Exploring Southampton Airport And Its Surroundings

what to do around southampton airport

Southampton Airport is the UK's 20th largest airport, with nearly two million passengers travelling through its doors each year. The airport is located on the outskirts of the city, near Eastleigh, and is known for its convenient location near some of the South's best tourist attractions. Southampton itself is regarded as the cruise capital of Northern Europe, with over four million passengers a year and home to some of the world's most famous ships, including the Titanic and the Mayflower. The city has a lot to offer, from its medieval Old Town to fantastic shopping, eating and entertainment.

Characteristics Values
Location On the outskirts of Southampton, near Eastleigh
Motorway access Easy access from the M27 and M3 motorways
Transport to city centre 6 minutes by train, 20 minutes by bus, 10 minutes by taxi
Number of flights 900 flights per week
Number of destinations 50 across Europe
Number of passengers Nearly 2 million per year
Amenities Places to eat and drink, duty-free shop, WH Smith, cash machines, bureau de change, WiFi
Car parks Priority Parking, Short Stay Parking, Long Stay Parking
Nearby attractions Paultons Park, Marwell Zoo, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Southampton Football Club, The Ageas Bowl, Stonehenge, Longleat Safari & Adventure Park, SeaCity Museum, West Quay Shopping Centre, Southampton Guildhall

shunhotel

Visit Southampton's medieval Old Town and ancient monuments

Southampton, a bustling coastal city in Hampshire, England, is known for being a cruise terminal. However, just a short distance from its massive port, visitors will find a wealth of history and culture in Southampton's Old Town. The city has 60 Scheduled Monuments, including stone buildings from the medieval period, such as the town walls, vaults, cellars, and the Medieval Merchant's House.

Start your exploration of Southampton's medieval Old Town by passing through the Bargate, the iconic symbol of Southampton since the 12th century. This impressive structure was built in Norman times as part of the fortified walled city and served as the main entrance to the old town. From here, you can access many ancient monuments and buildings, including the third-longest stretch of unbroken medieval defensive walling in England.

A unique way to explore the Old Town is by following the QE2 Mile, a pedestrian route that links parks, the cultural quarter, the high street, Old Town, and the waterfront. Along this route, you'll encounter various historical sites, such as the Cenotaph, Titanic Memorial, and Holy Rood Church, one of five original churches that served the old walled town and was bombed during World War II.

Another highlight of Southampton's Old Town is the Tudor House and Garden. This late-15th-century building offers a glimpse into the lives of its past residents and the city's history. Nearby, you'll find the Medieval Merchant's House, a restored late-13th-century building that was once owned by a prosperous merchant, John Fortin. This house stands as a testament to the domestic and commercial life of centuries past.

For those interested in maritime history, Southampton's SeaCity Museum is a must-visit. The museum is housed in a Grade II* listed building and showcases the city's strong connection to the sea, featuring exhibitions on famous ships like the Titanic, which sailed from Southampton's port.

shunhotel

Explore the Maritime Museum and Museum of Archaeology

Southampton has a rich maritime history, being the departure point of many world-famous ships, including the Titanic and the Mayflower. The SeaCity Museum, which opened on 10 April 2012, to commemorate the centenary of the RMS Titanic's departure from the city, is a must-visit. The museum, housed in a Grade II*-listed civic centre building, offers a comprehensive view of Southampton's history, from the Bronze Age to the present. It features three excellent exhibitions, including two dedicated to the Titanic, with the other showcasing the city's role as a gateway to the world. The museum's careful integration of multimedia with its collections, as well as its exhibits' thoughtful presentation, make for a compelling visitor experience.

Previously known as the Southampton Maritime Museum, the SeaCity Museum has benefited from its expansion into the civic centre building, allowing for more exhibits and a better visitor experience. The museum's exhibits include Southampton's connection with the Titanic, the city's history as a port, and its broader history, including artefacts from King Henry VIII's reign. The museum also features a unique ending in a real-life courtroom, where the enquiry into the Titanic's sinking took place.

A short walk from the SeaCity Museum is God's House Tower, a 13th-century gatehouse that served as the entrance to the old town of Southampton. This Grade I-listed ancient monument now operates as an arts and heritage venue, having previously housed the Museum of Archaeology from 1961 to 2011. The Museum of Archaeology showcased the story of Southampton during the Roman, Saxon, and Medieval periods, with exhibits including stone tools from the Palaeolithic period.

After exploring the rich maritime history and archaeological treasures of Southampton, visitors can stroll through the city's enchanting medieval Old Town, which boasts unique historical features. The Bargate, the historic entrance to the town, leads to ancient monuments and buildings, including England's third-longest stretch of unbroken medieval defensive walling.

shunhotel

Tour Southampton Football Club and the Ageas Bowl

Southampton Airport is conveniently located near some of the best tourist attractions in the South of England. If you're a sports fan, you're in luck! The area is home to the iconic Ageas Bowl and Southampton Football Club, both of which offer unique experiences for visitors.

Tour Southampton Football Club

Take a behind-the-scenes tour of Southampton Football Club and delve into the world of football. You'll get exclusive access to areas usually off-limits, such as the players' dressing rooms, warm-up room, baths, and even the tactics board. Imagine the electrifying atmosphere as you stand at the tunnel entrance, anticipating the teams' stadium entrance. If you time your visit right, you might even get to catch a live match and feel the energy of the crowd for yourself!

The Ageas Bowl

The Ageas Bowl, located just outside Southampton in West End, is a cricket ground and hotel complex. It is the home of Hampshire County Cricket Club and has hosted several international cricket matches, including One Day Internationals, Champions Trophy matches, and Test matches. The ground boasts a 25,000-person capacity and features a 4-star Hilton Hotel, an 18-hole golf course, a luxurious spa, and three restaurants.

You can opt for a guided tour of the ground, which typically lasts about two hours. During the tour, you'll explore various areas, including the changing rooms and indoor nets, and hear fascinating stories from the club historian. The Ageas Bowl also hosts music concerts, having featured renowned artists such as Oasis, Billy Joel, and The Who.

Whether you're a sports enthusiast or a music lover, Southampton Football Club and the Ageas Bowl offer memorable experiences that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the world of sports and entertainment.

shunhotel

Shop at West Quay Shopping Centre and Southampton Guildhall

Southampton is a great place to visit, with a wide range of attractions, shopping, dining, and entertainment options. If you're looking for a premier shopping and leisure experience, West Quay Shopping Centre is the place to go. Conveniently located just a short walk from Southampton Central train station, West Quay is home to over 100 stylish and desirable shops, including well-known brands such as John Lewis and Partners, Marks and Spencer, Apple, and Zara. Whether you're looking for fashion, electronics, books, jewellery, or unique finds from independent retailers, West Quay has something for everyone.

When it comes to dining, West Quay offers a variety of options to suit all tastes. You can find flavours from around the world, including popular restaurants like Pizza Express, Nandos, The Real Greek, and Zizzi. The food court on the upper floor provides a great space to take a break and fuel up before continuing your shopping spree. And if you're looking for a fun activity besides shopping, you can catch the latest films at the Showcase Cinema de Lux or try your hand at bowling at Hollywood Bowl.

Located in the heart of Southampton's city centre, West Quay is easily accessible by car, public transport, or on foot. With its convenient location, ample parking options, and variety of shops and restaurants, West Quay is an excellent choice for a full day of shopping and entertainment. The shopping centre also has lifts, stairs, and escalators, ensuring easy access to all amenities for visitors.

Another notable destination in Southampton is the Southampton Guildhall. As the South's largest multipurpose entertainment venue, it hosts a variety of events, including performances by renowned musicians, comedians, and other special shows. The Guildhall is situated in the city centre, surrounded by a large selection of restaurants and shops, making it a convenient stop during your visit.

shunhotel

Day trip to Stonehenge, Paultons Park or Marwell Zoo

There are several attractions near Southampton Airport to visit on a day trip. Three of these are Stonehenge, Paultons Park, and Marwell Zoo.

Stonehenge

Stonehenge is a mysterious prehistoric monument that has fascinated people for generations. It is considered a national treasure and a must-see for those visiting the area. You can take a guided tour or transfer from Southampton Airport to explore Stonehenge and learn about the many theories explaining its origins and purpose. There are half-day, full-day, and transfer options available.

Paultons Park

Paultons Park is a theme park located just 8.2 miles from Southampton Airport, in the village of Ower, Hampshire. It first opened in 1983 and now has over 70 rides, ranging from adrenaline-inducing roller coasters to more relaxing options perfect for the whole family. The park is divided into several themed worlds, including Lost Kingdom, a Jurassic world with dinosaurs, and Peppa Pig World, where you can meet Peppa herself. In addition to the rides, Paultons Park offers a variety of dining options, including vegetarian, vegan, and nut-free choices, as well as beautiful gardens and playgrounds for those seeking some downtime.

Marwell Zoo

Marwell Zoo is a family-friendly attraction located 12 miles from Southampton. It is home to hundreds of animals, including giraffes, tigers, leopards, meerkats, and penguins. The zoo also features outdoor spaces and activities for guests to enjoy. Guests are advised to pre-book their tickets online before arriving, and it is recommended to set aside 4 hours for the visit.

Frequently asked questions

Southampton Airport is located near some of the South's best tourist attractions. These include Paultons Park, Marwell Zoo, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, and the Ageas Bowl, which is the home of Hampshire Cricket. The city also has a rich maritime history, with many world-famous ships such as the Titanic and Mayflower sailing from Southampton.

Southampton's medieval Old Town has many unique historical features. The Bargate, the historic entrance to the town, leads to ancient monuments and buildings, including England's third-longest stretch of unbroken medieval defensive walling. The city also has a Museum of Archaeology, which traces the city's history from its origins as a Roman town, and the Maritime Museum, which tells the story of the docks.

Southampton Guildhall is the South's largest multipurpose entertainment venue, playing host to many big-name musicians, comedians, and other events. The city also has a large selection of restaurants and shops.

Southampton International Airport is the leading 'fast track' airport in central-southern England. It is located near Eastleigh and is easily accessible from the M27 and M3 motorways. The airport serves many UK and European destinations, including the Channel Islands, France, Scotland, Ireland, Spain, and Italy.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment