If you’re searching for a budget getaway, the UK has plenty to offer. Port cities are an excellent choice for your UK staycation, with their naval history, scenic views and hub of waterfront bars and restaurants providing you with plenty to do.
Southampton and Liverpool are popular locations for a staycation among families and friends. Filled with plenty to see and do, from museums to boat rides, there’s something for every age. But which city gives you the best value for money?
In our budget port staycation guide, we will compare some of the cheapest things to do in both Southampton and Liverpool to find out which city is comes out on top.
Please note: all prices were correct as of September 2022. Prices are subject to change, please check websites for more information.
The best things to do in Southampton
With Southampton Central station’s prime city centre location, getting there by public transport couldn’t be easier. These are the best cheap or free things to do in Southampton:
The best indoor attractions in Southampton
Whether it’s a rainy day or you just want to escape the cold, it’s always good to add some indoor attractions to your itinerary. Here are some of the best low-cost indoor attractions in Southampton:
Located in the heart of Southampton, SeaCity Museum tells the story of the city’s rich naval history. Southampton is known for its connections to the Titanic. At the SeaCity Museum, you can find an interactive model of the impressive ship and powerful testimonies from the ship’s survivors. Explore the museum’s fascinating exhibitions, then head to The Gallery to feast on delicious cream teas or light lunches.
Whether you’re a fan of The Saints or simply love a good stadium tour, St Mary’s Stadium won’t disappoint. Enjoy an exclusive insight into behind the scenes at this Premier League club stadium, including the exciting opportunity to explore the team’s changing rooms and take a walk down the tunnel.
Boats aren’t the only thing that Southampton is known for; it also has an exciting aviation history. Solent Sky Museum makes for a fascinating day in Southampton as the birthplace of the Spitfire and the home of the world’s largest flying boat operation. Explore the numerous exhibits, then finish with a browse around the Hampshire Police and Fire Heritage Collection.
Displaying a varied collection of fine art, Southampton City Art Gallery is a must-visit for art lovers. You can find plenty of things to do, from admiring the gallery’s paintings and sculptures to attending talks and workshops. The gallery is next to the SeaCity museum, so it’s easy to get to.
Southampton City Art Gallery prices: Free
The best outdoor attractions in Southampton
From the marina to its vast areas of greenery, there are many stunning outdoor areas of Southampton to discover:
Paddle boarding, Woodmill Outdoor Activities Centre
Whether you’re a beginner or consider yourself a total expert, you’ll have plenty of fun paddle boarding in the River Itchen. Simply hire out your paddleboard to begin your adventure. Canoes and Kayaks are also available to rent, or for large groups, there’s an option to build your own raft.
Paddle boarding prices: £15 per hour paddleboard rental
If you’re looking for fun things to do for free in Southampton, head to the marina. With its luxurious harbour, elegant buildings and stunning views over the Solent, the upmarket area of Ocean Village Marina is a great place to explore. Wander the harbour or head indoors to explore the shops, bars, restaurants and cinema.
Price: Free to walk around
Southampton Common walking route
The Avenue, Southampton SO15 7NN
Located at a 20-minute walk from Southampton Central, Southampton Common is an hour long, circular walking route through the heart of Southampton. Along the way you’ll discover sights such as The Cowherds Inn, The Hawthorns Urban Wildlife Centre, Cemetery Lake and Ornamental Lake and Boating Lake. This may be an urban walking route, but there are plenty of green spaces brimming with wildlife to spot on your journey.
The Pier, Prospect Pl, Hythe, Southampton SO45 6AU
Take a car-free journey from the port of Southampton to the Hampshire village of Hythe and enjoy everything this quaint village has to offer. Ride the world’s oldest pier train, visit the historic St John the Baptist Church and browse through a small selection of shops.
Hythe Ferry prices
Adults
£8.00
Children
£6.00
Under 5s
Free
Planning a trip a little further afield? The port of Southampton can also get you to the Isle of Wight with Red Funnel Ferries, with prices starting at £11.50 per adult. Combine your ferry and train tickets for the cheapest way to travel. Save even more by getting Waterside Day Ranger tickets, which you can use on local rail services, Bluestar bus routes 8 and 9, Hythe Ferry and selected routes via the Quayconnect bus service.
Where to eat and drink on a budget in Southampton
Southampton is a bustling hub for food and drinks venues. Here are some of our favourite low-cost options:
Catch the train to Liverpool Lime Street and enjoy everything the city offers. There are plenty of cheap or free things to do in Liverpool, from fascinating museums and galleries to bustling bars and restaurants.
The best indoor attractions in Liverpool
Want a break from the outdoors? We’ve found some of the best low-cost indoor attractions in Liverpool for you:
If you don’t know much about the city of Liverpool, then the Museum of Liverpool is a great place to start. With collections ranging from archaeology to land transport, there’s plenty to learn about Liverpool’s fascinating, diverse history in this waterfront museum.
Anfield Stadium, Walton Breck Rd, Anfield, Liverpool L4 0TF
As the home of Premier League team Liverpool Football Club since 1892, Anfield Stadium is an exciting place for football fans. The stadium tour takes you through the dressing room, press room, players’ tunnel and more. It’s a unique insight into the workings of one of the UK’s most successful clubs.
Set on the stunning waterfront of the Royal Albert Dock, The Beatles Museum houses one of the largest Beatles collections in the world. With over 1000 never before seen items, the museum document’s the rock and roll group’s impressive journey to fame.
As the national gallery of the north, Walker Art Gallery is home to one of the largest art collections in the UK outside of London. Admire the paintings, sculptures and decorative art dating back to the 13th century, then stop for a tasty bite to eat at the on-site café.
Walker Art Gallery prices: Free
The best outdoor attractions in Liverpool
Spend some time in the great outdoors at these top outdoor attractions in Liverpool:
Located in the heart of Liverpool’s waterfront, the Liverpool Watersports centre is the perfect place for some paddle boarding. Choose between either standard hire or an instructor-led session to help you master your paddle boarding skills. There’s also sailing, kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing, and powerboating on offer here.
Liverpool Waterfront is a treat for all the senses with its vibrant colours, uplifting music and delicious bites to eat. Enjoy a picturesque riverside stroll or head to the nearby museums, galleries and restaurants to enjoy what the waterfront has to offer.
Liverpool Waterfront prices: Free to walk around
Liverpool city centre walking route
Starting at St George’s Hall, the Liverpool city centre walking route is the perfect activity to begin your trip. This city walk will help you to get your bearings, plus there are plenty of stunning sights to take in along the way. Stroll through St John's Gardens, admire the Queen Victoria monument and discover the historic Albert Dock as you make your way around the route. At just a short stroll from Liverpool Lime Street, it’s easy to navigate.
Head to Liverpool docks and hop on a ferry to take in the stunning sights of Liverpool and Wirral from your river explorer cruise. Sit back and relax as your ship takes you to many of Liverpool’s most impressive views, including the Port of Liverpool Building, the Wheel of Liverpool and more.
Mersey Ferries prices
Adults (16+)
£11.50
Children
£7.50
Under 5s
Free
Where to eat and drink on a budget in Liverpool
Liverpool has a range of budget-friendly restaurants to choose from. Here are some of our favourites:
Paddle boarding - Woodmill Outdoor Activity Centre/Liverpool Watersports Centre
£15.00
£30.00
Ocean Village Marina/ Liverpool Waterfront
Free
Free
Walking routes – Southampton Common, Liverpool city centre
Free
Free
Hythe Ferry/Mersey Ferries
£8.00
£11.50
Total
£62.00
£82.50
While Southampton and Liverpool are great places to visit for a UK staycation, Southampton comes out top for the best value for money in our guide! Ready to plan your journey? Search our ticket types to find the right train tickets for your trip. Plus, you can make fantastic savings by taking advantage of Railcards and discounts, GroupSave and SWR Rewards.
