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Famous for its maritime heritage, Southampton is a fantastic place to visit. There’s much to see and do, from stadium tours and escape rooms to mini golf and watersports.
If you’re wondering how to spend a day in Southampton, let us help. Our guide is packed with places to visit in Southampton, perfect for a day trip or weekend with family and friends.
Whatever you have planned, South Western Railway will help you get there, with frequent trains to Southampton Central and Southampton Airport Parkway.
The best outdoor activities in Southampton
Southampton offers some of the best outdoor activities in the South West, from golf to snow sports. Explore our top picks to plan your itinerary.
Mighty Adventures Mini Golf
Mighty Adventures Mini Golf offers fun for all the family, with 18 mythical-themed holes to take on. Perfect for dinosaur lovers, this mini golf course features appearances from several of your favourite dinos and waterfalls, rope bridges and crumbling buildings to set the scene.
Price: £ - ££
How to get there: Catch the train to Southampton Airport Parkway, then get on the X4 bus to Hedge End. Ride for 17 minutes to Goodlands Vale; the golf course is a four-minute walk away. The address is Hedge End Golf Centre, Upper Northam Rd, Southampton SO30 4BZ.
The Alpine Snowsports Centre
With outdoor adventure sports perfect for adrenaline junkies of all ages, the Alpine Snowsports Centre makes for a fun day out in Southampton. There are plenty of thrilling activities, whether you’re an expert or a novice. Try skiing or snowboarding, or for something less advanced, donutting is fun for all the family.
Price: ££ - £££
How to get there: From Southampton Central, walk 10 minutes to the Above Bar bus stop (stop AC). Hop on the 1 towards Winchester, get off at Holly Hill and walk for 11 minutes to reach the snowsports centre. The address is Thornhill Rd, Southampton SO16 7AY.
The Maritime Quarter
One of the best free things to do in Southampton, The Maritime Quarter combines stunning scenery with vibrant shops, restaurants and bars to create a fantastic day out. Soak up the beauty of Southampton’s Oxford Street and Ocean Village, with harbour views stretching across the English Channel. Explore the plentiful shops in the area, or sit back and relax with a drink in a café or bar.
Price: Free
How to get there: Southampton’s Maritime Quarter is around a 25 to 30-minute walk from Southampton Central, or you can catch the number 19 bus towards Thornhill and get off at Ocean Village. The address is Maritime Walk, Southampton SO14 3JZ.
Southampton Municipal Golf Course
Keen golfers will love Southampton Municipal Golf Course, a 27-hole course set in a conservation area of natural beauty. Beginner or pro, register as a visitor to take on the course and enjoy facilities such as buggy hire, a large practice area, practice nets, trolley hire and more.
Price: ££ - £££
How to get there: From Southampton Central, walk 10 minutes to the Above Bar bus stop (stop AC). Catch the 1 towards Winchester and get off at Ridgemont Avenue. The golf course is a seven-minute walk away. The address is 1 Golf Course Rd, Southampton SO16 7LE.
Southampton Water Activities Centre
From windsurfing to sailing, powerboating to paddleboarding, there’s plenty to get stuck into at Southampton Water Activities Centre. Located at the base of Itchen Bridge, activities take place in the River Itchen, Southampton Waters and The Solent, giving you a real taste of being out in the open waters. With instructors available each session, any ability is welcome here.
Price: ££
How to get there: Southampton Water Activities Centre is around a 30-minute walk from Southampton Central. Alternatively, walk to bus stop SA and catch the 7 towards Sholing. Get off at Anglesea Terrace and walk for six minutes. The address is Longbridge Industrial Estate, Floating Bridge Rd, Southampton SO14 3FL.
The best indoor activities in Southampton
Southampton offers some of the top indoor activities in the South West, perfect for a rainy day.
Mayflower Theatre
There’s nothing more entertaining than a theatre show, and Mayflower Theatre has something for everyone. From touring West End musicals to comedy, dance, live music and plays, the theatre’s packed schedule will keep you coming back for more. It’s the ideal family day out in Southampton!
Price: ££
How to get there: The Mayflower Theatre is a six-minute stroll from Southampton Central, so getting here couldn’t be easier. The address is 22-26 Commercial Rd, Southampton SO15 1GE.
John Hansard Gallery
Internationally recognised and locally engaged, John Hansard Gallery makes for the perfect cultural day trip. A part of the University of Southampton, the gallery displays a stunning collection of contemporary visual art, temporary exhibitions and DIY crafts events perfect for families. There are also plenty of talks and tours throughout the year, so check the website before you visit to see what’s on.
Price: Free
How to get there: John Hansard Gallery is a 10-minute walk from Southampton Central. The address is 142, 144 Above Bar St, Southampton SO14 7DU.
St Mary’s Stadium Tour
The home of Premier League team Southampton FC, St Mary’s Stadium is the ideal day out for football fans. The best way to learn about the club and the league is to book onto St Mary’s stadium tour. Occurring on non-matchday weekends and school holidays, you’ll enjoy exclusive access to the behind-the-scenes of Southampton Football Club, with visits to the new hospitality lounges, the press conference room, the trophy cabinet and more.
Price: ££
How to get there: The nearest station to St Mary’s is Southampton Central, around a 20-minute walk away. The address is Britannia Rd, Southampton SO14 5FP.
Injoy Centre
Injoy Centre is a children’s activity centre located in the heart of Southampton. The indoor trampoline park is one of the most popular attractions, with basketball hoops and a fun ninja course. Elsewhere there’s plenty for kids to enjoy, including climbing walls, soft play, an interactive zone, cooking classes and arts and crafts.
Price: ££
How to get there: It takes 30 minutes to walk to the Injoy Centre from Southampton Central. Alternatively, catch the number 19 bus towards Thornhill, get off at Ocean Village and walk for three minutes. The address is Ocean Village, 4, Ocean Way, Southampton SO14 3TJ.
Locked in a Room Escape Room
If you’re looking for unusual things to do in Southampton, why not try an escape room? Southampton’s Locked in a Room tests teamwork and problem-solving skills in West Quay Shopping Centre. Get briefed, then work with your group to solve puzzles and escape before the 60-minute time limit. There are two themed rooms with different difficulty levels – perfect for escape room newbies and those wanting more of a challenge.
Price: ££
How to get there: Locked in a Room is just a 10 minute walk from Southampton Central. The address is West Quay Shopping Centre, Portland Terrace, Southampton SO15 1QD.
Save money by travelling with SWR
Now you’ve discovered all the best things to do in Southampton, it’s time to plan your travel. Find cheap train tickets by travelling off-peak and enjoy further discounts with a Railcard. If you’re travelling in a group, you could benefit from GroupSave or a Family and Friends Railcard.
Don't forget to check out SWR Rewards to earn a free reward when you travel with us. Enjoy discounts on any of our 150 rewards including days out, dining deals, theatre tickets, hotel stays and much more.
