10 reasons to visit Southampton a part from cruising
Southampton. I know what you’re thinking: isn’t that where you go to join a cruise? Yes, more than a million people embark on cruise ships from this UK waterfront city every year but it is also a destination in itself.
I worked in Southampton for seven years and have lived in or close to the city all my life. I love it for its balance of history, open spaces and great shopping.
Here are my 10 reasons to visit Southampton – a part from cruising:
Tudor House and Gardens
This is Southampton’s most significant historic building with more than 900 years of history on site. Its story is told through the lives of its different owners, from wealthy merchants to the overseers of the port.
Tudor House and Gardens are open Tuesday to Sunday. Entrance costs £4.75 for adults and £3.75 for children five and over. Prices include an audio tour.
City Walls and Bargate
Southampton’s old town walls are the third longest stretch of unbroken medieval wall in England and date back to 1180. You can take self-guided and guided walks from the 800-year-old Bargate, which used to be the entrance to the old town and now imposes over a modern shopping area.
SeaCity Museum
This is the city’s newest attraction dedicated to telling Southampton’s maritime story. Its focus is on the ill-fated RMS Titanic which embarked from the docks on its maiden voyage with more than 500 local residents onboard. There’s plenty of interactive displays and artefacts to help you explore the real life stories behind this infamous maritime disaster. SeaCity also hosts touring exhibitions. We visited during DinoFest.
SeaCity Museum is open seven days a week. Entrance costs £9.50 for adults and £29.50 for a family (two adults and up to three children). There’s a lower rate if you just want to see the touring expos.
Mayflower Park
Southampton is full of parks but this one is worth a mention because of its location overlooking the port. Mayflower Park takes its name from the ship that sailed from Southampton in 1620 carrying pilgrims to the New World of America.
It’s the best place to see some of the world’s largest cruise liners while they are berthed at Mayflower terminal. They literally look like blocks of flats parked up alongside the harbour wall. The park also hosts special events and concerts during the year.
Mayflower Theatre
A part from a period during World War II when films were shown in the 2,300 seat auditorium, musicals and live acts have been performing at the Mayflower since 1928.
I saw many a pantomime here as a child and more recently the Vagina Monologues and Avenue Q. It’s the place to see all of the touring West End shows, as well as comedy, ballet and spin offs from popular television shows like Strictly Come Dancing.
Southampton Common
At 326 acres this is the largest of Southampton’s open spaces and a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The Hawthorns Urban Wildlife Centre tells visitors all about the local plants and wildlife. There’s also a paddling pool and playground, as well as regular charity runs and events.
Southampton City Art Gallery
This world renowned gallery features around 5,000 works from across eight centuries in its permanent collection. There are monthly art clubs and regular themed activities aimed at families.
Southampton City Art Gallery is open Monday to Saturday. Entrance is free.
West Quay
This shopping centre is five times the size of a football stadium and is the place to shop if you’re after the big high street stores. John Lewis, Marks and Spencer, Next – they are all here as well as designer stores like Levi, Hollister and SuperDry. When I worked in Southampton I spent far too many lunchtimes here.
Itchen Valley Country Park
Just to the north of Southampton is Itchen Valley Country Park, which has 440 acres of water meadows and woodlands to explore. There are regular craft and activity days aimed at families, as well as a totem trail for inquisitive kids. Itchen Valley Country Park is also home to the Go Ape! Tree Top Adventure, which has a 193 zip wire – such great fun!
Itchen Valley County Park is open daily. Entrance to the Park is free but parking charges apply from £1 for the first hour. Go Ape! is open from February to November. It costs £33 for adults and £25 for 10 to 15-year-olds.
Solent Sky Museum
Southampton was the home to the first flying boats and where the Spitfire was built. This rich aviation history is captured by the Solent Sky Museum. It’s a must-visit attraction for anyone fascinated by aircraft.
Solent Sky Museum is open seven days week. Entrance costs £6.50 for adults and £4.50 for children
Have you visited Southampton? What was your favourite attraction?
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I had no idea there was so much to do in Southampton. This is a great post. It's a city that has such a lot of history. The city wall is incredible and I particularly like the sound of the Tudor house and gardens and the Mayflower park. Thanks for sharing on #citytripping
Wow – who knew Southampton had so much to offer? We have stayed on the outskirts when we visited Peppa Pig world but that is our only experience. Dinofest at the SeaCity museum looks especially exciting. #citytripping
*guilty face* Every time I have been to Southampton it's to get a cruise/look round a ship so I don't think I've ever had much more than a night in a hotel. I hadn't realised quite what there was to see there, but will definitely have to add a bit of extra time next time I'm there! Thanks for joining up to #citytripping
do you know what I have never been! We're not that far awayeither. Must take a trip with the kids #citytripping
Wow so much to see and do! It is a little far for us to travel but if we ever go then we have this to look at! Thanks for sharing, and fab pics xx
Thank you for enlightening me about Southampton! I always go there to see friends, or on a stop over to the Isle of Wight, never actually exploring the city proper. There's so much to do. The shot of the Common is stunning. #citytripping
It's funny – I haven't been to Southampton for nearly 20 years, but I liked it then and just last week suggested we should take a trip. I knew it had a lot to offer but love seeing it all written down like this – very appealing!
Looks like a great place for a weekend break! Thank you for the tips!
I've been to Southampton tons of times to get to the IOW! Sounds like I am missing out on exploring!
I drive past Southampton from the ferry at Portsmouth and onwards to my Mum's but I have never detoured for a stop. Maybe I should! #citytripping
I have been to Southampton twice since moving to Hampshire but I have only really seen the shopping centre and Ikea!Will have to go again soon and have a proper explore xx #TheList
My daughter is in university in Southampton I have been a few times it's an amazing city great post #thelist
Despite having lived in Southampton for nine years, there are quite a few places on your list that I've never visited – think I shall have to rectify that next time we spend time there! The Mayflower was one of my favourite places though – I saw so many shows there and even had the chance to perform in a show there once too, so many happy memories. I didn't know that the city walls were the third longest unbroken stretch of medieval wall in England – thank you for helping me learn something new! 🙂
I had to try really hard not to mention Peppa Pig World – it's Tin Box Tot's fave 🙂
You are not alone. I think every city has more to it than meets the eye. I hope there's some inspiration here for your next journey through 🙂
Do! Glad this has given you some inspiration 🙂
I love the medieval history of Southampton. So much of it is bang up against modern architecture so it often comes as a surprise to find it as you walk around.
I'm glad it's given you some inspiration should you ever find yourself in the area x
Oh, what a well timed read! I hope it gives you some inspiration 🙂
I'm glad it's given you some inspiration. I have to admit that I've borrowed the shot of the Common – I'm not that good a photographer or up and about that early 🙂
You're welcome!
Ah yes, plan some extra time into your journey and stop off in the city 🙂
Yes, pay the city a little visit. I think you'd enjoy the parks 🙂
Ah yea, shopping is big in Southampton. We went to IKEA today. I'm going I miss it when we move in a few weeks! X
Thanks! Mr TB and I are both graduates from Southampton's universities. It's a very student friendly city.
You're welcome. I'm feeling bad because I had no idea you were so local to me. There you go, I learnt something too 🙂
I was a student in Southampton for three years and I never knew there was an art gallery there! Back in the 1990s when I lived there West Quay hadn't been built so I imagine Above Bar looks a lot different now as I expect many of the shops have moved out.
Well, sounds like there is a lot to do there. I like the sound of the medieval walls – we loved exploring them when we visited France, so I'm sure they'd be pretty popular!
#kcacols
x Alice
Wow that picture of Southampton Common is gorgeous! So much to do I need to get there more often. Thanks for linking up to #TheList x
Thanks for pointing out all these fab attractions! My sister lived there for a while and she only ever took us to the shopping centre and for dinner lol
Thanks for linking and hope you can link up next week with @withfranca #KCACOLS
I haven't been in Southhampton before but I will really like to go and visit, especially after reading your post!! There are so many amazing attractions to see!! I will make a list of these suggestions. Thanks so much for sharing this at #KCACOLS, 🙂 xx
Hey you, don't be telling everyone, don't want them all getting in my way when I'm trying to shop 😉 #The
And this year here comes zany zebras to our great city! Hope you've settled in well to your new home x
We live just over 45 mins away, but tend to only go to Southampton for Ikea and West Quay, or hopping on a ferry. Great to know there’s so much on offer there. I particularly like the idea of visiting SeaCity and Solent Sky – my two boys (well three if you count the husband) would love them.
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