Are you in need of some retail therapy? Southampton’s Westquay is great for some of the best high-street shops.
If you’re visiting Southampton and planning on going to Westquay, it can be overwhelming to know all the information you need - what’s there, where to park and the facilities available. As I’ve lived and worked in Southampton, it’s somewhere I know well, and that’s why I’ve put together this guide on everything you need to know.
Is Southampton good for shopping?
Southampton is a good place to shop, if you’re looking for high street and high end fashion shops. There is Westquay, which boasts over 100 shops from high street to high-end shops, including John Lewis, Partners, Marks and Spencer, Apple, and many more. In addition, there is a retail park and busy high street.
In addition to the shopping options available, Westquay also ensures a satisfying food and dining experience. With numerous restaurants and dining establishments nearby, there is a variety suitable for any taste or budget.
![Inside of Westquay shopping centre, Southampton](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63b4492f718e031ad5f81b45/6493032028cfac2cc37c671b_Inside%20Westquay%20shopping%20centre-min-min.jpg)
Shopping Experience in Westquay
There are a variety of shops at Westquay. They are all high street shops; there are no boutique type of shops, apart from a few on the high street. If you prefer this, it may be best to head to Winchester High Street. However, if you like the typical high street shops, this is what you can expect:
Fashion and Brands
There are a lot of fashion and clothes shops. The two largest stores are Marks & Spencer and John Lewis. John Lewis is definitely my favourite, as well as clothes there’s a large homeware section, along with a large cafe.
There is also a mix of higher-end stores and high-street shops such as H&M, Fat Face, Boss, Crew Clothing Company, Hollister, Levi’s and Next.
Apple Store and Electronics
The main place that sells a range of electronic’s is John Lewis. However, there is also a large Apple Store in Westquay. It is well-stocked, and the staff are always friendly and knowledgeable. Other than that, unfortunately there’s not much else other than a few phone stores, including EE, Vodafone and Three.
Shopping for Children
If you’re bringing children with you to West Quay you be pleased to know there are a few shops to keep the kids entertained too (or you may want to avoid them, if you don’t want to spend much). On the ground floor there is a Build-a-Bear Workshop, which is usually busy with families at the weekends, especially in the lead up to Christmas. Upstairs there is a Lego Store, where we always love to see the latest things that have been built. There is also a Smiggle, which is my daughters favourite for bags and stationary.
![Build-a-Bear Workshop Westquay](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63b4492f718e031ad5f81b45/6493035e3ab635f9e1c060c2_Build-a-Bear%20Workshop%20West%20Quay-min.jpg)
West Quay Retail Park
Outside of the main shopping centre, across West Quay Road, there is also a retail park. Over here you can find larger stores, such Argos, Boots, Currys, Furniture Village, Poundland, Wilko and my personal favourite Decathlon.
![Looking from West Quay to Southampton Retail Park](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63b4492f718e031ad5f81b45/64930387e72ede1759fd15b9_Southampton%20Retail%20Park-min.jpg)
Southampton High Street
Off the shopping centre there is also Southampton High Street. Here you can find a mix shops such as more high street shops (for example Primark), music shops, hardware and comic book shops.
If you head to East Street, there is Forbidden Planet, a specialist shop for comics and all things Science Fiction, Hobgoblin Music, whcih offers a diverse range of musical instruments and the Eggfree Cake Box is a bakery offering a wide-range of egg-free cakes.
Location and Accessibility
From my research, the shopping centre's hours of operation are generally from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM during the week, 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Saturdays and 11:00 AM to 5 PM on Sundays.
The address for Westquay is Harbour Parade, Southampton SO15 1QF. However, as there are so many ways to get to Southampton, you’ll probably want to know the best way to get there, depending on your mode of transport.
Driving
There are a number of nearby car parks. Firstly, West Quay has two of its own car parks.
- Multi-Storey Car Park - This has about 12 floors and is situated next to Ikea and Moxy Southampton and has 2484 spaces. To reach the shopping centre go to floor 7, via the lift or stairs and there’s a bridge that crosses the road. Put the postcode ‘SO15 1QF’ on your sat nav. For 2 hours of parking, it is £2.50, which then increases every hour. However, if you park after 6 pm, it’s £2 for the evening. The car is open 24 hours a day.
- Podium Car Park - This is based across two floors, is situated underneath the shopping centre, and has 1487 spaces. To reach the shopping centre, you’ll need to go up in the lift or escalator. The address is Harbour Parade, SO14 7EG. If you’re parking for up to 2 hours, it costs £3.00, which then increases every hour. However, if you park after 6 pm,
- West Quay Retail Park - You can park here and walk across to the main shops. This is a pay-and-display and has 700 spaces. There is free parking every day for 30 minutes with a valid ticket (60 minutes after 6 pm) otherwise, for up to 1 hour it costs £1 and increases from there.
Lastly, there are a few other car parks dotted around the city. However, these are the most convenient, and there are plenty of places to park.
Train
Southampton Central train station is a ten-minute walk to the shopping centre. When you get off the train, make you get off the Western Esplanade side, you’ll walk past the retail park and an Asda. However, the best way to access the shopping centre is via John Lewis, which you’ll see on the corner and be able to cut through.
Cruise Ship
Next, if you’re lucky enough to be on a cruise, West Quay is a short walk from all the cruise ports. Once you’re out of the port, look out for Ikea (it’s hard to miss as you pull into the docks). West Quay is located behind this. You can even cut through their car park, and you’ll see a couple of different entrances.
![Entrance to West Quay](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63b4492f718e031ad5f81b45/6493044bb38be824e5311138_West%20Quay%20Shopping%20Centre-min.jpg)
Restaurants and Food Options
West Quay Shopping Centre is renowned not just for its high-end retail shops, but also for its array of dining options. Whether you're after a quick snack on-the-go, a casual lunch with friends or an intimate dinner, West Quay's restaurant line-up offers something for everyone.
The dining scene at West Quay is quite diverse. From well-loved national chains and local independents to delightful ethnic cuisines and health-conscious eateries. You can savour mouth-watering burgers, indulge in pizza, enjoy a sushi spread or slurp a big bowl of ramen.
For a more detailed rundown of our favourite places to eat at West Quay Shopping Centre, check out our dedicated blog post: Eating Out at West Quay Shopping Centre. This guide dives deeper into each restaurant's specialities, their unique ambience, and why I think they stand out in the crowd.
Entertainment and Events
Westquay hosts an incredible range of events throughout the year, which can be experienced both indoors and outdoors. They have an external event space called The Esplanade and Terrace, split into two levels, where they showcase seasonal experiences such as the Maze, Festival of Lights, and even ice skating at Christmas. To find out more here’s Westquay’s upcoming events.
![Ouside of Westqyay at the top of the Esplanade and Terrace](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63b4492f718e031ad5f81b45/649303bb2e9f2d4a987df66b_Outside%20of%20West%20Quay%20Southampton-min.jpg)
Facilities and Services
Toilets
On most visits to West Quay, I found the toilets were clean and well-maintained. They are located on various levels, making them easily accessible from different parts of the mall. For families with young children, baby changing facilities are also available.
Seating Areas, WiFi and Charging Points
As for seating areas, there are multiple places throughout the shopping centre where you can take a break.
West Quay also offers free WiFi throughout the shopping centre, allowing you to stay connected while you shop. Plus, you'll find several charging points scattered throughout the centre, ensuring your devices can keep up with your shopping spree. This is great if you’re having a break or waiting to board a cruise ship.
When is the best time to visit West Quay?
The best time to visit West Quay is on weekdays, evenings and term time (not in the school holidays). It is much quieter and easier to look around. Saturdays, Sundays and the run up to Christmas can get extremely busy.
Other Things to Do Near West Quay
As Southampton is a city there are a lot of other things to do, which are close to West Quay. Here are a few ideas:
- The SeaCity Museum is a wonderful place for history enthusiasts, offering a fascinating glimpse into the city's Titanic heritage and maritime past.
- Similarly you could Walk the Walls in Southampton, which is the old medieval city walls.
- Southampton City Art Gallery boasts an impressive collection of art spanning six centuries, appealing to art lovers of all kinds.
- The renowned Mayflower Theatre offers a range of performances, from musicals and operas to ballet and comedy, providing a delightful evening entertainment option.
- Furthermore, the bustling Oxford Street offers a range of eateries and bars, offering a lively atmosphere for an evening out.