Our top things to do in Southampton in 2026
Looking for action-packed adventure with the kids, a romantic escape or shopping and galleries with friends? Head to the buzzing south coast city of Southampton and prepare to be surprised – this easy-to-navigate city merges a medieval past with cutting-edge attractions and superb dining and nightlife, making an unforgettable trip!
Short-break, family holiday or day out, this is a city packed with culture, foodie districts, a thriving arts scene and, of course, a stunning waterfront. Stroll through acres of green parks, past Tudor buildings in the cobbled old town or enjoy the non-stop events scene – there’s something to explore here every day, year-round!
If you’re visiting for the first time, head to the Cultural Quarter in bustling Guildhall Square, the hub for live music venues, art galleries, concert halls, restaurants, bars and some of the city’s top attractions.
SeaCity Museum is simply unmissable for kids and adults alike. It recounts the story of the ‘unsinkable’ Titanic in 1912. Recorded passenger stories and an interactive model of the ship make this tragedy all too real; it affected almost every home in the town.
Southampton’s been a gateway to the world for more than 20,000 years, two further exhibitions will give you a whistlestop tour.
Cool cultural treasures
Art-lover? Explore the John Hansard Gallery, part of the University of Southampton and internationally renowned for its rolling programme of contemporary exhibitions, alongside activities for all ages. After a major restoration, Southampton City Art Gallery reopens 7 March 2026, it boasts one of the finest collections in the south of England with more than 5,000 pieces from European Renaissance works to the present day. For the reopening it has a series of exciting new acquisitions and exhibitions in the line-up.
Check here for more details.
Bursting with live entertainment
Whether it’s a night at the opera, violin concertos or the biggest names in pop, in Southampton you’ll find one of the biggest entertainment programmes on the south coast.
Home to the O2 Guildhall, the south’s largest multi-purpose entertainment venue - it’s hosted everything from Beethoven to Bowie – book for comedy, classical or rock and pop and much more.
Jazz, folk, indie and classical concerts are staged at the Turner Sims Concert Hall or for a more intimate event, make your way to The Stage Door for live music, comedy and fringe theatre.
For a night at the theatre, look no further than The Mayflower Theatre and Mayflower Studios, hosts to some of the West End’s biggest shows at half the price - dance, opera, theatre, ballet and the very best in children’s shows - and all a stone’s throw from the train station.
The town’s spa status brought the fashionable and wealthy in Georgian times, not least the then Prince of Wales in the 1750s who visited to try the mineral springs found at the Bargate. One of our most notable novelists Jane Austen was a resident in the 18th century, lodging at Castle Square. Retrace her steps in the Jane Austen Heritage Trail, and visit the exhibition at the SeaCity Museum, see below.
Treading the stones of the Old Town Walls, you’ll encounter the wonderful timber-beamed Tudor House and Garden with tempting cafe, God’s House Tower – once home to the town’s gunner and his guns, powder and shot, now an award-winning arts venue – the 1400s Wool House, now the Dancing Man Brewery, merchant houses on Cuckoo Lane, medieval wine vaults and churches, and scores of other treasures, incredibly preserved despite the intense bombing of WW2.
Come and see the city in a whole new light! From 18-21 February City Reflections: Illuminating Southampton’s Stories showcases a dazzling new trail of light, history and storytelling across six iconic landmarks. Uncover hidden histories, little-known treasures (don’t miss special access to the castle vaults), and discover the connection between the city’s past with its people of today. Don’t miss the chance to explore this city after dark in this free, family-friendly trail.
One of Southampton’s favourite former residents, Jane Austen, is celebrated at the SeaCity Museum until 12 April. A Very Respectable Company exhibits a collection of rarely seen materials connected to Austen on loan from the descendants of her closest circle of acquaintances. Glimpse personal letters, family portraits and the unique Family Austen Book. Mr Darcy fan or not, it’s an amazing peek into her life.
Music fans should mark a date to visit in June for Southampton Summer Sessions when the Guildhall Square is transformed into a pulsating, two-week festival of sound hosting major names. From Friday 12 to Saturday 27 June, book tickets to enjoy the likes of Amy McDonald, Blur bassist Alex James, Paul Weller, The Beach Boys, Pete Tong Ibiza Classics and scores more. Tickets here
Meanwhile cricket lovers are in for a treat in 2026. The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup will see six matches across four days staged at Southampton’s Utilita Bowl, the fast-paced action kicks off Saturday 13 June with West Indies v New Zealand. Following the Women’s World Cup action, England Men return to the south coast as Harry Brook’s side takes on India in a Vitality IT20 on Saturday 11 July followed by England v Sri Lanka on Tuesday 15 September.
The British Science Association and the University of Southampton will be hosting the prestigious British Science Festival 2026, 16-29 September. In its 195th year, expect around 100 free events, performances and installations bringing to life the people, stories and ideas that transfers science into our everyday lives. The university is renowned for its innovative cutting-edge research, come and explore the impact its work has on both people and planet.
In addition to some of 2026’s top events, Southampton hosts a packed line-up of major annual events including the colourful Mela Festival in July, Southampton Boat Show in September, Oktoberfest and Southampton Christmas Market from November to January.
Seas the Day – calling all cruise passengers!
As the UK’s leading cruise port, Southampton welcomes millions of cruise passengers. If you’re about to sail the high seas on the trip of a lifetime or embarking on a luxury mini-break, start your vacation right here!
A stroll around the wonderful medieval Old Town Walls takes only around an hour and includes two top attractions, The Tudor House and Garden and God’s House Tower. For a snapshot of history, the SeaCity Museum is unmissable with artefacts and images of the Titanic passengers from 1912.
Forgotten to pack something? Head to Westquay shopping centre, handily beside the old town. Whether you’re after swimwear, shoes, jewellery or sunglasses, with more than 100 outlets including well-known brands, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Check out our blog for more ideas of what to see and do before you head out to the ocean breeze..
