Things to Do in Southampton

“Southampton is a top choice for a UK weekend break. Located in south east England, this city is perhaps most famous for its maritime history, but there is so much more to this coastal gem. Check out our favourite things to do in Southampton.

SeaCity Museum
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Southampton’s SeaCity Museum provides entertainment for the whole family, with interactive displays about the city’s long history as a major UK port. There’s particular attention given to the RMS Titanic, which embarked on its ill-fated voyage from Southampton in 1912. The museum is home to an unmissable replica of the Titanic but there are other temporary and permanent exhibitions to discover too.

Solent Sky Museum
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Photo by paul jespers on Unsplash

From the sea to the sky, Southampton’s Solent Sky Museum is another must-visit for history enthusiasts. The museum focuses on the city’s aviation heritage as the birthplace of the Spitfire military airplane, but there are 20 different types of aircraft on display here.

Mayflower Theatre
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The Mayflower Theatre has been entertaining audiences since 1928, and features a regular line up of drama, comedy, musicals and concerts. With its location in the city centre, it’s an ideal way to experience Southampton’s nightlife, as there is a multitude of bars and restaurants in the immediate vicinity.

New Forest
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_Photo by Liam Charmer on Unsplash_Southampton is a perfect base for travellers wanting to explore New Forest National Park. Stay in a hotel in Southampton and make your way to the New Forest, where you can wander along one of the many nature walks, stop by charming villages and spot the park’s resident wild ponies.

Tudor House and Garden
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Take a step into the past at the 800-year-old Tudor House and Garden, located within Southampton’s Old Town. This photogenic timber-framed house is now a family-friendly museum that tells the stories of former residents and showcases the fascinating artefacts they left behind.

Southampton Water Activities Centre
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_Photo by Krzysztof Kowalik on Unsplash_With its location next to the marina, Southampton Water Activities Centre offers an opportunity to try out different types of watersports. From stand-up paddle boarding to sailing, both equipment and instructors are available for hire at the centre.

Medieval Town Walls
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Southampton’s Old Town provides a rare glimpse into the often-turbulent medieval past, as a concentration of historical structures can be found in this part of the city. Stroll along the signposted ‘Walk the Southampton Walls’ one-mile trail, where you can see 13 towers, six gates and remnants of the formidable defensive walls.

Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
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_Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash_A short drive out of Southampton, not much can beat a sunny afternoon at the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens. The gardens – home to 42,000 plants – are magnificent in every season, with flowers showing off a wide range of bright colours. There truly is something for everyone here, and there are a number of walking trails and activities to choose from.

Netley Abbey
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If you’re thinking about renting a car in Southampton, you’ll need to add Netley Abbey to your itinerary. The atmospheric ruins of this 13th-Century abbey are spectacular, and Netley is considered to be the most intact structure of its kind. These ruins have inspired artists and poets throughout the centuries, and this popularity has endured to modern times.

Westquay Shopping Centre
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Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Southampton is a haven for shopping fans, with the ultra-modern Westquay Shopping Centre being a consistent favourite with locals and tourists alike. There are over 100 stores to visit here, along with a cinema, restaurants and a bowling alley.

There is so much to see and do in this exciting city, so don’t hesitate to book your holiday in Southampton.”