Southampton Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Southampton which includes heritage architecture, a castle and heritage elements
Southampton
Southampton
Southampton
Solent Sky Museum showing interior views and aircraft

Once one of Britain’s most vital ports, today this city is the gateway into centuries of Norman, Tudor and Victorian history and the rich ecology of Hampshire.

For centuries, Southampton’s busy port was a forest of ship’s masts and rigging, alive with the chatter of seaman and merchants. Today, this city in southern England resonates with the footsteps of visitors who come to explore its museums, galleries, gardens and well-preserved architectural heritage. Southampton is situated next to the New Forest, a natural wonder that draws travelers and nature lovers from around the world.

In the city’s heart, enjoy an ice cream at Queens Park and admire the park’s artwork and military memorial. A little further north in Riverside Park, join a game of soccer or just bring some bread to feed the ducks by the River Itchen.

A little further south, near the Isle of Wight, spend a few hours at Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway. Admire the floral displays across the site’s 200 acres (81 hectares) of gardens then ride the charming steam train across the colorful landscape.

Back in the city center, browse almost 4,000 works spanning several centuries at Southampton City Art Gallery. A major highlight is a collection of drawings, known as the Perseus series, which tell a story based on Greek myths.

Learn about Southampton’s Norman, Tudor and Victorian history in the Old City Walls. Take a self-guided tour from the arched entrance at Bargate. Marvel at old wine vaults, medieval churches and a spa frequented by the likes of Jane Austen. Be sure to visit Tudor House and Garden, which dates back more than 800 years and holds a fascinating collection of antiques. Then, take to the skies at the Solent Sky Museum, which houses a World War II Spitfire among its collection of vintage aircraft.

Reserve a ticket for a show at the historic Mayflower Theatre, which first opened in 1928. Enjoy a post-show dinner at one of the restaurants along Commercial Road.

Southampton lies just under 2 hours’ drive or train ride to the southwest of London, making it the perfect port of call for daytrips or longer visits.

Where to stay in Southampton

Default Image

Southampton City Centre

4/5(584 area reviews)

The lively bars and waterfront views are top of the list for many visitors to Southampton City Centre. A stop by Southampton Maritime Museum or Southampton Passenger Terminal might round out your trip.

Southampton City Centre
Default Image

Ocean Village

You'll enjoy the restaurants and parks in Ocean Village. You might want to make time for a stop at Ocean Village Marina or Harbour Lights Picturehouse.

Ocean Village
Southampton which includes heritage architecture, a castle and heritage elements

Old Town

While visiting Old Town, you might make a stop by sights like Tudor House and Garden and Titanic Honour & Glory Exhibition - Southampton.

Old Town
Default Image

Freemantle

If you're spending some time in Freemantle, Southampton Cruise Terminal and River Test are top sights worth seeing.

Freemantle
Default Image

The Polygon

While there might not be top attractions in The Polygon, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Southampton Cruise Terminal and Mayflower Theatre.

The Polygon
Default Image

Portswood

Portswood is popular for its ample dining options, and you might make a stop by The Common, a top place to visit in the area.

Portswood
Leonardo Hotel Southampton
Leonardo Hotel Southampton
4 out of 5
1 Charlotte Place, Southampton, England
The price is £62 per night from 22 Jun to 23 Jun
£62
22 Jun - 23 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Southampton. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,158 reviews)
"Staff’s are kind and accommodating. Room’s clean , food’s are good husband love the buffet..difinitely recommend it to other travellers to stay in this hotel."

Reviewed on 9 Jun 2025

Leonardo Hotel Southampton
ibis budget Southampton Centre
ibis budget Southampton Centre
2.5 out of 5
West Quay Road, Western Esplanade, Southampton, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £53 per night from 15 Jun to 16 Jun
£53
15 Jun - 16 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Southampton. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,009 reviews)
"Plain and simple did the job"

Reviewed on 6 Jun 2025

ibis budget Southampton Centre
Holiday Inn Express Southampton M27 Jct7 by IHG
Holiday Inn Express Southampton M27 Jct7 by IHG
3 out of 5
Botley Road, West End, Southampton, England
The price is £62 per night from 22 Jun to 23 Jun
£62
22 Jun - 23 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Southampton. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,053 reviews)
"Really helpful and friendly staff. Great location for our trip to the cricket."

Reviewed on 7 Jun 2025

Holiday Inn Express Southampton M27 Jct7 by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
room2 Southampton Hometel
room2 Southampton Hometel
4 out of 5
1 Queen's Terrace, Southampton, England
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified aparthotel in Southampton. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,000 reviews)
"Cute design touches"

Reviewed on 6 Jun 2025

room2 Southampton Hometel
Southampton Waterside by Charles Hope
Southampton Waterside by Charles Hope
3 out of 5
Centenary Plaza, Southampton, England
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Southampton. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, hydromassage showerheads and an in-room espresso maker. Popular attractions Southampton Cruise ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (10 reviews)
Overall excellent
"One of the cleanest apartment I have been in only thing not so good no one on the front desk never saw anyone to ask if I needed anything"

Reviewed on 31 Mar 2025

Southampton Waterside by Charles Hope
Southampton Serviced Apartment
Southampton Serviced Apartment
4 out of 5
136 Bassett Avenue, Hampshire, Southampton, England
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly apartment in Southampton. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Southampton ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (165 reviews)
"It was in a good location. The communication was perfect."

Reviewed on 5 Jun 2025

Southampton Serviced Apartment
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Southampton

3.9
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
167
5 - Excellent 21%
4 - Good
416
4 - Good 53%
3 - Okay
177
3 - Okay 23%
2 - Disappointing
16
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
3
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Must visit the cinema opposite the hotel.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Massive regeneration and development. It does mean the old high street is a bit run down and full of homeless people.

4/5 - Good

Steve

I was hear to salt out my uber eats programme. Southampton has everything you could need to do. So no issues lots of walking aswell for me which i loved and main thing it for me has uber officers

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

A bit run down in places

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Used to live in the area, but I will never stay in this hotel again unless it is substantually improved. McDonald hotels used to be good

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Was in Southampton for a hospital appt

Cities near Southampton