Southampton

About

Discover, explore and enjoy Southampton! 

The outward-looking city of Southampton is as inclusive as it is diverse with a range of attractions, activities and events to rival anywhere on the coast.  

Tread medieval town walls, uncover true stories of Titanic passengers and discover why the city was so important to Jane Austen. 
The buzzing port city of Southampton is one of the most vibrant and creative cities on the coast.  Thanks to its large student population, this city is young-at-heart with a music and entertainment scene to match.  

Couple that with a history dating back to around 43AD and a maritime heritage that encompasses the Mayflower, the Titanic and birthplace of the Spitfire and you have the ideal must-visit destination. 

With colourful festivals, live music, west end shows and cuisine from almost every corner of the globe, this young-at-heart city is worth a visit year-round. For what’s on listings visit www.visitsouthampton.co.uk 

Reflecting its rich cultural mix, the city’s cafes, restaurants and bars offer a truly global menu to suit almost every palate. Check out Bedford Place or Oxford Street for excellent cosmopolitan cuisine.   
Looking to shop? Hundreds of retail outlets and brands await at Westquay and The Marlands. 

Things to do in Southampton

Get a flavour of this city’s impressive history with a walk around the wonderfully preserved medieval Old Town Walls, a series of panels that bring key events and people to life. Entering the Bargate you’ll follow in the footsteps of townspeople, traders and sailors.   
Visit the Tudor House and Garden, tread its creaking wooden floors and explore its displays before visiting the pretty Tudor knot garden and café, a peaceful oasis in the centre of this bustling city.

Uncover true stories of Titanic passengers at the state-of-the-art SeaCity Museum, a must for any visitor to the city. It sets the stage for the sailing of the ‘unsinkable’ Titanic in 1912 and the impact this ship had on almost every home in the town at the time.   
The City Art Gallery is considered one of the best outside London, check out its programme of themed talks and workshops for a deeper dive.  
Modern art-lovers should head to the John Hansard Gallery, part of the University of Southampton, while Southampton’s Art Trail showcases a series of artworks punctuating the city’s parks and gardens. 

Head to the largest theatre in the South, the Mayflower Theatre welcomes an array of award-winning shows, musicals, ballets and more, straight from the West End

The Spitfire, the famous fighter plane, was designed and developed in Southampton. Aviation fans should make a visit to the Solent Sky Museum and explore the birthplace of the Supermarine Spitfire and 20 aircraft from the golden age of aviation and discover the important role the city played in the history of flight.

Experience the golden age of steam onboard the SS Shieldhall the largest working steam ship in Britain. Book a cruise, visit the ship in Southampton, or hire her for a private event or venue.  

​Accommodation in Southampton 

Looking for somewhere to stay in Southampton?  You can find a wide selection of accommodation choices.

The Hilton Southampton - Utilita Bowl  is located 5-miles outside of the city centre, this stunning hotel is at the home of Hampshire Cricket.The property boasts spectacular views across the iconic Utilita Bowl and Boundary Lakes, the venue’s 18-hole golf course.