Whether you're a visitor discovering the city for the first time or a resident, Southampton offers a wealth of engaging activities to suit every interest and age group. From active days outdoors and immersive cultural trails to relaxing wellness escapes, shopping sprees, and family-friendly evening fun, there’s never a dull moment in this dynamic south coast destination.
This section explores the full range of things to do in Southampton, helping you plan experiences that match your pace and passions, whether you're seeking indoor enjoyment, scenic outdoor adventures, or memorable shared activities with your loved ones.
Indoor activities
Southampton’s indoor activities are perfect for rainy days, colder seasons, or simply when you fancy a change from the outdoors. Whether you're exploring as a couple, a group of friends, or with children in tow, there's an impressive variety of indoor options for all tastes.
One standout option is the SeaCity Museum, which captivates visitors with its immersive exhibits about Southampton’s maritime past, including its strong connection to the Titanic. Interactive displays, soundscapes and hands-on learning experiences make this museum engaging and accessible, particularly for families with school-age children. You can easily spend a few hours discovering new perspectives on the city’s global role in seafaring history.
For more physical fun indoors, Flip Out Southampton offers wall-to-wall trampolines, ninja courses, inflatable zones, and soft play areas. It’s not just for kids—teens and adults will also enjoy testing their balance and agility in a safe, high-energy environment. Similarly, Tenpin Southampton offers bowling, table tennis, escape rooms, and arcade games, making it a top pick for group outings.
Art lovers can head to the Southampton City Art Gallery, which showcases an impressive collection of over 5,000 works ranging from classical pieces to contemporary exhibitions. Entry is free, and the tranquil setting provides a relaxing and inspiring way to spend an afternoon.
Other indoor highlights include board game cafés, such as Board in the City, creative workshops at Make and Brew, and cinema complexes like Showcase Cinema de Lux for the latest blockbuster films or family screenings.
Get outdoors
When the sun is shining, Southampton transforms into a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. With its coastal location, green spaces, and well-connected trails, the city is perfect for enjoying fresh air and open skies.
Southampton Common is the city’s largest park and a central hub for all things outdoor. Families flock here for picnics, play areas, and seasonal paddling pools. It’s also popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists thanks to its open paths and natural diversity, including woodland, ponds, and meadows. Throughout the year, it hosts outdoor events like festivals and music concerts, adding a social buzz to the landscape.
Itchen Valley Country Park, on the city's outskirts, offers a more rustic escape, with nature trails, orienteering courses, and a variety of wildlife habitats. The site also features the exciting Go Ape Southampton high ropes adventure, where visitors of all ages can climb, swing and zip through the trees in a supervised environment.
For those who enjoy life on the water, Southampton Water Activities Centre offers paddleboarding, sailing, kayaking, and powerboating. Beginners are welcome, with equipment hire and expert tuition available. It’s a brilliant way to experience the Solent and build confidence on the waves.
You can also take a scenic cycle ride along the Southampton Cycle Network, venture into the nearby New Forest National Park for walking trails and pony spotting, or simply enjoy a peaceful stroll along the waterfront at Mayflower Park or Ocean Village Marina.
