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Travelling with friends and family is fun, but there’s nothing like a solo trip to reconnect with yourself and take time to do the things you enjoy. Wondering where to go solo travelling? Whether you’re looking for evenings out, solo day trips, weekend breaks or longer stays, discover the best places to visit in the South West of England by yourself in our guide.
We’ve pulled together our top solo travel tips for London, Southampton, Portsmouth and Exeter, including the best things to see and do and how to get there when travelling on our network.
Solo trips to London
London is one of the best places to go on your own in the UK, as you won’t feel lonely thanks to the constant hustle and bustle of the city. Read on to find the best activities for solo travellers in London and places to stay on your own.
Southbank Centre
There’s always something fun happening at Southbank Centre, from theatre shows to talks, music events and art exhibitions. It’s the ideal spot to visit during a solo day trip to London or evening out. Plus, there are plenty of great restaurants nearby if you want to treat yourself to a solo lunch or dinner afterwards!
How to get there: Southbank Centre is a 6-minute walk from London Waterloo.
Price: Ticket prices vary. Find out what’s on to plan your visit.
British Museum
Not only is it one of the most iconic museums in the city, the British Museum offers some of the best exhibitions in London. Its vast size makes it the perfect place to while away an afternoon alone, exploring the various rooms at your own pace. Alongside their main collections, they also have special exhibitions, events and guided tours.
How to get there: Take the northbound Northern line from London Waterloo to Tottenham Court Road. Then, walk 9 minutes to the museum.
Price: Entry is free to most exhibitions, but booking a slot is encouraged, as it can get busy at peak times. Some special exhibitions and events are ticketed – learn more on their website to plan your visit.
Hyde Park
Fancy a relaxing stroll in nature? Hyde Park is the place to go! This sprawling park in the heart of the city is a green oasis, and you can easily spend hours exploring. On a sunny day, find a comfortable spot to enjoy a picnic or read a book. Check out our guide for more free, self-guided walks in London.
How to get there: Hop on the northbound Jubilee line from London Waterloo to Green Park, then it’s a 16-minute walk to Hyde Park.
Borough Market
When it’s time to eat, head to Borough Market – one of the best street food markets in London. You’ll be spoiled for choice, with vendors selling different cuisines from around the world. If you’d prefer a sit-down meal, there are plenty of great restaurants nearby.
How to get there: Get the southbound Jubilee line from London Waterloo to London Bridge, then walk 4 minutes to Borough Market.
Price: ££
Places to stay for solo travellers in London
Whether you prefer hostels, apartments or hotels, these are some of the best places to stay in London when travelling solo, with options to suit any budget:
YHA Hostels (£)– If you’re looking for a cheap place to stay, YHA Hostels have numerous hostels in London, letting you stay in the best locations for less.
Z Hotels (££) – This budget-friendly hotel group has several locations all over the city, so you can find the best place to base yourself, depending on your plans.
Locke Hotels (£££) – For a boutique hotel experience, Locke Hotels have locations across the city. Choose from tiny rooms for one or a more spacious apartment with cooking facilities.
Solo trips to Southampton
Southampton is the ideal destination for a solo trip if you want a mix of city life and nature. Discover the best things to do and find places to stay by yourself.
John Hansard Gallery
Contemporary art enthusiasts won’t want to miss the John Hansard Gallery. With its rich exhibitions programme featuring artists from across the world, there’s always something exciting to see here.
How to get there: The gallery is an 11-minute walk from Southampton Central station.
Price: Free
Southampton City Art Gallery
Continue your art tour and head to Southampton City Art Gallery. Boasting one of the finest art collections in the south of England, you can see everything from Renaissance masterpieces to modern and contemporary art.
How to get there: Walk 10 minutes from Southampton Central to the gallery.
Price: Free
The Maritime Quarter
Whether you’re looking for restaurants, bars, shops or fancy a waterfront stroll, head to the Maritime Quarter and Ocean Village. This area of Southampton is a stone’s throw from the city centre, making it a must-visit during your trip.
How to get there: Take the number 19, 17 or 7 buses from Southampton Central to this area – a 24-minute journey.
Southampton Common
Spend a leisurely afternoon exploring Southampton Common, the city’s largest park. Alongside the abundant green space – the perfect spot for a solo picnic in the summer – there’s also a wildlife centre and free orienteering courses for all abilities.
How to get there: Hop on the U2, U2B, U1A or U1E buses from Southampton Central to the common. The journey takes 23 to 30 minutes.
Places to stay for solo travellers in Southampton
Whether you’re looking for basic digs to keep your trip in budget or a prime city centre location, these are the best places to stay for solo travellers in Southampton:
Travelodge Southampton Central (£) – This budget hotel is located in the heart of the city, making it the ideal base for your solo stay.
Moxy Southampton (££) – With modern rooms and excellent amenities, this is a great mid-range hotel in the centre of Southampton, close to the water.
room2 (£££)– Travel comfortably when you stay at this ‘hometel’, located near Queens Park and the harbour. Each room features a kitchen, a king-size bed and plenty of space to work or relax.
Solo trips to Portsmouth
Portsmouth is an excellent choice for a solo trip and the UK’s only island city, promising a unique stay. Plus, the beautiful coastline is worth exploring if you fancy spending time away from the city! Discover the best things to do in Portsmouth and where to stay during your visit.
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
If you’re interested in maritime history, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is a must-visit. It’s one of the oldest ports in the world and is home to the British Royal Navy. Here, you can see ancient ships like the HMS Victory, admire the historic buildings or visit the Mary Rose Museum.
How to get there: It’s a 23-minute walk from Portsmouth & Southsea station to the Historic Dockyard.
Price: Tickets are available for one or multiple attractions and start at £36 for adults. Learn more about tickets and offers on their website.
Spinnaker Tower
Portsmouth’s best-known landmark and observation deck, Spinnaker Tower, is well worth a visit. Climb to the top for breathtaking views over the Solent, and enjoy afternoon tea for one or a drink at the bar. There’s also an abseiling experience for thrill seekers to get their adrenaline fix!
How to get there: Walk 21 minutes from Portsmouth & Southsea to Spinnaker Tower.
Price: Admission starts at £16.25 for adults, with afternoon tea and abseiling experiences costing more – visit the website to find out more.
Places to stay for solo travellers in Portsmouth
Explore the best places to stay when travelling solo to Portsmouth, including budget hotels, traditional interiors and luxurious escapes.
Premier Inn Portsmouth Dockyard (£)– This budget hotel is conveniently located near the Historic Dockyard and many of the city’s attractions and amenities.
The Queens Hotel (££) – Stay closer to nature at this traditional seafront hotel in Southsea.
Ye Spotted Doge (£££) – Indulge in luxury at this exclusive guesthouse with individually designed rooms.
Solo trips to Exeter
Exeter is a great place for a solo weekend break, with plenty to see and do. From art galleries to the picturesque waterfront and its stunning cathedral, discover the best places to visit during your trip.
Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery
Don’t miss the Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery when visiting Exeter! This museum has a rich and varied collection featuring everything from prehistoric fossils to ancient artefacts and contemporary art.
How to get there: The museum is a 16-minute walk from Exeter St. David’s station.
Price: Free
Exeter Cathedral
This impressive cathedral dates back to 1400 and was built in the Norman and Gothic styles, making it a must-visit for any history or architecture enthusiasts. Plus, it boasts the longest uninterrupted medieval stone vaulted ceiling in the world and an astronomical clock.
How to get there: The cathedral is a 20-minute walk from Exeter St. David’s station.
Price: Free to worshippers. Otherwise, admission is £7.50 for adults.
Exeter Quayside
Take a stroll along the River Exe to see the city from a different perspective, then stop to refuel at one of the many cafés, restaurants and bars on the quayside.
How to get there: It’s a 27-minute walk from Exeter St. David’s to the quayside. Alternatively, take the M bus from Jolly Porter to South Street – a 20-minute journey.
H3: Places to stay for solo travellers in Exeter
From budget hotels to luxurious guesthouses, these are some of the best places for solo travellers to stay in Exeter:
Premier Inn Exeter City Centre (£) – Stay in the heart of Exeter for a great price at this affordable hotel.
Leonardo Hotel Exeter (££) – Looking for a modern hotel with more amenities? Leonardo Hotel is an excellent choice in the city centre.
Townhouse Exeter (£££) – Housed in a beautiful, historic building, this guesthouse promises comfort, luxury and a central location.
How to meet people when solo travelling
If you’re staying in a hostel, it’s easy to meet other solo travellers, as there are often events happening in the evenings, or you’ll meet people staying in your dorm. However, there are plenty of other ways to meet people when solo travelling, regardless of your accommodation type.
Walking tours are a great way to meet others, and they’re often free! Plus, you’ll get to see a lot of the city in just a few hours. You could also book workshops, activities and classes to suit your interests and meet like-minded people, whether you enjoy cooking, sports or getting creative.
Safety tips for solo travellers
Aside from the personal safety steps you take when out and about daily, there are a few other things you can do to keep safe when travelling alone. If you’re going out at night, stick to busy areas and use maps and public transport or taxis to plan your route home. The same applies when meeting new people – only go where you are comfortable and stick to socialising in groups if you prefer. In most hotels, there should be several safety features like internal locks on the room door and a lockable safe for your valuables, so use them as needed!
As an extra step, you could let friends and family know your plans during your trip or use a location-sharing feature on your phone.
Book your solo trip with SWR
Ready to plan your next solo trip? Find cheap train tickets to get the best price on your journey. Our advance tickets are a great option for longer breaks, while Sunday Out and Semi-Flex Return tickets are perfect for solo day trips, giving you extra flexibility.
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