Easter in Southampton brings a wide variety of events for all ages. From traditional Easter egg hunts to exciting family-friendly activities, the city comes alive with energy during the school holidays. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures, indoor entertainment or a mix of both, there’s something happening across the city to suit every schedule.
Popular Easter events include Visit Southampton’s annual Easter walking trail, craft workshops, and special seasonal programming at attractions like SeaCity Museum and Tudor House & Garden. Look out for free events happening across the city centre, as well as ticketed experiences for families. Below are just a few ways you can enjoy the break!
Southampton's free Easter Trail
Looking for a fun way to explore the city with the family? Our free themed walking trail returns each year, offering a fresh adventure to enjoy together during the school holidays.
Follow the trail map through Southampton’s city centre, stopping off at a series of locations along the way. Each stop features a hidden clue in a shop window or venue for you to find —simply note down your answers as you go.
Once you’ve completed the trail, head to the designated finish point to collect a small prize for your little explorers along with a chance to enter our spring giveaway.
Keep an eye on our trail page for details of our next trail, including dates, theme and how to take part.
Easter fun at Southampton’s Cultural Venues
Discover a variety of creative workshops, guided tours and hands-on experiences taking place across Southampton’s cultural venues throughout the year.
From family-friendly craft sessions to interactive activities, there are plenty of opportunities for children to get creative and learn something new. Expect a changing programme of workshops inspired by seasonal themes, popular stories and local history, with activities designed to spark imagination and curiosity.
It’s not just for little ones either—adults can enjoy a range of creative workshops, including art, drawing and other skill-based sessions, perfect for trying something new or developing existing talents. For a full list of activities and dates, head to the city’s Easter page here.
Family theatre shows at Mayflower
Looking for live entertainment the whole family can enjoy? Mayflower Theatre and Mayflower Studios host a variety of family-friendly productions throughout the year, from much-loved storybook adaptations to lively, music-filled performances.
With a regularly changing programme, there’s always something new to discover—whether it’s a playful introduction to theatre for younger audiences or a high-energy show packed with songs, comedy and larger-than-life characters.
Creative family workshops at John Hansard Gallery
John Hansard Gallery’s Space to Create! programme is another great option if you’re looking to get crafty this Easter. These drop-in sessions run every Saturday between 11am and 1pm and invite visitors to build and create together with activities inspired by the gallery’s latest exhibitions. The gallery itself is also free to visit during your trip, so take a wander through the exhibitions and get inspired. For the latest sessions taking place over the holidays click here.
Easter themed nights out in Southampton
When the sun goes down, Southampton’s nightlife comes alive with plenty of options for over-18s looking to celebrate Easter with friends. Across the city centre you’ll find a mix of nightclubs, lounges and late-night bars hosting themed nights, DJs and dance floors to keep the party going well into the early hours.
Venues such as Orange Rooms, Circuit, Trilogy and Popworld are well-known for their lively party atmospheres, mixing chart hits, throwback classics and themed nights that often run until the early morning. Café Parfait and Grumpy Monkey also offer popular late-night dance floors in the city centre, with DJs playing everything from house and R&B to commercial club favourites.
For something a little different, you can also check out venues like The Edge & The Box Bar which is an award-winning LGBTQ+ nightclub & bar that regularly hosts DJs, Drag Queens, and even karaoke! #LightUpYourSOcial Life and start planning your evening after 5pm here.
Board games and trading card action at Dice & Dumplings
For something at a more relaxed pace (depending on the game you choose!) stop by Dice & Dumplings, a trading card shop and café/bistro in the heart of the city’s Cultural Quarter.
Located just a few doors away from Mayflower Studios, the shop offers a great collection of tabletop board games that you can rent and play at one of their tables.
The independent gaming café also has plenty of seating where you can bring and play your own trading card games for free, while ordering from a menu of freshly cooked food ranging from breakfast through to dinner. They are open every day from 11am.
Retro gaming at High Score Arcade
If you’re looking for something a little different this Easter, head to High Score Arcades where visitors of all ages can enjoy a wide selection of retro arcade games. Open throughout the Easter holidays, it’s a great spot to challenge friends and family to classic favourites, discover vintage machines and see who can rack up the highest score.
Bowling and cinema fun at Westquay
Nothing beats a classic activity like bowling. It’s great for families of all sizes and perfect whatever the spring weather brings.
At Hollywood Bowl, you can enjoy ten-pin bowling along with an on-site arcade if you’re looking to add to the fun. If you’re feeling peckish, food and drinks can also be delivered straight to your lane while you take a break between turns.
Also in Westquay South is Showcase Cinema de Lux, where you can relax in reclining seats while watching the latest blockbuster films, complete with all the classic cinema snacks.
Discover Southampton’s greenspaces this Spring
With Easter also comes the shift in seasons, as days become brighter and milder making it a great time to enjoy Southampton’s green spaces. The city has received several Green Flag Awards in recognition of the quality of its parks and green areas. As spring flowers and trees begin to bloom, the parks will burst into colour, offering plenty of benches where you can pause, relax and enjoy a moment of calm. Head to our Parks & Gardens page to find out more.
All events in Southampton during the Easter holidays
