Campervan & Motorhome Hire in Southampton

Find a wide selection of campervans and motorhomes for hire in Southampton and the surrounding area. Browse unique vehicles from private owners; from compact 2-berth campervans perfect for couples to spacious 6-berth motorhomes ideal for families. Flexible pick-up, competitive prices, all insured.

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Why Choose Southampton for Your Campervan Trip?

Southampton — a city worth exploring

Southampton is a port city with deep roots and a genuine sense of reinvention. It was the departure point for the RMS Titanic in 1912, a story explored in detail at the SeaCity Museum, where interactive exhibits bring to life the personal stories of passengers and crew. The medieval town walls, among the best-preserved in England, wind through the city centre past the imposing Bargate — a gateway dating back to 1290 that once marked the entrance to the old town.

Beyond its maritime past, Southampton has a creative and cultural side that rewards time spent on foot. The Tudor House and Garden reveals over 800 years of domestic history, while the Solent Sky Museum tells the story of local aviation, including the Supermarine Spitfire, which was manufactured right here. The Mayflower Theatre hosts touring West End shows and ballet, and Southampton City Art Gallery holds over 5,300 works — one of the best public collections outside London.

What makes Southampton especially appealing for a campervan or motorhome trip is its location. The New Forest National Park is just 20 minutes to the west, offering ancient woodland, free-roaming ponies and miles of cycling trails. Ferries to the Isle of Wight leave directly from Town Quay. Winchester, Stonehenge and the South Downs are all within easy reach. Whether you want to explore the city for a day or use it as a launching point for a week-long road trip, hiring a campervan or motorhome in Southampton gives you the freedom to do both.

Best time to visit

Summer is the busiest season in Southampton, when temperatures reach around 23°C and the waterfront comes alive. The Southampton International Boat Show, held every September in Mayflower Park, draws over 100,000 visitors and is a great excuse to combine sightseeing with a campsite stay nearby.

Spring and early autumn are ideal for campervan travel — the roads are quieter, campsite prices tend to drop, and the New Forest is at its most colourful. The Southampton Christmas Festival in November and December features a traditional German market and is worth a visit if you are touring the south coast in the colder months. If you are after warmer weather and longer days, aim for June through August.

Popular road trips from Southampton

6 routes from weekend escapes to week-long adventures.

Southampton to the New Forest

22 km 1-2 days

Head west on the A35 and in just 20 minutes you will be surrounded by ancient woodland, open heathland and wild ponies. Stop in Lyndhurst, the unofficial capital of the New Forest, to visit the New Forest Heritage Centre. Cycle the well-marked trails around Brockenhurst, or drive on to Beaulieu to explore the National Motor Museum.

Southampton to Winchester

27 km 1 day

A 30-minute drive north on the M3 takes you to England's ancient capital. Winchester Cathedral houses one of the longest naves in Europe and a 12th-century crypt. Walk along the River Itchen, visit the Great Hall and its famous Round Table, and browse the independent shops along the High Street. A relaxed day trip or overnight stop.

Southampton to Stonehenge

54 km 1 day

Drive northwest via the A36 and A303 to reach one of the world's most famous prehistoric monuments. Stonehenge sits on Salisbury Plain and is managed by English Heritage — book timed tickets in advance. On the way back, stop in Salisbury to see the cathedral and its original copy of the Magna Carta.

Southampton to the Isle of Wight

26 km 2-3 days

Catch the Red Funnel ferry from Town Quay and you can be in Cowes within an hour. The Isle of Wight offers dramatic chalk cliffs at The Needles, sandy beaches at Shanklin, and Queen Victoria's retreat at Osborne House. A compact island that is easy to explore by campervan over a long weekend.

Southampton to Portsmouth

35 km 1 day

Follow the M27 east for 35 km to reach this historic naval city. Visit the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, home to HMS Victory and the Mary Rose Museum. Walk along the seafront at Southsea, grab fish and chips on the pier, and take in views across the Solent. An easy half-day or full-day trip.

Southampton to Bournemouth

52 km 1-2 days

Drive southwest through the New Forest along the A31 and A338 to reach Bournemouth's long sandy beach. Walk along the clifftops, explore the Victorian Lower Gardens, and visit the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery. In summer, the coastline here is one of the best in southern England for swimming and watersports.

Campsites and parkings for RV in Southampton

There are several well-equipped campsites within easy reach of Southampton, suitable for both campervans and motorhomes. The closest option is Sunnydale Farm Camping and Caravan Site in Netley Abbey, just 5 km from the city centre, with year-round hardstanding and serviced pitches. Further along the coast, Solent Breezes Holiday Park offers pitches with Solent views. On the River Hamble, Riverside Holidays and the YMCA Fairthorne Manor Family Park are great family-friendly bases. For a more rural feel, head into the New Forest to Ashurst Campsite or Denny Wood Campsite, both within 20 km.

Sunnydale Farm Camping and Caravan Site

Netley Abbey · 5 km from Southampton

Solent Breezes Holiday Park

Hook Lane, Warsash · 10 km from Southampton

Riverside Holidays

River Hamble · 9 km from Southampton

YMCA Fairthorne Manor Family Park

Curdridge · 10 km from Southampton

Ashurst Campsite

New Forest · 13 km from Southampton

Denny Wood Campsite

New Forest · 19 km from Southampton

Where to Park Your RV

Southampton City Council provides designated oversized vehicle parking at Harbour Parade Long Stay Car Park (SO15 1BA), close to the city centre and Isle of Wight ferry terminal. This is one of the few places in the city where campervans and motorhomes can park without worry about height barriers. The Quays Swimming Complex car park nearby is also used by motorhomers for overnight stays, though this is unofficial — check current signage on arrival. For daytime parking with waterfront views, Royal Victoria Country Park in Netley is a popular option, though overnight stays are not permitted there.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a campervan hire cost in Southampton?

Campervan hire in Southampton typically starts from around £70–£110 per night for a compact 2-berth van, while a larger 4-berth campervan costs around £100–£160 per night. Prices vary depending on the season, with summer months being the most popular. On Goboony, you hire directly from private owners, which often means more competitive rates and a wider choice of vehicles than traditional rental depots.

Where can I pick up a motorhome near Southampton?

On Goboony, motorhome owners are located across Southampton and the surrounding Hampshire area, including neighbourhoods like Shirley, Bitterne, Eastleigh and Hedge End. When you book, the owner will arrange a pick-up point that works for both of you — often at their home or a convenient meeting spot nearby. You can filter by location on the Goboony website to find owners closest to you.

How can I find cheap campervan or motorhome rental in Southampton?

The best way to find an affordable campervan or motorhome in Southampton is to book early and travel outside of peak summer months. On Goboony, peer-to-peer pricing means you are hiring directly from the vehicle owner, so rates are often lower than traditional hire companies. Use the filters to sort by price, and look for midweek or off-season deals to get the best value.

What's the best vehicle size for my group?

For couples or solo travellers, a compact 2-berth campervan is easy to drive and park, especially if you plan to explore city centres or narrow New Forest lanes. Families of four will be comfortable in a 4-berth motorhome with a fixed bed and dining area. For larger groups of five or six, look for a spacious motorhome with additional sleeping options. On Goboony, each listing shows the layout and sleeping arrangements.

Are there dog-friendly campervans and motorhomes for hire near Southampton?

Yes, many owners on Goboony welcome well-behaved dogs in their vehicles. Look for the pet-friendly filter when searching. Southampton is a great base for dog owners — the New Forest has miles of open trails, and nearby campsites like Sunnydale Farm and Ashurst Campsite both have dedicated dog-walking areas. Just check any specific rules with the vehicle owner before booking.

What our users say about campervan and motorhome hire in Southampton

We have -sincerely- never encountered such a committed, friendly, reliable and above all helpful landlord as Gerry is. What a nice and relaxed man he is! He is easy to reach, or will contact you very quickly when you call or text him and he is unable to answer at that moment. Also the time of handover for pick up/return of the camper is mega flexible. It is important to do this on time because Gerry himself must be given the time to drive to the camper storage. He lives 45 minutes away from there. Despite the fact that we were delayed due to traffic jams, he took all the time to explain everything (which is also very extensive and quite overwhelming when you want to go on a camper holiday for the first time). You can watch YouTube videos via Goboony/Gerry, which will clarify a lot in advance. So definitely recommended. It is also wise - which is what we should have done - to write down some of the instructions as soon as Gerry explains them. We couldn't take everything in because we were tired and had travelled and because it was simply a lot. So then you search yourself completely afterwards. That's why there are those videos. You can watch them again at any time. There is also a very handy instruction book in the camper by the way. Easy to use. Gerrie's camper is great! Clean, very tidy and equipped with all amenities. You will not lack anything. Practically everything has been thought of. From toilet paper to kitchen cleaning supplies... It is all there. And also enough. We ourselves had brought bedding because you prefer to have your own things with you. Don't forget to bring pillows/duvets. Everything in the camper works and is easy to use. Even a separate battery to charge mobile etc. when the camper is stationary. We toured around South England. One recommendation! Stayed at some really cool campsites overlooking the sea. Very beautiful! And another advantage of 'camping': That you have your home with you wherever you go. Blessed! You arrive at a nice spot, stop your camper, chairs (very comfortable) outside with tables. It's set up in no time. Coffee, a sandwich and Enjoy!! Oh, just to mention: the people there, wherever we went, are so incredibly helpful and nice, when you want to know the way somewhere, or are looking for a campsite, just ask. We got so much help. One big thumbs up for the people there.

September 2024

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