Southampton is bursting with medieval heritage as one of England’s major historic port cities. Today, you can explore the old town walls soaking up the beauty of this historical city. Read our guide to Medieval Southampton for more information on spots to explore. Aside from its rich history, this city offers a wide range of attractions, days out, and entertainment venues for you to discover. Browse our complete Southampton city guide and plan your trip today.See what Southampton has to offer and book a city break.
Southampton offers plenty of family-friendly activities that make planning a staycation worthwhile. Some of the city’s top family attractions include:
Solent Sky Museum (Hall of Aviation)
Soak up the interesting local history of aviation as you peruse the many aircrafts on display at the Solent Sky Museum. Britain's most famous fighter plane, The Spitfire, was designed by R J Mitchell and built in the heart of the city of Southampton, today, you can see this iconic aircraft at one of Southampton’s unique cultural gems.
Ideal for visitors of all ages, the Solent Sky Museum also offers the opportunity to learn about the streamlined seaplane that competed in the 1929 Schneider Trophy, go on board one of the great Sandringham Flying Boats, or sit at the controls of a jet fighter.
Admission costs £6.50 for adults and £4.50 for children. The museum is open Tuesday – Saturday 10am-5pm, opening midday-5pm on Sundays. Located next to the Ocean Village, Solent Sky is a leisurely walk from our Southampton hotels.
Southampton City Art Gallery
Southampton Art Gallery has the finest collection of 20th century art south of London and regularly holds major exhibitions. The gallery also runs a range of tours, workshops (for both children & adults), and talks with the artists, making this the perfect activity for culture vultures of all ages, whether learning a new skill or soaking up the artwork.
Southampton City Art Gallery is open 10am -3pm Monday- Friday, closing two hours later at 5pm on Saturdays. Admission is free, and the gallery is situated a short seven-minute walk from Leonardo Hotel Southampton.
Old Town
Old Town perfectly displays the city's prosperity during the medieval period, reflected in the town walls, towers, and historic buildings such as the Wool House, Tudor House Museum, and St Michaels Church. About half of the original one-mile circuit of town walls still survives, with 13 of the original 29 towers and six of the eight gates still standing, as well as over 90 listed building and 30 ancient monuments.
Explore Southampton’s heritage with the Old Town Walk, which begins with the Bargate, just a five-minute walk from our hotel on West Quay Road.
Medieval Merchant's House
Explore this restored mid-14th century house and place of business as you travel back in time for a glimpse of Southampton’s historic city life.
Medieval Merchant’s House admission costs £4 for adults and £2.40 for children, opening times can vary. The house is situated a leisurely five minute walk from Leonardo Royal Southampton Grand Harbour.
To learn more about the history of Southampton and the surrounding county, explore Hampshire History for periods, places, names, resources, and more.
Mayflower Theatre
Offering magical evenings catered to all tastes and ages, the Mayflower Theatre is host to many spectacular shows. As the largest theatre in the South, there is always an array of performances from touring musicals (many direct from the West End), operas, and ballets to some of the biggest names in popular music and comedy.
The venue also offers pre/post theatre dining, with packages for theatre tickets, dinner, taxi, and overnight stay with breakfast available at Leonardo Hotels. This package can be booked online via the theatre’s site or by calling (+44) 2380 711824. Mayflower Theatre is a short walk from our Southampton hotels.
O2 Guildhall Southampton
As the South’s largest multi-purpose entertainment venue, O2 Guildhall Southampton is the number one spot to see your favourite acts. The hall hosts a plethora of performances and stars from classic pop to indie rock, as well as offering hospitality services for your exhibition, banquet, or dinner dance!
Situated in the heart of the city centre, close to our Southampton hotels, and 10 minutes from the railway station, this impressive venue is ideal for catching a show during your stay.
Orange Rooms
Winners of Southampton's Best Bar Award, Orange Rooms is a fantastic retro themed bar, eatery & cocktail lounge. The decor and music transports you back in time as you enjoy great food, a relaxed atmosphere, and a range of themed nights from Monday Night Blues Open Mic to Mixtape Fridays.
If you are looking to book a private event, preferential rates are available for Leonardo Hotel guests on request. Orange Rooms is a brief six-minute walk from our hotel.
Hythe Ferry Day Trip
For a day out with a difference, why not explore further afield from the city’s centre? Offering a fantastic activity for all of the family, the Hythe Ferry provides one of the best views of the Queen Mary 2 & Queen Elizabeth 2 in their Southampton home berth as you take to the waters to the small town of Hythe. With a short journey across Southampton Water, Hythe offers historic charm, especially along the pier. The pier is one of the ten longest piers in the British Isles and is the home of the oldest pier train. The town also holds a great little outdoor market on Tuesdays.
A return tickets costs £3.70 for children, and £5.80 for an adult. The ferry departs from the Town Quay, which is less than a ten-minute walk from Leonardo Royal Southampton Grand Harbour.
Southampton Common & Hawthorns Urban Wildlife Centre
Just a short twenty-minute walk from the city centre and our Leonardo Hotel Southampton hotel is a fantastic 326-acre park known as ‘The Common’. A designated Site of Special Scientific Interest and overflowing with flora and fauna, Southampton Common is a fantastic urban oasis to enjoy a winter walk or summer picnic. The park has plenty of attractions for all the family with a paddling pool, play area, woodlands, the country's deepest artesian well, and a large Victorian lake.
Southampton Common is also home to The Hawthorns Urban Wildlife Centre, which gives visitors the opportunity to learn about the natural history, local ecology, and wildlife of the area through interactive resources and comprehensive displays.
Southampton City Golf Course
Considered one of the finest ‘pay and play’ courses, Southampton City Golf Course offers a fantastic 27 hole course for an exciting all ages day out. The course boasts J.H. Taylor design that provides a fascinating mix of challenges to golfers of all standards. The facilities include a 18-hole practice ground, 2 putting greens and chipping area, practice nets, bar and restaurant, free parking and changing facilities. There are lessons available and for those without a set of clubs, there is clubs hire available.
The course is open seven days a week during daylight hours, tee times are bookable and the course is situated a short bus ride or drive from our Southampton hotels.
Ocean Village
Situated just a short distance from the city centre, Ocean Village, home to the BT Global Challenge, is one of the UK's biggest marina developments. The marina is bursting with restaurants, bars, two cinemas (art-house/independent & Hollywood blockbusters), sailing facilities, and of course, fantastic views. There are boat trips and cruises if you would like to explore further afield from the marina, allowing you to experience Southampton from the water.
WestQuay Shopping Centre
Overflowing with your favourite high street brands from H & M and Coast to Levi’s and Hollister, WestQuay Southampton Shopping Centre is the perfect place for some holiday retail therapy.
WestQuay is a brief ten-minute walk from our Southampton hotels.
The Marlands Shopping Centre
The Marlands offers a range of shops from the Disney Store to the Whittards of Chelsea. It is also home to the beautifully quaint and traditional tearoom, ChariTeas, which donates a percentage of every purchase to charity and is the perfect place to enjoy an afternoon indulging in tea and cake.
The Marlands is situated a short ten-minute walk from Leonardo Hotel Southampton and Leonardo Royal Southampton Grand Harbour.
The capital of Wales, Cardiff, is a bustling city filled with Welsh charm and bursting with things to see and do. Enjoy a pint at one of the many local pubs and bars, immerse in some retail therapy at St David’s, walk along the bay or explore Cardiff’s castle. Browse our top selection of attractions in Cardiff and plan your visit today. Learn more about booking a city break in Cardiff.