Top places to visit in Southampton

Your first day in Southampton begins with a delicious breakfast at Coffeelogy, an independent coffee shop and art gallery in the city centre. The trendy spot is a coffee lover’s dream, boasting an extensive range of freshly roasted and locally sourced coffee beans. Once you’ve chosen your preferred brew, order a hearty English Breakfast (or Vegan alternative) to fuel your day of exploration. Alternatively, if you fancy something sweet to start your day, the St. Sebastian cheesecake (also known as burnt Basque cheesecake) is a triumph. 

After a bite to eat, spend your morning discovering Southampton’s arts scene. Although port cities can have a bit of a reputation for industry rather than creativity, Southampton has become an underrated hub for arts and culture. One of the leading venues is Southampton City Art Gallery, which houses an extensive range of works from 18^th Century British painters including pieces by Joseph Wright of Derby and Joshua Reynolds, to more contemporary works from the likes of Antony Gormley and Lucian Freud. 

Other culture and heritage venues worth visiting in the city include the free to enter John Hansard Gallery, the Tudor House & Garden and the SeaCity Museum.

Continuing the cultural theme, head for lunch at God’s House Tower, another of the city’s leading arts and heritage venues home to permanent displays that tell the building’s story alongside exhibitions from emerging artists. With original parts of the building dating back to the 12^th century, the defensive structure has been completely transformed. The café, which sits within the tower’s medieval walls, works with local suppliers to create a menu that celebrates Southampton and the surrounding area. Grab a hand-roasted coffee from Peaberry Coffee Roasters, tuck into a handmade grilled cheese from LOAF, and finish off your locally-sourced lunch with a fresh pastry from Hoxton Bakehouse.

After lunch, it’s time to walk in the footsteps of one of Southampton’s most famous former residents. The self-guided Jane Austen Heritage Trail includes 18 points of interest relating to the legendary author’s time in the city. The walk begins at The Bargate, marking where Austen briefly attended a nearby school, before winding through the city and finishing at The Dolphin Hotel, where she is believed to have celebrated her 18^th birthday. Keep a look out for the eight information-packed plaques located on the trail. Download the Jane Austen Heritage Trail map. 

You’ll be spending the night right in the heart of Southampton, staying in one of Ennios’ stylish boutique rooms. Not just a place to rest your head, Ennios also has a reputation as one of the best restaurants in the city. Its authentic Italian dishes (you must try the tagliatelle ragu) are a taste of the Mediterranean on England’s south coast.

Before settling down for a good night’s rest, prepare to be spellbound by The Dark Arts Potions & Puzzles Bar. The immersive venue is the perfect setting for a magical evening’s end. Don your finest cloak, sip on a Tipsy Witch cocktail and soak up the enchanting atmosphere. 

Your second day in Southampton begins with a visit to Royal Victoria Country Park, about six miles east of the city centre. With 200 acres to explore, it’s a perfect place to spend a slow morning in nature. If you fancy some structure to your walking, there are two main trails to explore – the Royal Victoria heritage trail (1.6 miles) and the Netley Abbey village heritage trail (2.7 miles).

Paultons Park in the New Forest is home to TV royalty, and we don’t use that term lightly. As well as getting the chance to meet Peppa Pig and her brother George at Peppa Pig World, there are also nine rides based on the popular programme to enjoy with the family. Make a splash on Grandpa Pig’s Boat Trip, take to the skies on Miss Rabbit’s Helicopter Flight, and go for a spin on Daddy Pig’s Car Ride. 

Thrill-seekers are catered for too and can get their adrenaline fix on rides like Drakon, Raven, Storm Chaser and Cyclonator…if they’re brave enough!

An alternative way to spend the bulk of your second day is with a visit to Beaulieu, a charming village in the New Forest National Park. Start your visit by checking out the F1 cars and record-breaking vehicles at the National Motor Museum. Then step back in time and follow in the footsteps of monks at Beaulieu Abbey and peek inside the Montagu family home, Palace House. End the day with a riverside picnic and a stroll around the scenic Mill Pond. 

Fancy spending the night surrounded by history? As the name suggests, THE PIG-in the wall is quite literally nestled within Southampton’s medieval walls. Rooms range from snug to spacious, pairing rustic charm with all the luxe touches you’d expect from a boutique hotel. As far as overnight stays go, this is one you’ll be telling your friends about for years to come.