Stopover guide

Southampton is a busy port town where seaside holidaymakers mingle with overseas visitors and passengers on route to France. The town is typical of a traditional seaside resort and offers charming guesthouses set amid picturesque Hampshire scenery.

Attractions:

The Museum of Archaeology is home to one of Britain's finest archaeological collections and it provides an insight into the history of the town, from Roman times to modern day.
The Tudor House Museum is the city’s main museum and it offers visitors a look at the interior of a traditional Tudor construction. An original cannon belonging to Henry VIII is on display at the museum.
The Maritime Museum gives visitors an insight into the town's history as a busy 19th, 20th and now 21st century port.
Manor Farm Country Park offers visitors views of a historic working farm and the chance to meet characters from the 1900s.
Marwell Zoological Park offers over 200 species of birds and animals including penguins, lions, tigers, apes, rhino and giraffe.

Eating and shopping: there are a variety of good spots to head for eating in Southampton. London and Oxford streets are popular places for cheap establishments, while the more upmarket areas of Town Quay and Ocean Village are located at the waterfront and offer a good selection of classy British restaurants as well as international establishments.

For shopping, Westquay is a good place to start, with its 100 retail outlets including high street favourites such as Marks and Spencer, Next, Benetton, FCUK, John Lewis and HandM. Meanwhile, the Bargate Centre offers more specialist retailers, while the Marlands Shopping Centre offers a combination of clothing and lifestyle outlets.

Day trips and tours: situated just south of Southampton, the New Forest is a large area of natural beauty that can be reached within one hour by car. The area is perfect for overnight camping or for lovers of outdoor pursuits such as walking, hiking and cycling. The Otter Owl and Wildlife Park in the area is ideal for bird lovers.
Towns within driving distance of Southampton include Winchester and Chichester, both famous for their picturesque cathedrals, while Salisbury is home to the world famous and mysterious Stonehenge. County Hampshire is full of fine scenery and quaint little villages and it is an ideal place to explore at your leisure.

Southampton Tourist Information Centres

Southampton TIC
9 Civic Centre Road
Southampton
SO14 7FJ
Tel: 023 8083 3333
Fax: 023 8083 3381
Email: tourist.information@southampton.gov.u

Southampton International Airport Tourist Information Point
Wide Lane
Southampton
SO18 2HG
Tel: no telephone enquiries