Whether your cruise is due to stop Southampton for a day or so, or you are looking for things to do pre- or post-cruise, there’s plenty of things to do near the Southampton cruise terminals.
All five of Southampton’s cruise terminals (City, Horizon, Mayflower, QE2 and Ocean) are within short distance of each other, and our vibrant city centre.
If you are a history buff or love to soak up the atmosphere of a cosmopolitan, bustling city, you will find plenty of things to do just a short walk of Southampton’s cruise terminals.
Discover Southampton’s Medieval history
Take a short walk from your cruise terminal and you’ll soon be immersed in Southampton’s rich history in Old Town.
Journey through history by following the Medieval Walls as they skirt the modern-day city. Either choose to follow the signposted trails leading you around Southampton’s Old Town or choose to go on a guided walk with a local guide.
Continue your journey through history at Southampton’s Tudor House & Garden. With its iconic black and white façade and step into over 800 years of Southampton’s past. Uncover what life was like for residents of our city across the years – with interactive displays and exhibits for young and old. Their onsite café which overlooks the Tudor Knot Garden offers plenty of sweet and savoury treats including classic cream teas if you are looking to take a break and soak up a moment of calm.
Close by you will also find the Medieval Merchant’s House – restored during the 1980s to replicate what life was like in the mid-14th century. The building managed by English Heritage is open between April and the end of October on the second and fourth Thursday & Saturday of each month.
Explore Southampton’s Titanic connections
Arguably one of the most famous ships of all time, the Titanic has of course got its incredibly strong connections with our city.
Starting at Town Quay Pier (a 5-minute walk from City and Ocean cruise terminals), book onto a two-hour walking tour with Walsh Tours to delve into the secrets of the Titanic.
For those looking to explore at their own pace, Southampton also offers a self-guided walking route that takes in some of the city’s key Titanic-related points of interest. Visitors can download a free map here before setting off. Don’t miss the tiled Titanic Stevedore murals just off of Bernard Street!
Southampton’s Old Town is home to many of the city’s key Titanic-linked sites, including some of its most historic and well-loved pubs. Along Oxford Street, The Grapes is famously known as the spot where many crew members enjoyed a final drink before setting sail. Legend has it that three brothers stopped by the pub and missed boarding the Titanic after lingering a little too long over drinks and good company.
Nearby at Town Quay, Platform Tavern also shares a connection to the ship. Overlooking the Titanic’s berth at Dock Gate 4, the pub was recorded as the last address of James McGrady, a first-class saloon steward who stayed there before the Titanic’s maiden voyage. His body was the final one recovered from the disaster, with the tavern listed as his home address.
Working your way up in town, you can take a slightly longer walk from the cruise terminals (approximately 30-minutes from the cruise terminals or grab a short taxi ride) and head to SeaCity Museum in the heart of our Cultural Quarter. This museum offers several exhibition spaces dedicated to Southampton’s maritime connections and is the home of Southampton’s Titanic Story, telling the in-depth stories behind some of the Southampton residents who worked on the Titanic.
These are just a few of the sites across Southampton with connections to the famous ship. For more Titanic-related places to explore nearby in the city centre, take a look at our Titanic page here.
Soak up Southampton’s culture
Within short reach of the cruise terminals, you can really get a feel for Southampton’s culture.
Spend some time at God’s House Tower, not only can you discover some of the stories from Southampton’s past here, but you can also find permanent and temporary art exhibitions and a selection of workshops, live performances and activities.
In the city’s Cultural Quarter, visitors can discover Southampton City Art Gallery, home to an impressive collection spanning eight centuries, alongside John Hansard Gallery which showcases contemporary exhibitions and creative events, both free to explore during your visit.
Treat your stomach to some great food
Just a 5-minute walk from the Ocean, City and Horizon cruise terminals, plan a wander along Oxford Street. Here, you can enjoy the café culture with a wide selection of independent coffee shops, restaurants and bars. The White Star Tavern - an award-winning pub, restaurant and hotel – serves up hearty English breakfasts, lunches and dinners, and offers plenty of space for big groups.
On a fine day, enjoy a spot of alfresco dining, with many of Oxford Street’s indies offering outside eating spots – perfect for soaking up the sun and a spot of people watching. Cocktails at Mail Room, Medbar, Monarch and Rita’s Cocktail Bar are a must, with some offering options to go bottomless.
Alternatively, take a short walk from either the City or Ocean cruise terminals over to the edge of Old Town. Here, you’ll find The Dancing Man Brewery, a micro-brewery which serves up a variety of ales, lagers and stouts as well as bites to eat. Or, follow our Medieval walls to The Pig in the Wall. Set within the Medieval walls itself, this top foodie spot makes a great pit stop for a lunch where local produce is at the heart of the menu at the deli-bar.
Enjoy Southampton’s green spaces
After exploring the city’s history, culture and food scene, take a moment to unwind in some of Southampton’s most charming green spaces — all within easy reach of the cruise terminals.
Just a short stroll from the City and Ocean cruise terminals, Queen’s Park offers a peaceful pocket of greenery right by the waterfront. With its mature trees, open lawns and striking memorials, it’s a lovely spot to stretch your legs, enjoy a takeaway coffee or simply watch the world go by before heading back on board.
Tucked behind the historic walls, Town Quay Park is a hidden gem that blends landscaped gardens with layers of local history. Wander through its quiet pathways, admire the planting and take in views of the old town. The park is just next door to Canute’s Palace and The Watergate Ruin for some picture-worthy snaps.
On your way back to the terminal, take a moment to wander through Mayflower Park. With sweeping views across Southampton Water and the cruise ships docked just opposite, it’s a lovely spot for a gentle stroll, a relaxed picnic or simply a quiet pause as you watch other vessels glide in and out of the port. If you’re hoping to capture a few photos of your ship, this is one of the very best vantage points in the city.
