Southampton

Discover Southampton's Wonders

Southampton is the cruise capital of Northern Europe. With a cosmopolitan atmosphere borne from centuries of international trade, Southampton is one of the UK’s leading ports and liveliest cities, combining medieval walls and buildings, modern shopping and entertainment complexes, marinas, culture and nightlife. Explore the city’s rich culture and long history and try the wide range of leisure activities in the surrounding countryside before relaxing to recount the day in one of Southampton’s many harbour-side restaurants, cafés and bars.

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69.51 °F - Clouds Min/Max: 67.53 °F / 70.14 °FFeels: 68.27 °F Humidity: 45%5 Day Forecast

Trips

Hotels

Activities

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Description

The city has witnessed the departure of the Mayflower for the New World, the building of the first submarine, the fateful maiden voyage of the Titanic and the creation of the spitfire fighter plane. To celebrate its nautical tradition, the city hosts some of the world’s most prestigious maritime events, drawing hundreds of thousands of people from across the globe to witness the vast array of colourful crafts on Southampton water. Today, it is recognised as the country’s main destination and departure point for the world’s great cruise liners with a constant stream of vast, luxurious floating palaces dashing through the city’s skyline at all times of day and night.

Useful information

Population:

239,700

Currency:

British pounds, £1 = 100 pence

Emergency Info:

999

Opening Hours:

Mon-Fri 9am-8pm, Sat 9am-7pm, Sun 11am-5pm

Do & See

Bike The Tracks Of New Forest

A 12 minute river crossing from Southampton brings you to the picturesque harbour town of Hythe from where your choice of bike can be collected. You are then free to explore the New Forest with its beautiful scenery, historic castles and famous sea views. Hythe Ferry +44 23 8084 0722 Prospect Place, Hythe, Southampton Cyclexperience +44 23 8084 0765 Suite 4a South Street Centre, 16 South Street, Hythe, Southampton cyclexhytheltd@gmail.com

Day Trip To The Isle Of Wight

Take a short boat journey from Southampton’s Town Quay to this popular holiday island. Once there, you can enjoy plenty of attractions and fun activities. The beautiful landscape has a mix of forests, wide sandy beaches and chalk cliffs - ideal location for a day trip.

Guided Walks

Sightseeing walks and tours in and around Southampton is a great way to explore the city. Many guided walks on a variety of themes are arranged by See Southampton and Southampton Tourist Guides Association. They provide both public and private walking tours. Consult the web sites for more info.

Mayflower Theatre

At the heart of Southampton’s performing arts tradition is the majestic Mayflower Theatre, the largest theatre in Southern England. This opened in 1928, and has undergone extensive refurbishment. You can see musicals, ballet, operatic productions as well as comedy acts and evenings with celebrities.

Medieval Merchant's House

Built in 1290, as the home of a Southampton man who made his fortune trading with Bordeaux, and is 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.

SeaCity Museum

SeaCity Museum is located at the heart of Southampton, and tells the story of the city's past and its connection to the sea. Here you will hear stories of the Titanic, and experience the sights and sounds of Southampton in 1912.

Solent Sky Aviation Museum

The Southampton Hall of Aviation (Solent Sky) depicts the history of aviation in the Solent area with a collection of authentic aircrafts dating back primarily to the 20th century. It houses a Spitfire and a Sandringham Flying Boat, among others. Many exhibits were produced locally.

Southampton City Art Gallery

The magnificent City Art Gallery has over 5000 works of art covering six centuries of European culture from the Italian Renaissance to French Impressionism. Its core collection of 20th century British art is internationally renowned. Entry is free of charge.

Dining

Banana Wharf

Banana Wharf is a modern and atmospheric restaurant on the waterfront. It is popular with families and mooring yacht folk. The restaurant opens from early breakfast (Sat & Sun starting 8.30am) all day to late at evening, and offers a fusion of oriental and tropical influences in its dishes.

Ennio’s

Ennio’s is recognised as one of the finest Italian restaurants in Hampshire. The speciality is fresh fish and seafood, with 10-12 different varieties daily. The most popular dish is "Grigliata Mixta" which is mixed fish and seafood grill - a good way to sample a variety of flavors at once.

Fusion Noodle Bar

This restaurant serves primarily oriental noodle and rice dishes, with a few variations on the theme. On the menu you will find mouth-watering dishes such as Thai green curry chicken, roasted duck in Hoi Sin sauce, Malaysian beef curry and much more.

Kuti’s

A lively, bright brasserie in the heart of Oxford Street serving traditional Bangladeshi and Indian cuisine together with a selection of innovative signature dishes. Lunch buffet is offered Sunday to Friday, and buffet-style dinner is served Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

La Regata

La Regata is a small Spanish family-run restaurant with a beautiful location on the Southampton’s water front. This is an ideal restaurant if you fancy trying lots of different flavours since the menu offers a wide variety of traditional tapas, which are all home made.

The Oxford Brasserie

Everyone in Southampton who’s into food knows the legendary Oxford Brasserie. Never resting on laurels, they’ve revamped the restaurant’s image to reflect the contemporary menus and understanding of the modern working lunch. In the evening, the restaurant transforms into an intimate, relaxed oasis.

The White Star Tavern And Dining Rooms

The White Star is an award winning restaurant and hotel. The restaurant boasts 2 AA Rosettes for food and dining. Here they offer you fresh, locally sourced meals in a classic modern British style. At the bar you can enjoy the very best drinks and cocktails.

Cafés

Cafe Creme

This is a café/coffee shop with a warm and friendly atmosphere. Here you can have a good, solid breakfast, a hefty lunch or - if you are craving something sweet - the menu offers fruit scones, cakes and tasty smoothies; do not miss the heavenly fresh croissants.

Costa

Costa is a chain of Italian coffee shops. In this café you will be served coffee made the Italian way, slow-roasted for 20 minutes for a fuller, richer taste. Costa also offers different types of snacks and cakes - perfect for a short pit stop when touring the city.

The Art House Southampton

The Art House Gallery Café is a volunteer-run, multi-disciplinary art venue and café. It’s located in the heart of Southampton’s evolving cultural quarter and they also offer organic food and drink. Immerse yourself into the place's unique atmosphere of creativity.

Bars & Nightlife

Bring & Mix

A different cocktail bar, where patrons are allowed to bring their spirits of choice along to let themselves be surprised by resident mixologists' creations. Guests hand the alcohol over to the barman, and receive artisan drinks with juices, syrup infusions, herbs and spices.

Orange Rooms

Established in 2001, Orange Rooms is winner of Southampton’s Best Bar Award. A great place for a burger (be sure to try the Lamb far-kofta), or to unwind with a cocktail and soak in the music and good times. Orange Rooms features blues every Monday and various other shows throughout the week.

The Giddy Bridge

Conversation takes precedent over loud music in the traditional environment of this Southampton pub. The friendly staff serve hot meals and ales at reasonable prices. The drink selection is quite extensive, and includes ciders, draft & bottled beers (including exotic Polish & Chinese), and more.

The London Hotel

Located quite close to the busy Oxford Street nightlife district, The London Hotel (housed inside an imposing 19th century building) is an old-fashioned pub that offers entertainment almost every night, including cabaret, pub-quizzes and karaoke. The bar staff are extremely helpful and friendly.

Shopping

Above Bar Street

The Above Bar Street and surrounding areas contain some of the mid- and upper-range brand name boutiques known the world over (as well as some local brands). Clothing stores, electronics, book shops and more, along with a multitude of cafés and restaurants.

Bedford Place

This Southampton area is where some of the privately run local businesses set up shop - most belong to the upmarket sector. It's a lively area with bars and eateries located to the north of the Parks, a 10-minute walk from the central train station and/or downtown.

Disney Store

The Southampton installment of this worldwide store chain sells anything and everything a Disney fan's heart desires. Toys, collectibles, decorations, clothing, and all imaginable Disney memorabilia all gathered under one roof (featured Marvel and Star Wars themed items).

The Marlands

The Marlands shopping centre contains around sixty shops. Here you can find street fashion, lifestyle, furnishings and toys. Major retailers run shop here such as Matalan, Poundland, CeX, The Disney Store and Claire's Accessories. For food, stop by Stakks Pancake House or JRC Global Buffet.

WestQuay

WestQuay has been voted as the best of its kind in the UK. This is a large shopping centre with three floors. It is a paradise for the fashion-conscious with brands such as French Connection, Karen Millen, Hollister, Apple and other big names recognised worldwide.

Tourist Information

Best Time to Visit

The best times to visit weather-wise are late spring to early autumn, with peak tourist season falling on the month of August. To avoid the crowds, plan your trip for June or July.

Passport & Visa

For travel to the UK, citizens of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland (except Irish citizens) need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). However, those planning to work or study in the UK for more than six months will need to obtain the appropriate visa. Additionally, residents of nine other countries — including Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, and the United States — can also visit the UK for up to six months without a visa, but they will still need an ETA. To ensure a smooth journey, it is advisable to consult the UK government website for any specific visa requirements or regulations.

Airport

Southampton has its own international airport, serving approximately 50 destinations courtesy of around 12 airlines. It has the closest plane-to-train link of any European airport with frequent services to the city centre (8 minute journey time). Booking in advance can save you up to 43%. You can book your ticket online. www.thetrainline.com There are multiple bus services that operate between the city centre and the airport. The journey time from the city centre and the airport is approximately 30 - 40 minutes. The Uni-Link bus service operates between the airport, Southampton city centre and waterfront. www.unilinkbus.co.uk Velvet Bus runs to Hedge End and Eastleigh (stop located outside train station). The First Group run hourly buses between the airport and city centre. www.firstgroup.com Wheelers Connect line operates on weekdays, and runs between Airport Parkway, Eastleigh Bus Station, Boyatt Wood, Chestnut Avenue, RSH Hospital and the city centre of Southampton. Southampton Airport is easily accessible by car from the M27 and the M3, which is connected to the M25, so to the whole country. There are over 200 taxi companies serving Southampton airport and the surrounding areas, many of which specialise in airport taxis and can offer great rates.

Taxi

There are several taxi companies serving Southampton and the surrounding areas. Star Taxis - Southampton +44 744 332 2004 www.startaxiuk.co.uk Radio Taxis House +44 23 80 666 666 www.radiotaxis-southampton.ltd.uk Nick Rumsey Taxi Service +44 7870 198968 This small taxi company service clients throughout Southampton. Specialising in long distance travel, wheelchair accessible and six seats vehicle is available.

Buses

Southampton has a wealth of public transport links to help you get around the city and further afield. However, keep in mind that transport tickets purchased for use of a particular line cannot be used on others. Most buses stop at the central train station. Regular inter-urban services link to and from Southampton operated by: First Group www.firstgroup.com Bluestar www.bluestarbus.co.uk Velvet www.velvetbus.co.uk Wilts & Dorset buses www.morebus.co.uk Uni-Link www.unilinkbus.co.uk

Electricity

230/240V AC, 50Hz. Plugs have three square pins.

Ferries

There are two ferry services to the Isle of Wight leaving from Town Quay (Red Funnel and The Hythe Ferry). Red Funnel has two services to the Isle of Wight. The Red Jet is a high speed service which carries foot passengers between Town Quay and West Cowes. The journey takes approximately 25 minutes. Then there is the Vehicle Ferry between Town Quay and East Cowes which you can take if you are travelling with a bicycle. Journey time is approximately 55-60 minutes. www.redfunnel.co.uk +44 844 844 9988 The Hythe Ferry travels between Town Quay and Hythe Pier carrying foot passengers and cyclists. The journey time is approximately 10-15 minutes. www.hytheferry.co.uk +44 23 8084 0722

Pharmacy

All medication is readily available, either over the counter or on prescription. Boots the Chemist have 2 stores in the city centre: WestQuay Retail Park Open 8.30am-8pm Mon-Fri (7.30pm Thurs), 8am-6pm Sat and 11am-5pm Sun 19 - 29 Above Bar Street Open 8.30am-6.15pm Mon-Sat, 10.30am-4.30pm Sun Southampton is home to some of the best healthcare in the country with excellent hospitals and clinics, highly skilled staff and groundbreaking research. Southampton City Primary Trust is the organisation responsible for ensuring you get the NHS care you need. List of local Doctors: www.southamptonhealth.nhs.uk/gplist If you need 24 hour urgent medical care, telephone NHS Direct (Tel: 111). They can give you free medical advice and direct you to the nearest hospital with 24 hour accident and emergency department.

Trips

Southampton Pre or Post Cruise

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