Old Town Travel Guide
Southampton
Popular places to visit
Tudor House and Garden
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.
Medieval Merchant's House
This surviving treasure provides a rare glimpse of a typical medieval English townhouse and offers a simpler alternative to the ornate Tudor House.
Southampton Cruise Terminal
One of the busiest cruise ports in England is just a few steps from the historical and entertainment attractions of Southampton.
University of Southampton
Tour an oceanographic research institute, watch independent theater productions and see designs by notable British architects at this 150-year-old university.
Mayflower Theatre
From touring West End musicals to magic shows, stand-up comedy to children’s entertainment, this historic theater serves up Southampton’s best entertainment.
New Forest Wildlife Park
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.
Things to do
Portsmouth: The D-Day Story Entry Ticket
Isle of Wight: Osborne Admission Ticket
Isle of Wight: Carisbrooke Castle Entry Ticket
Winchester: Historic Castles and Cathedrals Walking Tour
Walk the Secrets of the Titanic
Top hotels in Old Town
The Star Hotel
Very convenient location with on-site parking for £7 which I thought was good value. All the staff were really friendly and helpful. The room was perfect for what we needed. It’s an old building so the floorboards creak a bit but it was a warm room with hot water and clean towels. We were at the ...
Reviewed on 22 Feb 2026
Novotel Southampton
Friendly staff and so helpful made it so easy to book in and pay for car park rooms got everything you need
Reviewed on 16 Feb 2026
Leonardo Hotel Southampton
Big and clean room with a bathtub! Lovely pizza in the restaurant!
Reviewed on 22 Feb 2026
Moxy Southampton
Friendly staff
Reviewed on 22 Feb 2026
Royal Maritime Hotel
Old room but it was clean. For the budget room type and price, couldn’t really fault it. Is it a new hotel? No. Is it a modern one? No. Was everyone welcoming? Yes. Did the Wi-Fi work? Brilliantly. Was it in a convenient location? Hugely.
Reviewed on 22 Feb 2026
Leonardo Royal Southampton Grand Harbour
Staff were pleasant and polite
Reviewed on 23 Feb 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Old Town
Southampton City Centre
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 Ocean Village Marina might round out your trip.
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.
Maritime Quarter
If you're spending some time in Maritime Quarter, Ocean Village Marina and Harbour Lights Picturehouse are top sights worth seeing.
St Mary's
While there might not be top attractions in St Mary's, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Southampton Cruise Terminal and St. Mary's Stadium.
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.
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.
