Southampton welcomes over 2 million cruise passengers a year as well as the hundreds of thousands of visitors arriving by plane, train and coach.
The city boasts a wealth of fascinating experiences that are available to visitors within a relatively small radius, making it perfect for group travel. As well as the heritage, culture and leisure pursuits found within the city centre, Southampton is also ideally located to serve as a base from which to visit other popular destinations further afield. You can read and download our 2024 Guide for Groups here.
A guided tour is the most interesting and enjoyable way to explore a destination as it brings to life the place, the people and its history. There is an excellent choice of knowledgeable guides in Southampton, including those affiliated to See Southampton and Southampton Tourist Guides Association.
SeaCity Museum
Based in the heart of Southampton, SeaCity Museum tells the story of the people of the city, their fascinating lives and historic connections with Titanic and the sea through three interactive exhibitions: Southampton’s Titanic Story, Gateway to the World and the Southampton Stories exhibition in the Pavilion. The SeaCity Café has a wide range of fresh locally sourced food available. Find out more here.
For the driver: free ticket and meal for coach drivers (T&Cs apply)
Southampton City Art Gallery
Southampton City Art Gallery holds one of the finest collections of art in the south of England, currently comprising over 5,000 works and spanning eight centuries. Regularly rotating displays feature works from the collection, national touring exhibitions and work by local artists. Find out more here.
Tudor House and Garden
Southampton’s most important historic building, Tudor House reveals over 800 years of history in one fascinating location in the heart of the Old Town. Tudor House gives a unique and atmospheric insight into the lives and times of both its residents through the years, and of Southampton itself. It appeals to visitors of all ages and interests, who find the family-friendly activities, interactive technology, fascinating displays and onsite café a winning combination. Find out more here.
For the driver: free ticket and meal for coach drivers (T&Cs apply)
For the above cultural venues, guided tours and self-guided tours can be pre-booked on 023 8083 4536. There’s also a range of creative workshops, talks and tours at each venue all year round, check websites for more details.
Shieldhall – listed by TripAdvisor as the 'No 1 Thing to See and Do in Southampton'
Heritage steamship SS Shieldhall has an exciting sailing programme covering the period May - September, with a variety of excursions offered, ranging from 2hr docks cruises to all day sailings.
As part of a cruise, groups can see the impressive engine room with its original steam engines at work and visit the bridge, complete with its traditional instruments and gleaming brasswork. Run by volunteers, it is access all areas of the ship, and there is an informed commentary of the sights and sounds of Southampton Water and the Solent on all sailings. The majority of Shieldhall sailings are scheduled to coincide with the departure of cruise ships from Southampton, always the opportunity for the Captain to sound Shieldhall's distinctive whistle and play the 'Shieldhall Organ'!
Shieldhall has open decks and a covered Saloon and awning deck, and offers hot and cold food, real ale, wine and tea/coffee on all sailings. A regular sight on the Solent during the summer, Shieldhall delights passengers who wish to experience the magic of 'steam at sea.'
There is a 10% discount for parties of 10 or more on all trips. Special group packages are available with a Titanic, Spitfire and Mayflower theme. For more information, prices and to book tickets please visit go here or call 023 8084 3310.
The guide below has been produced especially for cruise companies wishing to offer their passengers an exciting and engaging excursion in Southampton and the surrounding area.
Free coach parking is offered at several locations across the city. This applies for coaches wishing to stop for up to ten hours.
Coach (Bus) Stop for picking up/setting down passengers:
Coach (Bus) Parking places for up to 10 hour parking. These facilities are intended for long stay Coach parking with a maximum stay of 10 hours no return same day:
Coach parking up to 4 hours, no return the same day Monday-Saturday 8am-6pm
For queries on all of the above contact Southampton City Council call 023 8083 3008 (lines are open Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5pm. Closed Bank Holidays) or visit Southampton City Council’s website http://www.southampton.gov.uk/roads-parking/parking/
You can also download and print the latest version of our visitor map here.
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