Overview
The Port of Southampton is the cruise capital of the United Kingdom and a turn-around port for Europe. Situated on the South coast of England, it is only about 80 miles from the center of London and not far from Heathrow, Gatwick or Southampton airports. Southampton offers museums, music venues, art galleries, parks, and excellent shopping, and numerous historical sites.
Things to Do
Iconic Neighborhoods
- Netley- Peruse old shops and enjoy the quaint, cozy feel of this village, where newer developments do not detract from its small community feel. Located here is the most complete surviving Cistercian monastery in Southern England, the 13th century Netley Abbey. It served as the inspiration for writers like Horace Walpole and Thomas Gray.
- Ocean Village- East of Old Town, the docks have been built into a leisure area and shopping center. Full of boutique shopping, cafes, fine dining, bars, and theaters, this is a great place to relax. Go for a stroll on the marina and watch the yachts and cruise ships nearby.
Travelodge Southampton Central
Address: Castle Way, Southampton SO14 2BW, UK
Phone: +44 871 559 1869
0.7 miles from Cruise Terminal
Novotel Southampton Hotel
Address: 1 W Quay Rd, Southampton SO15 1RA, UK
Phone: +44 23 8107 2800
0.8 miles from Cruise Terminal
- Enjoy a leisurely trip to the City Art Gallery in Southampton’s Civic Centre. It features first class exhibits from painting, sculpture, photography, and film. The collection contains works ranging from the Renaissance to the 20th century plus contemporary pieces. With over 5,300 works of art see the ever-changing displays from local, emerging artists and community arts groups.
- Take a small jaunt to Buckler’s Hard, an old ship-building village. Here you’ll come to face to face with local history in the village or at the Maritime Museum. In the months from Easter to October, go on a boat trip down the Beaulieu River with commentary on the history and wildlife. Food is also available at tea rooms or a fine dining restaurant.
- Visit SeaCity Museum in the city’s new Cultural Quarter. Groups of all ages can enjoy learning more about maritime history and the people of Southampton through interactive experiences for everyone. Its main attraction is the Titanic exhibit with 1:25 scale model that tells the story of the crew, the sinking of the ship, and its impact on Southampton.
- Take a day trip to Beaulieu and see numerous attractions from a large Victorian manor house and gardens and Beaulieu Abbey. Plus check out the National Motor Museum with over 250 vehicles with everything from F1 cars, to the car from Harry Potter. Kids will love the Mill Pond walk with its fairy houses and riding the Skytrain.
Soccer/Football
Southampton Football Club Saints
St Mary's Stadium: Britannia Rd, Southampton SO14 5FP, UK
Driving Directions
From London
Option 1:
- Travelling on the M3 southbound, follow signs for Southampton
- Merge onto the M27 and follow the signs for the M27 West
- Leave the M27 at Junction 3 and at the roundabout take the 1st exit signed M271 toward Southampton/The Docks
- At the next roundabout (Redbridge) take the 1st exit onto the A33 which will lead you along a dual carriageway heading into Southampton to the relevant Dock Gate assigned for your cruise
- This route will bring you in via Dock Gate 20 or Dock Gate 10 for the Mayflower Terminal or Dock Gate 10 or 8 for the City Cruise Terminal.
Option 2:
- From the end of the M3 at junction 14 follow A33 signs for Southampton & The Docks
- This route will bring you out close to the Eastern Docks and Dock Gate 4, where the Ocean Cruise Terminal & QEII Terminal are situated
- For the Western Docks proceed to City Cruise Terminal access through Dock Gate 8 or for Mayflower Terminal proceed through Dock Gate 10
From the West
- From the A31 Poole & Bournemouth areas follow the road through the New Forest to join the M27
- Leave the M27 at Junction 3 and at the roundabout take the 3rd exit signed M271 toward Southampton/ The Docks
- At the next roundabout (Redbridge) take the 1st exit onto the A33 which will lead to along a dual carriageway heading into Southampton to the relevant Dock Gate assigned for your cruise
- For the Western Docks proceed to City Cruise Terminal access through Dock Gate 8 or for Mayflower Terminal proceed through Dock Gate 10
- For the Eastern Docks remain on this road and follow the signs for Dock Gate 4, where the Ocean Terminal & QEII Terminal are situated
Terminal Directions & Parking
- City Cruise Terminal Parking- Solent Road, Western Docks, Southampton SO15 1HJ
Enter the Port through Dock Gate 8,10 or 20. Dock Gate 8 closed for Southampton Boat Show in August/September
-Short stay car park opposite the main building
- Mayflower Cruise Terminal Parking- Herbert Walker Avenue, Western Docks, Southampton SO15 1HJ
Enter the Port through Dock Gate 10 or Dock Gate 20
-Short term parking available opposite the terminal and long stay car parks available nearby
- Ocean Cruise Terminal Parking- Cunard Road, Eastern Docks, Southampton SO14 3QN
Enter Dock Gate 4 and at 1st roundabout, take 3rd exit and proceed 100 yards and turn left, the terminal ahead
-Short stay parking located right of the terminal with long stay parking behind
- QEII Cruise Terminal Parking- 38/39 Test Road, Eastern Docks, Southampton SO14 3GG
Enter through Dock Gate 4 and at the 1st roundabout, take 2nd exit and terminal is 1 mile ahead on right
-Car park opposite the terminal and booked in advance