Top 3 Itineraries in Southampton

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Southampton.

If you only have a few days, Southampton weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in Southampton offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Southampton are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Southampton’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Southampton offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover England's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Southampton truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that Southampton belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Southampton are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Southampton and start planning your next trip!

Discover the perfect Southampton itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in Southampton for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 3 itineraries will help you experience the best of Southampton without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Southampton!

A scenic 13-day road trip through London, Chester, Oxford, Christchurch, and Bournemouth is one of the best ways to experience England. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 13-day itinerary means that Southampton can easily be combined with other top destinations in England without stress. While it’s possible to travel between London, Chester, Oxford, Christchurch, and Bournemouth by public transport, renting a car in England opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 13 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Bournemouth

• Arrival city: Bournemouth
• Accommodation: hotel in Bournemouth, e.g., Derby Manor Hotel & Restaurant
• Sightseeing: Boscombe Pier

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Bournemouth. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Christchurch, Bournemouth, Poole, Wick, and Throop

• Destinations: Christchurch, Bournemouth, Poole, Wick, and Throop
• Driving distance: 108.36 km, approx. 2 hours and 40 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Southampton, e.g., Moxy Southampton
• Sightseeing: Christchurch Priory, Adventure Wonderland, Hengistbury Head Land Train, Hamworthy Park, and Bournemouth Upper Gardens
• Recommended tour: Southampton Cruise Port To Heathrow Airport private transfer

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Christchurch Priory, Adventure Wonderland, Hengistbury Head Land Train, Hamworthy Park, and Bournemouth Upper Gardens. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Christchurch, Bournemouth, Poole, Wick, and Throop, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest. By the end of the day, check-in at a new hotel, located in central Southampton.

Day 3: Discover Warwick, Stratford-upon-Avon, and Salisbury

• Destinations: Warwick, Stratford-upon-Avon, and Salisbury
• Driving distance: 307.19 km, approx. 4 hours and 20 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Birmingham, e.g., Leonardo Royal Hotel Birmingham
• Sightseeing: Stonehenge, Shakespeare's Birthplace, Warwick Castle, and Salisbury Cathedral
• Recommended tour: From Canals and Victorians to Today's City: Birmingham Walking Tour

Spend the day exploring Stonehenge, Shakespeare's Birthplace, Warwick Castle, and Salisbury Cathedral. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace. End the day by checking into a new hotel, conveniently located in central Birmingham.

Day 4: Experience Chester

• Destinations: Chester
• Driving distance: 199.46 km, approx. 2 hours and 48 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Liverpool, e.g., Titanic Hotel Liverpool
• Sightseeing: Chester Zoo, Chester Cathedral, Chester City Walls, and Eastgate Clock
• Recommended tour: A Walk Through Time: History of Liverpool Walking Tour

Continue your journey through Chester, where you can explore Chester Zoo, Chester Cathedral, Chester City Walls, and Eastgate Clock. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot. Wrap up the day by checking in at a hotel in the heart of Liverpool.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Liverpool and Prescot

• Destinations: Liverpool and Prescot
• Driving distance: 274.14 km, approx. 3 hours and 28 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Milton Keynes, e.g., Hotel La Tour
• Sightseeing: Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, Museum of Liverpool, The Liverpool Waterfront, and Knowsley Safari
• Recommended tour: Day Entry Ticket

Drive through Liverpool and Prescot, stopping to visit Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, Museum of Liverpool, The Liverpool Waterfront, and Knowsley Safari. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way. Conclude your day by settling into a centrally located hotel in Milton Keynes.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of Watford, St Albans, Abbots Langley, and Leavesden

• Destinations: Watford, St Albans, Abbots Langley, and Leavesden
• Driving distance: 224.06 km, approx. 3 hours and 54 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Canterbury, e.g., Hampton by Hilton Canterbury
• Sightseeing: Verulamium Park, Leavesden Country Park, St Albans Cathedral, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, and Cassiobury Park
• Recommended tour: Official Canterbury Guided Walking Tour - 11.00 Tour

Spend time discovering Verulamium Park, Leavesden Country Park, St Albans Cathedral, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, and Cassiobury Park, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture. After a day of exploring, check into a hotel in Canterbury.

Day 7: Spend Time in Canterbury and Eton

• Destinations: Canterbury and Eton
• Driving distance: 218.72 km, approx. 3 hours and 33 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in London, e.g., Intercontinental Hotel London - The O2
• Sightseeing: Canterbury Cathedral, Hever Castle & Gardens, Windsor Castle, and St George's Chapel
• Recommended tour: London 30 Top Sights with Fun Local Guide

Explore Canterbury Cathedral, Hever Castle & Gardens, Windsor Castle, and St George's Chapel at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant. Finish the day by checking into another comfortable hotel in the center of London.

Day 8: Explore London

• Destinations: London
• Driving distance: 9.03 km, approx. 1 hour and 5 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in London, e.g., Intercontinental Hotel London - The O2
• Sightseeing: Big Ben, lastminute.com London Eye, Tate Modern, and Buckingham Palace
• Recommended tour: Changing of the Guard Guided Walking Tour in London

Continue your road trip through London, enjoying the flexibility to explore Big Ben, lastminute.com London Eye, Tate Modern, and Buckingham Palace and nearby points of interest.

Day 9: Wander Through London

• Destinations: London
• Driving distance: 5.09 km, approx. 53 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in London, e.g., Intercontinental Hotel London - The O2
• Sightseeing: The British Museum, The National Gallery, St James's Park, and Trafalgar Square
• Recommended tour: Day trip to Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath from London

Visit The British Museum, The National Gallery, St James's Park, and Trafalgar Square as you navigate scenic routes. Take time to enjoy local markets, trails, or viewpoints that catch your eye.

Day 10: Uncover London

• Destinations: London
• Driving distance: 17.74 km, approx. 1 hour and 30 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in London, e.g., Intercontinental Hotel London - The O2
• Sightseeing: Tower of London, Borough Market, Madame Tussauds London, Tower Bridge, and London Bridge
• Recommended tour: Historical Pub Walking Tour in London With a Small Group

Continue your exploration of Tower of London, Borough Market, Madame Tussauds London, Tower Bridge, and London Bridge, taking your time to enjoy scenic drives or leisurely strolls that add to the adventure.

Day 11: Journey Through London and Kensington

• Destinations: London and Kensington
• Driving distance: 11.26 km, approx. 1 hour and 3 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in London, e.g., Intercontinental Hotel London - The O2
• Sightseeing: Royal Albert Hall, Hyde Park, Science Museum, and Victoria and Albert Museum
• Recommended tour: Walking Tour for Muggles in London

Take in the highlights of Royal Albert Hall, Hyde Park, Science Museum, and Victoria and Albert Museum, with plenty of opportunities to pause for a break in charming villages or serene natural settings.

Day 12: Travel Through Oxford

• Destinations: Oxford
• Driving distance: 249.76 km, approx. 3 hours and 56 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Bournemouth, e.g., Derby Manor Hotel & Restaurant
• Sightseeing: The Covered Market, Oxford Castle & Prison, Oxford Botanic Garden, and Oxford University Museum of Natural History
• Recommended tour: E-Bike Half-Day Trip to Harrys Rock or Corfé Castle

Take the opportunity to explore The Covered Market, Oxford Castle & Prison, Oxford Botanic Garden, and Oxford University Museum of Natural History, some of the top attractions in the area. Discover the surroundings by taking detours through charming villages and serene nature. After a day of adventures, check into another conveniently located hotel in Bournemouth.

Day 13: Bid Farewell to Bournemouth

• Departure city: Bournemouth
• Driving distance: 518 metres, approx. 7 minutes
• Sightseeing: Bournemouth Parks - Lower Gardens

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Bournemouth. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 1720 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Southampton.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Southampton for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

Enjoy a 9-day city break in Southampton with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 9-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Southampton without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Southampton

Arrive in Southampton and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Westgate Hall.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Dhaba 59 Sports Bar & Grill is a top-rated recommendation. Say 'cheers' and set the tone for an amazing vacation ahead!

Day 2: Discover Southampton's Most Iconic Attractions

Enjoy your first full day in Southampton by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Netley Abbey and Royal Victoria Country Park.

One of the best ways to quickly learn how to navigate the city is to join one of the many great city sightseeing tours in Southampton. Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Southampton in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 3: Learn More About the Top Sights in Southampton

Use this day to discover more of Southampton’s top sights. We recommend visiting Tudor House & Garden and St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Southampton.

To make the most of your time, don’t forget to book your attraction tickets and passes in Southampton in advance. Beyond possible savings, booking tickets early ensures availability even for Southampton's most popular attractions.

After a nice dinner, take a walk through the city center and experience Southampton’s attractions in another light.

Day 6: Connect With the Local Culture in Southampton

No Southampton itinerary is complete without learning something about the local culture. The large selection of cultural tours in Southampton has something for every traveler.

If you prefer sightseeing on your own, head out to explore Mayflower Park and Solent Sky, other popular attractions in Southampton.

End the day with a sunset walk and dinner around Mayflower Park.

Day 9: Savor Your Final Moments in Southampton

Spend your last few hours in Southampton soaking up the charm of the city at your own pace. Stroll through favorite spots or revisit local markets before bidding farewell to the city.

We recommend booking your transfers from Southampton in advance.

For more inspiration, explore the complete selection of city breaks in Southampton, all including pre-planned itineraries you can customize to suit your style. Start with a ready-to-go Southampton travel plan and make it your own by selecting tours, accommodations, and more.

A 4-day weekend getaway in Southampton offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.

However, with a well-planned Southampton itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 4 days to spend, this is the perfect Southampton weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Southampton

Arrive in Southampton around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.

• Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
• Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting Mayflower Park, and soak in the surroundings.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.
• Tip: Book an airport transfer to Southampton in advance for a smooth journey. End the day with an evening stroll for an enchanting first glimpse of Southampton by night.

Day 2 - Discover Southampton’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Southampton with sightseeing, food, and drinks.

• Morning: Visit Netley Abbey early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.
• Tip: Use part of the morning to join one of the many city sightseeing tours in Southampton and get a guided journey through the top attractions in the city.

Day 3 - Immerse in the Local Culture of Southampton

No itinerary in Southampton is complete without trying the city's top local delicacies and experiencing the culture.

• Morning: Start with a traditional breakfast to fuel up for the day and then head to SeaCity Museum.
• Afternoon: Explore Solent Sky and East Park, stopping at markets, boutiques, museums, or exhibitions along the way.
• Evening: Enjoy a dinner featuring regional specialties and finish with a night tour of the city’s illuminated landmarks.

Day 4 - Depart from Southampton

Make the most of your last few hours in Southampton before your departure.

• Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
• Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.
• Tip: Schedule an airport transfer from Southampton in advance to enjoy a stress-free end to your trip in Southampton.

For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to Southampton. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Southampton itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

As you explore Southampton, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Southampton for you.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Southampton in a way that feels truly unforgettable!