What to do in Southampton before and after your cruise
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Got a cruise departing from or headed to Southampton? Whether you've only got a few hours to spare, or a few days to enjoy, there's plenty to see and do while you're in town. Here's how to make the most of your time:
Southampton If you've only got a few hours…
Do you feel like a walk, or would you rather relax and take in a few sights? Those who prefer to keep moving are best advised to undertake the QE2 Mile, a self-guided walking route that runs past the city's medieval town walls (some of the most complete in Britain) which features six gates, 13 towers, 90 listed buildings and 30 ancient monuments across a single kilometre.
If you're keen to explore the city's maritime history - not to mention its links with the ill-fated Titanic, head over to SeaCity Museum, a 20-minute walk from the port. Here, two key exhibitions detail the city's connection with the sea (including the harrowing Titanic Story) but those visiting in 2025 can also see the new Jane Austen exhibition - a tribute to the author's time here.
Southampton's striking Sea City Museum.
Wander back toward the port through the Old Town (you can also opt to take the self-guided, hour-long Titanic Trail which takes in a number of memorials and other places of interest tied to the maritime disaster) and grab a table at La Regata. The Spanish tapas restaurant is located across the road from the port and is the perfect place to enjoy the scenery (and some unbelievably good paella). Got time? Pop in for a quick pint at the Dancing Man Brewery on your way to the ship.
Eat up at La Regata.
Southampton if you're overnighting…
Do yourself a favour and check into Pig-In The Wall, a quaint 12-room property located a 15-minute walk from the port. Here you've got the perfect property which screams 'You're in England' - a dining space where couples sip tea among an eccentric curation of antiques, quirky rooms with stand-alone baths (in some) and a mouthwatering menu which does wonders with earthy vegetables.
Overnight at the Pig in the Wall hotel. Picture: Jake Eastham.
Now that you've got a little more time on your hands you'll want to tack on a visit to God's House Tower, an historic arts and heritage venue which brings the stories of Southampton - plus the property's past as a gaol, gunpowder tower and a mortuary, among other things - through its Stories Behind the Stones exhibition.
A visit to nearby Tudor House and Garden, one of Southampton's most historic buildings (parts of it dating back to the 12th century) completes the 'trip back in time' element to your visit. Here, interactive exhibitions showcase how locals lived throughout the centuries and you can even dress up and take photos in traditional Tudor garments.
Take a moment to indulge in a little shopping therapy in Westquay Shopping Centre before popping in for an early dinner at The White Star Tavern, an award-winning pub and restaurant where many guests of the Titanic stayed before boarding the ship. Located on vibrant Oxford Street where a number of restaurants and pubs vie for your attention, take a moment to wander before taking a table to enjoy the new menu, teeming with all the English favourites. High on the list? Their curry pie is outstanding.
Southampton's old town bristles with historic architecture.
Southampton at your leisure…
Whether you've got a few days before your cruise or immediately afterwards, there's plenty to do in Southampton and the surrounding Hampshire area.
To start with, add seeing a production at the Mayflower Theatre to the above list, and consider tacking on a day trip to the Isle of Wight - an hour-long ferry crossing from Southampton. Famous for its beaches and seaside promenades, Osborne House and Carisbrooke Castle are just two of the drawcards.
The Mayflower Studios is one of Southampton's cultural hubs.
A 20-minute Uber ride from Southampton lies the picturesque city of Winchester which used to be the country's capital. While its spectacular cathedral remains the jewel in its crown, a stroll along the high street, plus a tour of Winchester College, one of the country's most exclusive schools, are clear highlights.
Do yourself a favour and book into the Kyoto Rooms following a traditional Omakase experience in Kyoto Kitchen below. Pub grub, while always appreciated, sometimes calls for a circuit breaker and this standout venue delivers in spades.
The writer was a guest of Visit Southampton.
Originally published as What to do in Southampton before and after your cruise
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