Guesthouses and B&Bs in Southampton
Guesthouses & B&Bs in Southampton: personalised accommodation with local charm
Whether you're stopping over before a cruise, exploring Hampshire’s coast, or attending an event in the city, choosing the right accommodation plays a key role in shaping your experience. For those seeking warmth, personal service, and a home-from-home atmosphere, guesthouses and bed and breakfasts are an increasingly popular choice.
Unlike large hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses often occupy period properties or are run by long-time residents who know the city inside and out. From historic townhouses in the Old Town to countryside retreats just outside the city centre, this type of accommodation in Southampton offers comfort, character, and value. Below, we explore three main categories of guesthouses and B&B options to help you decide where to stay.
Central Guesthouses: convenience, comfort and character
If you’re looking for central accommodation in Southampton, guesthouses and B&Bs in the city centre offer unbeatable access to transport, shopping, history, and the cruise terminal. Staying centrally allows guests to walk to major attractions such as the SeaCity Museum, the Titanic Engineers' Memorial, and the ancient Bargate. This area is particularly appealing for those without a car or for visitors planning to stay a night before or after a cruise departure.
One popular central option is The Mayview Guest House, located close to Southampton Central Station. This well-rated property offers simple yet comfortable rooms, a warm welcome, and a hearty cooked breakfast in the morning. Ideal for travellers seeking functional yet homely accommodation, it’s just a few minutes’ walk from both the train station and the Mayflower Theatre. Another excellent option is Hunters Lodge, which provides family-friendly accommodation with free Wi-Fi, parking, and easy access to city amenities.
Guesthouses in the centre of Southampton often benefit from period architecture. Many occupy Edwardian or Victorian terraced houses, offering a traditional feel with modern upgrades. The proximity to restaurants, shops, and waterfront walks adds to their appeal, especially for couples or solo travellers. Hosts typically live on-site or nearby and are able to offer insider tips on local restaurants, attractions, and travel routes.
Because of their central location, these B&Bs also cater well to business travellers and short-stay visitors. Whether you're attending a conference or looking for an affordable place to rest after a show or event, city centre B&Bs strike a balance between cost and convenience. Their friendly atmosphere and personal touches offer something that large chain hotels often cannot: a sense of home.
Coastal B&Bs: tranquillity with a view
Ocean Village, a modern marina with restaurants and bars lining the waterfront, is home to stylish and well-located guesthouses. Many of these offer rooms with balconies overlooking the water, as well as easy access to leisure activities such as boat tours and waterfront dining. While full-service hotels are more common here, a few smaller properties stand out for their intimate atmosphere and scenic settings. These B&Bs give guests a different perspective on Southampton—less urban and more reflective of its maritime roots.
Countryside retreats and suburban comfort
Travellers seeking peace and greenery might choose rural accommodation near Southampton, particularly in suburban villages and countryside areas like Totton, Marchwood, and the edge of the New Forest National Park. These B&Bs and guesthouses offer a restful base for exploring both the natural beauty of Hampshire and the historic highlights of Southampton.
Further afield, you’ll find B&Bs nestled near scenic walking and cycling trails, such as those leading into the New Forest. These accommodations often include extras like lockable bike storage, picnic areas, and connections to local tour operators. While you might be slightly further from Southampton’s urban attractions, good road and public transport links make day trips easy. The benefit is returning each night to a quiet, scenic setting far removed from city noise.
Suburban and rural B&Bs are also popular with returning guests, who value the personal relationships formed with hosts. Many of these guesthouses have been family-run for generations, with a reputation for service and attention to detail that brings guests back year after year. For visitors who prefer space, fresh air, and a more relaxed schedule, Southampton’s surrounding countryside offers ideal accommodation.
Southampton offers a rich variety of accommodation for every type of visitor, but guesthouses and B&Bs stand out for their warmth, local character, and individual charm. Whether you're staying centrally for quick access to the cruise terminal, enjoying a waterside retreat with Solent views, or unwinding in a quiet countryside inn, these properties provide more than just a place to sleep—they offer a genuine connection to the city and its people.
Choosing a guesthouse or B&B allows you to enjoy Southampton at your own pace. You’ll be looked after by hosts who care deeply about your comfort and have a wealth of local knowledge to share. For many, this turns a simple stay into a memorable experience. When it comes to finding the right accommodation, Southampton’s guesthouses and B&Bs offer a truly rewarding alternative to conventional hotels.
