Explore Southampton
Whether you're visiting for a few hours, a weekend getaway or an extended stay, there's never been a better time to explore Southampton. From its rich maritime heritage to its buzzing cultural scene and green open spaces, this city on England's south coast is packed with variety. With so much to see and do, Southampton offers a compelling mix of the historic and the modern, the relaxing and the adventurous.
To truly explore Southampton is to uncover its unique neighbourhoods, discover local businesses, and take in world-class experiences. As one of the UK's leading cruise ports, Southampton attracts a diverse audience of tourists, students, and city-breakers who want to discover something new.
Itineraries to inspire your visit
Not sure where to start? Our Southampton itineraries are designed to help you make the most of your time here. Whether you have a few hours between cruise connections or a weekend to spare, we've created suggested routes to guide your exploration.
Choose from walking tours of the Old Town, cultural highlights of the city centre, or family-friendly days out that include museums, green spaces, and great places to eat. Our itineraries are flexible and easy to adapt, letting you explore Southampton at your own pace while ensuring you don’t miss out on must-see sights.
Read our Blog
Dive deeper into the stories of the city with our latest blog posts. From hidden gems and local interviews to roundups of seasonal events, the blog is a great way to discover the city from an insider’s perspective.
Updated regularly, our blog showcases personal tips, business spotlights, cultural highlights and behind-the-scenes looks at what makes Southampton special. It’s your go-to space for inspiration, especially if you enjoy exploring places off the beaten path.
Places to visit in Southampton
Southampton is home to an exciting mix of attractions that cater to all interests. History buffs will love the medieval Bargate, Tudor House, and the city's museums. Art lovers can enjoy curated collections at Southampton City Art Gallery and engaging exhibitions at John Hansard Gallery.
Don't miss God’s House Tower for a unique blend of history and contemporary art, or Ocean Village for food, drinks, and waterside relaxation. Whether you're interested in architecture, heritage, shopping or nature, Southampton’s top places to visit deliver memorable experiences.
Discover Southampton's history and heritage
For many, one of the best reasons to explore Southampton is its fascinating and far-reaching history. The city boasts more than 800 years of maritime and military significance, with visible reminders throughout its streets. Take a walk along the city walls—one of the longest surviving stretches of medieval town walls in England—or visit Tudor House and Garden to step back in time.
History lovers can also explore Southampton's Titanic story, with several locations linked to the ill-fated ship's departure from the city in 1912. The SeaCity Museum offers an in-depth, interactive exhibition that tells the story of the people of Southampton and their connection to the sea.
Places to explore
Itineraries
Our thoughtfully curated itineraries each cater to diverse tastes and interests to help you make the most of your time in the city. Whether you're planning a mid-week break, a weekend getaway, or simply want to unearth some of the city's hidden gems, leave the planning to us! Simply select one of our itineraries below and get exploring.
48 Hours In Southampton
48 Hours in Southampton
All Work And Then Play
Make it Southampton: All work and then play!
And The Kids Came Too!
Make it Southampton: And the Kids Came Too!
On Stage
Make it Southampton: On Stage!
One-Day Itinerary
Make it Southampton: What a difference a day makes!
See Before You Sail
Make it Southampton: See before you sail!
Two Hours Before The Match
Two Hours Before the Match in Southampton
Three-Hour Whirlwind Tour
Three-hour Whirlwind Tour
SO card
There are SO many offers, discounts and promotions available for you to start using right now with the SO card.
The So SO Show Podcast
The So SO Show is a bi-weekly podcast that shares all the latest news and activities across the city. Throughout the year, Visit Southampton hosts a number of specials spotlighting the most anticipated events and exciting hidden gems for you to explore.
Our latest blog posts
Free Family Fun Activities in Southampton
- 2 min read
Getting out and about with children can be quite costly especially once you add up entry fees, lunch out and more often than not the gift shop at the end so I’ve rounded up a few activities you can do in Southampton with all the family that won’t cost you a penny. You could even leave the car at…
Verken, ontdek en geniet van Southampton!
- 5 min read
De veelzijdige stad Southampton is net zo gastvrij als divers, met een breed scala aan bezienswaardigheden, activiteiten en evenementen die kunnen wedijveren met andere kustplaatsen. De cultuur van het moderne Southampton is net zo indrukwekkend als zijn rijke geschiedenis. Ontdek de middeleeuwse…
10 things to do in Southampton on a rainy day
- 4 min read
Southampton has plenty of fantastic things to offer, no matter what the weather but if you’re looking to escape the rain, discover, play, and enjoy a great day out, then here's our 10 best things to do for the whole family. All FREE or from under £10* for an adult ticket. 1. SeaCity Museum Take a…
Latest offers you can enjoy with your SO card
- 5 min read
With the cost of living on everyone’s mind, we all love a bargain. Make the most of your free SO card and save across a wide variety of businesses across the city. In this blog, we take a look at the fantastic offers you can currently enjoy with your card… Food and drink offers It’s always a treat…
Southampton connections with Jane Austen
- 3 min read
Jane Austen is one of the UK’s most distinguished authors, celebrated internationally, her six published works have never gone out of print! As we’re on the brink of the 250 th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, now feels the right time to highlight more about her time Southampton, a town she…