Weekend getaway? Sorted! Enjoy two days full of great food, exciting experiences, and leisurely walks to discover the city's rich history. Keep reading to learn how you could spend your time in Southampton from morning, noon, and night.
What better way to start your weekend than with a hearty breakfast and warm brew at XOXO or The White Star Tavern, both located on Oxford Street. From full English breakfasts and bacon sandwiches to smashed avocado pancakes there is plenty of choice to keep you full until lunchtime.
Next, enjoy a walking tour of Southampton’s medieval town walls and discover more about the city’s rich history. Featuring six gates, 13 towers, 90 listed buildings and 30 ancient monuments across one kilometre of the city, Southampton’s medieval town walls are some of the most complete in Britain. Book in advance with See Southampton or Southampton Tourist Guide Association.
Circle back to Bugle Street and explore one of Southampton’s most historic buildings, Tudor House and Garden. This timber-framed building facing St Michael’s Square was built in the late 15th Century, with King’s John’s Palace, an adjacent Norman house accessible from Tudor House Garden, dating back a further 300 years.
With family-friendly activities, interactive technology and fascinating displays, Tudor House offers something for visitors of all ages and interests - not forgetting a small café serving a delicious range of refreshments all day, such as afternoon tea and homemade cakes, if you’re looking for a light bite to eat.
Test your wits with a trip to Locked In A Room Southampton, just outside Westquay Shopping Centre. Use your wits to solve the mysteries, puzzles and challenges hidden throughout and escape the game before time runs out. You could also try the Dark Arts Bar on High Street for some relaxing games in their puzzle parlour over some magic themed drinks.
Finish your evening with a delicious dinner at one of the restaurants located in Southampton’s Cultural Quarter such as Nandos or The Scholar's Arms, followed by a show-stopping performance at Mayflower Theatre, the third-largest theatre in the UK or head over to their sister venue MAST Mayflower Studios.
Sit back, relax and watch the world go by over a freshly cooked breakfast at Mettricks Coffee House, located in the heart of Southampton’s Cultural Quarter. Then enjoy a peaceful walk in Watts Park, where you’ll find two historic monuments: The Cenotaph, designed by Edwin Lutyens and built in 1920, and a statue of Isaac Watts, one of Southampton’s most famous sons.
Just around the corner from Watts Park, you’ll find SeaCity Museum, which introduces the city’s connection with the sea, including its Titanic heritage, and the stories of the people who have travelled in and out of Southampton by sea through the ages.
Continue down Portland Terrace until you get to Westquay shopping centre. With more than 100 shops to explore, spanning everything from fashion and beauty, to food and drink and home and lifestyle, you’re guaranteed to find a few bargains.
After a couple of hours perusing the shops, enjoy dinner and a film at Westquay South. Boasting a diverse range of bars and restaurants such as Tap and Tandoor, Las Iguanas, and Red Dog Saloon, as well as Showcase Cinema de Lux - it’s the perfect place to sit back, relax and unwind before a new week.
If you prefer independent movies to Hollywood’s latest blockbusters, Harbour Lights Picturehouse is just a short taxi ride away from Westquay, and showcases arthouse and international films as well as live satellite screenings.
While you are out in the city, make sure you download or pick up one of our SO cards to snap up savings around the city. From shopping, experiences, and food and drink, simply pick out a deal from our offers page, head to the venue, and show your the card to get your discount. No sign up required! Learn more here.
Updated February 2024.
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