What to do in Southampton

Activities, attractions and tours

A large stone castle with multiple towers and battlements.
A modern building with large glass windows, a brick facade, and a brick pathway.
A garden with a wooden fence, various plants, and a stone pathway.
A museum interior with wooden paneling, large classical paintings, and a fireplace.
A museum with various aircraft on display, including a yellow biplane and a white seaplane.

Southampton Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Southampton has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Southampton is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Southampton to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Southampton Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Southampton.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Southampton attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

Things to do

Isle of Wight: Osborne Admission Ticket

Isle of Wight: Osborne Admission Ticket

CA $44
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Isle of Wight: Osborne Admission Ticket
Southampton: Guided Ghost Walk

The Southampton Ghost Walk

CA $28
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
The Southampton Ghost Walk
Private Southampton Walking Tour

Private Southampton Walking Tour

CA $43
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Private Southampton Walking Tour
Full Day Private Shore Tour in Romsey from Southampton Port

Full Day Private Shore Tour in Romsey from Southampton Port

CA $81
per adult
Full Day Private Shore Tour in Romsey from Southampton Port
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Recommended things to do in Southampton

Number of things to do
74
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Museum of Ryde: Ticket to 250 Years of Ryde's History: CA $10
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Southampton

Stay near popular Southampton attractions

A historic brick building with a central archway, a garden with hedges, and a statue.

University of Southampton

8.0/5 (237 reviews)
Tour an oceanographic research institute, watch independent theater productions and see designs by notable British architects at this 150-year-old university.
See properties

Where to stay in Southampton

Find the best Southampton areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Southampton
Learn more about Southampton
A historic stone tower with a narrow passageway, adjacent half-timbered buildings, and a red-roofed brick house.

Southampton City Centre

The lively bars and waterfront views are top of the list for many visitors to Southampton City Centre. A stop by Ocean Village Marina or Harbour Lights Picturehouse might round out your trip.
A large cruise ship docked at a port with a city skyline in the background.

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.
A coastal city with a harbor, ships, and a mix of residential and commercial buildings.

Bedford Place

When in Bedford Place, you can plan a visit to Southampton Cruise Terminal and Southampton Guildhall, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
A large aircraft with the text "ANSETT FLYING BOAT SERVICES" on its side, displayed in an indoor hangar with other aircraft.
Photo by Vin Lane-Kieltyka
Open Photo by Vin Lane-Kieltyka

Maritime Quarter

If you're spending some time in Maritime Quarter, Ocean Village Marina and Harbour Lights Picturehouse are top sights worth seeing.
A Tudor-style building with timber framing, large windows, and a black iron fence.

Old Town

If you're spending some time in Old Town, Tudor House and Garden and Medieval Merchant's House are top sights worth seeing.

 

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.

 

 

Frequently asked questions

Is Southampton worth visiting?
Providing a blend of walking trails and cycling, there are plenty of things to do in Southampton. While you're here, visit Paultons Family Theme Park - Home of Peppa Pig World, a major attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Southampton?
Once you've visited leading attractions like Paultons Family Theme Park - Home of Peppa Pig World and New Forest Wildlife Park, spend some time discovering the food and retail options in Southampton.
What is the top tourist attraction in Southampton?
You can't leave without exploring Paultons Family Theme Park - Home of Peppa Pig World, rated the top tourist attraction in Southampton.
Is three days enough to stay in Southampton?
You can easily enjoy leading attractions like Mayflower Theatre, New Forest Wildlife Park and Tudor House and Garden with a three-day stay in Southampton. On average, most travellers book two days here. There's plenty to explore nearby too, so stick around longer and head to Salisbury.
Is Southampton a walkable city?
It depends on what you plan to do and see in Southampton. Several sights, such as Mayflower Theatre and Tudor House and Garden, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of Southampton's neighbourhoods, Southampton City Centre is 0.64 kilometres away from downtown, while Ocean Village is 2 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Southampton with kids?
Deciding what to do in Southampton with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're vacationing with teenagers or toddlers, there are plenty of family-friendly sights to keep everyone busy here.

What to do in Southampton for adults?
Wickham Estate and Civic Centre are just a couple of the things to do in Southampton. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Southampton?
One of the simplest ways to find free things to do in Southampton is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on hip neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can visit without reaching into your pocket. Weston Hard Woolston Beach is one sight that doesn't charge an entrance fee.

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