Things to do in Southampton

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Southampton

Types of activities

Where to stay

Southampton travel guide

Southampton showing heritage elements, chateau or palace and heritage architecture

Tudor House and Garden which includes heritage architecture, a garden and a house

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What to do in Southampton

Popular places to visit

Southampton Cruise Terminal

One of the busiest cruise ports in England is just a few steps from the historical and entertainment attractions of Southampton.

University of Southampton

Tour an oceanographic research institute, watch independent theater productions and see designs by notable British architects at this 150-year-old university.

Mayflower Theatre

From touring West End musicals to magic shows, stand-up comedy to children’s entertainment, this historic theater serves up Southampton’s best entertainment.

Southampton Saint Mary's Stadium Football club aerial towards Itchen river autumn

St. Mary's Stadium

Catch an event at St. Mary's Stadium during your trip to Southampton. Discover the area's top-notch restaurants and its entertainment choices.

Buckler's hard , New forest, England, United Kingdom

New Forest Wildlife Park

Enjoy an outing to New Forest Wildlife Park during your stay in Denny Lodge. Wander through the lush forest and waterfront in this quaint area.

Mayflower Park

Sit on a bench in this riverside park where over the ages other visitors have witnessed the passing of famous vessels and the naming of new ones.

Solent University

This city center university forms part of the Cultural Quarter, a district home to galleries, museums, parks and performing arts venues.

Tudor House and Garden

Peer back into the day-to-day lives of Southampton’s Norman and Tudor residents at the city’s most important historic house, garden and ruins.

Beautiful gardens at Exbury...plus a little steam train ride to keep the kids happy

Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway

All aboard for a classic steam railway journey through gorgeous Hampshire woodlands and colorful flower displays packed with fascinating and rare blooms.

Areas of Southampton

Southampton City Centre

4/5(584 area reviews)

The lively bars and waterfront views are top of the list for many visitors to Southampton City Centre. A stop by Southampton Maritime Museum or Ocean Village Marina might round out your trip.

Ocean Village

You'll enjoy the restaurants and parks in Ocean Village. You might want to make time for a stop at Ocean Village Marina or Harbour Lights Picturehouse.

Southampton UK seaside city panorama. Wide angle aerial view from the ferry terminal and port with large cruise ship mooring towards the Itchen toll bridge. Beautiful sunrise and calm sea. Urban area.

Old Town

While visiting Old Town, you might make a stop by sights like Tudor House and Garden and Titanic Honour & Glory Exhibition - Southampton.

Mayflower Theatre which includes theater scenes and signage

The Polygon

While there might not be top attractions in The Polygon, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Southampton Cruise Terminal and Mayflower Theatre.

Portswood

Portswood is popular for its ample dining options, and you might make a stop by The Common, a top place to visit in the area.

Early morning arrival in to Southampton on P&O Ventura.

Freemantle

If you're spending some time in Freemantle, Southampton Cruise Terminal and River Test are top sights worth seeing.

Winchester

Fields along western side of Little Bull Lane, Waltham Chase. Seen from footpath that goes from Meon Valley Golf Course up the lane. The footpath and lane follow the line of trees at right.

Shedfield

River Hamble SW of Bursledon Bridge Seen from the bridge. Deacons boatyard is on the right.

Lower Swanwick

Bartley

Hambledon

Fawley

Blackfield

Hamble Ferry operates from Hamble to Warsash everyday of the year, except Christmas day. Passengers of the ferry include ramblers, cyclists yachtsmen and seasonal visitors, as well as a regular band of local commuters working in the local industries and colleges. Spanning a quarter mile distance the ferry shortcuts the need to make the five mile round trip from Hamble to Warsash, via Burseldon. The ferry operates from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Current charges are £1 each way for foot passengers, cyclists £1.30 and children 75p. The ferry has a long history. The earliest evidence of a crossing appears in a reference made at a local Admiralty Court in 1493. Further mention is made in 1508 where comment is made as to the poor condition of the Warsash causeway. The men of Warsash were commanded to made suitable repairs. At various times the ownership of the ferry has belonged to Winchester College and The Bugle Inn. Today the ferry is owned by Mike Lindsell. In recent times £26,000 was invested in a new boat, Emily, to cope with the increased ferry traffic, some 40,000 passengers per year.

Hamble-le-Rice

Frequently asked questions

Is Southampton worth visiting?

Providing a blend of walking trails and cycling, there are plenty of things to do in Southampton. While you're here, visit Paultons Family Theme Park - Home of Peppa Pig World, a major attraction in the area.

How do I spend a day in Southampton?

Once you've visited leading attractions like Paultons Family Theme Park - Home of Peppa Pig World and New Forest Wildlife Park, spend some time discovering the food and retail options in Southampton.

What is the top tourist attraction in Southampton?

You can't leave without exploring Paultons Family Theme Park - Home of Peppa Pig World, rated the top tourist attraction in Southampton.

Is three days enough to stay in Southampton?

You can easily enjoy leading attractions like Mayflower Theatre, New Forest Wildlife Park and Tudor House and Garden with a three-day stay in Southampton. On average, most travellers book two days here. There's plenty to explore nearby too, so stick around longer and head to Salisbury.

Is Southampton a walkable city?

It depends on what you plan to do and see in Southampton. Several sights, such as Mayflower Theatre and Tudor House and Garden, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of Southampton's neighbourhoods, Southampton City Centre is 0.64 kilometres away from downtown, while Ocean Village is 2 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.

What are some activities to do in Southampton with kids?

Deciding what to do in Southampton with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're holidaying with teenagers or toddlers, there are plenty of family-friendly sights to keep everyone busy here.

What to do in Southampton for adults?

Wickham Estate and Civic Centre are just a couple of the things to do in Southampton. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone.

Are there free things to do in Southampton?

One of the simplest ways to find free things to do in Southampton is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on hip neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can visit without reaching into your pocket. Weston Hard Woolston Beach is one sight that doesn't charge an entrance fee.