Southampton Sail and Savory: A Family-Friendly Adventure
Discover family fun in Southampton, where history meets excitement!
19 July 2023
Lucie Collins
UK Travel Writer
Southampton, located on the south coast of England, offers a delightful family-friendly trip full of history, culture, and fun activities. Begin by exploring the famous SeaCity Museum to learn about the city's maritime heritage, followed by a visit to the stunning Solent Sky Museum showcasing iconic aircraft. Families can then enjoy a leisurely stroll in Southampton Common, a beautiful park perfect for picnics and outdoor games, making this trip an ideal destination for a memorable family adventure.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information

- Set sail for the day with a visit to the SeaCity Museum, where the tragic story of the Titanic comes alive through interactive exhibits.
- Pay a visit to the iconic Southampton Boat Show, the heartbeat of the city’s maritime heritage. Ahoy, sailors!
- Embark on a seaside stroll along the picturesque Ocean Village Marina, filled with sleek yachts and charming cafés.
- Head over to WestQuay Shopping Centre, a shopaholic's paradise with over 150 stores to explore and a mouthwatering food court.
- Delight your taste buds with a seafood extravaganza at The Jetty, a stylish waterfront restaurant boasting delectable dishes from the ocean's depths.
- Immerse yourself in history at the Tudor House and Garden, a beautifully restored timber-framed building dating back to the 15th century.
- Take a leisurely stroll through Southampton Common, a sprawling green oasis perfect for picnics and family frolics.
- Unleash your inner child at the Solent Sky Museum, home to an impressive collection of vintage aircraft that will have you soaring with excitement.
- Devour a scrumptious lunch at Mettricks, a quirky café nestled in the heart of the city, serving up artisanal coffees and delectable bites.
- End your visit with a tour of the Southampton City Art Gallery, showcasing an eclectic mix of contemporary and classic artworks to inspire and captivate.
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How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Southampton by plane is to fly into Southampton Airport, which is the closest airport to the city center. Some airlines that offer flights to Southampton Airport include British Airways and Flybe.
Car
The best way to get to Southampton by car is to take the M3 motorway if coming from London, or the M27 motorway if coming from other parts of the UK. It is also possible to take other major roads, such as the A31 or A36, to reach Southampton.
Train
The best way to get to Southampton by train is to take a train to Southampton Central Station. Many train companies, such as South Western Railway and CrossCountry, operate trains to this station from various locations across the UK.
Boat
The best way to get to Southampton by boat is to take a ferry from one of the nearby ports, such as Portsmouth or Lymington. Several ferry companies, such as Red Funnel and Wightlink, operate services to Southampton.
Bus
The best way to get to Southampton by bus is to take a National Express coach, which operates services to Southampton Coach Station from various locations across the UK.