Things to do in Southampton

Activities, attractions and tours
Southampton

Explore thousands of activities with free cancellation and no added fees.

Design your experience with airport transfers, excursions, day tours & more.

Get an insider's look in what to book before you travel.


Top places to visit

1. Southampton Cruise Terminal

Spend some time watching cruise liners and freight ships come and go from the Southampton Cruise Terminal. Afterwards, make the short walk into Southampton City Center to see historic landmarks and discover a lively bar and restaurant scene. Southampton Cruise Terminal is among the most important marinas in the United Kingdom and welcomes some 2 million passengers every year.
Learn more
One of the busiest cruise ports in England is just a few steps from the historical and entertainment attractions of Southampton.

2. University of Southampton

The University of Southampton regularly features in the world’s top 100 universities. Get a feel for the lifestyles of students, professors and alumni while you explore the campuses spread across the city of Southampton. Check the university’s events schedule for concerts, talks and theater shows. The University of Southampton’s origins date back to 1862 and it was given its official university status in 1952.
Learn more
Tour an oceanographic research institute, watch independent theater productions and see designs by notable British architects at this 150-year-old university.

3. Mayflower Theatre

Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre is one of the region’s great thespian haunts. The theater has rich tradition of hosting dramatic spectacles and shows dating back to the early 20th century. After several name changes and renovations, the theater is today at its height of popularity with a constant and varied program to suit audiences of all ages.
Learn more
Mayflower Theatre showing signage and theatre scenes

4. Solent University

Southampton Solent University stands at the heart of one of the city’s most vibrant arts and nightlife neighborhoods. Discover a blend of student life and superb cultural activities, which can be enjoyed every day of the year. Relax in some of Southampton’s prettiest green spaces while visiting Southampton Solent University.
Learn more
This city center university forms part of the Cultural Quarter, a district home to galleries, museums, parks and performing arts venues.

5. Mayflower Park

With exceptional views of the River Test, Mayflower Park is a lovely spot for a scenic and tranquil escape. Its café and children’s play area will keep the whole family entertained, between sessions of studying boats floating by on the water. Watch some of the iconic cruise liners departing from the adjacent port at the beginning of their voyages out to sea.
Learn more
Sit on a bench in this riverside park where over the ages other visitors have witnessed the passing of famous vessels and the naming of new ones.

Popular places to visit

Areas of Southampton

Default Image

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