Travel guide
Southampton
Southampton is a port city on England's south coast, where medieval walls stand close to the docks used by ocean liners. The Titanic sailed from here, and SeaCity Museum tells its story through the people of the city. South of the Bargate, the Old Town leads past Tudor House towards Town Quay and the ferries to the Isle of Wight.
Your visit to Southampton
01
Explore the city
Walk the medieval walls, visit a historic house or spend time with Southampton's maritime and aviation collections.
Things to do 02 Arrive by cruise ship
Five cruise terminals have different approaches to the city. The terminal name is the starting point for your onward journey.
Cruise port 03 Stay before you sail
Choose between the station and Westquay, the Old Town around Town Quay, and the waterfront at Ocean Village.
Hotels 04 Take a day trip
Winchester, the New Forest and Stonehenge each involve a different journey from Southampton, by train, road or connecting bus.
Day trips Places to visit
SeaCity Museum SeaCity Museum explores how the Titanic disaster affected Southampton and its people. At the Civic Centre on Havelock Road, the museum combines Southampton’s Titanic Story with exhibitions about the city’s wider history. Tudor House & Garden Tudor House & Garden occupies a timber-framed house facing St Michael’s Square in Southampton’s Old Town. The museum explores the lives of its residents, with historic rooms, a reconstructed knot garden and the remains of King John’s Palace. Solent Sky Solent Sky displays aircraft connected with Southampton and the Solent, including a Spitfire, a Supermarine racing seaplane and the large Sandringham flying boat. The museum is on Albert Road South, near Ocean Village. Old Town Southampton’s Old Town begins at the medieval Bargate and extends through historic streets towards the waterfront. Surviving walls, Tudor House and the remains of King John’s Palace connect the modern city with its earlier life as a trading port. Isle of Wight Red Funnel links Southampton with two different arrival points on the Isle of Wight. The Red Jet reaches West Cowes for a visit on foot, while the vehicle ferry carries cars, pedestrians and bicycles to East Cowes. Day trips Winchester offers historic streets and a cathedral, the New Forest has rail gateways for walks, and Salisbury combines a cathedral visit with onward buses to Stonehenge. Beaulieu and the Isle of Wight add different transport requirements to a day away from Southampton.
Planning your visit
What can I see in Southampton? +
The Old Town has medieval walls and Tudor House & Garden. SeaCity Museum explores Southampton's maritime history and the Titanic, while Solent Sky focuses on local aviation. The things to do guide helps you choose between them.
Can I walk from my cruise terminal into Southampton? +
The route depends on which of the five terminals your ship uses. Ocean and QEII are in the Eastern Docks; City, Horizon and Mayflower are in the Western Docks. The cruise port guide separates the terminals and the onward journey.
Can I visit London from Southampton? +
Southampton is linked with London by rail and coach. A journey before or after a cruise differs from an excursion during a port call, because the latter also needs time for disembarkation and the return to the ship. The London guide explains the options.
Which ferry goes to the Isle of Wight? +
Red Funnel's vehicle ferry sails from Terminal 1 to East Cowes. The Red Jet takes foot passengers from Terminal 2 to West Cowes. See ferries from Southampton for the distinction and Isle of Wight day trips for the onward visit.