Southampton

About

Discover, explore and enjoy Southampton! 

The outward-looking city of Southampton is as inclusive as it is diverse with a range of attractions, activities and events to rival anywhere on the coast.  

Tread medieval town walls, uncover true stories of Titanic passengers and, new for 2024, discover why the city was so important to Jane Austen. 

The buzzing port city of Southampton is one of the most vibrant and creative cities on the coast.  Thanks to its large student population, this city is young-at-heart with a music and entertainment scene to match.  

Couple that with a history dating back to around 43AD and a maritime heritage that encompasses the Mayflower, the Titanic and birthplace of the Spitfire and you have the ideal must-visit destination. 

With colourful festivals, live music, west end shows and cuisine from almost every corner of the globe, this young-at-heart city is worth a visit year-round. For what’s on listings visit www.visitsouthampton.co.uk 

Reflecting its rich cultural mix, the city’s cafes, restaurants and bars offer a truly global menu to suit almost every palate. Check out Bedford Place or Oxford Street for excellent cosmopolitan cuisine.   

Looking to shop? Hundreds of retail outlets and brands await at Westquay and The Marlands. 

Things to do in Southampton

• Launching in November 2024, Southampton is celebrating its strong connections with former resident Jane Austen. A programme of events to mark the 250th anniversary of her birth in 1775 kickstarts with an exhibition at God’s House Tower featuring Austen’s travelling writing desk alongside an interpretation of her life and works. Among the programme of celebratory events will be walking trails and theatrical performances of her work – a year not to be missed by her literary fans. 
• Get a flavour of this city’s impressive history with a walk around the wonderfully preserved medieval Old Town Walls, a series of panels that bring key events and people to life. Entering the Bargate you’ll follow in the footsteps of townspeople, traders and sailors.   
• Visit the Tudor House and Garden, tread its creaking wooden floors and explore its displays before visiting the pretty Tudor knot garden and café, a peaceful oasis in the centre of this bustling city.
• Uncover true stories of Titanic passengers at the state-of-the-art SeaCity Museum, a must for any visitor to the city. It sets the stage for the sailing of the ‘unsinkable’ Titanic in 1912 and the impact this ship had on almost every home in the town at the time.   
• The City Art Gallery is considered one of the best outside London, check out its programme of themed talks and workshops for a deeper dive.  
• Modern art-lovers should head to the John Hansard Gallery, part of the University of Southampton, while Southampton’s Art Trail showcases a series of artworks punctuating the city’s parks and gardens. 
• Head to the largest theatre in the South, the MayFlower Theatre welcomes an array of award-winning shows, musicals, ballets and more, straight from the West End
• Get family and friends together for the ultimate escape room challenge with Locked in a Room Southampton, with eight themed rooms to try.
• The Spitfire, the famous fighter plane, was designed and developed in Southampton. Aviation fans should make a visit to the Solent Sky Museum and explore the birthplace of the Supermarine Spitfire and 20 aircraft from the golden age of aviation and discover the important role the city played in the history of flight.
• Experience the golden age of steam onboard the SS Shieldhall the largest working steam ship in Britain. Book a cruise, visit the ship in Southampton, or hire her for a private event or venue.  

Accommodation in Southampton 

Looking for somewhere to stay in Southampton?  You can find a wide selection of accommodation choices. 

The Hilton Southampton - Utilita Bowl  is located 5-miles outside of the city centre, this stunning hotel is at the home of Hampshire Cricket.The property boasts spectacular views across the iconic Utilita Bowl and Boundary Lakes, the venue’s 18-hole golf course. 

Things to do near Southampton

• Step back in time at  The Brickworks Museum, in Bursledon just on the outskirts of the city, the only remaining steam driven brickworks in the country. 
• Northwest of Southampton, close to Eastleigh, you can find Go Ape Southampton in the heart of Itchen Valley Country Park. 
• A short distance from Southampton is Paultons Park, home of Peppa Pig World, a theme park for families with more than 60 wonderful rides and attractions. 
• Discover the natural beauty and history of the New Forest with many activities and places to visit on foot, by bike, as part of a guided tour, by bus, car, or even on horseback!   
• Catch the ferry across to the Isle of Wight. Sail down Southampton Water and see the busy shipping, from enormous container ships to elegant cruise liners that dock regularly in Southampton. 
• Discover the beautiful woodland walks and breath-taking views at the Sir Harold Hiller Gardens in Romsey. 

Maps and Directions in and around Southampton

If you plan on visiting the city or anywhere else in the south of England, Southampton Airport is serviced by connections from around the U.K. and many of the largest cities in Europe. 

Heading off or returning from a cruise? Why not, stay a night or two and explore all that Southampton has to offer.  

Southampton parking information