Itinerary idea: visit the coastal city of Southampton

Southampton is synonymous with famous sea voyages. It was the point of departure for the Mayflower pilgrims, the ill-fated Titanic, the D-Day landings and now welcomes over two million cruise passengers a year as well as hundreds of thousands of visitors. It also made the iconic Spitfire aircraft during World War Two.

Free coach parking is offered at several locations across the city. This applies for coaches wishing to stop for up to ten hours. 

Here’s what you could pack into a visit…..

10am: Start the day with a city tour, there is an excellent choice of knowledgeable guides in Southampton, including those affiliated to See Southampton which delivers a programme of historical walks. Tours last 90 minutes and include visits to the medieval walls and vaults.

11:30am: No trip to Southampton is complete without a visit to Sea City Museum which charts the city’s maritime history with a series of interactive exhibits including the Titanic Story. This exhibition tells the story of the ship’s tragic sinking in 1912, and the impact it had on the city – more than 500 households lost a family member. The disaster room describes the sequence of events from the time it struck the iceberg, to its sinking and the rescue of the passengers by the Carpathia.

1pm: Enjoy lunch at Dancing Man Brewery, a microbrewery/pub located in an old wool house built in 1332. The pub offers a 110-seater restaurant and two well stocked bars, and it even brews its own ales on the premises.

La Regata is also great for groups. The authentic Spanish restaurant has capacity for up to 100 and can also offer set tapas menus.

2pm: More history can be explored with a visit to the Tudor House and Gardens, which offers a peek into the city’s 800 year past in the heart of the Old Town. Tudor House gives an atmospheric insight into the lives and times of both its residents through the years and of Southampton itself.

Alternatively, Solent Sky depicts the story of aviation in Hampshire and the Solent region, with more than 20 aircraft from the golden age of aviation. Exhibits include the famous British fighter aircraft the Spitfire, which was designed and built in Southampton; the world’s largest flying boat and a space suit from Apollo 17.

3:30pm: Another cultural hotspot in the old town is the award-winning arts and heritage venue God’s House Tower housed in part of the medieval city wall and fortifications. It interprets the city’s past and living history through a changing programme of exhibitions and art inspired events and talks.

The Tower was built in 1400 to house gunpowder and cannons, and remained an important defensive structure for the next 300 years. Visitors can discover its dark history in the heritage exhibition Stories Behind the Stones, where each floor takes you on a journey through time, from the 14th Century sacking of Southampton to its 17th Century use as a debtors prison. There is also a chance to take in views from its roof top.

6pm: Westquay shopping centre offers a range of the larger chain restaurants from The Real Greek to Las Iguanas, Five Guys and Wagamama that are great for an early evening dinner. Alternatively, why not try an all-you-can-eat, global buffet at COSMO.

7:30pm: From concert venues and theatres to live music nights, comedy and a packed events and festivals programme, groups are spoilt for choice in the city and all performance venues offer discounts to groups.

Mayflower Studios presents and produces theatre, dance, musicals, music, comedy, circus, cabaret, spoken word, visual arts and family shows. Built in 1928, The Mayflower Theatre is the biggest theatre on the south coast with over 2,200 seats in the main auditorium. Its theatrical offering includes theatre performances from the West End, dance, opera, drama, ballet and comedy. 

Extend your visit 

Southampton offers a range of group friendly accommodation options from convenient city centre bases to retreats on the outskirts of the city and trusted chains to independent and boutique options.

Located centrally with views of the Solent, Leonardo Royal Hotel Southampton Grand Harbour has 173 bedrooms, great leisure and spa facilities and a Marco Pierre White restaurant. Further in the city centre options include The Star Hotel, Moxy Southampton,Travelodge and Premier Inn.

On the outskirts is the New Place Hotel, offering a blend of traditional and modern spaces over 32 acres of landscaped gardens, including a Grade I listed manor house which houses a restaurant, a bar and meeting rooms.