Southampton Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Southampton, Hampshire, England, UK)

An especially tourist friendly city where visitors are well catered for, attractions in Southampton range from waterfront restaurants and boat hire at the Ocean Village marina, to concerts and comedy events at the Guildhall and Civic Centre.

The Mayflower Theatre can be found along Commercial Road and features many performances each year, including musicals, children's shows, plays and major theatrical productions.

As Christmas time approaches in Southampton, the tourist attractions arrive thick and fast, including an ice skating rink at the Guildhall, and a bustling German market in the Above Bar area of the city. Those looking for sport should be sure to visit the Southampton sports centre, where a dry ski slope, tennis courts and playing fields are amongst the main attractions. Windsurfing is also popular around the city's waterfront, together with a number of other water sports, including sailing.

Ocean Village

Address: Southampton, Hampshire, SO14 3JS, England, UK
Tel: +44 023 8022 8353
A truly spectacular marina development and literally brimming with attractions for everyone, Southampton's Ocean Village is amongst the largest and most impressive in the whole of the country, and is located close to the Red Funnel Ferry Terminal. Lovers of seafood will not be disappointed at the marinas many restaurants, while other attractions include coffee shops with impressive views, plenty of boats and yachts to be both viewed and hired, two large cinemas and also the restored SS Shieldhall steamship, which resides in this marina throughout much of the year.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Civic Centre

Address: Civic Centre Road, Southampton, Hampshire, SO14 7LP, England, UK
Tel: +44 023 8083 2277
Standing proudly in the city centre and easy to find, the Civic Centre is a large building, dating back to the early 1930s. Many public festivities are hosted here each year and the Civic Centre is also home to Southampton's highly regarded City Art Gallery, a notable cafe, law courts, the Guildhall and the city's library, where Internet access is available. The Guildhall is especially notable and is regularly home to tea dances, record fairs, organ recitals and many other popular events, including an ice rink at Christmas time. The Guildhall first opened its doors in 1937 and has become an important listed building, featuring architecture typical of this period, .
Open hours: Tuesday to Saturday - 10:00 to 17:00, Sunday - 13:00 to 16:00
Admission: free, charge for some events

Hawthorns Urban Wildlife Centre

Address: The Common, Southampton, Hampshire, SO15 7NN, England, UK
Tel: +44 023 8067 1921
Bursting with local flora and fauna, the Hawthorns Urban Wildlife Centre is located on the vast and spreading Southampton Common and is especially popular with families. Children are well catered for here and many interesting activities and worksheets are available, together with a gift shop, to make this attraction even more appealing for the younger ones. A number of nature trails lead to reserve areas, where native wildlife can be observed from a distance.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 17:00, Saturday and Sunday - 12:00 to 16:00
Admission: free

Southampton Bonsai Nursery

Address: 6 Farmery Close, Swaythling, Southampton, Hampshire, SO18 2JX, England, UK
Tel: +44 023 8049 5729
A slightly more unusual attraction and appealing to those with a love of the orient and gardening, the Southampton Bonsai Nursery can be found in the Swaythling area of the city, in the back garden of a local house. Open throughout the week, visitors are always welcome here and whilst the garden is fairly small, there is plenty crammed in and many excellent, affordable bonsai trees for sale, together with a comprehensive range of accessories.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 18:00, although seasonal variations may apply
Admission: free

Rose Bowl

Address: Botley Road, West End, Southampton, Hampshire, SO30 3XH, England, UK
Tel: +44 023 8047 2002
A major sporting venue famous for its many important international games of cricket, the Rose Bowl is also known for hosting many seasonal attractions and events. Highlights throughout the city's busy calendar include a number of concerts, many conferences and a range of evening entertainment. The Rose Bowl is also home to a small golf course, a hotel and a popular fitness centre.
Open hours: ticket office, Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Stanley Casino

Address: Terminus House, Terminus Terrace, Southampton, Hampshire, SO1 1FE, England, UK
Tel: +44 023 8022 1021
A popular casino with a particularly interesting past, the Stanley Casino lies in the heart of Southampton and was once the entrance to the city's busy Terminus Station. With free refreshments, slot machines and a number of gaming tables, including Blackjack and roulette, the casino is members only. However, the casino can be joined free of charge and membership applications are always processed promptly, meaning that you can play here as soon as the next day.
Open hours: Sunday to Friday - 14:00 to 06:00, Saturday - 14:00 to 04:00
Admission: free