In the event you’re staying or stay within the metropolis, there are some wonderful day journeys you are able to do from Southampton. And when you’re departing on a cruise, nowadays out make for an amazing purpose to increase your journey.
Southampton is brilliantly positioned for exploring the south of England. You’ve received the New Forest in a single path, Winchester in one other, Portsmouth alongside the coast and the Isle of Wight only a ferry journey away. There are a great deal of nice locations you possibly can attain with out spending half your day travelling.
I do know this a part of England very well. I stay simply down the street in Portsmouth and have spent years exploring Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and the south coast, so I’ve been to most of those locations greater than as soon as.
Whether or not you need seashores, countryside, historical past or someplace enjoyable to take the children, these are among the greatest day journeys from Southampton.
1. Discover the New Forest for Beaulieu, Exbury & Brockenhurst
Finest for: Households, automobiles and a full day outFrom Southampton: Round half-hour by automotive
The New Forest is among the best day journeys from Southampton, particularly you probably have a automotive.
There are hundreds (and hundreds!) of issues to do within the New Forest (too many to jot down right here so come again for that hyperlink). One of many greatest sights right here is the Nationwide Motor Museum, the place you’ll discover lots of of autos overlaying the historical past of motoring, together with well-known automobiles from movies and TV.
Even when you’re not notably serious about automobiles, there’s sufficient right here to make a correct day of it. Your ticket consists of rather more than the motor museum, with Palace Home, Beaulieu Abbey, exhibitions and household sights to discover too. They’ve received an excellent playground now too.
You’re additionally proper within the New Forest, so you possibly can mix Beaulieu with a drive by means of the nationwide park, cease for lunch in one of many villages and look out for the well-known New Forest ponies wandering round. Exbury Gardens is nice (and has a mini steam prepare) and Brockenhurst is properly value a go to too. In the event you’re visiting the New Forest by prepare Brockenhurst is the most effective station to return into.
In the event you’re travelling with youngsters from Southampton, New Forest Wildlife Park is one other simple possibility. The wildlife park specialises in native and European species, with animals together with otters, deer, wild boar and wolves. There’s loads of house to stroll round and a few massive play areas too, which is all the time helpful while you’re attempting to entertain kids for a whole day.
Visiting the New Forest from Southampton by automotive makes it simpler to discover than by prepare. You possibly can rent a automotive from discovercars.com from round £20 per day. The widely flat and extensive roads imply it’s simple for everybody to navigate – simply go gradual and bear in mind the animals have the fitting of means.
Cash saving tip: The most effective factor to do within the New Forest is definitely simply to stroll, cycle or chill. There are various areas the place youngsters can paddle in shallow water, and you’ll simply get pleasure from a nature stroll in one in all England’s greatest nationwide parks.
2. Take a day journey to the Isle of Wight
Finest for: Making a complete journey out of the journeyFrom Southampton: Round an hour by ferry
You possibly can hop on a ferry and be on the Isle of Wight in round an hour on a day journey from Southampton. Crimson Funnel operates between Southampton and East Cowes, and you’ll journey both as a foot passenger or take your automotive.
I like the Isle of Wight and have been over many occasions. There may be way more to do on the Isle of Wight than you possibly can presumably squeeze into sooner or later, so I’d suggest selecting one space moderately than attempting to race across the total island.
With a automotive you possibly can head to someplace like Shanklin, Sandown, Ventnor or the west of the island. With out one, you should utilize the island’s buses or focus your day round Cowes and Newport when you’re approaching a day journey from Southampton.
In order for you stunning seashores, seaside cities and that little feeling of going someplace while not having to get on a aircraft, that is simply top-of-the-line day journeys from Southampton.
The ferry journey itself is a part of the enjoyable too, particularly when you’re travelling with kids.
Cash-saving Isle of Wight tip: Verify whether or not travelling as a foot passenger works to your plans earlier than paying to take the automotive. In the event you’re solely visiting for a day, you could not really need it.
3. Spend the day in Winchester
Finest for: Historical past, impartial outlets and a relaxed metropolis breakFrom Southampton: Round 15–20 minutes by prepare or automotive
Winchester might be one of many best day journeys from Southampton with no automotive. It’s a gorgeous little metropolis and compact sufficient that you would be able to see quite a bit in a day with out feeling such as you’re dashing round.
Winchester Cathedral is the plain landmark, however be sure you additionally wander alongside the River Itchen, discover the impartial outlets and cafés and go to The Nice Corridor, dwelling to the big medieval Spherical Desk related to the legend of King Arthur.
Winchester is especially beautiful round Christmas when town will get very festive, however I feel it really works at just about any time of 12 months.
This could be my choose in order for you a simple day journey the place you may get off the prepare and discover the whole lot on foot. Undoubtedly the only option for a day trip from Southampton with the women!
4. Go to Portsmouth and Southsea
Finest for: Seaside, maritime historical past and shoppingFrom Southampton: Round 45 minutes by prepare
I could also be barely biased as a result of Portsmouth is my dwelling metropolis now, however there may be hundreds to do right here.
If it’s your first go to, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard might be the place to start out. It’s dwelling to HMS Victory, the Mary Rose Museum and a few unbelievable British naval historical past.
Proper subsequent door you’ve got Gunwharf Quays for outlet buying, prime chain eating places and the Spinnaker Tower. However I’d positively suggest going past Gunwharf.
Head into Previous Portsmouth for the historic streets and waterfront pubs, after which proceed alongside to Southsea. That is the place you’ll discover the seashore, Southsea Fort, Canoe Lake, impartial outlets round Albert Street and loads of good locations to eat and drink in Southsea.
You possibly can simply spend a whole day exploring Portsmouth and Southsea from Southampton, and also you positively don’t want a automotive to do it.
Cash-saving tip: In the event you’re travelling from central Southampton, the prepare could be a lot simpler than driving when you’ve factored in petrol and parking.
5. Uncover Salisbury and Stonehenge
Finest for: Historical past and one in all England’s most well-known landmarksFrom Southampton: Round 30–40 minutes by prepare to Salisbury
Salisbury makes one other simple day journey from Southampton. The town itself is beautiful to wander round, with historic streets, conventional pubs, impartial outlets and Salisbury Cathedral dominating the skyline.
The cathedral can be dwelling to one of many surviving unique copies of Magna Carta, so it’s properly value going inside you probably have time.
You possibly can then mix Salisbury with a visit to Stonehenge.
Stonehenge is outdoors town, so that you’ll have to issue within the journey there, however combining the 2 makes for an excellent history-packed day trip. I’ve written a information to testing Stonehenge that includes all my prime ideas so be certain that to verify that out earlier than you go.
In the event you’ve come to Southampton from abroad and wish to tick off one in all England’s most well-known sights when you’re right here, it is a notably good possibility.
6. Take the Ferry to Hythe
Finest for: An affordable and simple mini adventureFrom Southampton: Round quarter-hour by ferry
You don’t must go all the way in which to the Isle of Wight to show your day journey into a ship journey.
The Hythe Ferry crosses Southampton Water between Southampton and Hythe, providing you with sensible views of the port and all the big ships coming and going.
One of many quirkiest elements of the journey is Hythe Pier. At round 640 metres lengthy, it stretches proper out into Southampton Water, and there’s even just a little railway operating alongside it.
When you’re in Hythe, you possibly can have a wander across the village, cease for one thing to eat or use it as a place to begin for exploring extra of the New Forest.
This isn’t essentially someplace I’d plan a whole action-packed day round, however that’s additionally a part of its attraction. It’s a simple, slower-paced journey that appears like an journey merely since you arrived by boat.
7. Go to Bournemouth for the seashore
Finest for: A correct sandy seashore dayFrom Southampton: Round 35–45 minutes by prepare
Bournemouth has miles of correct golden sand, so that is the day journey from Southampton I’d select on a sunny day.
The prepare from Southampton to Bournemouth is simple, and when you arrive you possibly can stroll down by means of the city and Bournemouth Gardens in direction of the seafront. Parking is annoying over summer season so be sure you go away early for the simplest automotive parks.
Bournemouth Seaside is the plain attraction, with loads of house for sunbathing, swimming and sandcastles. There’s additionally Bournemouth Pier, amusement arcades, cafés and eating places, so you possibly can simply spend a lot of the day across the seafront while not having a automotive.
If you wish to discover just a little additional, you possibly can stroll alongside the promenade in direction of Boscombe and its pier, or head in the wrong way in direction of Durley Chine and ultimately Sandbanks when you’re feeling notably energetic.
Bournemouth works very well with youngsters too. Between the seashore, pier, gardens, arcades and ice lotions, there’s sufficient happening to fill a full day with out having to plan an excessive amount of. I’ve written a devoted information to exploring Bournemouth with young children so be certain that to verify that out earlier than you allow.
Cash-saving tip: Convey a picnic and your individual seashore stuff moderately than shopping for the whole lot on the seafront. A sunny Bournemouth day can get surprisingly costly when you’ve added lunch, deckchairs, arcades and ice lotions for everybody.
8. Discover Hurst Fort and Keyhaven
Finest for: Coastal walks, historical past and Isle of Wight viewsFrom Southampton: Round 45–60 minutes by automotive
For someplace that feels utterly totally different from Southampton with out truly being very far-off, head in direction of Keyhaven and Hurst Fort. You’re travelling by means of the New Forest once more nevertheless it’s value it’s personal separate level.
Hurst Fort sits proper on the finish of Hurst Spit, a protracted shingle financial institution stretching out into the Solent. It was initially constructed by Henry VIII as a part of his coastal defences, and its place is fairly spectacular. From right here you’re wanting straight throughout the water in direction of the Isle of Wight and The Needles.
A part of the enjoyable is getting there. You possibly can stroll alongside Hurst Spit from Milford on Sea, though strolling on shingle is more durable work than it seems to be, or take the little ferry from Keyhaven throughout to Hurst Fort.
I’d suggest doing a mixture of the 2 if timings enable. Taking the boat a technique and strolling the opposite turns attending to the fortress into a part of the journey moderately than merely being transport.
Keyhaven itself is beautiful too, with boats bobbing across the harbour and the encompassing nature reserve making it an amazing place for a coastal stroll. You possibly can simply mix Hurst Fort with close by Milford on Sea for lunch or a drink overlooking the Solent.
Cash-saving tip: In the event you don’t thoughts the stroll, you possibly can skip the ferry in a single path and stroll alongside Hurst Spit as an alternative. Simply put on respectable sneakers – these pebbles are surprisingly tiring!
9. Stroll Hengistbury Head and Go to Mudeford
Finest for: Coastal surroundings and a day outdoorsFrom Southampton: Round 45–60 minutes by automotive
Hengistbury Head is one in all my favorite choices on this record in order for you a day journey that’s extra about being outdoors than ticking off sights.
This dramatic headland sits between Bournemouth and Christchurch, with strolling trails, seashores and sensible views throughout the coast. You possibly can stroll over Hengistbury Head in direction of Mudeford Sandbank, the place you’ll discover the well-known vibrant seashore huts lining the shore.
The seashore huts right here commonly make headlines for his or her eye-watering costs, however luckily it prices nothing to stroll previous them and marvel what it could be wish to personal one!
The most effective bits is taking the little passenger ferry between Mudeford Sandbank and Mudeford Quay. It’s solely a brief journey, nevertheless it makes the day really feel like rather more of an journey, particularly when you’re visiting with youngsters.
You possibly can cease for lunch or a drink by the water, spend a while on the seashore after which stroll again throughout the headland. There are many totally different routes, so that you don’t want to show it into a large hike except you wish to.
On a sunny day, the mix of strolling, seashore, boats and sea views makes this really feel a lot additional away from Southampton than it truly is.
Cash-saving tip: This can be a nice picnic day. Pack meals and drinks, make the stroll the primary occasion and you’ll have an excellent day trip with out paying for an costly attraction.
10. Spend the Day at Paultons Park and Peppa Pig World
Finest for: Households and youthful childrenFrom Southampton: Round 20–25 minutes by automotive
In the event you’re visiting Southampton with kids, Paultons Park might be one of many best massive household days out you are able to do.
The theme park is simply outdoors town close to Romsey and is dwelling to Peppa Pig World, which is understandably an enormous draw when you’ve received youthful youngsters. There are Peppa-themed rides, characters and sights designed particularly with little ones in thoughts. I’ve written a complete information to creating essentially the most out of your day trip at Peppa Pig World right here.
However don’t make the error of considering Paultons Park is simply Peppa Pig World.
There are greater than 70 rides and sights throughout the broader park, together with rollercoasters, water rides, play areas and themed sections aimed toward older kids and adults too. That makes it notably helpful when you’re travelling with kids of various ages.
Cash-saving tip: E book your tickets prematurely moderately than shopping for them on the gate, and take your individual refillable water bottles and snacks. For a complete household, the extras inside a theme park can shortly add up.
11. Make a Day of Corfe Fort and Dorset
Finest for: A correct street tripFrom Southampton: Round 1 hour quarter-hour by automotive, relying on site visitors
Corfe Fort is the furthest possibility on this record, however you probably have a automotive and don’t thoughts an extended drive, it’s value it.
The dramatic fortress ruins sit excessive above the village of Corfe and have greater than 1,000 years of historical past behind them. The views alone are value climbing up for.
The most effective factor about travelling this far into Dorset is that you would be able to make rather more of the journey. Mix Corfe Fort with Swanage, Studland or one other cease on the Isle of Purbeck and also you’ve received your self a correct south coast street journey.
I’d enable a full day for this one moderately than attempting to squeeze it right into a morning or afternoon.
Finest day journeys from Southampton with youngsters
In the event you’re visiting Southampton as a household, I’d put the New Forest and the Isle of Wight on the prime of the record.
Beaulieu within the New Forest is especially good as a result of there’s sufficient happening to fill a lot of the day, whereas the Isle of Wight turns a traditional day journey into a correct little journey.
Portsmouth is one other good possibility for older kids, particularly in the event that they’re serious about ships and historical past. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is usually cited as one of many prime days out in the entire of the UK.
Finest day journeys from Southampton for {couples}
For a relaxed day collectively, I’d go for Winchester, Lymington or the Isle of Wight.
Winchester is ideal for wandering, consuming and consuming while not having a lot of an itinerary, whereas Lymington is beautiful on a sunny day.
When you have the time and funds, getting the ferry over to the Isle of Wight will make the day really feel rather more like a mini vacation.
Which Southampton day journey do you have to select?
If I had simply sooner or later, I’d most likely select the Isle of Wight. There’s one thing about getting on a ferry that instantly makes a day trip really feel extra thrilling, and you’ll be someplace utterly totally different inside an hour.
For the simplest possibility, go to Winchester.
For households, I’d select the New Forest – however keep away from these spendy eating places when you’re on a funds!
And if you wish to see the most effective metropolis on the south coast… properly, clearly I’d let you know to return to Portsmouth.
Whichever you select, Southampton is a superb base for exploring Hampshire and the south of England. You possibly can attain cities, seashores, forests, historic websites and even an island with out having to journey notably far.