For history buffs: SeaCity Museum and Southampton Tudor House and Garden
Back to Top of ListLove your history? One of our most popular itineraries for a day in Southampton takes you on a journey through Southampton’s rich past.
Morning
Start your morning off at SeaCity Museum (a 5-10 minute taxi ride from the cruise terminals) and explore the impressive exhibition spaces. The Titanic Story exhibition delves into the lives of many of the crew members who hailed from Southampton and details the impact the tragedy had on our city.
Lunch
Enjoy a light lunch in SeaCity’s own cafe or take a short stroll into our Cultural Quarter for a range of restaurants and cafes including Hokkaido, Mango Thai Tapas and Sprinkles Gelato.
Afternoon
Take a 15-minute walk (or a short taxi ride) to the Tudor House & Garden, set in the heart of Southampton’s Old Town. This impressive black and white façade holds over 800 years of history and has a range of fascinating exhibits on display. See late 16th century graffiti touching on our city’s strong maritime past, be in awe of the Tudor banqueting hall with its impressive audiovisual presentation and explore the Tudor Knot garden, which was recreated to show how the garden may have looked in the 1500s.
From Tudor House & Garden, you are a short walk, or quick taxi ride back to Southampton’s cruise terminals.
For culture seekers: Southampton City Art Gallery,the Cultural Quarter and God’s House Tower
Back to Top of ListAbsorb Southampton’s vibrant and eclectic culture, exploring some of the city's free art galleries and artistic hubs, with this day’s itinerary.
Morning
Head to the heart of Southampton’s Cultural Quarter by starting your morning off at Southampton City Art Gallery (5-10 minutes by taxi from the cruise terminals). Recently restored, this gallery offers a large collection of works spanning over 800 years. With permanent and temporary exhibitions, what’s more, the gallery is free to visit. If time allows, take the short stroll across the Guildhall Square leading you to the John Hansard Gallery – one of the UK’s leading contemporary art galleries.
Lunch
Grab a quick bite to eat from one of the cafes on Above Bar Street or High Street as you walk a mile (approximately 20-25 minutes), past The Bargate towards God’s House Tower. Alternatively, have some lunch at God’s House Tower’s own café.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon exploring some of Southampton’s history at God’s House Tower in the Stories Behind the Stones exhibition. Set on the edge of Old Town, this commanding building dates from 1189. Check out some of the temporary exhibition spaces, often featuring contemporary art.
From God’s House Tower, you are just an eight-minute walk from City Cruise terminal or a short taxi ride to the other terminals.
For shoppers: Westquay and lunch
Back to Top of ListLove to shop? Then the best place to head is Westquay. Home to over 100 stores, Westquay is a covered shopping centre that’s just a 15-20 minute walk or a 5-10 minute taxi ride from Southampton’s cruise terminals.
Morning
Spend time browsing the flagship stores including John Lewis and M&S and find beautiful gifts and treats from the wide range of clothing, jewellery and beauty shops such as Mango, Oliver Bonas, LEGO, Build-A-Bear Workshop and POP MART.
Lunch
Choose from light lunches and takeaway bites on the top level of Westquay or step just outside the shopping centre and you will find a great selection of restaurants with Greek, British, Indian and Italian cuisine (to name just a few). L'Osteria, Bunsik, Thaikhun, Red Dog Saloon and Tap & Tandoor are just a few of the foodie spots you'll find.
Afternoon
Continue with your shopping at Westquay or head onto Above Bar Street and the Marlands Shopping Centre for more retail options. Stop in at one of our independent coffee shops like Mettricks before heading back to port.
For keen walkers: Medieval city walls, Oxford Street and the Southampton waterfront
Back to Top of ListFor a low-cost day out in Southampton, follow one of our walking trails to embrace not only Southampton’s history but the views along the way.
Morning
We’d recommend starting with the Walk the Walls walking route, which follows the Medieval walls which once encompassed our city. This 1-kilometre route beings at Mayflower Park (a 5-minute walk from City cruise terminal and a 30-minute walk from the QEII terminal). You can view the map here.
Other self-guided walks include the Jane Austen trail which takes you to some of the places where one of England’s most famous female authors lived and spent time during her stay in Southampton, and the Shirley Spitfire trail, where you can discover the birthplace of the legendary aircraft that helped defend the skies during the Second World War. Visit our Trails & Tours page to learn more.
Lunch
Take a detour off your route to Oxford Street for a well-deserved pit stop. Here, you will find a lot of our city’s independent eateries such as Dhol, AO Restaurant and Chennai Lounge. With pavement cafes and restaurants serving up al fresco dining, it’s a great place to while away some time soaking up the atmosphere.
The street was once a popular haunt for shipping crews, sailors and visitors preparing to set sail across the Atlantic, including passengers aboard the Titanic. Today, you can still visit some of the historic pubs frequented by sailors, including The Grapes and The White Star Tavern.
Alternatively, walk slightly further to Ocean Village. This bustling marina is home to some waterside restaurants offering views of the bobbing boats and luxury berthed yachts.
Afternoon
Take a leisurely walk back towards your cruise terminal. If you are departing from QEII terminal then you are a short walk back from Ocean Village or Oxford Street. For departures from City Cruise terminal allow 30-minutes to walk back. If time allows you, stop in at God’s House Tower, where you can discover more about Southampton’s history in this imposing building.
