Things to do in Southampton

Southampton, located along the scenic south coast, is a city known for its maritime heritage, vibrant culture, and modern charm. As the departure point of the ill-fated Titanic, Southampton’s rich seafaring history is showcased at landmarks like the SeaCity Museum and the medieval Bargate, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into the city's nautical past. These sites, alongside the historic City Walls, tell the story of Southampton’s evolution from a bustling port to a dynamic modern city.

A visit to Southampton wouldn’t be complete without exploring its lively cultural scene. The city’s thriving waterfront is home to stylish restaurants, bars, and the renowned Westquay shopping center. For a more tranquil experience, visitors can enjoy the greenery of the beautiful Southampton Common or take a leisurely stroll through Mayflower Park. Whether delving into the city's history, enjoying its shopping and dining, or simply relaxing by the water, Southampton promises a memorable experience for every visitor.

Fun Activities

Get some fresh air and drive to the nearby New Forest National Park, where you can try and spot local wildlife such as otters, wolves and the famous wild New Forest ponies. You can go and play a game of Paintball at Ambush, or zoom down the only pier to shore Zipline at Rock Reef.

Petrol-heads will love mooching around The National Motor Museum with it’s classic cars, and the World of Top Gear, a homage to the popular car show. As well as the above Southampton can offer you a hugh list of activities and days out, which include Crazy Golf, Go Karting and Laser Tag.

Eating Out

Oxford Street has a great selection of restaurants for those who find it hard to decide, and the recently opened Westquay South is the perfect place to grab a quick bite in one of the bigger chains. The Oxford Brasserie is a Southampton staple, and serves a mix of modern English, French and Italian dishes. The White Star Tavern is an award-winning gastro pub that uses the freshest ingredients possible

The Alexandra Beer Emporium lets you play on vintage arcade machines while you drink one of their legendary cocktails, or head to Ocean Village for bars and pubs with stunning views of the marina, especially at sunset. If you get bored easily, the huge Oceana Club has multiple rooms playing different music and has attracted international DJs like Calvin Harris and Paul Oakenfold. 

Orange Rooms is an award-winning venue that was voted Best Bar in Southampton and is known for its retro décor that matches the relaxed cocktail lounge vibe.

Culture Vulture

SeaCity Museum is a modern, state of the art museum dedicated to telling visitors about Southampton’s maritime history and how it was affected by the loss of the Titanic (over 500 households lost loved ones in the tragedy).

You can see fascinating artefacts like life jackets and a steward’s pocket watch that shows the exact time it stopped on contact with water. The renowned Mayflower Theatre is the place to catch a variety of performances, from West End shows, to operas and ballets. You can also download one of the many self guided walks from Curious About, so that you can make the most of your time exploring Southampton

Eating Out and Places to Stay in Southampton

For a memorable stay in Southampton, Hotels.com offers a wide range of comfortable accommodations, ideal for exploring the city’s maritime heritage and vibrant cultural scene. Whether you’re looking for a modern hotel near the waterfront or a cozy guesthouse in a charming neighborhood, Hotels.com has options to suit every traveler’s taste and budget. 

Enjoy a diverse dining experience, featuring everything from fresh seafood to international cuisine, and be sure to visit iconic attractions like the SeaCity Museum, the historic Tudor House and Garden, and the bustling Westquay shopping center. With its unique blend of history and contemporary flair, Southampton guarantees an unforgettable experience for every visitor!

Something a bit different…

You can’t visit one of the most famous ports in the UK without actually having a go at Blue Box Sailing. The Solent area is a great place for first-time sailors, as the waters are relatively calm and sheltered, and nearby Isle of Wight is the perfect distance to aim for. There are loads of sailing courses on offer in Shamrock Quay, offering recognised qualifications that you can build up until you’re ready to be the Captain!

So we hope that you enjoyed reading our article about Things to do in Southampton, and that you enjoy the fresh sea air, relax and enjoy the sites and sounds of Southampton, and tell us all about your trip!