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Things to do in Southampton

Explore activities and events in and around Southampton

Visit Southampton

Thanks to Southampton’s location by the sea, the city has a long maritime history, with many world famous ships sailing from Southampton including the famous Titanic and Mayflower. Modern day Southampton still has an important connection to the sea, possessing one of the largest European cruise ports. There are lots of things to do in Southampton with a selection of great attractions, as well as fantastic shopping, eating and entertainment.

Southampton Airport is located in a convenient place near some of the South’s best tourist attractions. From Paultons Park and Marwell Zoo to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, there is plenty to entertain all ages and all within an hour’s drive.

Take a look at this great video to see all the attractions on offer or visit the Hampshire's Top Attractions website. You can book a number of attraction tickets and tours with our partner Get Your Guide.

Paultons Park and Peppa Pig World

Paultons Park has over 60 wonderful rides and attractions and is home to Peppa Pig World, Peppa Pig’s very own theme park! Peppa Pig World is perfectly themed to give the feeling of stepping into Peppa Pig's world. There is a great selection of themed rides including Grandpa Pig's Little Train Ride and George's Dinosaur Adventure. You can also visit Peppa's house and even meet Peppa and George.

Marwell Zoo

Marwell Zoo allows you to get close to the wonders of the natural world and play a big part in helping to save them. The 140-acre park is home to over 180 exotic and endangered species, in beautiful, landscaped surroundings. Species include Giraffes, Humboldt Penguins and Tigers. You can even see species mixing together as they would in the wild in the African Valley.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is the world famous home of the Royal Navy’s historic ships. Go aboard HMS Victory, HMS Warrior 1860 and find out more about the Mary Rose story for one of the best days out in the South of England. Portsmouth Harbors’ leading attraction also includes the National Museum of the Royal Navy, Action Stations and Harbor Tours.

Beaulieu

Beaulieu is a guaranteed great family day out with lots for everyone to enjoy including the world famous National Motor Museum. Situated in the heart of the New Forest National Park, Beaulieu is home to a stunning collection of automobiles, Palace House, historic Beaulieu Abbey and World of Top Gear featuring vehicles from some of the most ambitious Top Gear challenges.

Winchester Cathedral

Explore more than 1000 years of history in Europe’s longest medieval Cathedral. Discover the beautiful illuminated Winchester Bible, 12th-century wall paintings, medieval carvings, contemporary art and the awe and wonder of this magnificent building.

Thruxton Motorsport Centre

Thruxton race circuit plays host to many races including the British Superbike and British Touring Car Championships. As well as races, Thruxton offers driving experiences with a wide range of cars including Ferrari, Aston Martin and Lamborghini. There are also junior driving experiences available for children aged 12 and over.

Southampton Football Club

Take a behind the scenes tour of Southampton Football Club and visit the players' dressing rooms, warm-up room, the baths and the tactics board. Stand at the tunnel entrance and imagine the deafening roar of the crowd as the teams enter the stadium or watch a match.

The Ageas Bowl

The Ageas Bowl is the home of Hampshire Cricket as well as an events venue live music and events.

Stonehenge

Stonehenge is one of the wonders of the world and the best-known prehistoric monument in Europe.

Stonehenge now has a transformed visitor experience, with a new world-class visitor centre, housing museum-quality permanent and temporary exhibitions, plus a spacious shop and café.

Longleat Safari & Adventure Park

The UK’s number 1 Safari Park, Longleat Safari & Adventure Park was the first of its kind outside of Africa when it opened in 1966. It now offers an extensive drive through Safari Park where you can get unbelievably close to some incredible animals including giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, monkeys, elephants and lions. As well as the Safari experience, the park also offers over 20 fabulous attractions including the Longleat hedge maze, which is one of the world’s longest labyrinths and the beautiful stately home, Longleat house.

Bombay Sapphire Distillery

The Bombay Sapphire Distillery is based at Laverstoke Mill, near Whitchurch in Hampshire. Choose from the Self-Discovery Experience and guide yourself through the distillery with an interactive map or the Hosted Experience where one of their friendly hosts will accompany you. You can learn about the history of gin, Laverstoke Mill, and Bombay Sapphire; and also find out about the flavours of the botanicals which make Bombay Sapphire gin so unique. Each tour is finished with a cocktail in the Mill bar.

Cruise from Southampton

Southampton is regarded as the cruise capital of Northern Europe with over four million passengers a year. Many large cruise ships sail from Southampton including the luxurious Queen Mary 2. For more information about cruising from Southampton see our cruise page.

Historic Old Town

Southampton’s enchanting medieval Old Town has lots of unique historical features. The Bargate is the historic entrance to the town and through this you can look at many ancient monuments and buildings including the third longest stretch of unbroken medieval defensive walling in England.

SeaCity Museum

SeaCity Museum tells the story of the lives of the people of Southampton and their important connections with the sea. It features three excellent exhibitions including two on one of the most famous ships to have sailed from Southampton, the Titanic.

West Quay Shopping Centre

West Quay Shopping Centre is located in the heart of Southampton City Centre and offers a fantastic range of over 100 shops. There is also a growing range of eateries including Nandos, Pizza Express, Wagamama and many other places to grab a quick bite to eat.

Mayflower Theatre

The Mayflower Theatre is the largest theatre in Southern England and offers a wide range of shows from musicals, dance and opera to comedy and dramas. The Theatre plays host to many touring productions and famous musicals transported from the West End such as War Horse, CATS and Hairspray as well as the annual Christmas Pantomime.

Southampton Guildhall

Southampton Guildhall is the South’s largest multipurpose entertainment venue. It is situated in the centre of the city with a large selection of restaurants and shops surrounding it. The Guildhall has played host to some of music’s biggest names, comedians and other special events.