For when you need a break from Christmas: A Southampton winter itinerary
Sometimes you just don’t wish it could be Christmas everyday (no offense Wizard). The festive season can be a bit overwhelming at times with the busy shopping centres, party hosting and non-stop Christmas tunes. For those that want to take a pause from the festivities, or simply need a change of scenery, this non-Christmas itinerary is for you!
Morning
Did you know the Leonardo Royal Hotel offers spa packages – and you don’t need to be a guest to enjoy them! Spend the morning at their Rena Spa & Healthclub with a relaxing lounge in a fluffy gown by the pool or treat yourself to one of their massages or beauty treatments to re-charge and refresh. They also have an onsite gym, steam room and sauna to add to the mix. You’ll just feel all of the season’s stress just melt away.
Midday
Next up, it’s time for lunch! Whilst the city has some banging pubs with roast dinners with all the trimmings, there will be enough to go around on Christmas day. Why not opt for something a bit different.
With restaurants specialising in everything from Korean, Indian, Japanese, Spain and Greece you can go on your merry own way (sorry, we had to get in at least one Christmas pun) with a world foodie tour/ or foodie crawl of tapas from around the world.
You could start your walk off with some small dishes and a couple of drinks over at Mango Thai Tapas for a taste of Thailand - we recommend their coconut chicken and crispy squid (yum!). Then hop over to Tap and Tandoor – an Indian gastro pub offering modern day twists on classic dishes such as their beer battered bhajis, samosa chaat, and chilli paneer. If you like craft beers, Tap and Tandoor are known for bringing in an everchanging line-up of local and global beers. Check their boards to see what’s new.
We’ve visited Thailand, we’ve visited India, next up we head to sunny Spain for some classic tapas dishes. Pull up a seat over at La Regata for a delicious feast on small authentic dishes such as chorizo picante, patatas bravas, and alcachofa al ajillo (pan-fried artichoke hearts with cherry tomatoes and garlic).
If you have some space for desert (let’s be real, everyone does) make Happy Lemon over on East Street your final stop to enjoy some unique bubble tea creations such as their salted cheese bubble milk tea or purple yam and taro ball milk tea. Question is do you see bubble tea as dessert or a drink – the debate continues.
Afternoon
After lunch, make your way to The Dark Arts Potion Bar, where you can try one of their puzzle box challenges or join a potion-making class. The magical interior is a world away from anything festive, transporting you into a realm of witches and wizards with bubbling, flaming cocktails served in beakers, flasks and other curious vessels. They also offer a range of escape room challenges, decked out with intricate sets and interactive props such as their Cursed Waters and Potions & Peril room.
And no one can beat a classic game of pool or interactive darts. Rocket Ronnies has several tables for a few games of pool for a cute date-night or couple of laughs with friends, or try Sharkey’s at Guildhall Square for a nice mix of games including table tennis, darts and beer pong.
Then take a moment to stretch your legs with a winter walk through some of Southampton’s parks. Just a short wander from Dark Arts, you’ll find the tranquil Queen’s Park, surrounded by mature London Plane trees and set away from the bustle of the high street. It’s a peaceful spot to enjoy the crisp winter air.
You can also head over to Town Quay Park, close to historic landmarks such as Canute’s Palace, the Watergate ruin and Quilter’s Vault, for another scenic pause in the city.
Evening
Wind down with a drink at Oasis for a relaxed end to your day. Choose from cocktails, wines and spirits — the perfect way to unwind after putting your wits to the test. If you’d rather keep the evening going, catch a show at one of Southampton’s brilliant grassroots music venues. The city’s thriving music scene has long welcomed rising stars and major artists alike — from Oasis and The Levellers to YungBlud and Southampton’s own Craig David. Explore The 1865, Papillon, Heartbreakers and The Joiners for the latest line-ups, or head here to find out more about each venue.
