Southampton was the departing place of the Titanic and remains the centre-point of all things nautical in the south of England. This vibrant city is well known for its famous harbour, gargantuan cruise ships and maritime history, but it’s also an excellent destination for campers. Follow the city’s two rivers inland and you reach camping and glamping sites in countryside which includes the New Forest National Park. So, whether you want to day-trip into the city from your campsite or are leaving the city for a break nearby, there are plenty of places to pitch.
Southampton is Hampshire’s biggest and perhaps best-known city. More usually associated with cruising than camping, there are some places to pitch within reach of the city if you know where to look. And that’s where we come in. The Hipcamp experts have scoured the local area for the best camping and glamping sites near Southampton. With the New Forest less than 30 minutes’ drive away there are camping and glamping sites within reach of the city’s modern attractions which range from shopping centres to art galleries and museums.
The port city of Southampton is all about the water and always has been. It should come as no surprise then to know that most of it sights and attractions have a watery appeal. If you’re visiting Southampton on a camping or Glamping Holiday you might like to head for the Seacity Museum. This modern museum tells the maritime history of the town, including the story of the Titanic which launched on her ill-fated voyage from here. You might also want to take a cruise on the Solent or catch a ferry to the Isle of Wight. Although the docks are now a thoroughly modern affair, there are still reminders of times gone by in Southampton old town including the Tudor House and Gardens which reveals 800 years of history.
Away from the sea, Southampton’s other appeal is its location in the middle of the Hampshire coastline. It’s easily reached from London and just a 30-minute drive from the historic city of Winchester, which is a nice place to visit on a camping or glamping holiday in Southampton. It’s also a gateway to the New Forest National Park where walking, cycling and horse-riding opportunities abound. Within the boundaries of the national park, Beaulieu, with its country house, gardens and the National Motor Museum, is another popular place to visit. For families with kids who love theme park rides, Paulton’s Park which includes Peppa Pig World, is hard to beat. For more information and ideas of things to do on a camping or glamping holiday in Southampton, head to Lyndhurst where you’ll find the New Forest National Park visitor centre.
Whether it's following Southampton's two rivers – the Test and the Itchen – into the countryside or heading out by bike into the New Forest National Park or along the Solent Coast, the countryside around Southampton seems ready-made for camping. Find the best local campsites with our hand-picked collection.