connections to Lyndhurst and the area and I promise you Lyndhurst is a traffic jam that can kill 45 minutes of your day every time you pass it.

Staying in Southampton? No.

Bilbo - you're right about Lyndurst, but there's no need at all to get stuck in traffic here if you were going to/from Beaulieu. I always take the A326 down the eastern side of the New Forest then turn right at the roundabout at the end which takes you direct to Beaulieu - by far the best way in and out of the forest for those in the know.

and I agree no to Oxford. Yes you might be able to do it in 90 mins [on a very good day] but as you only have 3 days, the many closer attractions should easily fill your time.

To the west you have Chichester Harbour and Arundel [there's one day]

to the north Winchester and Salisbury [day 2]

To the east the New Forest. [day 3]

then there's Swanage, Portsmouth, the Isle of Wight etc.

Gordon, thanks I was aware but I wanted to guide the OP, which you have just done better than me.

I live near both Southampton and Winchester, and I agree with nearly all of the above, especially the bit about not staying in Southampton.

The New Forest recommendations are good, but personally, I would stay in Winchester as it is a much nicer place to walk around and has better restaurants and pubs than Southampton, but still has good tranport links - You could quite easily use Winchester as a base and do nearly everything on your list by train.

Hating to disagree with the overall opinion, but on average, Oxford from Southampton would be 90 minutes. While it is entirely possible to get horribly stuck on the A34, it is not normal - and I have a lot of experience using this road.

My favourite places to visit, particularly if with visitors unfamiliar with the area:

Portchester Castle - near Portsmouth. A Norman castle built within the original walls of Roman camp. Can easily be done in a hour or two, has an excellent audio tour.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard - Expensive, but the new Mary Rose museum is stunning (particularly now that they've removed all the pipework from the wreck of the ship - also includes the 18th century warship HMS Victory and the 19th Century HMS Warrior.

Salisbury Cathedral, and near Salisbury ( a decent walk up the hill) the ruins of Old Sarum Castle.

Chichester and the remains of the Roman Palace at Fishbourne.

The locals have spoken :) Re Oxford being doable. My experience is mostly from several years ago driving from the Oxford area down to Hampshire 3 or 4 times and there always seemed to be something.

Staying in Winchester is another good idea.

We all agree -- don't stay IN Southampton.

You could also do Oxford by train - c.90 mins from Southampton, 70 from Winchester.

LOL, I get the message, no stay in Southampton ! I think Winchester is looking the best central point.... lots of great advice, thanks..... also want to visit Brooklands, but it seems quite driveable

Winchester is IMO superb and sadly overlooked by many planning trips to this part of England-sweet town with famous cathedral. Great base for place like Salisbury and Stonehenge.

And Southampton is blah!

bluemooseband - Brooklands is easy from either Southampton or Winchester - about an hour from the latter.

If it is the museum that interests you , particularly the cars, then you should also consider the motor museum at Beaulieu in the New Forest. https://www.beaulieu.co.uk/

thanks to all for the great tips and advice ! so, here's our draft itinerary;
- arrive Heathrow in the morning, rent car, travel to hotel in Winchester, quiet day, some sightseeing, but recovering from flight from Canada
- day 2, Windsor Castle, Oxford, back to Winchester
- day 3, Stonehenge, Bath, Salisbury (castle, Magna Carta), back to Winchester
- day 4,Brighton, maybe Hastings, and various places along the way, return to Winchester, or Southampton
- day 5, Portsmouth, naval/ship yards etc., hotel in Southampton,
day 6, board ship, Southampton

we will visit friends near Brooklands post cruise,

ok, and any suggestions for Winchester hotels ? should we be near centre of town, or outskirts ? (we'll have a car).... we're not late night action "party people", (60+) but, like to be able to walk to pubs and restaurants...

Central Winchester is quite compact and low-rise. For example, as you look at a map, it was an easy walk from the train station to my accommodation just beyond the cathedral. You should be able to find a place to stay with parking on the edge of the city center and walking distance to restaurants without much difficulty.