Southampton

Travel Guide
University of Southampton
Once one of Britain’s most vital ports, today this city is the gateway into centuries of Norman, Tudor and Victorian history and the rich ecology of Hampshire.

For centuries, Southampton’s busy port was a forest of ship’s masts and rigging, alive with the chatter of seaman and merchants. Today, this city in southern England resonates with the footsteps of visitors who come to explore its museums, galleries, gardens and well-preserved architectural heritage. Southampton is situated next to the New Forest, a natural wonder that draws travelers and nature lovers from around the world.

In the city’s heart, enjoy an ice cream at Queens Park and admire the park’s artwork and military memorial. A little further north in Riverside Park, join a game of soccer or just bring some bread to feed the ducks by the River Itchen.

A little further south, near the Isle of Wight, spend a few hours at Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway. Admire the floral displays across the site’s 200 acres (81 hectares) of gardens then ride the charming steam train across the colorful landscape.

Back in the city center, browse almost 4,000 works spanning several centuries at Southampton City Art Gallery. A major highlight is a collection of drawings, known as the Perseus series, which tell a story based on Greek myths.

Learn about Southampton’s Norman, Tudor and Victorian history in the Old City Walls. Take a self-guided tour from the arched entrance at Bargate. Marvel at old wine vaults, medieval churches and a spa frequented by the likes of Jane Austen. Be sure to visit Tudor House and Garden, which dates back more than 800 years and holds a fascinating collection of antiques. Then, take to the skies at the Solent Sky Museum, which houses a World War II Spitfire among its collection of vintage aircraft.

Reserve a ticket for a show at the historic Mayflower Theatre, which first opened in 1928. Enjoy a post-show dinner at one of the restaurants along Commercial Road.

Southampton lies just under 2 hours’ drive or train ride to the southwest of London, making it the perfect port of call for daytrips or longer visits.

Where to stay in Southampton

Medieval Merchant\'s House

Southampton City Centre

4.5/5(148 area reviews)

The lively bars and waterfront views are top of the list for many visitors to Southampton City Centre. A stop by WestQuay Shopping Centre or Southampton Guildhall might round out your trip.

Southampton City Centre

Eling

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Eling and surrounding area, you can visit New Forest Wildlife Park and Southampton Cruise Terminal.

Eling
Holiday Inn Express Southampton M27 Jct7, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Southampton M27 Jct7, an IHG Hotel
3 out of 5
Botley Road, West End, Southampton, England
The price is NT$1,885 per night from Apr 11 to Apr 12
NT$1,885
per night
Apr 11 - Apr 12
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Southampton. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,011 reviews)
"Decent size room. Good breakfast included. Kind reception staff."

Reviewed on 2024/3/24

Holiday Inn Express Southampton M27 Jct7, an IHG Hotel
Leonardo Royal Southampton Grand Harbour
Leonardo Royal Southampton Grand Harbour
4 out of 5
West Quay Road, Southampton, England
The price is NT$2,697 per night from Apr 2 to Apr 3
NT$2,697
per night
Apr 2 - Apr 3
Stay at this spa hotel in Southampton. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,094 reviews)
"Great location and friendly staff"

Reviewed on 2024/3/24

Leonardo Royal Southampton Grand Harbour
Leonardo Hotel Southampton - Formerly Jurys Inn
Leonardo Hotel Southampton - Formerly Jurys Inn
4 out of 5
1 Charlotte Place, Southampton, England
The price is NT$2,424 per night from Apr 8 to Apr 9
NT$2,424
per night
Apr 8 - Apr 9
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Southampton. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
"Staff were amazing with excellent service"

Reviewed on 2024/3/18

Leonardo Hotel Southampton - Formerly Jurys Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
room2 Southampton Hometel
room2 Southampton Hometel
4 out of 5
1 Queen's Terrace, Southampton, England
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified aparthotel in Southampton. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (729 reviews)
"Responded quickly to my pre Checkin questions Joanna was helpful, welcoming and efficient Rooms r good size and cheerful I did miss not having a facecloth"

Reviewed on 2024/3/26

room2 Southampton Hometel
Southampton Serviced Apartment
Southampton Serviced Apartment
4 out of 5
136 Bassett Avenue, Hampshire, Southampton, England
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly apartment in Southampton. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Southampton ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (146 reviews)
"Comfortable apartment with lift and free parking"

Reviewed on 2023/12/28

Southampton Serviced Apartment
Charles Hope Apartments Southampton
Charles Hope Apartments Southampton
3.5 out of 5
Exchange Court, Back of the Walls, Southampton, England
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly apartment in Southampton. Enjoy a 24-hour fitness center, onsite parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions ...
7/10 Good! (4 reviews)
Central location
"The apartment is in a great location and the info you receive is thorough. Make sure you ask for parking though as it is limited. The apartment was very clean. Our door lock came loose and they helped us within 30 minutes which was really good. The only negatives were that the windows are so thin ..."

Reviewed on 2021/6/5

Charles Hope Apartments Southampton
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Southampton

4.2
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
60
" "5 - Excellent 41.37931034482759%
4 - Good
62
" "4 - Good 42.758620689655174%
3 - Okay
18
" "3 - Okay 12.413793103448276%
2 - Disappointing
2
" "2 - Disappointing 1.3793103448275863%
1 - Terrible
3
" "1 - Terrible 2.0689655172413794%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Nov 15, 2019

Perfect location to prepare for our cruise, that is, arriving early from overseas. Plenty to see on our rest day before the cruise.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Nov 12, 2019

Southampton reminds me of home. Reminds me of Iowa!!!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Sep 30, 2019

Only drawback is number of flights in/out of local airport for international travelers.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Sep 25, 2019

We just spent one night there since we were taking a cruise the next morning. Overall, Southampton seems like a lovely place, but we've only been there a couple of times to overnight before taking a cruise.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Sep 2, 2019

Clean city and nice museum about the Titanic.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Aug 25, 2019

The Tudor House was excellent. I learned a lot about the Pilgrims from the waterfront monument and their free guide book. The Titanic route, ending with tea at the remains of the Southwest Hotel was interesting.

Cities near Southampton