Things to do in Southampton: Your Guide to the Waterside City

When you’re looking for things to do in Southampton, you’ll discover a city that’s bursting with rich maritime history, scenic water and countryside, as well as a thriving local food, art and music scene.

With an exceptional public transport system, you’ll find getting around the city is easy. But not only that, you’re also well placed to hop on a ferry for a breezy daytime trip to the Isle of Wight or enjoy a short train journey over to the New Forest.

You’ll find no end of days out in Southampton for couples, families, solo travellers, daytrippers and more. So, whether you’re just passing time in the city before a cruise or have a whole trip ahead of you, there’s sure to find something for every itinerary in our round up of things to do in Southampton.

History lovers will definitely want to visit the SeaCity Museum, one of the best Southampton attractions in the city. As well as the rich history of the Titanic and its impact on the people of Southampton, you can enjoy a journey through over 200,000 years of maritime history. From the early Roman traders to WWII and beyond, discover a series of exhibitions, artworks, remarkable stories, and more.

In the heart of the Old Town, Tudor House & Garden is one of the most popular things to do in Southampton and remains one of the city’s most important historic buildings. This stunning location boasts over 800 years of history and offers a unique insight into Southampton’s identity. You’ll also find plenty of family-friendly activities and interactive displays, making the Tudor House one of many great family days out in Southampton.

The Mayflower Theatre is a stunning Grade II art deco building that sits in the heart of the city and is one of the best places to visit in Southampton. A major renovation back in 2018 brought the theatre back to its romantic glory, creating the ideal backdrop for a host of popular West End musicals, dance performances, opera, drama, ballet and comedy shows.

If you’re looking for free things to do in Southampton, be sure to visit the City Art Gallery (conveniently located just next to the SeaCity museum) and enjoy a wide range of high quality exhibitions. From classic painting and sculpture to traditional photography and film, the ever-changing displays are always offering up new and exciting experiences that can be enjoyed by all ages.

Experience the golden age of steam with a trip to the SS Shieldhall; the largest working steamship in Britain. With a wide range of activities and experiences for the whole family, you can try anything from exploring the original steam engines at work or sitting back and enjoying exciting commentary on the city as you set sail around Southampton Water and the Solent. With a unique and engaging timetable of events, this is one of the best family days out in Southampton you can find.

As the UK’s number one cruise port, Southampton is now home to five different passenger cruise terminals and the Solent Hotel & Spa is conveniently located just an approximate 30-minute drive away. When you’re done exploring all the fun things to do in Southampton and looking for some time to relax and unwind in a homely, comfortable space, why not look at staying with us? When you’re booking your next cruise, be sure to explore our availability and add us to your list of things to do in Southampton.

• Southampton Common – The largest open space in Southampton (365 acres of woodland, grassland, ponds, wetlands, and lakes). Includes a café, nature play area, and an urban wildlife centre.
• Ocean Village Marina – The UK’s first and only 5-star marina with plenty of restaurants and bars. Don’t miss the Harbour Lights Picture House cinema and its stunning glass-fronted architecture.
• City Walls Walk – Explore the longest surviving stretch of medieval walls in England with a 2-mile circular walk. Features gateways, towers, 90+ listed buildings, and 30 ancient monuments.
• Itchen Valley Country Park – 440 acres of meadows and woodland with events, tours, six free play areas for kids, trails, and a café. Perfect for family days out.
• Day Trips to Hythe – Take the Hythe Ferry from Southampton Town Quay to Hythe Pier. Walk the pier, explore the Hythe Pier railway, or visit the charming village centre.
• Day Trips to New Forest – A short train or car journey away. Explore villages, nature spots, cycling and walking routes, or enjoy the hop-on hop-off New Forest bus tour.

• Paultons – Just 25 minutes from Solent Hotel & Spa, this top family theme park sits on the edge of the New Forest. Home to the UK’s only Peppa Pig World plus 70+ attractions and rides for all ages.
• Solent Sky Museum – Explore the history of aviation in the Solent region with over 20 vintage and military aircraft, flying boats, archives, and exhibitions from the golden age of aviation.
• Go Ape – Located in Itchen Valley Country Park, enjoy high-ropes courses, axe throwing, fast ziplines, and adventurous woodland activities for the whole family.
• Escape Rooms – Try Houdini’s Escape Room Experience for puzzles and teamwork challenges. Located within Ten Pin bowling alley, offering bowling, darts, mini golf, and more.
• Trampoline Parks – Flip Out trampoline park offers soft play, obstacle courses, stunt zones, drop slides, and a café — perfect for indoor family fun in Southampton.

• Oxford Street restaurants – A foodie hotspot offering everything from steaks and sandwiches to veggie and vegan options, with a mix of independent and chain restaurants.
• Westquay Shopping Centre – Shop high street favourites like John Lewis, M&S and Next, or take a break at one of the many cafes, coffee shops, and restaurants.
• Bedford Place Nightlife – A lively area packed with pubs and bars, whether you’re after a quiet drink, live music, or dancing the night away with DJs.
• Ocean Village waterfront dining – Enjoy riverside food options ranging from fine dining and global cuisines to cosy cafes and relaxed pub meals.
• Local markets – Visit historic Bargate for a traditional market or explore seasonal events like Southampton’s Christmas market. Nearby Romsey, Harbourside, and Hythe also offer popular market experiences.

• Southampton International Boat Show – The UK’s flagship boating and watersports festival, now in its 56th year. Explore boats, hands-on water activities, expert advice, and live entertainment — a must-visit attraction for families and enthusiasts alike.
• Music in the City – An annual festival celebrating Southampton’s vibrant music scene, featuring over 300 performances across multiple venues. A diverse, inclusive celebration with something for every music lover.
• Christmas Market – From November, Southampton transforms into a festive wonderland with German-style chalets, crafts, food, and drink. Highlights include the UK’s tallest ferris wheel, Santa train rides, and plenty of festive treats like mulled wine and hot chocolate.

• God’s House Tower – A unique arts and heritage site in Southampton’s Old Town. Once the city’s archaeology museum, it reopened after a four-year restoration to offer fascinating insights into the history of the people who lived and worked in the city. A great option for family days out.
• The Hobbit Pub – A beloved pub in Bevois Valley with a large beer garden, covered seating, and regular live events. Originally the Portswood Hotel, it was renamed in 1989 after J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel and remains especially popular with students and locals after its 2021 refurbishment.

Getting around Southampton couldn’t be easier, and you have a wide range of options to make it as accessible as you need. With the majority of the city being flat, it’s a great place for pedestrians, particularly around the city centre.

There’s been a lot of investment into making Southampton a bike-friendly city, with a host of paths and trails available, as well as an e-scooter scheme for shorter journeys.

Travelling to and around Southampton by bus is a breeze. All towns and suburbs are connected to the city centre via five different bus operators, so you’ll always find a route to get you where you need to be. You’ll find several bus stops within a few minutes walk from outside the Solent Hotel & Spa with regular services that can take you straight into the city.

Our hotel is also well-serviced by local taxi companies and in the city, you’ll find taxi ranks at Southampton Central railway station, Southampton Airport Parkway station, near Westquay Shopping Centre and along the High Street.

Southampton is very accessible by road, with major links in from the M3 and M27 motorways. If you’re arriving in Southampton by car, we offer ample car parking at a rate of just £5 per night, and the city has over 40 car parks within the main shopping areas and around Ocean Marina.