Compare Winchester car hire

Historic Winchester is best known for its cathedral and for having the oldest continuous school in England. This ancient onetime capital of England is now a city of shops, cafés and pubs.

You can fill your days mooching, or you can hire a car to visit the sights along the south coast of England and in the New Forest National Park. If that sounds good, here’s what you need to know before your road trip.

With many attractions just a short drive from Winchester, renting a car is a great way to see more of this beautiful area of the UK. You can pick up a vehicle from Enterprise Car & Van Hire, conveniently at the railway station. Sixt, Avis/ Budget and Europcar are also at Southampton Airport, less than half an hour away by car.

Driving in Winchester is straightforward, but it’s best to avoid rush hour, if possible, especially around the A272 junction near Winnall. There are several car parks in the city, most of which use the RingGo app for cashless payment, but those nearest the cathedral are likely to fill up. Alternatively, use a park and ride from the outskirts to avoid city centre parking.

The M3 is the main motorway from London to Southampton which passes Winchester. To go beyond Southampton and into the New Forest National Park, take the M3 then the M27. When you get to the New Forest, the route becomes scenic, and you can pull into any of the more than 130 car parks to enjoy cycling, walking and exploring the pretty towns and villages. Be aware of the wild ponies and other animals that roam here – be especially careful when you drive at night.

Southampton Port is about half an hour from Winchester, where you can take your rented car on the ferry to the Isle of Wight. There are some fantastic drives on the island, many with pubs for a fabulous lunch stop. Start with Military Road – a 13-mile route on the south-west coast with some beautiful sea views. The Downs Road is another very popular route, with views across the island.

To head north of Winchester, the A34 takes you through the sweeping North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to Newbury and Oxford beyond. In Newbury, you could catch a show at the Watermill Theatre or head further north to see the Uffington White Horse on the edge of the Downs. If you are fond of Downton Abbey, a visit to Highclere Castle is a must. This large estate was the filming location for the hit TV series, and only half an hour’s drive from Winchester.