Are you looking for ways to treat dad this Father's Day? We’ve put together some great suggestions of things you can do in and around Southampton to help celebrate your special male role model. From tasty meals out to sporting experiences, delve in to ways to make this Father’s Day a memorable one for you and your dad. This year, Father’s Day takes place on Sunday 21 June.
Events happening in Southampton around Father's Day
June kicks off some of the city’s most exciting events of the Summer, and this year Southampton is buzzing. Southampton Summer Sessions will light up Guildhall Square with a star‑studded line‑up including Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (19 June), Paul Weller (20 June) and, on Father’s Day itself, the legendary Billy Ocean (21 June). If dad loves great music, make sure you grab your tickets early so he doesn’t miss out.
Just a short stroll north of the Cultural Quarter, Carlton Place will be bursting with local traders and independent stallholders on Father’s Day for the Carlton Place Independent Market. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxed wander with dad — and you can dip into nearby favourites like Overdraft or The Cricketers Arms for a drink or a bite to eat.
If your celebrations spill into the following weekend, the fun continues with the Bedford Place Summer Festival on Sunday 28 June. Expect even more traders, live music and free entertainment for all ages as Bedford Place transforms into a lively street festival.
These are just a few highlights — explore even more on our What’s On page and start planning your summer in the city.
Father's Day dining in Southampton
You will be spoilt for choice on dining options for dad. Whether you are seeking something spicy, something traditional like a Sunday roast or something a little different, there are plenty of food options across Southampton.
Head along to Westquay for some familiar favourites including Red Dog Saloon, Kwackers and Franco Manca. Combine your meal out with a spot of bowling at nearby Hollywood Bowl or a movie at Showcase Cinema de Lux.
For an extra special treat, choose from some of Southampton’s award-winning dining spots including The Jetty (perfect for seafood lovers), The Pig-in-the-WALL and Ennio’s ristorante.
Try out some of our city’s independent dining spots such as Spanish restaurant La Regata or for a meat lovers paradise - Argento Steakhouse. Head along to Oxford Street or the London Road area for more independent vibes.
Many of our dining spots will be serving up special Father’s Day menus. Pre-booking is also strongly advised to avoid disappointment.
Traditional pubs and great pints in Southampton
For those seeking a more traditional Father’s Day experience, head to some of our historic pubs for some pub fare and a great pint. Whether dad is a real-ale aficionado or loves sipping a pint in a beer garden, browse our pubs to find your perfect pint stop this Father’s Day. You’ll find plenty of craft beers and breweries to pick out the perfect spot for dad here.
If you are seeking some of our traditional pubs – pop along to Old Town. Here, you’ll find many a pub steeped in history including the stunning Duke of Wellington. Old Town is also the location of the Dancing Man Brewery – a microbrewery/pub which is set in an old wool house.
Things to do together this Father’s Day in Southampton
Create special family memories together by planning some things to do this Father's Day.
Challenge each other on some retro and modern games at High Score Arcades – from Pacman to Guitar Hero, you can battle out with each other at this free-play arcade centre on East Street.
See if you have what it takes to work as a team and solve the clues needed at Locked in a Room escape room. Also, a perfect rainy-day activity for Father’s Day if the weather isn’t playing ball!
For dads that love a bit of history, take them on a day out to one of our city’s museums. At Solent Sky Museum, you can visit the birthplace of the Spitfire and see around 20 aircraft from across the years. SeaCity Museum delves into Southampton’s history further with dedicated galleries exploring the archaeology of the city and the Titanic exhibition, which looks into the social history of the impacts Titanic had on Southampton and its people.
Or step back in 800 years of history on a day out to Tudor House and Garden. Discover more about Southampton’s history with family-friendly exhibits and a small café for a post-exploration cuppa.
If you are looking for something free to do, why not follow the city walls on a walk together? Take in the views of our city and discover more about our medieval history along the way.
Father's Day ideas for sports fans
With a summer of sport line up in Southampton, there’s plenty for sports fans this Father's Day.
Why not treat dad to some tickets to some of the upcoming cricket matches at Utilita Bowl? Coming very soon will be The Hundred – with tickets already available for four exciting dates in Southampton’s sporting calendar.
Is dad a Saints fan or perhaps just a football enthusiast? Book him onto a tour of St Mary’s Stadium over the summer. With various options available including pre-game tours and those with a Saints legend. Alternatively, pick up some Saints’ merchandise as a gift from the Saints Store at the stadium.
Some of our pubs will also be live-screening some of the FIFA World Cup matches across Father’s Day weekend so you don’t have to miss out on the action. Take a look at our World Cup blog to see where to soak up all the action.
Last-minute Father's Day gift ideas in Southampton
If you are stuck for a gift for Father's Day, then be sure to head to some of our shopping centres to pick up the perfect thing.
At Westquay, you’ll find flagship stores including John Lewis and M&S – perfect for new clothing, accessories or homeware. Another great stop for a Father’s Day gift is the Menkind gadget shop – packed with toys and puzzles ideal for dad.
Pop along to the Marlands Shopping Centre for more clothing stores, shops selling aftershave and men’s toiletries and several jewellers.
If your dad loves to get outdoors, the large Decathlon store can be found at West Quay Retail Park, along with a number of other large stores including Boots, Mountain Warehouse, Currys and JD Sports.
Make Father’s Day one to remember in Southampton
Whether your dad enjoys a perfectly poured pint, a delicious meal out, a sporting day out or simply spending quality time together, Southampton has plenty of ways to make Father’s Day feel cherished. From family-friendly attractions to great food, shopping and entertainment, there are lots of opportunities to celebrate that special father figure in your life and create some lasting memories together this June.
