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.

Things to do

Isle of Wight: Osborne Admission Ticket

Isle of Wight: Osborne Admission Ticket

฿986
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Isle of Wight: Osborne Admission Ticket
Southampton: Secrets of the Titanic Guided Walking Tour

Southampton: Secrets of the Titanic Guided Walking Tour

฿713
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Southampton: Secrets of the Titanic Guided Walking Tour
Winchester: Historic Castles and Cathedrals Walking Tour

Winchester: Historic Castles and Cathedrals Walking Tour

฿535
per adult
Winchester: Historic Castles and Cathedrals Walking Tour
Walk the Secrets of the Titanic

Walk the Secrets of the Titanic

฿713
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Walk the Secrets of the Titanic
Private Southampton Walking Tour

Private Southampton Walking Tour

฿1,026
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Private Southampton Walking Tour
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What to do in Southampton

Stay near popular Southampton attractions

A historic brick building with a central archway, a garden with hedges, and a statue.

University of Southampton

8.0/10 (237 reviews)
This prestigious research university boasts the vast Hartley Library and unique R.J. Mitchell Wind Tunnel. Explore the serene Valley Gardens or enjoy contemporary exhibitions at the John Hansard Gallery.
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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 Southampton Maritime Museum or Ocean Village Marina might round out your trip.

A waterfront cityscape with a marina, buildings, and a crane.

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 Civic Centre 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 Solent Sky Museum 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 Titanic Honour & Glory Exhibition - Southampton.

Day trip destinations from Southampton

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

Winchester

A green field with trees and a building in the distance.
Photo by Peter Facey (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Shedfield

A landscaped garden with various flowering plants and a stone retaining wall.
Photo by John Firth (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Ower

A forested area with a dirt path, tall trees, and dense underbrush.

Winsor

A forest with tall trees and a ground covered in fallen leaves.

Dibden Purlieu

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 kilometres away from downtown, while Ocean Village is 2 kilometres 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.