1. Home
  2. Blogs
  3. ACCOMMODATION
  4. Things To Do In Southampton
ACCOMMODATION

Best Things to Do in Southampton: A Comprehensive Guide

Southampton City is situated in England, UK. It is known for the home port of some of the largest cruise ships in the world. Besides, it offers a unique blend of academic and vibrant cultural life. With a lot of dining places, hidden gems, parks and lush green spaces the city attracts visitors & students from all over the globe. If you are also thinking of visiting the city, then read this blog. You will get to know all the things to do in Southampton as a tourist and student. The city has plenty of things to do, you can explore theaters, museums, historic sites, and more.

Things to Do in Southampton | Graddinghomes.com

Table of Contents

Must Visit Places in Southampton

Southampton is a beautiful and vibrant city, there are a lot of places where you can visit and enjoy. Thus, in this section you will find some of the best places to visit in Southampton, UK, read below:

1. Mayflower Theater

Mayflower Theater

Visiting the Mayflower Theater is one of the best things to do in Southampton. The place offers you magical evenings with the most spectacular touring musicals. Besides, it is a prominent venue known for hosting a wide range of performances, from West End shows and musicals to opera and ballet. It is a cultural hub that offers high-quality entertainment and arts scene in the region.

2. Westquay Shopping Centre

Westquay Shopping Centre

Westquay Shopping Centre is one of the major Southampton attractions. Moreover, it is a retail spot that offers a wide range of shops, cafe & restaurants, entertainment options and modern amenities. Moreover, it includes popular high street brands, a cinema, and a variety of dining experiences for everyone. Besides, it is located in the city center, making it convenient for people.

3. St Mary's Stadium

St Mary's Stadium

One of the best places to visit in Southampton is St Mary's Stadium. It is the home of Southampton FC. Besides, it was opened in 2001 by replacing The Dell. Furthermore, it has a seating capacity of 32,384. Moreover, its modern design makes it so popular. The stadium hosts football matches and several events, offering excellent experiences and facilities to people.

4. Southampton Town Walls

Southampton Town Walls

Southampton Town Walls are one of the major Southampton tourist attractions. It is made with medieval defensive structures that were built between the 13th and 15th centuries. Besides, the motive behind making of these walls was to protect the town from invaders. There are gates and towers, still stand today, signifying town’s history. Moreover, the walls are a designated conservation area.

5. Go Ape Southampton

Go Ape Southampton

Go Ape Southampton one of the tourist attractions in Southampton that is quite famous. Whether you're looking for things to do with children or a day out with friends or family, there are a ton of adventures here. These include Treetop Adventure and Treetop Adventure Plus, both experiences are aimed to provide an amazing experience. There are challenge with high wire obstacles such as Tarzan swings, zip lines and more.

6. Holy Rood Church

Holy Rood Church

One of the best things to do in Southampton is visiting Holy Rood Church. It is a historic Christian church that features stunning medieval architecture and beautiful glass windows. Moreover, it is an active place of worship and community gathering, that reflects rich local heritage and traditions. Besides, this church is famous in remembrance to the merchant navy men who lost their lives in World War II.

7. Robin's Nest Emporium

Robin's Nest Emporium

If you are someone who admires antiques then Robin's Nest Emporium is one of the Southampton attractions that you must visit. It offers several home ware, collectibles, fashion, gifts, and more. Besides, you will also find a lovely coffee shop on site. Moreover, there are craft workshops that take place from time to time. It is an excellent place to get unusual presents for your loved ones.

8. Oasis Down to Earth Farm

Oasis Down to Earth Farm

If you are an animal lover then one of the top places in Southampton is Oasis Down to Earth Farm. It is a community centre that focuses on sustainable farming and organic practices. The farm emphasizes on eco-friendly methods of farming and community engagement. Besides, you get an opportunity to interact with animals and also connect with nature.

9. The Outdoor Sports Centre

The Outdoor Sports Centre

The Outdoor Sports Centre is one of the Southampton tourist attractions that must be on the top of your list. It offers various outdoor activities like tennis, soccer, cycling, archery and more. It provides a spacious environment for sports enthusiasts of all ages, focusing on fitness, teamwork, and fun. Besides, it is an ideal venue for both casual play and competitive events.

10. Broadlands Lakes Coarse Fishery

Broadlands Lakes Coarse Fishery

If you plan to visit Southampton then Broadlands Lakes Coarse Fishery is a great place. It offers a peaceful and scenic fishing experience. The fishery features several lakes, catering to various coarse fishing styles. The venue is popular for its good facilities and beautiful surroundings, providing a relaxing environment. You can even visit here for a leisurely stall.

Top Student Attractions in Southampton City

There are numerous attractions for students in Southampton. The city is an excellent tourist destination. Besides, the city houses some of the top-ranking universities in the world, making it a student hub. Listed below are several things to do in Southampton for the student community. You can visit museums and art galleries, parks, and even explore the university campus. So let’s discover things to do in Southampton for scholars. 

1. University of Southampton

University of Southampton

Whether a student or not, one of the major attraction in Southampton is The University of Southampton, located in the UK. Thus, you mist visit Southampton institute. It is a prestigious research college renowned for its excellence in teaching and innovation. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across diverse disciplines. It ranks among the top universities globally. Besides, offers the best student accommodation in Southampton, UK, making it convenient for students.

2. Solent Sky Museum

Solent Sky Museum

One of the best things to do in Southampton is visiting the Solent Sky Museum. It showcases aviation history, particularly focusing on aircraft from the early 20th century. These include the iconic Supermarine Spitfire, historic seaplanes, and the Southampton-built flying boats. The museum offers interactive displays and insights into the evolution of aviation.

Southampton City Art Gallery

If you are an art enthusiast then Southampton City Art Gallery, is top things to do in Southampton. It is renowned for its impressive collection of fine art. Moreover, it was established in 1939 and houses works from the 20th century to contemporary pieces. Further, it features artists like Turner and Piper. The gallery offers a variety of exhibitions and educational programs, promoting artistic engagement and cultural enrichment.

4. High Score Arcades Southampton

High Score Arcades Southampton

High Score Arcades Southampton is an exciting arcade experience for students and adults. It is a family entertainment centre that offers over 80 different arcade titles for you and your family to enjoy. From old school classics such as Space Invaders and PAC-man to pinball, sports games and the newest arcade fun, there’s something for everyone. Thus, it is one of the best things to do in Southampton, UK.

5. Riverside Park

Riverside Park

Riverside Park is an amazing site located along the River Itchen. It includes six football pitches, two cricket pitches, a tennis court, a skate park and more. Moreover, this is a huge city park with many athletic facilities. Thus, whether a student or a tourist, you can visit here and spend a beautiful day with nature.

Southampton is a vibrant city with a rich history, so there's plenty to explore! Here are a few recommended things to do in Southampton, UK:

Food Places

There are a lot of good food places in Southampton, some of them are listed below:

  • The Pig in the Wall
  • Siam Smile Thai Restaurant
  • The Oxford Brasserie
  • The Dolphin
  • Burrito Loco

Hidden Gems

There are several hidden treasures in the city, these include:

  1. God's House Tower
  2. The Solent Sky Museum Westquay Watermark
  3. Houndwell Park
  4. Hampshire’s Public Gardens

Shopping

For those who love shopping both from brands and streets under a single roof, you can visit:

  • Westquay Shopping Centre
  • Marlands Shopping Centre
  • Above Bar Street
  • Guildhall Square
  • Portswood High Street

Besides, there are a lot of shops, cafes, street art, and cool bars. Moreover, Southampton is a great place for walks. You will find many museums and parks that you can visit. These places in Southampton will never make you feel bored in the city.

Conclusion

The blog covered some of the best places to visit and things to do in Southampton for both tourists and students. However, there are a lot of other places to explore as well. Moreover, you will learn a lot about the history and culture of England and experience the beauty of brilliant infrastructure. Besides, in Southampton, you can also find the best student accommodation in UK that you call your home. Further, with the help of this blog, you can make a well-designed itinerary and divide your time among all the major attractions in the city.

FAQs

1. Is Southampton a Student-Friendly City?

Southampton is a great place for international students. The city has a variety of things to offer from excellent world class education to a vibrant student life.

2. How Do I Spend My Day in Southampton?

The best way to plan your day in Cambridge is to start the day by visiting the Museum, followed by Church. Then you may have a good brunch at a good spot like Burrito Loco and shop nearby.

3. Which Is the Best Area for International Students in Southampton?

Some of the most student-friendly neighborhoods in Southampton are Bassett, the Portswood area, or in the city centre.

4. Is Southampton an Expensive City to live in?

No, Southampton can be considered an affordable city in comparison to other cities such as London. However, the cost of living may vary depending on the area, type of housing, and lifestyle.

5. How Is the Nightlife in Southampton?

In Southampton, you will find plenty of pubs, clubs, and live music venues. It offers some unique nightlife activities for students as well as tourists.

12 People watching now

Chat with Expert

Let us shortlist and book accommodations that match your preferences—all for a small amount

Gradding Blogs

Want to read more?

explore blogs

Disclaimer:logos and other registered trademarks of universities and properties used on this platform are held by their respective owners. Gradding Homes does not claim ownership or association on them, and their use is purely for informational and illustrative purposes.

Copyrights ©2025 Gradding Homes. All rights reserved.
Rated 4.7/5 based on 4464 Reviews