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, Tudor buildings in the cobbled old town or enjoy the non-stop events scene – there’s something to explore here every day!
The UK’s biggest cruise port, departure point for The Mayflower and Titanic, and home to the Spitfire, Southampton’s always punched way beyond its weight. Explore the Cultural Quarter for jaw-dropping stories.
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 200,000 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, with activities for all ages. Visit Southampton City Art Gallery for one of the finest collections in the south of England, with more than 5,000 pieces from European Renaissance works to the present day. It’s currently undergoing a major refurbishment, so book your visit ahead on a Saturday.
Bursting with live entertainment
Whether it’s a night at the opera, violin concertos or the biggest names in pop, here 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.
Walk the Town Walls
Boasting arguably the best-preserved medieval walls in the country, here’s your chance to step into 2,000 years of history, Southampton’s old town is crammed with architectural treasures and fascinating to explore.
Start at the grand Bargate and enjoy an hour’s walk soaking up views admired by generations of townsfolk and countless royals dating back to King Canute, Henry VIII and Queen Victoria.
The town’s fashionable spa status brought Jane Austen as a resident in the 18th century, lodging at Castle Square, check out the new 2015 Jane Austen 250 events, for exhibitions, walks and talks celebrating her life in the city here.
Treading these stones, 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.
Make a date!
From major sporting events to food and music festivals, there’ll be something happening whenever you arrive. Check out what’s on and pick your passion!
Top annual events include the colourful Mela Festival in July, Southampton Boat Show in September, Oktoberfest and Southampton Christmas Market from November to January.
Unique events for 2025 book The Hundred, fast-paced cricket action at the Utilita Bowl, 5-31 August, A Very Respectable Company: Jane Austen & her Southampton Circle, a unique exhibition at the SeaCity Museum running to 31 October, and for a really festive start to the season, dress up Georgian-style for the Jane Austen Regency Ball on 13 December.
