Southampton welcomes over two million cruise passengers a year as well as 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. Along with 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. You can read and download our 2025 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
Discover Southampton’s Titanic story from 1912. Experience a 1:25 scale interactive model, hear powerful stories from survivors of the disaster and more. You can also find out about Southampton’s fascinating ancient and maritime past in Gateway to the World and Southampton Stories exhibitions. 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 and venue opening times.
God's House Tower
God's House Tower was recently refurbished into an award-winning arts and heritage venue at the entrance to Southampton’s historic Old Town. Discover God's House Tower HT’s dark history in our heritage exhibition ‘Stories Behind the Stones’, where each floor takes you on a journey through time, from the 14th Century sacking of Southampton to its 17th Century use as a dismal debtors prisons, and taking in stunning views over the modern-day city. Find out more here.
Benefits for groups of up to 20 people:
• 10% cafe discount
• 10% discount on ticketed exhibitions
• free hot drink and snack for the driver and group organiser
• bespoke group catering options in our cosy cafe or galleries, serving everything from afternoon tea to a buffet lunch
Steamship Shieldhall
Groups are welcome aboard the SS Shieldhall, a seagoing heritage steam power vessel celebrating its 70th birthday in 2025! Regularly sailing the Solent in summer, Shieldhall delights passengers who wish to experience the magic of ‘steam at sea’ and offers a chance to explore the Engine Room and Boiler Room and meet the captain on the Bridge.
Shieldhall also offers a series of all-day packages in Southampton on its 2hr, 3hr and 3 1/2 hr sailings, incorporating a visit to one of Southampton’s Museums, a guided walk with a local guide and an afternoon cruise on Shieldhall.
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’s a 10% discount for parties of 10 or more on excursion tickets. Food and drink is available on board, and free parking for coaches close to the ship.
For more information, prices and to book tickets or alongside visits, please visit www.ss-shieldhall.co.uk or call the Ticket Manager on 02381 550 242/email tickets@ss-shieldhall.co.uk.
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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