Escape to Southampton's Seaside Charm in a Day
Discover the charm of Southampton, from historic landmarks to stunning coastline.
22 April 2023
Lucie Collins
UK Travel Writer
Southampton, located on the south coast of England, is a vibrant city filled with a rich maritime history, unique cultural attractions, and scenic landscapes. As a tourist, you can take a stroll through the ancient walls of the Old Town, visit the Titanic Museum or explore the city's extensive art and music scene. Additionally, Southampton is perfectly positioned to use as a gateway to other popular UK destinations, including the Isle of Wight and the New Forest National Park.
Day trip plan
Getting latest place information
- Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Docks Café, a hidden gem overlooking the marina. Try their famous scrambled eggs and smoked salmon on toast.
- Explore the Titanic Trail, a walking tour that takes you through the city's historic maritime district. Learn about the city's connection to the famous ship and see some of the original buildings and memorials.
- Visit the SeaCity Museum, where you can discover the story of Southampton's Titanic crew and the city's maritime heritage. Don't forget to snap a selfie with the life-sized bronze statue of the ship's band.
- Head to Oxford Street, a quaint street lined with independent shops and restaurants. Stop at Mettricks for a coffee or a bite to eat, then browse the eclectic boutiques for unique souvenirs to take home.
- End your day at the Southampton Harbour Hotel's rooftop bar, HarBAR on 6th. Sip on a cocktail while taking in stunning views of the Solent and the city skyline.
- For dinner, head to Oxford Brasserie for a modern twist on classic British cuisine. Try the grilled lamb rump with minted peas and dauphinoise potatoes or the vegetarian risotto with roasted butternut squash and sage butter.
Length of stay
Type of trip
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.