What to do in Southampton

Activities, attractions and tours

A large stone castle with multiple towers and battlements.
A modern building with large glass windows, a brick facade, and a brick pathway.
A garden with a wooden fence, various plants, and a stone pathway.
A museum interior with wooden paneling, large classical paintings, and a fireplace.
A museum with various aircraft on display, including a yellow biplane and a white seaplane.

Southampton Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Southampton has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Southampton, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Southampton with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Southampton

Southampton is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Southampton, and make it a breeze to explore Southampton and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Southampton to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Southampton, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Southampton.

Southampton attractions

Southampton has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Southampton to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Southampton.

Looking for things to do in Southampton can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Southampton or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Southampton attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

Things to do

Isle of Wight: Osborne Admission Ticket

Isle of Wight: Osborne Admission Ticket

£24
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Isle of Wight: Osborne Admission Ticket
Stonehenge Tour from Southampton to London

Stonehenge Tour from Southampton to London

£137
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Stonehenge Tour from Southampton to London
Southampton: Guided Ghost Walk

The Southampton Ghost Walk

£15
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
The Southampton Ghost Walk
Southampton: Secrets of the Titanic Guided Walking Tour

Southampton: Secrets of the Titanic Guided Walking Tour

£16
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Southampton: Secrets of the Titanic Guided Walking Tour
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Recommended things to do in Southampton

Number of things to do
77
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Museum of Ryde: Ticket to 250 Years of Ryde's History: £5
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Southampton

Stay near popular Southampton attractions

A building with a sign reading "Mayflower Theatre".

Mayflower Theatre

8.4/10 (174 reviews)
This grand Art Deco theatre hosts West End musicals, ballet, and opera as Southern England's largest theatrical venue. Arrive early to admire the ornate 1928 interior before settling in for world-class performances.
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Where to stay in Southampton

Find the best Southampton areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Southampton
Learn more about Southampton
A historic stone tower with a narrow passageway, adjacent half-timbered buildings, and a red-roofed brick house.

Southampton City Centre

The lively bars and waterfront views are top of the list for many visitors to Southampton City Centre. A stop by Ocean Village Marina or Harbour Lights Picturehouse might round out your trip.

A large cruise ship docked at a port with a city skyline in the background.

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.

A coastal city with a harbor, ships, and a mix of residential and commercial buildings.

Bedford Place

While Bedford Place isn't home to many top sights, Southampton Cruise Terminal and Southampton Guildhall are some notable places to visit nearby.

A large aircraft with the text "ANSETT FLYING BOAT SERVICES" on its side, displayed in an indoor hangar with other aircraft.
Photo by Vin Lane-Kieltyka
Open Photo by Vin Lane-Kieltyka

Maritime Quarter

If you're spending some time in Maritime Quarter, Ocean Village Marina and Harbour Lights Picturehouse are top sights worth seeing.

A Tudor-style building with timber framing, large windows, and a black iron fence.

Old Town

While visiting Old Town, you might make a stop by sights like Tudor House and Garden and Medieval Merchant's House.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Southampton

A forested path with dense trees and ferns.
Photo by Rob Young (Creative Commons Attribution 2.0)

Lyndhurst

A misty landscape with purple heather and rolling hills.

Eastleigh

A military cannon, a grassy field, and a brick building with a flag.

Fareham

A large red brick building with a central entrance flanked by columns, a fountain in front, and trees on either side.

Winchester

A rural landscape with fields, a village, and a cloudy sky at sunset.

Petersfield

A historic stone building with a tower, surrounded by lush greenery and flowering plants.

Romsey

A group of horses grazing in a lush green field surrounded by dense foliage.

Brockenhurst

A steam locomotive with the number 34045, named 'The Cathedrals Express', emitting smoke as it travels on railway tracks.

Botley

Frequently asked questions

Is Southampton worth visiting?
Providing a blend of walking trails and cycling, there are plenty of things to do in Southampton. While you're here, visit Paultons Family Theme Park - Home of Peppa Pig World, a major attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Southampton?
Once you've visited leading attractions like Paultons Family Theme Park - Home of Peppa Pig World and New Forest Wildlife Park, spend some time discovering the food and retail options in Southampton.
What is the top tourist attraction in Southampton?
You can't leave without exploring Paultons Family Theme Park - Home of Peppa Pig World, rated the top tourist attraction in Southampton.
Is three days enough to stay in Southampton?
You can easily enjoy leading attractions like Mayflower Theatre, New Forest Wildlife Park and Tudor House and Garden with a three-day stay in Southampton. On average, most travellers book two days here. There's plenty to explore nearby too, so stick around longer and head to Salisbury.
Is Southampton a walkable city?
It depends on what you plan to do and see in Southampton. Several sights, such as Mayflower Theatre and Tudor House and Garden, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of Southampton's neighbourhoods, Southampton City Centre is 0.64 kms (0.40 miles) away from downtown, while Ocean Village is 2 kms (1 mile) away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Southampton with kids?
Deciding what to do in Southampton with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're holidaying with teenagers or toddlers, there are plenty of family-friendly sights to keep everyone busy here.

What to do in Southampton for adults?
Wickham Estate and Civic Centre are just a couple of the things to do in Southampton. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Southampton?
One of the simplest ways to find free things to do in Southampton is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on hip neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can visit without reaching into your pocket. Weston Hard Woolston Beach is one sight that doesn't charge an entrance fee.

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