What to do in Southampton

Activities, attractions and tours

Southampton which includes heritage architecture, a castle and heritage elements
Southampton which includes heritage architecture, a castle and heritage elements
University of Southampton
Tudor House and Garden which includes heritage architecture, a garden and a house
Southampton City Art Gallery

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!

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Recommended things to do in Southampton

Number of things to do
71
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Bar & Club Night Pass to multiple venues in Southampton: £5
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Southampton

Popular places to visit

Southampton Cruise Terminal

Southampton Cruise Terminal

4.5/5(216 reviews)

One of the busiest cruise ports in England is just a few steps from the historical and entertainment attractions of Southampton.

Southampton Cruise Terminal
University of Southampton

University of Southampton

4/5(55 reviews)

Tour an oceanographic research institute, watch independent theater productions and see designs by notable British architects at this 150-year-old university.

University of Southampton
Mayflower Theatre showing signage and theatre scenes

Mayflower Theatre

4.5/5(49 reviews)

From touring West End musicals to magic shows, stand-up comedy to children’s entertainment, this historic theater serves up Southampton’s best entertainment.

Mayflower Theatre
Buckler's hard , New forest, England, United Kingdom

New Forest Wildlife Park

5/5(4 reviews)

Enjoy an outing to New Forest Wildlife Park during your stay in Denny Lodge. Wander through the lush forest and waterfront in this quaint area.

New Forest Wildlife Park
Southampton Saint Mary's Stadium Football club aerial towards Itchen river autumn

St. Mary's Stadium

4.5/5(84 reviews)

Catch an event at St. Mary's Stadium during your trip to Southampton. Discover the area's top-notch restaurants and its acclaimed theatre scene.

St. Mary's Stadium
Mayflower Park

Mayflower Park

Sit on a bench in this riverside park where over the ages other visitors have witnessed the passing of famous vessels and the naming of new ones.

Mayflower Park
SeaCity Museum featuring interior views

SeaCity Museum

4.5/5(2 reviews)

Sail back into Southampton’s rich nautical past at this state-of-the-art museum created to mark the 100-year anniversary of RMS Titanic’s ill-fated maiden voyage.

SeaCity Museum
Southampton Solent University

Solent University

4/5(15 reviews)

This city center university forms part of the Cultural Quarter, a district home to galleries, museums, parks and performing arts venues.

Solent University
Tudor House and Garden showing a house and interior views

Tudor House and Garden

5/5(1 review)

Peer back into the day-to-day lives of Southampton’s Norman and Tudor residents at the city’s most important historic house, garden and ruins.

Tudor House and Garden

Explore areas of Southampton

Medieval Merchant\'s House

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 Ocean Village Marina or Tudor House and Garden might round out your trip.

Southampton City Centre
Southampton docks and Ocean Village marina at sunset on a warm summer's evening

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 UK seaside city panorama. Wide angle aerial view from the ferry terminal and port with large cruise ship mooring towards the Itchen toll bridge. Beautiful sunrise and calm sea. Urban area.

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
Early morning arrival in to Southampton on P&O Ventura.

Freemantle

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

Freemantle
Mayflower Theatre which includes theater scenes and signage

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
University of Southampton

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

 

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

New Forest (Fritham)
Photo by Rob Young (Creative Commons Attribution 2.0)

Lyndhurst

Part 3

Eastleigh

Panorama of Mallets Mortar in the front of Fort Nelson - a Royal Armouries museum - near Portsmouth, Hampshire, UK

Fareham

Winchester showing heritage architecture and a fountain

Winchester

Sunset over Windmill Hill and Clanfield Down, Hampshire

Petersfield

Loads of history and lovely buildings ..good place to visit for a hour or so .

Romsey

ponies and foals in the new forest near brockenhurst in hampshire

Brockenhurst

Steam train passing Botley, heading towards Fareham from Eastleigh. Occasional main line steam tours still use this route. #History

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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