Things to do in Southampton

Activities, attractions and tours

Southampton which includes chateau or palace, heritage architecture and heritage elements
Southampton which includes chateau or palace, heritage architecture and heritage elements
University of Southampton
Tudor House and Garden which includes heritage architecture, a garden and a house
Southampton City Art Gallery
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Top places to visit

1. Southampton Cruise Terminal

Spend some time watching cruise liners and freight ships come and go from the Southampton Cruise Terminal. Afterwards, make the short walk into Southampton City Center to see historic landmarks and discover a lively bar and restaurant scene. Southampton Cruise Terminal is among the most important marinas in the United Kingdom and welcomes some 2 million passengers every year.
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HDEF21 Cunarder Queen Mary 2 berthed at Southampton cruise terminal

2. University of Southampton

The University of Southampton regularly features in the world’s top 100 universities. Get a feel for the lifestyles of students, professors and alumni while you explore the campuses spread across the city of Southampton. Check the university’s events schedule for concerts, talks and theater shows. The University of Southampton’s origins date back to 1862 and it was given its official university status in 1952.
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University of Southampton

3. Mayflower Theatre

Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre is one of the region’s great thespian haunts. The theater has rich tradition of hosting dramatic spectacles and shows dating back to the early 20th century. After several name changes and renovations, the theater is today at its height of popularity with a constant and varied program to suit audiences of all ages.
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Mayflower Theatre showing theater scenes and signage

4. Mayflower Park

With exceptional views of the River Test, Mayflower Park is a lovely spot for a scenic and tranquil escape. Its café and children’s play area will keep the whole family entertained, between sessions of studying boats floating by on the water. Watch some of the iconic cruise liners departing from the adjacent port at the beginning of their voyages out to sea.
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Mayflower Park

5. Solent University

Southampton Solent University stands at the heart of one of the city’s most vibrant arts and nightlife neighborhoods. Discover a blend of student life and superb cultural activities, which can be enjoyed every day of the year. Relax in some of Southampton’s prettiest green spaces while visiting Southampton Solent University.
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Southampton Solent University

What to do in Southampton

Popular places to visit

Southampton Cruise Terminal

Southampton Cruise Terminal

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

Southampton Cruise Terminal
University 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.

University of Southampton
Mayflower Theatre showing theater scenes and signage

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.

Mayflower Theatre
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 the lush forest and waterfront in this quaint area.

New Forest Wildlife Park
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 acclaimed theater scene.

St. Mary's Stadium
Mayflower Park

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.

Mayflower Park
Southampton Solent University

Solent University

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

Solent University
Tudor House and Garden which includes a house and interior views

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.

Tudor House and Garden
SeaCity Museum featuring interior views

SeaCity Museum

Sail back into Southampton’s rich nautical past at this state-of-the-art museum created to mark the 100-year anniversary of RMS Titanic’s ill-fated maiden voyage.

SeaCity Museum

Areas of Southampton

Medieval Merchant\'s House

Southampton City Centre

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.

Southampton City Centre
Southampton docks and Ocean Village marina at sunset on a warm summer's evening

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.

Ocean Village
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

If you're spending some time in Old Town, Tudor House and Garden and Titanic Honour & Glory Exhibition - Southampton are top sights worth seeing.

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

Freemantle

While visiting Freemantle, you might make a stop by sights like Southampton Cruise Terminal and River Test.

Freemantle
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.

The Polygon
University of Southampton

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.

Portswood

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 travelers 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 neighborhoods, Southampton City Centre is 0.64 kilometers away from downtown, while Ocean Village is 2 kilometers away from the city center 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 vacationing 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 neighborhoods, 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.

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