When many people think of Southampton, they think of it as a destination to visit before a cruise, or when heading to the Isle of Wight. One of the UK’s most famous port towns, it is about so much more than just a stop-gap and is a destination in its own right that you’d be mad to miss. A historical port town, it features more than enough to get your culture fix, as well as a thriving food and shopping scene. The next time you are looking for a staycation destination, Southampton ticks all the boxes.
From London, the journey to Southampton is just one hour, fifteen on a direct train from Waterloo. This makes it a viable reprieve when looking for a city escape that won’t take all day to get there. If you would prefer to travel by car, it takes around two hours from central London, again, nothing that is too taxing.
To Stay
Ennios Hotel
When looking where to make your base during your trip, look no further than Ennios Hotel. A stone throw from the waterfront, this boutique hotel has all you could need during your stay. Located on one of the most prestigious parts of Southampton, it faces the old waterfront giving you a front-row seat when looking to spot cruise ships from your bedroom window. Opulent and relaxing, you can sink into a sumptuously soft king-sized bed and expect all the amenities you could need such as a TV, air conditioning and tea and coffee facilities within your room. Rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated and the staff down in reception are only too happy to help with any query you might have. Ennios is also an Italian restaurant so if you are looking for somewhere within close reach to dine in an evening, or just to head for a pre-dinner cocktail, you won’t be disappointed.
To Do
Southampton is a melting pot of culture and activity, where you can spend your day meandering between museums, taking a break in a local coffee shop for a cake and hot drink before exploring a few art galleries and rounding your evening in a swanky rooftop bar.
Tudor House and Gardens
On your trip be sure to visit the Tudor House and Gardens located in the heart of the Old Town. A beautiful timber-framed building it hosts over 800 years of history, giving an insight into the lives of those who lived in Southampton and the city itself over the years. You can take your time wandering around the different rooms and gardens taking in the atmosphere and learning plenty about the city.
The SeaCity Museum
If you’re interested in the maritime history of Southampton – and most particularly the Titanic that set sail from Southampton back in 1912 – you need to head to the SeaCity Museum. The museum offers a real insight into Southampton’s story of the Titanic, showcasing how the disaster affected the city, delving into the lives of those that were impacted by the tragedy. It has a host of artefacts and extremely well put-together sets that really bring the history to life. You can also learn more about Southampton’s historic past and learn about maritime history from around the world.
The Southampton City Art Gallery
Southampton City Art Gallery first opened in 1939 and after a closure due to bomb damage in WWII, has continued to engage art enthusiasts and visitors to the gallery ever since. Here you can peruse a mix of contemporary and classic art with a rotating collection of masterpieces. It’s the ideal spot to spend a leisurely afternoon taking in the artwork and immersing yourself in the beauty of the building.
To Eat
There are a host of amazing places to eat in Southampton that you don’t want to miss. No matter if you’re looking for somewhere cool and eclectic, cosy and intimate or with stunning views of the city you are spoilt for choice.
HarBar on 6th
For dinner with a view look no further than HarBAR on 6th a stunning rooftop destination bar, kitchen and club overlooking the Solent. Dine some of the finest food you’ll have while in the city, sipping a glass of wine as the final shards of the sunset in the evening. Once you’ve finished dining you can cosy up on their large terrace complete with outdoor fire pits, heaters and, a resident DJ on the weekend. You can also stay in their hotel here.
Mettricks
If you’re looking for somewhere undeniably cool to stop for brunch, Mettricks is an effortless choice. The first speciality coffee house to open in Southampton, they first opened their doors back in 2013 and since then have been serving up a host of delicious dishes, putting the focus on their locally sourced food, high-quality coffee and fully-trained, expert baristas and chefs. Tuck into freshly cooked eggs, fluffy pancakes, sandwiches and more.
Ottoman Kitchen
If you’re craving something a little different for dinner, be sure to check out Ottoman Kitchen. Run and owned by the Fisticksi family from a small village in Turkey, they opened Ottoman Kitchen to give people a taste of truly authentic Turkish cooking. They focus on sourcing the best local suppliers, skilled chefs and training to ensure the best possible service. Each dish is prepared with care, packed with flavour and filled with the authentic flavours of Turkey. A large restaurant, it still manages to retain an intimate atmosphere where you feel properly cared for from the moment you arrive until the moment you leave.
To Know
Southampton is a city with so many surprises around each and every corner. Wander through the old town where you can discover hidden nooks and crannies just waiting to explore. Shop around the expansive, contemporary shopping centre where there is a myriad of eateries and high-street shops ideal for whiling away an afternoon. As we head into winter, be sure to check out the Christmas market that lines Above Bar St where you can indulge in some Christmas shopping and tuck into some festive treats. Southampton has everything you could possibly want for a break away and whether you decide to head there as a destination on its own or to spend a few days before heading on a cruise, you won’t be disappointed. Find out more about Southampton at Visit Southampton.
