Located on the gorgeous south coast of the UK, Southampton is a city famed for many things. Not least its association with the Titanic, the port in which its first fateful journey began. Today Southampton continues its illustrious history with the shipping industry being the biggest cruise port in Northern Europe. Throw into the mix a Premier League football team in the form of Southampton Saints, a world-class university and a host of indoor activities for those rainy days and you have a city perfect to explore in any weather.?
We have gathered the best things to do in Southampton to have fun and be active whilst staying inside. Hopefully, this guide will inspire you on your next day out in Southampton.
Jump to a Venue
Map of Top Southampton Activities
Best Southampton Indoor Activities
1. St Mary’s Stadium Tour
An absolute must for any self-respecting football fan, and especially a die-hard Saints fan. In this 90 minute tour, you’ll be shown around all the interesting aspects of the stadium including the players dressing room and the tunnel. To cap it off, watch a live game at the stadium and experience the friendly atmosphere and buzz first hand.
Cost Per Person:
£20 for adults
Address:
St. Mary’s Stadium Britannia Road, SO14 5FP
Duration:
90 minutes
Perfect for:
Football Fans, Stag Dos & Large Groups
2. Atmosphere Trampoline Park
Boasting over 100 trampolines, two dodgeball courts and an obstacle course Trampoline Park has you well covered for indoor activities in Southampton. Spread over 25,000 square feet, there’s almost no party size that can’t be catered for. As well as being the ideal rainy day activity, it’s a cracking way to burn some calories while having some fun.
Cost Per Person:
From £7.16 per person (Bookado Members get 10% off)
Address:
Unit B, Rutherford Road, Daneshill Industrial Estate, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG24 8PD
Duration:
Approximately 90 minutes. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to the start
Perfect for:
Birthday parties & Dates
3. TeamSport Indoor Go Karting
Located just a stone’s throw outside of Southampton in neighbouring Eastleigh is an indoor Go-Kart track of impressive features. Built over different levels, you’ll be battling elevation changes as well high-speed straights and corners. Karts are updated regularly so you’ll be guaranteed to be in the latest and greatest gear. Whether arriving by car or train it can be reached easily in a matter of minutes.
Cost Per Person:
From £31.50 per person (10% off using code GET10)
Address:
Barton Park, Chicken Hall Ln, Eastleigh SO50 6RR
Duration:
From 30 minutes of Karting
Perfect for:
Corporate Events, Birthday Parties, Stag Dos and all large groups of 8+
4. 1st Base Indoor Baseball
If you’re after a flavour of the states for your indoor activity then why not try your hand at some good old baseball. Southampton plays host to the UK’s first virtual baseball simulator. Both children and adults can play a range of different games all set within a virtual stadium. A must-do day out for those wanting to smash it out of the park.
Cost Per Person:
From £20 per person
Address:
16 East Street, Southampton, Hampshire, SO14 3HG
Duration:
Slots from 1 hour
Perfect for:
Corporate Events, Birthday Parties, Stag Dos and all large groups of 8+
5. Hollywood Bowl Bowling
No indoor activity list is complete without some good old ten-pin bowling. Southampton thankfully is no exception. Conveniently located within the West Quay shopping complex, this Hollywood Bowl can host all sorts of party sizes and has some great deals on offer too, including the Bar ‘n’ Bowl which gives you a generous two games of bowling and a drink for just £11.89. Strike!
Cost Per Person:
From £6.69 per person
Address:
Hollywood Bowl Southampton, Westquay, Harbour Parade, Hampshire, SO15 1DE
Duration:
From 1 hour
Perfect for:
Birthday Parties, Work Social, Student Evenings & Dates
6. Get Crafty Gosport Pottery Sessions
Let your imagination run wild in the pottery studio as you shape and style a whole range of different ceramics including animals and mugs. If you’re limited on options with the kids then there are specific days with them in mind with free tea and coffee for the adults as they supervise and join in. If you like the sound of this yourself then there are adult-only evenings on the first Wednesday of every month where you can bring along with your own food and drink!
Cost Per Person:
From £5 per person, depending on chosen item
Address:
23a Rowner Road, Gosport, Hampshire, PO13 9UE
Duration:
From 1 hour
Perfect for:
Birthday Parties, Day-out with the kids or Dates
7. Locked in a Room Escape Rooms
Curling up on the sofa and absorbing a crime thriller is a reasonable way to while away the hours on a rainy day. But why not get up and star in your own action-packed thriller in the form of an escape room? There are loads of exciting escape rooms around now with a host of exciting themes and these can be found in Southampton too. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous then Timelock or Parallax rank the highest in difficulty.
Cost Per Person:
From £18 per person (Bookado Members get 10% off)
Address:
Unit 11c, Lower Level, West Quay Shopping Centre, SO15 1Q
Duration:
60 minutes
Perfect for:
Birthday Parties, Hen & Stag Dos and Corporate Events
8. Board in the City, Board Game Café
Should you be looking for some entertainment and a bite to eat then the Board in the City cafe should be high up on your agenda. Boasting over 600 board games and a fantastic menu the hours will glide by as you pit yourself against friends over classics such as monopoly and connect four or something more contemporary.
Cost Per Person:
From £3 per person for the first 3 hours then +£1 per hour
Address:
38-40 Onslow Road, Southampton SO14 0JG
Duration:
As long as you want
Perfect for:
Cosy afternoons with friends or a date
9. Boulder Shack Rock Climbing
Bouldering is a growing and ever more popular pastime and is both an entertaining and healthy day out. Requiring coordination and upper body strength it’s an excellent workout. There are however a whole variety of walls to choose from, each ranging in difficulty from the humble novice right up to expert level. There are teaching sessions on hand too so if you’re completely new or simply looking to improve they are able to cater for everyone.
Cost Per Person:
From £12 per person for an induction class
Address:
4 Imperial Park Empress Road | Unit 4 Imperial Park, Southampton SO14 0JW
Duration:
From 45 minutes
Perfect for:
Birthday parties or Active weekends
10. Solent Sky Museum
Southampton isn’t just steeped in maritime history, it has incredible links to aviation too. The war-winning Supermarine Spitfire was actually built in Southampton, and you’re able to see this beautiful machine and its contemporary Harrier Jump Jet up close and personal and much more at this fantastic museum.
Cost Per Person:
From £8 per adult & £5 per child
Address:
Albert Road South, Southampton, SO14 3FR
Duration:
As long as you like
Perfect for:
Family day out, or Interests in Aviation / History
Best Southampton Outdoor Activities
11. Boating / Sailing
Southampton is known for being a south coast boating city, which hosts the Southampton Boat Show. Ribs are fantastic fun for all occassions, they are uniquely exciting and enjoyable. There are also lots of other boating & sailing options in Southampton. See here.
Cost Per Person:
From £53.50pp (4% off for Bookado Members)
Address:
Dell Buildings, 6, Milford Rd, Lymington SO41 0ED, United Kingdom
Duration:
Full Day (from 8 hours)
Perfect for:
Family day out, large groups, birthdays & corporate days out
12. Mighty Adventures Mini-Golf
Discover a mythical land of giant sea monsters, mysterious shipwrecks and terrifying dinosaurs (if you dare). Might Adventures crazy golf course turns a fun day out into an unforgettable adventure. It’s the perfect family day out, packed with magical landscapes, life-sized dinosaurs and it’s super crazy golf course!
Cost Per Person:
From £10.95pp (10% off for Bookado Members)
Address:
Mighty Adventure Mini Golf, Upper Northam Road, Hedge End, Southampton, SO30 4BZ
Duration:
About 45 minutes
Perfect for:
Family day out, birthdays & dates
13. Alpine Snowsports
No matter the weather the Alpine Snowsports Centre in Southampton is a great venue for new and experienced snowsports fans. It’s artificial surface is ideal for Skiing, Snowboarding and a bit of fun with Donutting (or ringo’s and tubing as some people call them). It’s a guaranteed fun day out!
Cost Per Person:
From £25pp for Adults
Address:
Alpine Snowsports Southampton,
Thornhill Road, Bassett, Southampton, SO16 7AY.
Duration:
About 45 minutes
Perfect for:
Family day out, corporate days, birthdays & dates
14. Go Ape Southampton
Best family days out in Southampton has to be the Go Ape Treetop Adventure courses. Throw in some tricky tree-high crossings and super speedy zip wires and you have all the making of a brilliant outdoor adventure. Whether you’re a thrill seeker after your next adrenaline rush or a family looking to make special memories, our Southampton site ticks all the boxes.
Cost Per Person:
From £20pp
Address:
Itchen Valley, Itchen Valley Country Park, Allington Lane, Southampton SO30 3HQ
Duration:
From 1 hours
Perfect for:
Family day out, corporate days, birthdays & dates
15. Outdoor Laser Tag – Woodmill Activity Centre
Southampton’s newest and arguably most ultimate Laser Tag experiences! Woodmill Activity Centre offers a fun day for all; kids parties, Stag and Hen Groups, Corporate days & of course it’s a family favourite.
Cost Per Person:
From £16.50pp
Address:
Woodmill Outdoor Activities Centre, Woodmill Lane, Southampton, SO18 2JR
Duration:
From 2 hours
Perfect for:
Family day out, corporate days & birthdays
16. Bubble Football
Bubble Football is a hilarious and chaotic twist on the beautiful game, strap yourselves into your giant inflatable bubble and step onto the pitch, then barge, bounce and bump your way through a thrilling five-a-side match. Best for stag dos corporate days and birthday parties!
Cost Per Person:
From £25pp (20% off for Bookado Members)
Address:
Goals Southampton, Millbrook Point Rd, Millbrook, Southampton SO15 0JZ
Duration:
From 60 minutes
Perfect for:
Family day out, corporate days, stag and hen dos & birthdays
17. Marwell Zoo
Wanting to get out into the great outdoors, with plenty of outdoor space, and a whole host of animals and activities, Marwell Zoo is a great family day out in Hampshire. One of the best family days out in Hampshire.
Cost Per Person:
From £13.49pp
Address:
Marwell Wildlife, Thompsons Lane, Winchester, Hampshire SO21 1JH.
Duration:
As long as you like
Perfect for:
Family day out, corporate days & birthdays
18. New Forest Bike Hire
One of Southampton’s true treasures. Explore the tranquility and stunning wildlife of the New Forest on a bike – You will fall in love with the forest’s idyllic glades, ancient woodland, open moors, heathland and sea wall cycles! Escape everyday life and come to a world where wild ponies, donkeys, highland cattle and deer roam free and check out the historic villages with distinctive character and traditional pubs alongside modern delis, restaurants and independent shops.
Cost Per Person:
From £22pp for a full day
Address:
Cyclexperience, Brockenhurst Railway Station Car Park, Brockenhurst, SO42 7TW
Duration:
As long as you like
Perfect for:
Family day out & dates
19. Paintball South
Paintball South’s site is situated in over 50 acres of pure woodland, with all the creature comforts you wouldn’t expect from a paintball site! All manner of groups and individuals are catered for at Paintball South; from absolute beginners to teamsters, corporate hospitality events to team building – all under the expert supervision of our fully trained marshals.
Cost Per Person:
From £4.99pp for full day
Address:
Paintball South, Woodside Bottom, Salisbury SP5 2DW
Duration:
Full Day
Perfect for:
Family day out, corporate days, birthdays & stag and hen dos
20. Quadbiking
Are you wanting some fast-paced thrills and adrenaline-fuelled excitement? Look no further, you’ll be able to try out your skills as you take on the all-terrain challenges of our purpose-built track. It will test your mettle and your driving prowess. Great for all occasions!
Cost Per Person:
From £50pp
Address:
Center Parcs Longleat, Longleat Forest, Warminster BA12 7PU
Duration:
From 1 hour
Perfect for:
Family day out, corporate days, birthdays & stag and hen dos
How to get to Southampton
By train:
South Western Railway from London Waterloo, Winchester, Portsmouth, Bournemouth, Salisbury and Weymouth
Southern Trains from Chichester, Brighton, Gatwick Airport and London Victoria
Cross Country Trains from Reading, Oxford, Birmingham, Manchester and the North East
Great Western Railway from Portsmouth, Bath, Bristol and Cardiff
By bus:
Megabus from the Midlands and the North
National Express from London airports and across the country
By car:
From the Midlands and the North: use the M6 or A1/M1, M42, M40 and A34 links or alternatively M6 and M1, M25, M3 to Jct 14, A33 to City Centre and Waterfront
From London, Heathrow, Essex, East Anglia: take the M25 or A316 and join the M3 motorway south to Jct 14, A33 to City Centre and Waterfront
From the South East: take the A27 or A272, or A3M, M27 to Jct 3 and follow signs to City Centre and Waterfront
From the South West: take M5, A30 or A358, A303, A36, M27 to Jct 5 and follow signs to City Centre and Waterfront.
Transport around Southampton
Getting around Southampton is cheap and easy thanks to its reliable bus services. The Bluestar bus company operates in and around the city and tickets can be bought online or using their mobile app.
The Red Funnel ferry company can take you to the Isle of Wight either as a foot passenger aboard one of their speedy catamarans or with your vehicle on the car ferry.
If you’re a student or looking to visit the University of Southampton, use the Unilink bus service.
FAQs
What can you do in Southampton for free?
Naturally, there are plenty of ways to enjoy yourself in Southampton without the need to get your wallet out. The city is home to a range of museums offering free entry and some fascinating subjects including the city’s illustrious maritime history. The Southampton City Art Gallery is a great way to while away the hours admiring some of the worlds finest art. If the sun does pop its hat on, then there are over 50 parks within the city to take a stroll in. Our pick of the bunch is the peaceful East Park to look at the Victorian gardens and stunning mosaics.
If shopping is higher up on your agenda then you can amble around the West Quay shopping centre. It boasts a huge range of shops and major brands enabling you to shop ‘til you drop under one roof.
Should exploring the city by bike take your fancy then be sure to check out The Bike Centre which offers free access to tracks and trails.
Are there any discounts for activities in Southampton?
Discounts are the aim of our game. That’s why booking activities and days out through Bookado allows you to exclusively save up to 50%. Simply take a look at our interactive calendar to find the cheapest dates. Find, Book and Do!
What are some good day trips from Southampton?
Southampton is a good starting point for various day trips, from Bath to Brighton. Most people, however, will opt for a trip to Salisbury and visit the famous Stonehenge. Other popular day trips are to New Forest for its array of wildlife and pubs. The Isle of Wight, a water-sports hot spot is also within easy reach and makes for a relaxing day out.
