Southampton

Southampton is the largest city in Hampshire, on the south coast of England. A busy cruise ship and container port, Southampton is the European end of the last Transatlantic ocean liner route, the Queen Mary II to New York, and in 1912 was the point of departure for the Titanic.

For other places with the same name, see Southampton (disambiguation).

Understand

Southampton has been a settlement since Roman and Saxon times. In Saxon times the town was known as Hamwic. The Roman ruins are situated in a suburb called Bitterne Manor - which was known as Clausentum in Roman times. Its privileged position on England's south coast made it Britain's premier trading post. The town became walled in the medieval era, and some remnants of these defences remain throughout the city, most notably the Bargate in the middle of the city centre. Southampton was devastated by bombing during the Second World War, meaning that much of the city and its heritage was destroyed. As such the town and its architecture has quite a modern feel to it.

Southampton has grown rapidly and is the largest city in Hampshire. The two universities (Solent University and the University of Southampton) mean that there is a large student population.

Visitor information

Get in

By plane

🌍 Southampton Airport (SOU  IATA), a short distance to the north in Eastleigh, receives regular services from many airports across the British Isles, including Belfast City, Dublin, Edinburgh, Manchester, and the three main Channel Islands. KLM operate a year-round feeder service from their hub at Amsterdam Schiphol, but other services from continental Europe are seasonal. A railway station adjacent to the airport is served by regular trains into Southampton Central; the journey takes about 8 min. National rail connections include Bournemouth (45 min), Reading (45 min), London Waterloo (1 hr 15 min), Birmingham New Street (2 hr 30 min) and Manchester Piccadilly (4 hr).

Much bigger airports are within easy reach of Southampton by rail, car or bus. The most convenient are:

  • London Heathrow Airport (LHR IATA) is the UK's largest airport, and Europe's primary international hub. It is about 60 mi (97 km) drive from Southampton via the M4 (westbound), M25 (anti-clockwise) and the M3 (southbound). There is a RailAir coach service to Woking station, where mainline trains to Southampton can be boarded. National Express offers scheduled bus service from the Central Bus Station at Heathrow, between Terminals 2 and 3, to Southampton Coach Station.
  • London Gatwick Airport (LGW IATA) is the UK's third largest airport. It is about 80 mi (130 km) drive from Southampton via the M23 (northbound), M25 (clockwise) and M3 (southbound) motorways. Monday to Saturday there is an hourly direct train service to Southampton from a rail station in the airport terminal complex, taking just under 2 hours; on Sundays at least one transfer is necessary resulting in travel times between 2 and 2½ hours.
  • Stansted (STN IATA) and Luton (LTN IATA), both north of London, have a good range of budget flights but are harder to reach from Southampton: you either have to crawl around on the congested M25, or take a train into London then out again.
  • Bournemouth Airport (BOH IATA) is 30 mi (48 km) west of Southampton along the M27 and A31. It only has a few holiday flights to the Med.

By train

Wikivoyage has a guide to Rail travel in Great Britain

Southampton's main station is 🌍 Southampton Central, on the north-west edge of the city centre. The station has entrances from Blechynden Terrace (north side) and the Western Esplanade (south side), with both providing equal access to concourse and all platforms. From the station, it is a short walk to the city centre, or you can use the free CityLink bus service, which runs every 15–30 minutes during the day and up to about 8PM. The CityLink bus runs from the station via the Westquay shopping centre to Town Quay, where the catamaran to the Isle of Wight and the ferry to Hythe depart.

South Western Railway run every 30 min to Southampton from London Waterloo via Basingstoke and Winchester, as well as from Portsmouth and the towns between them along the south coast. Many of these trains continue beyond Southampton to Bournemouth and Weymouth via the New Forest.

Southern Railway run services via a longer and slower route from London Victoria, but have the advantage of serving London Gatwick airport on the way.

CrossCountry run longer distance services from the north of England via Birmingham and Reading.

Great Western Railway runs services from Cardiff, Bristol and Bath via Salisbury.

Local rail connections to nearby towns are described at Three Rivers Rail

Train times can be found on National Rail or by calling 08457 48 49 50 from anywhere in the UK.

By car

The M3 links Southampton with the M25 and London. The M27 leads west towards Bournemouth and the West Country, and east along the coast towards Brighton and the rest of the south of England.

Car parking is relatively easy with many pay-and-display sites in the city centre. There are also car parks that are free up to 2 hours, and if you're willing to park a little further out you can find free on-street parking.

During the period of the Boat Show there is a Park-and-Ride scheme operating from Junction 1 of the M271 motorway with frequent buses to the show entrance.

There is also a Park and Ride for ticket holders to Southampton Football Club matches. This is easily found and well signposted from Junction 8 of the M27. For more information on either of the Park-and-Ride schemes see National Park and Ride Directory.

By bus

Megabus run a twice daily bus service from London Victoria Coach Station to Southampton from £1.50 for the cost of a single ticket.

National Express also run a regular coach service direct to/from the Southampton Coach Station from/to London Victoria Coach Station as well as from/to the Heathrow Airport Central Bus Station. Ticket prices may be as low as £20 for a scheduled return.

The Quayconnect bus service costing £1 runs every 15 minutes between Southampton Central Station and Town Quay via the city centre. This service is free for National Rail, National Express and Red Funnel ticket holders, as well as Senior Citizen bus pass holders.

By taxi

Southampton-based taxi companies providing long distance transfers from major airports, towns, bus and rail stations to Southampton: West Quay Cars, URBAN Taxi, Jewels Airport Transfers, Soton Taxi, Southampton Airport Transfer Taxi, Southampton Taxi Co, and New Forest Taxi provide online taxi booking facility.

By boat

Southampton is a busy port city, and as such has sea links to countries around the world, however the port is mainly used for freight container ships and cruises.

There are no international ferry services: these call in Portsmouth about 20 mi (32 km) to the east. However, regular vehicle and passenger ferries operate to Southampton from Cowes on the nearby Isle of Wight and the village of Hythe in the New Forest.

Southampton is also Cunard's main port, being the eastern end of Queen Mary 2’s transatlantic liner service to and from New York City. Cunard also serves other destinations.

Get around

My Journey is a website funded by the Department of Transport as a hub for travel information in and around Southampton.

On foot

Southampton City Centre is fairly spread out along a north-south axis, however it is easily possible to walk from the popular Bedford Place student area on the Northern fringe of the central area to the waterfront, much of the route being pedestrianised.

By bike

Southampton has a few dedicated cycle routes; they are not particularly well linked but cyclists should not have a problem navigating the city centre. The city centre is mostly flat; Hampshire tends to undulate.

Sustrans Cycle Map

By bus

Southampton has a good network of bus services, with some principal services operating as often as every 7 minutes during the day. Most of the services radiate out from the city centre but there are also some cross-city routes. Some services also extend to settlements outside the city. Buses accept cash (also giving change) and contactless card payment.

By train

Southampton's main station is Southampton Central, on the north-west edge of the city centre. Southampton Central, Southampton Airport Parkway and Eastleigh are all served by regular trains on the South West mainline. Other stations in Southampton receive only less-regular stopping services, these stations are Redbridge, Millbrook, St Denys, Swaythling, Bitterne, Woolston, and Sholing.

See
  • 🌍 Bargate. A medieval gatehouse, built about 1180 and extended in 1320, now sits slap bang in the middle of the shopping centre. The top floor is now a Heritage Visitor Centre. The Bargate is also the beginning of the original Old Town Walk (pdf); see Do below. (updated Jul 2018)
  • 🌍 Central Parks, established in the 19th century, form a line through mid-city. South to north these are Hoglands Park, Houndwell Park, Pamerston Park, East Park and Watts Park. At the top end of East Park near the Guildhall and Art Gallery, note the two memorials to those lost aboard Titanic: one for the engineers and one for the musicians.

Art galleries
  • 🌍 God's House Tower, on Town Quay by the foot of the ferry pier (on Town Quay by the foot of the ferry pier), ☏ +44 7733 092 291. F Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 10AM-4PM. A 13th-century gatehouse through the city walls, that opened as an arts centre in 2021. Changing exhibitions, galleries, cafe, and local heritage library is free. Free (some events have a charge). (updated Jul 2022)

Museums
  • 🌍 SeaCity Museum, Civic Centre, Havelock Rd., SO14 7FY, ☏ +44 2380 833007, . Daily 10AM-5PM. Opened in 2012, SeaCity contains two main galleries: the first telling the history of Southampton through artefacts and interactive displays; the second dedicated to the voyage and sinking of the RMS Titanic and the Southampton residents who served as crew and passengers. A third space is used for temporary exhibitions, and there is also a cafe and shop. The museum is on the west facing side of the building with the entrance directly beneath the clock tower. Adult £8.50, concessions £6.00, family (2 adults and 3 children) £25.00, under 5s free. (updated May 2021)
  • 🌍 Medieval Merchants House, 58 French Street, SO14 2AT, ☏ +44 2380 221503. One of the earliest surviving merchant's houses in England. It has been restored to its mid-14th-century appearance and replica furnishings provide an insight into medieval life. Adults £4.00, children £2.40, concessions £3.60. (updated Dec 2020)
  • 🌍 Tudor House and Garden, Bugle St., SO14 2AD, ☏ +44 2380 834242, . Daily 10AM-5PM. Built in 1495 for Sir John Dawtry, the Controller of Customs in Southampton. Adult £4.75. (updated Dec 2020)
  • 🌍 Solent Sky (Hall of Aviation), Albert Road South, SO14 3FR (near Ocean Village), ☏ +44 2380 635830. Daily 10AM-5PM. The museum is dedicated to telling the incredible story of aviation in the Solent area. Exhibits include a Sandringham flying boat (which visitors can enter), a Spitfire, and Schneider Trophy racing seaplanes. Adult £6.50. (updated Dec 2020)

Do
  • For up to the minute information on what to do in Southampton, visit the city's Events & What's On calendar.
  • Visit one of the many Theatres.
  • 🌍 The Mayflower. The largest theatre in southern England, offering blockbusting West End musicals, and ballet and operatic productions. (updated May 2016)
  • 🌍 Turner Sims Concert Hall, University of Southampton, SO17 1BJ, ☏ +44 2380 595151. A medium-sized venue owned by the University of Southampton, which hosts frequent performances by internationally-renowned classical, jazz and world music artists. (updated May 2016)
  • 🌍 Southampton Guildhall. A multipurpose venue, mostly featuring touring comedy and rock acts, but also classical concerts and civic functions. (updated May 2016)
    • Odeon Cinema at Leisureworld
    • Cineworld Cinema at Ocean Village has a wide choice of films.
    • The Harbour Lights Picture House overlooking the Ocean Village Marina, which shows independent and European films.
  • 🌍 Showcase Cinema de Lux. A multplex cinema in the new Westquay South complex. (updated May 2017)
  • Live music is at "The Brook", "The 1865" and "The Joiners".
  • Walk the Old Town Walls - follow the signposted original course (pdf) of the historic old town walls, gatehouses and towers, which are among the most complete in England; as around half of the original one-mile circuit still survives, including the famous Bargate at Bargate Street and High Street.
  • Take a walk on Southampton Common - 365 acres (148 hectares) of grass and woodland, including an Urban Wildlife Centre, paddling pool, play area and fishing lake. Very busy during summer months, and a popular afternoon hang out for students.
  • Take a ride on the Hythe Ferry from Town Quay to Hythe Pier, viewing the shipping in the docks.
  • There are a large number of sailing schools based in and around Southampton, particularly on The Hamble. Most if not all offer courses based around the Royal Yachting Association's certificates. A start sailing weekend costs in the region of £200 for two nights and two days sailing.
  • Football: Southampton FC aka "The Saints" were relegated in 2023 and now play soccer in the Championship, England's second tier. Their home ground 🌍 St Mary's Stadium (capacity 32,380) is at Britannia Rd SO14 5FP, one mile east of the city centre.
  • Cricket: 🌍 Ageas Bowl is home to Hampshire County Cricket Club, one of the 18 "First Class Counties", the top tier of English cricket. County matches normally last 3-4 days. The Ageas Bowl (formerly called the Rose Bowl) also frequently hosts international or "Test Matches", lasting up to five days. Also here are Southern Brave men's and women's teams playing The Hundred short game. The stadium is on the northeast edge of the city, use Jct 7 of M27.
  • 🌍 Manor Farm is a large farm with many activities in nearby Bursledon.
  • Southampton Fringe Festival is a new event over three days in July 2024.
  • Southampton Boat Show is a big event in September - the city is booked out when it's on. The next is 13-22 Sept 2024.

Learn

Southampton has two universities: the 🌍 University of Southampton and 🌍 Southampton Solent University.

Buy

Southampton sells itself as the shopping capital of the South Coast and the Westquay Shopping Centre does nothing to dispel you of that opinion.

  • 🌍 Westquay Shopping Centre, Harbour Parade, SO15 1QF. M-F 9AM-8PM, Sa 9AM-7PM, Su 11AM-5PM. John Lewis and Marks & Spencer are the major draws, but there are 97 other shops happy to separate you from your hard-earned cash. An extension to this popular shopping centre, Westquay South, includes a 10-screen 4k cinema, up to 20 extra restaurants and a public square. (updated Jul 2018)
  • 🌍 The Marlands, Civic Centre Rd, Hants, SO14 7SJ. M-W F 9AM-5:30PM, Th 9AM-7PM, Sa 9AM-6PM, Su 11AM-5PM. A smaller shopping centre constructed to a PostModern design in 1991. The rent is lower than West Quay and hence the retailers are less salubrious. Retailers include Route One, CEX and The Disney Store. (updated Jul 2018)
  • Above Bar Street is the main pedestrian thoroughfare joining the shopping centres to each other with even more retailers, large and small. You won't be surprised to find that the same stores as are on most British high streets such as TK Maxx, HMV, Topshop and Primark have made this their home. Above Bar Street is also the home of special shopping events. The German Market runs in December, and the area around the Bargate has the Farmer's Market on the second Saturday of each month.

A short walk to the north of Southampton's main city centre are Bedford Place and London Road. By day and night, the bars, coffee shops, pubs and restaurants are a hive of activity.

Southeast of the city centre, Oxford Street hosts independent boutiques, salons, bars and restaurants and maintains a more historic feel.

Eat

There are two main areas for eating out in Southampton; the first is Oxford Street (towards Ocean Village) and the second is around Bedford Place (just north of the city).

The choice in Bedford Place is rather more varied; ranging from Moroccan and Mexican at the southern end of the road through student style curry houses and a Chinese to some late night kebab and chip shops. In terms of value for money the Pride of India is one of best Indians in the city, but most of the restaurants are good value, if not exactly awe-inspiring taste-wise.

Walking distance from Bedford Place is the area of town that used to be known as Hungry Hill; Commercial Road where the existence of the Mayflower Theatre has meant a thriving trade for various restaurants in pre- and post-theatre eating. Again the choice is varied although generally the quality to cost ratio is not as high as it might otherwise be; although Buon Gusto (Italian) and Cafe Pattaya (Thai) are particularly recommended.

Budget

There is the usual range of fast food chains spread throughout the city. In the city centre you find the chain restaurants of Tortilla, Greggs (bakery), Franco Manca and the IKEA restaurant.

Formerly Burger King and McDonalds faced each other across the Bargate like petulant children with the gate acting like a peace-making mother, but McDonalds gave up the fight and fled to the Westquay shopping centre in which you can also find a large selection of 'sit-down' restaurants like Pizza Hut, Nando's, Pizza Express, Yo Sushi!, Wagamama and Cafe Rouge.

Furthermore, there are many takeaways in Southampton that do delivery and allow you to pick up the food yourself. Typical meals range from £7-15. Check with your hotel/hostel if they allow food orders.

  • 🌍 Mike's Fish & Chips, 23 Queensway. (updated Feb 2023)
  • 🌍 Punjabi Takeaway, 49 St Mary's Rd. Indian eatery (updated Feb 2023)
  • 🌍 The Bedford, 23 Bedford Pl. (updated Feb 2023)
  • 🌍 Piecaramba!, 30a Carlton Pl. British. (updated Feb 2023)
  • 🌍 Roosters Piri Piri, 25 London Rd. (updated Feb 2023)
  • 🌍 Poppins Restaurant & Cafe, 181 High St. (updated Feb 2023)
  • 🌍 SAUCE kebab & pizza, 27-29 Queensway. (updated Feb 2023)

Mid-range
  • 🌍 Bill's Southampton Restaurant, WestQuay South. British £15-25. (updated Feb 2023)
  • 🌍 The Oxford Brasserie, 33-34 Oxford St. (updated Feb 2023)
  • 🌍 Soleto Bistro, 11 Commercial Rd. (updated Feb 2023)
  • 🌍 Kuti's Brasserie, The Royal Pier, Mayflower Park. Indian (updated Feb 2023)
  • 🌍 La Regata, Town Quay. If you are looking for sea-side eating with a touch of history. Spanish tapas restaurant in a Georgian-style building directly adjoined to the 14th-century walls, is a good choice and has views overlooking the historic Harbour House, the ferry terminal and Hythe. (updated Feb 2023)

Splurge

Oxford Street has a selection of higher class (and therefore more expensive) restaurants.

  • 🌍 White Star, 28 Oxford St, SO14 3DJ. English/traditional (updated Feb 2023)

Drink

As is to be expected of a large port with two universities, there are a lot of places to drink in Southampton. The city centre features two pubs dating from Tudor times, the Red Lion in High Street in particular is steeped in history.

Portswood is the drinking area of choice for students at the university, so keep away from places like The Hobbit, 🌍 Clowns and Jesters ("Jesters"), 🌍 The Gordon Arms and 🌍 The Mitre if you want to avoid students. While The 🌍 Hobbit.  can be studenty, it is definitely worth a look as it is a quirky pub with a massive beer garden and live music every night of the week. The Shooting Star (previously known as Kolebka) is a relaxed jazz bar with live music every Friday night. Further up on Porstwood Road, The Brook is a dedicated venue for bands.

The Polygon (also referred to as "Bedford Place") is where most of the clubs and bars in the city lie, such as 🌍 "Orange Rooms" (a club/bar with a wider variety of music) and 🌍 "Pop World" (a retro-themed nightclub).

The Marina area has a good (albeit expensive) selection of seafront bars.

The 🌍 Red Lion, 55 High St, SO14 2NS (in High Street), ☏ +44 23 8033 3595. dates back to Tudor times and is a must-see. It's usually fairly quiet as well. (updated Jul 2023) For those looking for something more lively, The 🌍 Platform Tavern nearby on the waterfront is an excellent bet as it features live jazz and blues music and a superb selection of local real ales.

🌍 The Angel, next to one of the central parks, is an excellent 'local' type pub in the city centre featuring a free drinks quiz and friendly landlord.

The city centre also has the usual spattering of chain pubs, including 🌍 Slug & Lettuce and four Wetherspoon's. For those looking for a more alternative atmosphere, there is also 🌍 The Firehouse Nightclub, with cheap drinks, friendly staff and customers with a varied spectrum of music from metal/industrial, indie and general rock music.

Outside of the city centre are the usual local pubs, some of which are excellent and others which are best avoided. The 🌍 Park Inn in Shirley and the 🌍 Wellington Arms and 🌍 Waterloo Arms in Freemantle all have an excellent range of real ales. Nearby and next to St Denys railway station are two more excellent pubs, the 🌍 Junction Inn and 🌍 South Western Arms. The 🌍 Rockstone in Bevois Valley is brilliant: it has a great selection of beers, whiskys and rums, and the selection of food is vast, including plenty of vegan options, ever-changing and of impeccable quality.

  • 🌍 The Bookshop Alehouse, 21 Portswood Rd, SO17 2ES. One of a number of micropubs in Southampton. Formerly a bookshop, a full bookshelf remains from its previous existence, tba is small and friendly. The beers are changed regularly. Apart from bar snacks there is no food available, however customers can bring in their own food from a nearby takeaway. Staff will most likely give you a napkin and possibly cutlery. St Denys train station is a short walk away and buses to the city centre go right by this pub. There are several bike stands outside too. (updated Sep 2018)
  • 🌍 Muse Coffee Co., 14 Broadway, Portswood Road, SO17 2WE, . 7AM-7PM. Sells sandwiches, patisseries and cakes. They do not sell alcohol. (updated Apr 2021)

Sleep

The Hilton Southampton provides 4-star luxury in a pleasant environment, you can expect comfortable and stylish guestrooms.

3-star hotels are much easier to come by, the 🌍 Leonardo Hotel sits in the middle of a city centre roundabout, the 🌍 Novotel, 🌍 Travelodge, Holiday Inn and 🌍 Hotel Ibis are all perfectly adequate for providing a night's sleep.

If you feel the need for a less generic hotel experience, 🌍 The Dolphin hotel and 🌍 The Star are both on the High Street in traditional coaching inn buildings and will make you feel less like you're just a commodity.

If you're on the cheap, or feel like a more personal stay, then there are plenty of bed and breakfasts; most cluster around the bottom end of Hill Lane which is close to the train station. Wander out from the station's main exit (if you see Toys 'R' Us opposite you're on the wrong exit) and take the path by the left side of the HSBC office block. Hill Lane leads up the small hill from the traffic lights. Keep going up the hill until you find one worth staying at; don't forget to check the side streets too.

Tourist Information will almost certainly be able to find you somewhere to stay if you're stuck (☏ +44 23 8083 3333).

Stay safe

Levels of crime in Southampton are fairly similar to other UK cities; serious crimes are uncommon, but alcohol-related crimes and muggings can happen. There is a strong police presence in the city centre at night time, especially around the clubs and pubs. A night bus service is available to allow people to get home safely. Pollution levels can get rather high particularly when one of the larger cruise ships is in harbor.

Cope
  • 🌍 Samaritans, 11 College Place, London Road, SO15 2FE, ☏ 0845 7 90 90 90 (extra charge number). (updated Dec 2020)
  • 🌍 No Limits, 24a Bernard Street, SO14 3AY, ☏ +44 2380 224224. An information, advice and counselling service for young people in Southampton aged 13–25. (updated Dec 2020)

Go next
  • The New Forest is perfect for a walk in the countryside and is one of the nicest rural retreats in England.
  • Salisbury is a historic city and its cathedral boasts the tallest spire in England.
  • Winchester is a nearby ancient cathedral city and the former capital of England, with lots to see.
  • Portsmouth is Hampshire's second most populous city and has a proud naval heritage, and the £21-million Spinnaker Tower, offering great views of the South Coast.
  • Bournemouth in the neighbouring county of Dorset, is famous for its golden sandy beach and is perfect for a seaside getaway, shopping and the nightlife.
  • The Isle of Wight has many beaches and attractions to visit.
  • The Borough of Eastleigh has many small villages and hamlets.
Routes through Southampton
END ←  N  S  → Cowes and East Cowes
London ← Winchester ←  N  S  → merges with / (for city centre)
Bournemouth ← New Forest ←  W  E  → Fareham → Portsmouth
Bournemouth ← Lyndhurst ←  W  E  → END
Bath ← Salisbury ←  NW  SE  → merges with
END ←  N  S  → Hythe


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