If you’re looking for a vibrant mix of coastal charm, rich maritime history, and modern city buzz, Southampton is the perfect destination for a 24-hour escape. Whether you’re looking to make the most of the destination before a cruise, or hopping on a train for a quick city break, this lively port city on the south coast offers a little bit of everything. I’ve been to Southampton both to precede a cruise and also as a destination in itself and found there’s always something new to discover. In this article, we take a look at how to make the most of your 24 hours in Southampton.
Don’t forget to book your train tickets in advance for the best prices!
The Lowdown
Stay Here
Do This
Eat Here
Where to stay
Room2 Southampton
Room2 Southampton is the first “Hometel” in the city, marrying the luxuries of a hotel with the comforts of an apartment. The result? Super stylish rooms with everything you could possibly need for a break away. Kitchenette? Storage? Dining table? Enough space to swing a cat tiger? Check check check! We stayed in one of their Master rooms, however there are smaller study type rooms (still beautiful and spacious) as well as large Master Loft rooms that can sleep all of the family. Check in and check out is 2pm, so you can have your room for a full 24 hours (ideal before going on a cruise) and you can either cook in your room, order a takeaway or dine in their on-site restaurant Winnie’s. Be warned, you might accidentally get waylaid by their excellent cocktail selection in Winnie’s bar on the way! Be sure to check out their breakfast in the morning, there’s a great selection from a Full-English to stacked pancakes, all alongside a selection of drinks and juices. Don’t miss our full review of room2 Southampton.
What to do
Visit the SeaCity Museum
When looking to immerse yourself in the city and get a real feel for the history of it, there’s nowhere better to visit than the Sea City Museum. This delves into the story of the people of the city, their lives and the historic connections with the sea.
This tells of Titanic’s tragic sinking in 1912, and the impact it had on the city – more than 500 households lost a family member. It’s a fantastic and immersive exhibition that allows you to learn more about the ship than ever before.
As well as visiting the museum you can also download Titanic Trail. The 75-minute walking tour and map features key locations in and around the city and port providing a fascinating backstory to the ship, its passengers and crew.
The ground floor of the museum is home to a cafe, retro arcade games which are great fun to play with (be sure to bring some cash!) and a Jane Austen exhibition, in celebration of 2025 being 250 years since she was born. Running until the end of October, entitled “A Very Respectable Company – Jane Austen and her Southampton Circle”. On display are never-before-seen rare paintings, letters, books and personal items such as the Austen Family Household Book of recipes and silhouettes first started by Austen’s grandmother. The exhibition is beautifully laid out and immersive, with plenty to look at and engaging for all ages.
Take the self-guided Jane Austen walking trail
Once you’ve got your taste of Jane Austen, why not delve deeper into her history with a self-guided Jane Austen walking trail? Available as a downloadable PDF, it commemorates Austen’s time in the city and takes you to eight key locations in Austen’s life which are marked by plaques. It’s also a great chance to get your bearings in the city.
Visit the Tudor House and Gardens
Begin your next day with breakfast at Room2 Hotel, before heading on a short walk to the Tudor House and Gardens. Stepping through the heavy timbered doorway feels like slipping into a beautifully preserved fragment of late‑medieval city life. Once you’ve had a look around the house, be sure to visit the serene hidden garden tucked behind the house: a walled oasis of beautiful flowers that feels like a true city secret. Musicians occasionally play in the sun-drenched courtyard and it’s a tranquil spot to just stop and sit.
Take a trip to God’s House Tower
God’s House Tower is located on the right by the waterfront and is a beautiful 13th-century gatehouse with a rich history. Over time, it has been a fortress, goal, mortuary and museum before being revitalised as an arts and heritage venue. We visited to check out the Hidden in Stone exhibition, a collaboration between scientists and artists, museums and galleries that explores the Jurassic world. On show were fossils and life-sized models of dinosaur skulls, something our toddler was particularly enthralled by!
Anything else?
In your spare time, be sure to wander around Queen’s Park, take a meander along the waterfront to check out the cruise ships, or head to the Westquay shopping centre. Here you can find everything you could possibly need, from fashion stores, to jewellers, restaurants and a cinema. If you have young ones with you, a trip to Sea Life Play is an absolutely must. A 100,000sq ft area fitted with two soft play structures, there’s plenty to do for those aged 0-12. Whether the weather is a bit too drizzly to explore the outdoors, or if you want the kids to let off some steam while you sip a coffee, it’s the ideal spot for the whole family. Located in the Marlands Shopping Centre it’s easy to get to and is open 7 days a week. (Opening hours do vary, so please check before your visit!)
Where to eat
Dinner at The Real Greek
Dining wise, there are a myriad of options in Southampton, from small independents, to large chains. Whether you want Italian, Tapas, Greek, Brasserie, fast food or fine-dining you can find it here. We had our toddler with us on this trip so opted for The Real Greek, something family-friendly and packed with atmosphere. As someone who adores sharing-style dining, I loved the relaxed, sociable vibe here, ideal for families or date nights alike. The menu is packed with authentic flavours; the halloumi fries were a standout, crisp on the outside and gooey within. The grilled chicken and side greek salad were deliciously light and packed with flavour. With friendly service, beautiful interiors and a prime spot right in the shopping centre, it’s a standout choice for dinner when spending 24 hours in Southampton.
Lunch at White Star Tavern
We rounded our trip with lunch at the White Star Tavern. A 19th century inn, it’s located on vibrant Oxford Street – somewhere also known for its vibrant nightlife, so can be a spot to note if you want a few drinks in the evening. The White Star Tavern was named after the White Star Shipping Line as both passengers and crew would frequent it before and after sailing. It’s also one of the venues where many guests of the Titanic stayed before it set sail.
Breakfast at Room2
The atmosphere here is warm and relaxing at once. It’s the sort of place that’s ideal for an ice-cold drink and reprieve from the sun in the summer, or where you can escape into a cosy haven in the winter. You can expect all the pub classics on the menu here, from pie to fish and chips, as well as a range of desserts and drinks.
Southampton is a place that is sometimes only thought of as a pre- or post-cruise place to visit, but it’s so much more than that. Instead of seeing it just as a gateway to your holiday, treat it as a trip destination in its own right. It’s a city steeped in history, with a rich past that is just waiting to be discovered. There are plenty of places to eat and drink, beautiful hotels and a myriad of green spaces to enjoy.
