Southampton Port guide: What to see, do & eat in UK’s biggest port

Words by Rebecca Barnes

Travellers looking to swerve heaving airports, baggage restrictions and cramped aircraft cabins can literally sail round the globe from the Port of Southampton.

The UK’s gateway to the world has five terminals – City Cruise, Horizon, Mayflower, Ocean and QEII – and more than 2 million passengers pass through Southampton cruise port annually.

A homeport for many cruise lines, you can embark a mega ship to Northern Europe or a luxury yacht to the Canary Islands – and how can we forget the iconic transatlantic crossing?

From characterful pubs to fascinating maritime museums, the city of Southampton has plenty to offer visitors, whether they’re overnighting before a Southampton cruise or just in port for the day.

How do I get to the city centre from Port of Southampton?

Walking from Southampton port takes around 15-20 minutes on level ground depending on which terminal you are docked in, with Horizon and City Cruise being the closest. Alternatively, book an Uber.

How do I get from Southampton Central station to Port of Southampton?

Book an Uber or jump in a taxi – there’s a rank outside the station and you’ll be at Southampton cruise port in five minutes. If you walk it will take around 40 minutes.

Where can I park at Port of Southampton?

Cruise parking at Southampton Port is available for passengers departing from all five terminals – the exact service will depend on your cruise line and departure and/or arrival terminal. For another Southampton cruise port parking solution, there is also a Park and Ride service, where you will park a few miles away from the Port and take a free shuttle bus. Some Southampton hotels offer parking which is a bonus if you are staying overnight before your cruise.

What airport is closest to Southampton cruise port?

Southampton International Airport is an option for those travelling from around the UK and northern Europe. Most international passengers will fly into Heathrow, approximately a 1.5-hour drive, or Gatwick which is a two-hour drive.

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Southampton is seriously underrated as a destination – there’s so much to see and do, you may want to stay a couple of nights before your Southampton port cruise, and not just one. The city is easy to get to from the cruise terminal, via foot or taxi.

Things to do in Southampton port

SeaCity Museum

This is a maritime must – learn about Southampton’s historic connections with the sea, including the tragic story of the Titanic.

The QE2 Mile

A fun, free self-guided walkable route revealing Old Town history – keep an eye out for the iron plates as you walk around.

Titanic Trail

A great option if you’re short on time, this 75-minute walking tour features key locations in and around the city and port, providing the backstory to the ship, its passengers and crew.

Tudor House and Garden

The oldest museum in the city, this timber-framed building reveals over 800 years of history. Don’t miss the Tudor Knot garden, which recreates a formal period garden, and enjoy a drink from the cafe.

Westquay

This retail mecca is home to more than 90 high street shops, as well as upmarket designer stores. There are also restaurants, a luxury cinema, and 12 lane bowling alley.

Further afield

New Forest National Park

Indulge in some forest bathing at this nature-focused destination – while you walk, cycle or ride on the New Forest Tour bus, keep a look out for heathland birds, deer, butterflies and cattle. There’s also a secret woodland garden with cosy tea room.

Stonehenge

One of the wonders of the world, it will take around an hour by road to reach this mysterious prehistoric landmark monument [below], which has been visited and worshipped for thousands of years. Your cruise line is bound to be offering an excursion here.

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There’s lots of choice to suit all tastes in Southampton, from award-winning pubs to Art Deco cocktail bars. A great place for hungry cruise passengers is Oxford Street, a pedestrianised area that’s home to the city’s indie dining scene.

White Star Tavern

This beautifully designed gastropub is located close to the river in bustling Oxford Street and caters for any party size over lunch, Sunday lunch or dinner.

The Pig in the Wall

Book a table at this cosy boutique hotel restaurant [below] which is committed to local and home-grown produce. Choose from fresh deli salads, larger plates, snack boards and sweet treats.

HarBAR on 6th

This stylish rooftop hangout affords great vistas of the city, alongside killer cocktails and contemporary sharing plates with a twist.

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Room2

The world’s first hometel features spacious rooms with king-sized beds, fully-equipped kitchens and huge windows – some even have mezzanine bedrooms. Additional touches including breakfast bags, amenities boxes and in room recycling, and there’s a bar, gym and laundry room too.

White Star Tavern

As well as excellent pub grub, you can also stay at this elegant tavern which offers beautifully appointed boutique-style rooms – but don’t hang around as they are very popular.

The Moxy

This contemporary design hotel near Southampton port is ideally situated for Westquay and is within walking distance of the port. Check in for stylish air-conditioned rooms, a bar, a lounge and all-day dining.

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