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Southampton is a city on England’s south coast, about 80 mi (130 km) southwest of London. It has been one of the UK’s major seaports for centuries, playing a huge part in the transportation of goods and people over water. However, that’s not all it offers. The city is famous for its numerous attractions, so we have put together a list of all the fun things to do in Southampton for people looking to explore this port city.
In this article, we’ll go over various attractions in Southampton, ranging from historical sites and green areas to arts and culture locations. We’ll also discuss other important things you need to know as you explore Southampton.
Table Of Contents
- 1 20 Best Things To Do In Southampton
- 2 Make The Most Of Your Day In Southampton On A Budget
- 3 Frequently Asked Questions
- 4 Conclusion
20 Best Things To Do In Southampton
Here’s a list of the 20 fun things to do in Southampton.
Historical Attractions Of Southampton
We’ll start by exploring the most famous historical attractions in Southampton. It was not easy to pick from the list of many noticeable and important sites and treasures of history.
1. See The Old Town Walls
The town walls of Southampton are a sequence of defensive structures that Normans built around the city after the French raid (1338). These walls, made of stone, stretch over 1.25 miles (2 km).
You can find the Old Town Walls in the centre of Southampton, just north of the River Test. In the past, the wall served as protection from invaders, but these days, it is an attraction many people look to explore when visiting Southampton.
St Mary’s Stadium and Mayflower Park are other attractions near the Old Walls worth visiting.
You can take a guided tour of the area or explore it at your pace. We recommend starting your walk from the old town’s historic entrance, a giant wall section with a large archway.
2. Visit Bargate
Bargate is a mediaeval gatehouse in Southampton’s city centre. These gates were constructed in Norman times as a part of the Old Town Walls and served as the main entrance to the city.
Normans made Bargate out of flint and stones, with construction starting in 1280 and ending in the 1400s.
The Bargate served as an air-raid shelter during WWII.
The Bargate has been separated from the Old Town Walls since the 1930s, becoming a standalone attraction. It features a statue of George III in Roman costume and other ancient structures.
3. Check Out Netley Abbey
Netley Abbey is a historic site containing the remains of a mediaeval monastery that dates back to the 13th century. This site, near the town of Weston, has become one of the top attractions in Southampton.
Netley Abbey’s buildings served as the residence of Sir William Paulet in the 1500s.
Some of the remains in Netley Abbey include some monastery premises, an old church, fragments of an old mansion and the abbot’s house.
Netley Abbey welcomes visitors every day of the week from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, and you’re free to bring dogs, provided that you put them on leash.
4. Go Inside Tudor House
Tudor House and Garden is a historical structure and one of Southampton’s most popular tourist attractions. This house, located at the heart of the Old Town, reveals 800 years of history.
The earliest housing version was a Norman home built in the 1180s. However, Sir John Dawtrey developed the main body of the house in the 15th century. The earliest housing version was a Norman home built in the 1180s.
Tudor House hosts weddings, birthday parties and other events.
A visit to this building gives you an insight into the lives of its residents through the years. Tudor House is home to a range of artefacts and other interesting structures that appeal to visitors of all ages and interests.
5. Walk The Titanic Trail
Southampton remains an important part of the history of the RMS Titanic, the infamous ship that sank on its first journey (to New York). The Titanic Trail in Southampton tells the tale of those onboard the ship.
Tip: You can park your car at one of the city centre parks before walking down to the Titanic Trail.
Walk the Titanic Trail through the city to see where the crew and passengers spent their last days before the journey. You also get to visit various memorials in the city dedicated to those who died when the ship sank in 1912.
Experience Nature In Southampton
Here are the top attractions to explore if you want to experience nature in Southampton.
6. Chill In Royal Victoria Country Park
Royal Victoria Country Park comprises 200 acres of mature woodland and grassy parkland, as well as a small beach. This park offers fantastic views of Southampton Water and is a great place to watch luxury yachts enter and exit the port.
Royal Victoria Country Park used to be the home of the largest military hospital in the Victorian era.
Engage your senses in the beautiful garden, built to delight in a tranquil setting. There is a small pond near the park’s entrance where you can sit and watch ducks play.
Additionally, the park has very level ground and a network of pathways, which make it great for walks and wheelchairs. It also has an accessible play area where you can let kids loose to enjoy activities such as rope jumping, escape rooms and wall climbing.
7. Spend An Active Day In New Forest
The New Forest is one of the largest tracts of open pasture land, covering an area of 566 km2 (219 sq mi). Originally established as a royal forest in 1079, it became a national park on March 1, 2005.
Today, various animals such as deer, ponies and cattle roam free within the woodland. The park also has clear rivers and shady groves to relax and enjoy some serenity.
Tip: Rent a cottage within the New Forest Park to enjoy an authentic experience with nature.
Although you can’t bring a car into the park, you can take a walk, cycle or ride a horse around. The New Forest also has some of the best traditional country pubs, cosy tea rooms and restaurants in Southampton.
8. Choose Some Of The Fun Activities In Itchen Valley Country Park
Itchen Valley Country Park is a spacious parkland with woodland in Southampton that spans 440 acres. It has received the Green Flag Award, giving it recognition as one of the best green spaces in the UK.
Itchen Valley is only a short drive from the River Itchen.
The park opens at 6 am up until 6:30 pm during winter, but in summer it stays open until 8:30 pm. You can explore the trails that lead around the forest and fields or a picnic area using benches in the fields.
Itchen Valley has two permanent orienteering courses for adventurers and a Treetop Junior course for little kids.
8.1. Go Ape
This one deserves a spot on its own. Go Ape (Itchen Valley Park) is the UK’s top tree adventure. It’s a unique opportunity to test your balance and overcome any fear of heights as you climb trees and speed down ziplines. You need around 2 to 3 hours to complete the whole trail, and it is great for anyone looking for some outdoor fun. This activity is for people of all ages, so it is one that you can try with the children.
Culture & Art To Enjoy In Southampton
Have a look at five exciting places to learn about Southampton’s history and culture.
9. Check Out The Southampton City Art Gallery
The Southampton City Art Gallery is one of the most prominent art galleries in the UK, attracting art lovers from different parts of the country and beyond. It has various quality exhibitions that you can explore, ranging from paintings, drawings and sculpture to photography and film.
The Southampton Art Gallery holds ‘Designated’ status, awarded by Arts Council England to cultural facilities of (inter)national importance.
The Southampton Art Gallery also houses various interesting permanent collections, and the display changes regularly to ensure you enjoy a new experience whenever you visit. The gallery is free to enter and welcomes visitors of all ages.
10. Visit The SeaCity Museum
Located in the heart of Southampton, the SeaCity Museum tells the story of the city’s maritime history through its various exhibitions. The museum offers various hands-on activities and interactive exhibits to stimulate the entire family.
The highlight of your visit to the SeaCity Museum will be its 1:25 scale interactive model of the Titanic, which provides an immersive depiction of the tragic story of the gigantic ship.
The museum also uses its unique historical collections to narrate the stories of those who have left or arrived at the Southampton port over the past 250,000 years.
Alternatively, you can visit the Solent Sky Museum, home to the Hampshire Police and Fire Heritage Collection.
Find out about more great museums in Hampshire.
11. Watch A Movie At The Harbour Lights Cinema
The Harbour Lights Cinema, which overlooks the marina in Ocean Village, is the perfect place to enjoy films if you’re in Southampton. The two-screen cinema hosts various films, ranging from current blockbusters to independent gems and family favourites.
Tip: Consider the Southampton Harbour Hotel in Ocean Village for lodging near Harbour Lights Cinema.
The cinema also has a bar and cafe where you can enjoy a drink and some food just before or after your movie. The cinema and cafe are open every day, half an hour before the first projection.
12. Watch A Play At The Mayflower Theatre
The Mayflower Theatre, built in 1928, is the oldest and largest theatre on the entire south coast, with over 2,300 seats in its auditorium. The historic building incorporates tradition, while its modernised facilities give a sense of quality, comfort and entertainment.
The theatre hosts a variety of performances suitable for all ages, ranging from sing-a-longs and classic fairy tales to West End musicals. In addition, it has a stunning restaurant that offers mouth-watering menus and first-class service for the perfect night out experience.
13. Explore The Rest Of The Cultural Quarter
Take some time to explore other areas of Southampton’s Guildhall Square, also known as the Cultural Quarter. The cultural quarter has numerous art galleries, cinemas, theatres, restaurants, bars and cafes. It is also the hub of live music venues, making it a great place for entertainment seekers to visit.
In addition to the various entertainment buildings and activities in this area, the Cultural Quarter hosts many exciting events, such as the Re:Claim Street Festival, Seaside in the Square and Chinese New Year celebrations.
The best time to visit Southampton is between May and June because it is less crowded and the weather is decent.
Leisure, Hedonism, Ferries & Self-Touring In Southampton
Thrill yourself by enjoying any one of the following activities in Southampton.
14. Take A Ferry To The Isle Of Wight
The Isle of Wight is the largest and one of the UK’s most beautiful islands, offering stunning sea views and numerous adventurous activities, all this while being close to Southampton.
Red Funnel, a ferry company, operates between the city and the Isle of Wight, transporting both passengers and vehicles. Take a catamaran if on foot and be in West Cowes in 25 minutes. Alternatively, board yourself and your vehicle on a ferry and be in East Coves in 55.
Enjoy the beaches more beautiful than the ones on the mainland, visit Osborne House (home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert back in the days), explore the 12th century Carisbrooke Castle, go paragliding or hang gliding and many more, but come back to Southampton because there are many more exciting things to do there.
See how long the ferry takes from Southampton to the Isle of Wight.
15. Just Walk!
You don’t need to visit any particular location to enjoy a fantastic experience in Southampton. You can walk around the beautiful city, exploring its stunning architecture and appreciating its scenic views.
Southampton has some of the prettiest walking routes in Hampshire. Pick a quiet, panoramic trail and explore it at your own pace. This allows you to learn about the city and see some of the attractions in the area.
Some of the best walking trails include:
- Southampton Common
- Lordswoods and Chilworth Common Circular
- Shoreburs Greenway
16. Attend An Event At O2 Guildhall
Another thing that you should consider doing while exploring Southampton is attending an event at the Southampton Guildhall. This multipurpose venue forms the East Wing of the Civic Centre, and it has three venues that cater to various kinds of events.
The Guildhall accommodated French troops who had escaped from France in June 1940 during the Dunkirk evacuation.
The O2 Guildhall has hosted some of the biggest music stars, ranging from legends such as Pink Floyd and David Bowie to present-day names like KSI, Tom Odell and Jake Bugg. It has also welcomed some of comedy’s big names, like Katherine Ryan and John Bishop.
The O2 Guildhall is only 10 minutes from the railway station, making it easy to access and lies in the city centre amidst other attractions in Southampton.
17. Cheer For A Home Team At Saint Mary’s Stadium
Saint Mary’s Stadium is one of the most iconic stadiums in England. With a capacity of 32,384, it is currently the largest stadium in southeast England and has been the home of the English football club Southampton FC since 2001.
Saint Mary’s sometimes hosts non-football events on weekdays.
Saint Mary’s also hosted numerous international matches for the men’s and women’s football teams before England decided to host all football games at Wembley. Schedule a visit to the stadium to catch a live game involving Southampton FC or Southampton FC Women.
18. Shop At Westquay Shopping Centre
Westquay is one of the premier shopping destinations in Southampton and the South Coast as a whole. Located within a few minutes walk of the Southampton Central train station, this shopping centre boasts over 80 stores, including high street brands like Zara and Marks & Spencer.
Before or after shopping, you can stop by any of the 50 cafes, bars and restaurants within the shopping centre. The restaurants offer cuisine from all over the world, including American, Italian, Thai and Mexican dishes. Also, don’t forget to visit the Esplanade, the place to be for exciting events such as ice rinks and the Festival of Light.
Tip: Southampton has an extensive network of buses that you can use to get around the city, so you don’t have to bring your car.
19. Organise Your Hedonism Self-Tour
Southampton is home to several scintillating bars and restaurants where you can enjoy tasty foods and drinks. Take a self-guided tour across the city, exploring the meals and rewarding your taste buds.
Consider visiting Kutis Royal Thai Pier, which offers traditional and innovative new dishes served with creativity and excellence. The Gatehouse Grill Steakhouse and Spice Cottage are also among the popular restaurants with welcoming menus.
Furthermore, you can visit any of the small cafes around the city to enjoy local dishes. Beer lovers can also stop by any of the numerous breweries spread across the city.
20. Another Ferry Option: Hythe
Catching a ferry to Hythe is another fun thing to try while touring Southampton. Take a small ferry from Town Quay to Hyte and if you’re lucky, you’ll see big cruise ships like Quin Merry 2 and Quin Elizabeth docking.
Hyte is a small, quiet village and one of the best places to visit if you’re trying to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Consider taking your bike on the ferry so you can cycle around the village’s green space. You can also stroll along the promenade that overlooks Southampton to catch views of the Solent.
Hire one of SDVH’s 9-seater cars and explore Southampton’s attractions in style. We also offer minibus hire deals for those travelling in large groups.
Make The Most Of Your Day In Southampton On A Budget
Southampton is relatively expensive when compared with most other cities in Hampshire County and the United Kingdom. However, you can enjoy a day trip around the city on a budget with proper planning.
The following tips can help you make the most of your time in Southampton, even if you’re on a strict budget:
- Enjoy the free things and places: Southampton has a lot of free attractions that you can explore, such as the Bargate, Old Town Walls and its parks. You can also visit affordable places like the Solent Sky Museum to learn about Southampton’s aviation history or other things.
- Utilise public transportation and walking routes: Southampton has an effective public transportation system that can help you get around without spending too much. Also, consider using its walking routes. The city has a very walkable terrain that takes you across some of the most scenic landscapes.
- Bring your food: Although Southampton has several budget-friendly restaurants where you can eat, you can further cut costs by bringing your food. Pack a picnic and enjoy it at any of the city’s parks or other green spaces.
Read more about Southampton and the things it is known for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southampton Worth Visiting?
Yes, Southampton is worth visiting. The city has a rich history and numerous things for visitors to do during their time there. You’ll get to explore ancient structures, as well as art galleries and museums that tell the tale of the city’s maritime history, aviation history and such. Southampton also has several other attractions you can check out during day trips.
How Can I Spend A Day In Southampton?
You can spend a day in Southampton exploring the city. Southampton has several attractions, which makes it an exciting place to visit. Start by exploring historical attractions such as the Old Town Walls and the Bargate, then proceed to the Royal Victoria Park. You’ll also enjoy visiting the Solent Sky Museum and the art gallery if you’re a fan of art.
Is Southampton An Expensive City?
Yes, Southampton is a fairly expensive city. It is the 50th most expensive city in the United Kingdom out of 277. The average cost of living in Southampton for an individual is £1,324 and £3,154 for a family of four. However, it is also among the best cities to live and work in the UK, making it a great place to settle down.
What’s The Crime Rate In Southampton?
The crime rate in Southampton is 14,149 incidents per 100,000 people, equivalent to 0.8% of England’s total crime. This makes Southampton the 7th most unsafe unitary authority in the entire country out of 59. However, the Southampton City Council has introduced a Safe City Strategy aimed at making it safe to explore Southampton and live there.
Is Southampton A Walkable City?
Yes, Southampton is a walkable city. In fact, walking has overtaken cars in the city region as the most popular form of transportation. Most areas within the city are flat, which makes them walkable for pedestrians. Southampton also has numerous walking routes that take you across scenic areas and green spaces.
Conclusion
This article shows that there are numerous things to do in Southampton. The city has established itself as one of the UK’s top tourist destinations due to its diverse range of activities and attractions. Overall, Southampton is great for a vacation, whether you’re a history enthusiast, an art lover, or just want to enjoy some tranquillity in quiet green spaces.
