Things to do in Southampton

If you're planning a day or night out with friends, Southampton has options that go well beyond the usual pub crawl.

Locked in a Room at Westquay

For groups who like a challenge, Locked in a Room is one of the UK's biggest escape room experiences. Eight themed rooms let teams of up to six race the clock, solving puzzles and hunting for clues to break free. Themes range from adventurous to slightly spooky, so you can match the room to your group's taste.

It's immersive, theatrical, and a brilliant way to bond, whether that's with old friends or colleagues you're trying not to awkwardly small-talk with.

Location: Westquay South, Level 2, SO15 1QD
Hours: Daily 12pm–8pm (6pm Sundays) 

Tip: Book in advance, especially for weekends. Discounts at nearby restaurants are available afterwards.

Boom Battle Bar at Westquay

If your night out needs a serious upgrade, Boom Battle Bar delivers. Think axe throwing, shuffleboard, karaoke booths, darts, and more, all in one adrenaline-fuelled space. The competitive games work brilliantly for groups, and the street food and drinks menu means you don't need to leave when the hunger hits.

Whether it's a birthday, a reunion, or just a Friday that deserves better than the sofa, this is where evenings get interesting.

Location: Westquay South, Level 1, SO15 1DE
Hours: Daily from 12pm (11am weekends). Open until midnight Fri/Sat.

Dancing Man Brewery

For something with a bit more atmosphere, Dancing Man Brewery is housed in a 14th-century wool warehouse right on Town Quay. The building alone is worth the visit, with exposed timbers, stone walls, and graffiti etched into beams by prisoners of war during the 18th century.

The beer is brewed on-site; expect everything from session pale ales to Imperial stouts. The food menu includes pies, burgers, and plenty of vegetarian options. It's popular, so grab a table early if the sun's out.

Location: Town Quay, SO14 2AR 

Southampton works well for families, with a mix of museums, parks, and activities that'll keep different ages entertained.

SeaCity Museum

SeaCity Museum is the place to understand Southampton's history and its relationship with the wider world. The Titanic galleries are the headline, exploring why the ship sailed from here and how deeply the tragedy affected the city. Two-thirds of the crew lived locally, and their personal stories are at the heart of the experience.

Beyond the Titanic, exhibitions cover migration, trade, and Southampton's role as one of the UK's most important gateways. Interactive displays and family-friendly trails make it engaging for children, while the depth of content rewards repeat visits.

Location: Havelock Road, SO14 7FY
Hours: Daily 10am–5pm

Tip: Weekday mornings are quieter if you want to avoid school groups.

Hollywood Bowl at Westquay

For guaranteed family entertainment whatever the weather, Hollywood Bowl offers bowling lanes, VR experiences, retro arcades, and a diner for refuelling. It's relaxed enough for young children but fun enough for teenagers who think they're too cool for bowling (until the first strike).

Location: Westquay South, Level 0, SO15 1DE
Hours: Daily from 10am or 11am, open until 11pm (midnight Fri/Sat)

Southampton Common

Southampton Common is one of the city's defining green spaces: 365 acres of woodland, open lawns, and wildlife ponds, all within easy reach of the centre. Children can run, dogs can explore (on leads in some areas), and The Cowherds pub offers a convenient stop for lunch or a drink.

The Common hosts events throughout the year, from fairs to outdoor cinema, and it's the kind of place locals use daily rather than saving for special occasions.

Location: The Avenue, SO17 1EJ 
Access: Free, open year-round

A Day Trip To New Forest National Park

The New Forest is one of the UK's most accessible national parks and lies just 20 minutes from Southampton. Ancient woodland, open heathland, and villages where ponies roam freely make it ideal for walking, cycling, and wildlife spotting. Regular trains and buses make day trips straightforward, even without a car. For families with younger children, Peppa Pig World at Paultons Park sits within the forest boundaries.

Other Day Trip Ideas:

• Isle of Wight: Ferries from Southampton connect quickly. Beaches, coastal paths, Victorian heritage.
• Winchester: Cathedral city with independent shops, riverside walks, and excellent brunch spots. 20 minutes by train.

Looking for date ideas or a relaxed day out with your partner? Southampton has options that go beyond dinner and a film (though it does those well too).

Tudor House and Garden

Tudor House sits quietly in the Old Town, offering an intimate look at over 800 years of life in Southampton. The building dates to the late 15th century and has been carefully restored, with rooms furnished across different periods.

The garden provides a peaceful escape from the city, and the Jane Austen connection (she lived nearby during the early 19th century) adds a literary angle. It's the kind of place that rewards a slow visit rather than a quick walkthrough.

Location: Bugle Street, SO14 2AD
Hours: Mon–Thurs 10am–3pm, Sat–Sun 10am–5pm. Closed Fridays.

Showcase Cinema de Lux at Westquay

For film lovers, Showcase Cinema de Lux offers more than your average multiplex. Ten screens with immersive sound, including an XPlus auditorium with a supersized screen, Dolby Atmos, and crystal-clear projection.

The Luxury Gallery experience takes it further: extra legroom, a welcome drink, refillable popcorn, and exclusive access to a VIP bar and lounge. It turns a Tuesday evening into something that feels like an event.

Location: Westquay South, Level 4, SO15 1DE
Hours: Daily from 10:30am, late screenings until 12:30am or later 

Southampton Old Town and City Walls

For a free afternoon that combines history with a gentle walk, explore Southampton's medieval walls. The city's defences are some of the most complete in England, and a self-guided route takes you past ancient gatehouses, atmospheric pubs, and views across the water.

Start at the Bargate (the medieval entrance dating to 1290) and work your way through the Old Town. Finish at Dancing Man Brewery or one of the traditional pubs tucked within the historic streets.

Southampton's history runs deeper than most visitors expect. Here's what's worth your time.

Southampton City Art Gallery

Southampton City Art Gallery holds one of the best collections outside London, with over 5,300 works including pieces by Monet, Degas and Turner alongside British and contemporary artists. It's free to enter, and the central location makes it easy to combine with shopping or a walk.

Note: The gallery is currently closed for refurbishment and reopens on 7th March 2026.

Solent Sky Museum

For aviation history, Solent Sky explores Southampton's role in flying boat development and Spitfire production. Aircraft, engines, and personal stories bring this period to life.

Location: Albert Road South, SO14 3FR
Hours: Mon–Sat 10am–4pm, Sun 12–4pm 

Mayflower Theatre

The Mayflower is one of the south coast's most important performance venues. Touring West End shows, ballet, comedy, and concerts draw audiences from across the region. The building itself is worth seeing, and nearby restaurants make it easy to plan an evening around a performance.

Location: Commercial Road, SO15 1GE

Live Music and Late Nights

The Joiners is one of the UK's most respected small venues, where many well-known bands played early shows. For late-night drinks, Oxford Street offers cocktail bars and upscale dining, while Bedford Place has a younger, livelier crowd.

If you're visiting in February, Westquay hosts Chinese New Year celebrations in partnership with the Chinese Association of Southampton. Lion and dragon dances, martial arts displays, and hands-on workshops (fan painting, lantern making, calligraphy) run across two weekends.

Dates for 2026:

• Sunday 15th February: 12pm–4pm
• Saturday 28th February: 2pm–4pm

Location: Level 2, Westquay North
Cost: Free

Westquay sits in the heart of Southampton and is one of the South Coast's easiest destinations to reach.

By car: Enter SO15 1ST into your sat nav. Two car parks available:

• Multi-Storey: 2,484 spaces, up to 2.0m height
• Podium: 1,487 spaces, up to 1.9m height

From the cruise terminal: Most terminals are less than 10 minutes by taxi. Walking takes 15–20 minutes, depending on your terminal.

By train: Southampton Central is a short walk from the city centre and Westquay.

For visitors looking to make the most of their limited time, Westquay brings together shopping, dining, entertainment, and activities in one central location. Whether you're solving puzzles at Locked in a Room, throwing axes at Boom Battle Bar, catching a film at Showcase Cinema de Lux, or bowling with the family at Hollywood Bowl, it's a destination that works for groups, couples, and families alike.

Add in the Chinese New Year celebrations, easy parking and proximity to the cruise terminals, and it becomes a natural hub for anyone exploring Southampton.