Southampton : book your hotel

Southampton is a bustling port city on England’s south coast, famed for its maritime history and as the departure point for the iconic RMS Titanic. It’s an excellent choice for a weekend away or a quick pit stop before you set sail on a cruise.

Thanks to its convenient location on the South England coast, Southampton is easy to get to from many parts of the UK. The city boasts road and rail links with the rest of the mainland. Not to mention an international airport and port, opening Southampton to overseas visitors. If you're getting here by rail, look for services to Southampton Central station in the heart of the city. This station connects with London Waterloo in around 1 hour 20 minutes, Bournemouth in about 30 minutes and Brighton in just under 2 hours. It's just 2 hours 30 minutes from Birmingham and 1 hour 40 from Bristol.

Thanks to its expansive port, which is one of the top things to see in Southampton, the city is often considered a cruise capital of Europe. It's home to a wide variety of luxury cruise liners. At the same time, P&O, Princess, Royal Caribbean and Cunard ships set sail here throughout the year. You can also take a ferry from Southampton to the Isle of Wight, the Channel Islands and France.

There are many ways to discover Southampton's maritime and cultural history when you visit. Whether you're staying for a day, weekend, week or longer, enjoy a quick skim or dive deep into the city's story to make the most of your trip.

The SeaCity Museum is one of the top things to do in Southampton. It opened in 2012 to mark 100 years since the RMS Titanic departed and occupies part of the Grade II listed civic centre building. The museum is home to two permanent exhibitions showcasing Southampton's maritime past. One is dedicated to the city's connection with the RMS Titanic, while the other explores its role as one of England's major port cities. The SeaCity Museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, so take a look at what's on during your visit to discover something new.

Solent Sky is another of Southampton's must-see attractions, exploring the golden age of aviation. Previously known as Southampton Hall of Aviation, the institution puts the spotlight on aircraft from the city, like the Supermarine S.6 seaplane and the Supermarine Spitfire, designed by R. J. Mitchell. Explore the home of the Spitfire and the largest flying boat operation in the world. Not to mention 20 aircraft on display at this one-of-a-kind museum.

Step back in time when you visit Southampton's Tudor House and Garden during your time in the city. This Grade I listed historic building-come-tourist attraction was established as Southampton's first museum in 1912. Today, it reveals over 800 years of history at the heart of the city's Old Town. Enjoy an insight into the lives of residents throughout the centuries. There are many family-friendly activities, interactive exhibits and historical treasures on display.

Looking for a hit of international culture in Southampton? Head to the Southampton City Art Gallery, in the Civic Centre on Commercial Road. The space has been open since 1939, presenting six centuries of European art history across over 5,300 works. The galery showcases Allegretto Nuzi, the Perseus series by Burne-Jones and sculptures by Jacob Epstein, Auguste Rodin and Edgar Degas. The John Hansard Gallery is another internationally-acclaimed contemporary gallery and part of the University of Southampton. As well as presenting outstanding art from around the world, the gallery supports and develops up-and-coming artists and provides a platform. Visit the sleek gallery in Southampton City Centre to explore changing contemporary exhibitions year-round.

If you're searching for the best food and drink in Southampton, look no further. The city boasts many traditional British and international cafes, restaurants, pubs and bars. Whether you want to eat a quick vegan lunch of comforting dinner, a couple of pints or elegant cocktails on a Southampton rooftop, there's something for everyone here. For cosy pub vibes and excellent food, head to The Rockstone. This Southampton gem serves hearty food and local ale, both inside and in two gardens. The Oxford Brasserie is ideal for a special occasion, offering contemporary French, English and Italian cuisine on a changing, seasonal menu. Coriander Lounge is your go-to for Indian cooking in Southampton. At the same time, Ennio's serves a traditional Italian menu from a renovated Victorian warehouse overlooking the water.