Things to do in Southampton

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Visit Southampton

Types of activities

Where to stay

Southampton Travel Guide

Southampton featuring heritage architecture, chateau or palace and heritage elements

Tudor House and Garden which includes heritage architecture, a garden and a house

Solent Sky Museum which includes aircraft and interior views

Southampton Attractions

If you're on the lookout for exciting activities in Southampton, prepare to be busy. This vibrant city knows how to turn up the fun. No matter your interests, you'll be inspired by the broad range of tourist attractions to sink your teeth into here. Read on to learn about a few of our favorites.

Discover the best sights in Southampton with some popular tours & day trips, or try out our list of {60 fun activities in Southampton fun activities in Southampton}. We have no booking fees as well as free cancellation, so you can relax and channel all your energy into planning an unforgettable vacation.

Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.

Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.

One Key members save 10% or more on select activities, hotels, cars and vacation rentals.

Tours & day trips

See all 60 activities

Stonehenge Tour from Southampton to London

Free cancellation available

Cruises & boat tours

See all 3 activities

The Southampton Ghost Walk

Holiday & seasonal tours

See all 3 activities

Portsmouth: Spinnaker Tower Ticket

Free cancellation available

Recommended things to do in Southampton

Number of things to do	60
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia	Southampton Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7
Top 5 things to do	Stonehenge Tour from Southampton to London Southampton: Post-Cruise Tour to London via Salisbury, Stonehenge and Winds... Walk the Secrets of the Titanic Private Sedan - Meet and Greet: London - Southampton Port Private Walking Tour of Southampton
Under $25	Walk the Secrets of the Titanic Southampton Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour The Southampton Ghost Walk Bar & Club Night Pass to multiple venues in Southampton Winchester: Historic Castles and Cathedrals Walking Tour
With kids	Stonehenge Tour from Southampton to London Southampton: Post-Cruise Tour to London via Salisbury, Stonehenge and Winds... Private Walking Tour of Southampton Luxury tour of Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral London Sightseeing Tour with Lunch from Southampton

What to do in Southampton

Free Things to Do in Southampton

There's no need to constantly reach for your wallet in Southampton. The following won't cost a thing.

New Forest Museum - Loaded with fascinating displays and objects, this gallery is a wonderland for minds that burn with curiosity.

Hawthorns Urban Wildlife Centre - Animals are amazing, and you'll be able to get close to some interesting ones here.

The Common - If you're eager to ramp up the fun factor during your break, you can do it here.

Old City Walls - Amble around this historic place and discover a couple of secrets from days gone by.

Ocean Village Marina - Spend some time in this lively location and imagine what life would be like as a local.

Southampton Passenger Terminal - If you're eager to check out some of the more important or interesting places in the community, this is a great place to start.

Weston Hard Woolston Beach - Devour an amazing novel or listen to some playlists while you're soaking up the sun.

Mayflower Park - Renew your mind and body by spending a little time in nature.

Things to Do in Southampton with Kids

There are lots of incredible experiences in Southampton that the whole gang will get a buzz out of. Here are some of the top family friendly experiences around.

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Southampton? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

Discover the most popular places to visit in Southampton

Southampton Cruise Terminal

4.5/5(96 reviews)

One of the busiest cruise ports in England is just a few steps from the historical and entertainment attractions of Southampton.

University of Southampton

4.5/5(21 reviews)

Tour an oceanographic research institute, watch independent theater productions and see designs by notable British architects at this 150-year-old university.

Mayflower Theatre

5/5(1 review)

From touring West End musicals to magic shows, stand-up comedy to children’s entertainment, this historic theater serves up Southampton’s best entertainment.

New Forest Wildlife Park

3.5/5(3 reviews)

See the exotic and native animals who live at New Forest Wildlife Park during your travels in Southampton. Amble around this quaint area's lush forest and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Mayflower Park

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.

Solent University

4.5/5(4 reviews)

This city center university forms part of the Cultural Quarter, a district home to galleries, museums, parks and performing arts venues.

Beautiful gardens at Exbury...plus a little steam train ride to keep the kids happy

Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway

All aboard for a classic steam railway journey through gorgeous Hampshire woodlands and colorful flower displays packed with fascinating and rare blooms.

SeaCity Museum

5/5(1 review)

Sail back into Southampton’s rich nautical past at this state-of-the-art museum created to mark the 100-year anniversary of RMS Titanic’s ill-fated maiden voyage.

Netley Abbey

Find out about the history of Southampton with a stop at Netley Abbey. Wander the lush forest and waterfront in the area.

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Southampton

Southampton City Centre

4.5/5(148 area reviews)

The area was rebuilt after being annihilated in World War II, but the city won’t soon forget its earlier role with the Titanic, seafaring voyages, Romans and Saxons.

Ocean Village

You'll enjoy the restaurants and parks in Ocean Village. You might want to make time for a stop at Ocean Village Marina or Harbour Lights Picturehouse.

Old Town

If you're spending some time in Old Town, Tudor House and Garden and Titanic Honour & Glory Exhibition - Southampton are top sights worth seeing.

Freemantle

While visiting Freemantle, you might make a stop by sights like Southampton Cruise Terminal and River Test.

Mayflower Theatre which includes theater scenes and signage

The Polygon

While there might not be top attractions in The Polygon, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Southampton Cruise Terminal and Mayflower Theatre.

Portswood

Portswood is popular for its ample dining options, and you might make a stop by The Common, a top place to visit in the area.

See our Where To Stay guide

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

Popular day trips from Southampton

Lyndhurst

Eastleigh

Portchester Castle which includes a garden and heritage elements

Fareham

Winchester

Petersfield

Romsey

Brockenhurst

Botley

Frequently asked questions

Is Southampton worth visiting?

Renowned for its walking trails and cycling, finding awesome things to do in Southampton is a cinch. Make sure to add Paultons Family Theme Park - Home of Peppa Pig World to your itinerary while here.

How do I spend a day in Southampton?

Once you've checked off top attractions like Paultons Family Theme Park - Home of Peppa Pig World and New Forest Wildlife Park, spend some time enjoying Southampton's shopping and food scene.

What is the top tourist attraction in Southampton?

You can't go home without visiting Paultons Family Theme Park - Home of Peppa Pig World, rated the top tourist attraction in Southampton.

Is three days enough to stay in Southampton?

Three days in Southampton is enough to visit the city's leading attractions. Many guests stay for two days on average. Mayflower Theatre, New Forest Wildlife Park and Tudor House and Garden are top-rated sights. Like to discover more? Hang around a while longer to visit nearby hotspots like Salisbury.

Is Southampton a walkable city?

With exciting neighborhoods and top sights within walking distance of the city center, Southampton is a great destination to tour on foot. Have fun wandering between Mayflower Theatre and Tudor House and Garden. Then take a stroll through Southampton City Centre, located 0.4 miles from the center, and Ocean Village, which is roughly 1 mile away.

What are some activities to do in Southampton with kids?

Deciding what to do in Southampton with kids has never been so simple. Whether you're traveling with teenagers or little ones, there are lots of family-friendly activities to keep them happy here.

What to do in Southampton for adults?

Wickham Estate and Civic Centre are just two of the things to do in Southampton. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone.

Are there free things to do in Southampton?

From relaxing in parks to strolling around vibrant neighborhoods, it's a breeze to find free things to do in Southampton. If you need inspiration, ask for tips from a local tour guide. Weston Hard Woolston Beach is a great spot for anyone looking to save on their travel adventures.

Unlock instant savings with Member Prices