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A mini guide to
Southampton Old Town & City Centre: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Weekend Park & Ride
The PR1 Park & Ride runs on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays from the Adanac Park multi-storey to Southampton Central, Westquay and Albion Place.
No Hythe ferry for now
The Hythe Pier Company says there is currently no scheduled passenger ferry between Southampton and Hythe. Plan New Forest trips by bus, train or car.
Pay by card on buses
Bluestar, the main city bus operator, accepts contactless tap-on, tap-off payment and sells day tickets.
Taxis
Visit Southampton lists taxi ranks at Southampton Central, Southampton Airport Parkway, near Westquay and on the High Street.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is Southampton Old Town & City Centre?
Southampton Old Town & City Centre is in Portsmouth and Southampton, England. Medieval walls and merchants' houses, the Titanic story at SeaCity and the ferries at Town Quay. Nearby stops and stations include Southampton Central, Quayconnect bus, Red Funnel.
How long do I need in Southampton Old Town & City Centre?
One day. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include SeaCity Museum, Tudor House and Garden, Medieval Merchant's House. See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: Southampton Central (South Western Railway, Southern, Great Western Railway and CrossCountry); Quayconnect bus (Southampton Central to the Red Funnel terminals at Town Quay); Red Funnel (Red Jet and vehicle ferries from Town Quay to the Isle of Wight); National Express coach station (Coaches to London Victoria and beyond). The Getting there page links to the official timetables and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 27 places to eat and drink in and around Southampton Old Town & City Centre, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 6 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is Southampton Old Town & City Centre accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in Southampton Old Town & City Centre
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
Ocean Village
Marina on the eastern side of the city centre, next to Solent Sky and the lightship.
Southampton Guildhall
Concert and events venue in the Civic Centre.
SeaCity Museum
City museum in the Civic Centre, opened in 2012, on Southampton's Titanic story and its history from prehistoric times to the Second World War.
Portsmouth and Southampton
More areas to explore
Portsmouth Harbour & Old Portsmouth
The Historic Dockyard, the Spinnaker Tower, Gunwharf Quays and the old harbour-mouth streets
Open the mini guide →
Southsea
Portsmouth's seafront: the D-Day Story, Southsea Castle, the piers and the restaurants of Albert Road
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- Southampton Town Walls: Christophe.Finot, CC BY-SA 2.5, source
- Ocean Village: Samuel Blanning at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Southampton Guildhall: Michael, Public domain, source
- SeaCity Museum: hahnchen at Wikimedia Commons (must include link if medium allows), CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Portsmouth Harbour & Old Portsmouth: geni, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Southsea: Geni, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
Keep exploring Portsmouth and Southampton