Is Southampton a destination worth considering for your next visit? If you're cruising out of Southampton, stopping by for a day, or looking for things to do, it's good to know whether this destination should be high on your list.
Having lived, worked, and studied in Southampton, in this article, I offer insights shaped by firsthand experiences, with a view of what it has to offer and whether it's even worth a visit.
Is Southampton Worth Visiting?
Southampton is worth visiting if you're drawn to cities steeped in history and maritime heritage, yet vibrant with contemporary culture and shopping opportunities. However, it may depends on your interests, and how much time you have to spend there. It may be the ideal place for some and a turn-off for others.
Before going into the details I should explain Southampton is generally industrial area, mainly due to the ports. So, do not expect to see a beach in Southampton City Centre, but there are plenty of other things to do in Southampton. However, read on to find out why Southampton might be a good place to visit for you.
![Southampton at night time](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63b4492f718e031ad5f81b45/65a16bd8297dbe48cc1d15de_Southampton%20at%20night%20(1)%20(1).jpg)
1. Southampton's History
If you are a history buff, Southampton might be an ideal place for you to explore. Southampton's rich historical legacy traces its origins to the Roman and Saxon eras. The city played a crucial role during the Roman occupation of Britain, known as Britannia, serving as a significant trading port and settlement.
As the centuries passed, Southampton continued to flourish, evolving into a medieval port town. During the Middle Ages, the city gained prominence as a vital trading hub, connecting England to the rest of Europe. Its strategic location attracted merchants from near and far, and it became a thriving centre for maritime commerce.
As you walk around Southampton you’ll notice the historic city walls. A marked path, dubbed "Walk the Southampton Walls", guides explorers along the 1.25-mile boundary of what used to be a medieval trading hub. This walk allows you to see the 13 still-standing towers, six city gates, and half a mile of sturdy stone walls and arcades, most of which were erected in the 1360s by a community still recovering from a brutal onslaught by French and Genoese raiders.
![Walk the Walls Sign in Southampton](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63b4492f718e031ad5f81b45/65ddefd80445d916794f3e7e_Walk%20the%20Walls%20Southampton%20(1).jpg)
Southampton played a pivotal role in World War II as a major embarkation point for troops heading to Normandy during the D-Day landings. The city's association with this critical military operation is commemorated through various memorials and museums, providing a profound insight into the sacrifices made during this tumultuous period in history. However, during the Blitz, the city was heavily bombed, which meant it lost many of its beautiful historic buildings. As you walk around the streets you’ll see a mixture of new and old buildings.
A short drive from the city centre is Lepe Country Park, which was pivotal in the D-Day landings. The park was one of the key departure points for troops, tanks, and supplies heading to Normandy. Today, you can still see the remnants of the structures used in the operations, such as the old 'dolphins' whicroseh were used to load ships, now serving as poignant reminders of the area's historical significance.
![The old historic town walls in Southampton](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63b4492f718e031ad5f81b45/65a16af14f6b6ebd3b3117a6_Southampton%20Walls%20(1).jpg)
2. Maritime Heritage
As one of England's major ports, if you have an interest in boating or maritime history, Southampton may be a great place to explore.
Southampton's link to one of the most famous ships in history, the RMS Titanic, further adds to its historical interest. In 1912, the Titanic set sail on its ill-fated maiden voyage from Southampton's port. Today, visitors can explore the SeaCity Museum, which offers a captivating exhibition dedicated to the city's maritime heritage and the tragic story of the Titanic.
Every September Southampton also hosts the International Boat Show. The show features everything the leisure marine industry has to offer, from paddleboards to superyachts. The show started back in 1969, which was relatively modest, now it draws in crowds from around the world.
3. Art and Culture
If you enjoy the arts, there are a few galleries to explore. Firstly, there is Southampton City Art Gallery, based in Guildhall Square is well known as the Cultural Quarter of the City. The gallery hosts a range of art from traditional mediums such as paintings, sculptures, and drawings to contemporary forms like photography and film. What's more, its permanent collection undergoes regular updates, ensuring that every visit offers something new.
![Entrance to the art gallery in Southampton](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63b4492f718e031ad5f81b45/65ddf9fd84303e9c28a7787f_Art%20Gallery%20Southampton%20(1).jpg)
A short walk from Southampton City Art Gallery is the John Hansard Gallery, which is part of the University of Southampton, and is one of the UK’s leading contemporary art galleries. Learning and engagement are at the heart of the Gallery and underpin all its activities.
Both art galleries are free and are located in the city centre.
4. Southampton’s Music Scene
There are a few music venues around Southampton, which may make it an ideal place to visit if you enjoy watching gigs or simply love soaking up the electric atmosphere of live performances.
Noteworthy among these is the O2 Guildhall, known for hosting a mix of established and up-and-coming artists, as well as an array of cultural and community events. Located in a beautiful Grade II listed building, the O2 Guildhall has an iconic place in Southampton's music scene, providing a unique backdrop for any performance.
![O2 Guildhall Southampton](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63b4492f718e031ad5f81b45/65ddf0c6933cc4f63a0aecff_O2%20Guidhall%20Southampton%20(1).jpg)
The venue's grand main hall is renowned for its impressive acoustics, making it an outstanding place to experience a live concert. Beyond music, the O2 Guildhall also hosts comedy nights, lectures, corporate events, and even indoor sporting events, showcasing the diversity of its use.
However, the Mayflower Theatre is my personal favourite place to watch a show or music production. It is a grand venue, boasting an elegant interior that echoes an air of traditional grandeur. With a capacity to seat over 2,300 spectators, it's one of the largest theatres on the South Coast.
![Mayflower Theatre Southampton](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63b4492f718e031ad5f81b45/65a15ee99d37e3766b20965f_Mayflower%20Southampton%20(1).jpg)
Situated slightly off the beaten path, The Brook and The Joiners offer a unique, cosier atmosphere for live music aficionados. These venues exude a certain charm and raw authenticity, providing the perfect environment to appreciate music on a more personal level.
The Brook, known for its warm and friendly vibe, prides itself on delivering an eclectic mix of performances. It is revered for hosting some of the finest tribute bands alongside original acts from around the globe, thus offering something for every music lover. On the other hand, The Joiners is a renowned grassroots venue, recognised nationally for its commitment to nurturing new talent. Many notable bands have graced its stage early in their careers, making it a hotbed for spotting the next big thing in music.
The city is also host to several music festivals throughout the year, such as Let’s Rock Southampton, which is the UK’s biggest retro festival, based on Southampton Common. No matter your musical preferences, Southampton's vibrant live music scene ensures a compelling lineup for every enthusiast.
5. Shopping and Food
If you enjoy shopping, Southampton has a variety of shops, including Westquay, which is one of the South Coasts' most popular shopping destinations. Here, you can indulge in a great retail experience with an extensive selection of high-street and luxury brands to choose from. From fashion and beauty to home decor and electronics.
In addition to the shops, Westquay offers a wide range of dining options to cater to everyone's preferences and budgets.
![Inside West Quay shopping centre in Southampton](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63b4492f718e031ad5f81b45/65a169a85b0bae71f38f0298_Inside%20Westquay%20shopping%20centre%20(1).jpg)
6. Parks and Green Spaces
If you visit Southampton and wish to escape the city, there are several green spaces where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll or unwind on a sunny day.
Some of these options include Southampton Common, which is a short walk from the city centre. It offers a vast expanse of greenery offering paths for walking and cycling. Or if you have kids with you there’s a great play park and plenty of spaces for a picnic.
![Trees in Southampton Common](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63b4492f718e031ad5f81b45/65ddf774e3d6bd0f3d92fec5_Southampton%20Common.jpg)
Additionally, in the city centre, there are a few parks to relax in, including Mayflower Park, along the waterfront or Houndwell Park, East Park and Watts Park. These greenspaces offer a break from the urban hustle and bustle.
7. Southampton Sports
If you're a sports fan, there are a few venues in Southampton that might pique your interest. One of these is St Mary's Stadium, the home ground of Southampton Football Club (who have unfortunately been recently relegated to the Championship). Here, you can watch Southampton men’s play, or Ladies England match or occasionally they host other events such as concerts from iconic artists, from Elton John to Robbie Williams.
Another notable venue is the Ageas Bowl Cricket Ground, renowned for hosting exciting cricket matches and international tournaments, providing an excellent opportunity to witness top-class cricketing action. This is slightly out of the city centre and it will take you about 20 minutes to drive.
Additionally, Southampton boasts other sporting facilities such as the Southampton Sports Centre, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for a variety of sports and recreational activities. Whether you're passionate about football, cricket, or skiing, Southampton offers a range of venues to cater to your sporting interests.
![Overlooking Southampton Sports Centre](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63b4492f718e031ad5f81b45/65de0a41cbdeffb31b4ff6a9_Southampton%20Sports%20Centre%20(1).jpg)
8. The Nightlife
If you enjoy bars, pubs, and clubs, Southampton boasts a vibrant nightlife scene that caters to all tastes. With two local universities and a dynamic young population, the city comes alive after dark. You'll find a plethora of establishments to suit every mood and preference.
From trendy cocktail bars serving innovative concoctions to traditional pubs offering a relaxed atmosphere and a wide selection of beers, ales, and ciders, there's something for everyone.
If you want to enjoy the nightlife, there are three main areas, firstly the north of the city, around Bedford Place, which hosts a range of venues, venues at Westquay South, such as Boom Battle Bar and there are “trendier” venues down Oxford Street, which is South of the City.
![Oxford Street Southampton](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63b4492f718e031ad5f81b45/65ddf1f6bcf430b9713881f6_Oxford%20Street%20Southampton%20(1).jpg)
Hampshire Explorer’s Verdict
Is Southampton worth visiting? I believe that Southampton has so much to offer for people with different interests, with a blend of history, culture, shopping and entertainment. And there are plenty of other nearby places in Hampshire to visit too.