Southampton Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
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 travellers 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 colourful landscape. 

Back in the city centre, 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

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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 WestQuay Shopping Centre or Southampton Guildhall might round out your trip.

Southampton City Centre

Eling

While Eling may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like 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 ₹4,914 per night from 11 Apr to 12 Apr
₹4,914
per night
11 Apr - 12 Apr
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 24 Mar 2024

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 ₹7,029 per night from 8 Apr to 9 Apr
₹7,029
per night
8 Apr - 9 Apr
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 their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,095 reviews)
"Great location and friendly staff"

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2024

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 ₹6,312 per night from 10 Apr to 11 Apr
₹6,312
per night
10 Apr - 11 Apr
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! (1,009 reviews)
"Staff were amazing with excellent service"

Reviewed on 18 Mar 2024

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 rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (730 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 26 Mar 2024

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 28 Dec 2023

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 centre, on-site 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 5 Jun 2021

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

3.9
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
167
" "5 - Excellent 21.437740693196407%
4 - Good
416
" "4 - Good 53.4017971758665%
3 - Okay
177
" "3 - Okay 22.721437740693197%
2 - Disappointing
16
" "2 - Disappointing 2.053915275994865%
1 - Terrible
3
" "1 - Terrible 0.3851091142490372%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
15 Mar 2020

Must visit the cinema opposite the hotel.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
9 Mar 2020

Massive regeneration and development. It does mean the old high street is a bit run down and full of homeless people.

4/5 - Good

Steve
29 Feb 2020

I was hear to salt out my uber eats programme. Southampton has everything you could need to do. So no issues lots of walking aswell for me which i loved and main thing it for me has uber officers

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
23 Feb 2020

A bit run down in places

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
15 Feb 2020

Used to live in the area, but I will never stay in this hotel again unless it is substantually improved. McDonald hotels used to be good

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
13 Feb 2020

Was in Southampton for a hospital appt

Cities near Southampton