Southampton Central Train Station

Welcome to Southampton, a city proud to be shortlisted for the UK City of Culture 2025 award! Did you know when Southampton Central Station was built in 1895 it was originally on the bank of the River Test? As the city grew during the early 20th century, land reclamation projects led to the creation of the present-day docks, leaving the station landlocked.

Time doesn’t stand still in Southampton even though it has such a noteworthy history. Although it was only granted city status in 1964, Southampton has been around since before Norman times. It has been an important seafaring city for hundreds of years thanks to its location on the south coast providing easy access to France and the rest of Europe.

Closer to present day, Southampton has seen its fair share of ships heading west too. The Mayflower and Titanic both launched from Southampton, and today it continues this legacy as one of the country’s biggest departure ports for cruise lines.

Southampton Central to Winchester is only a 15 minute journey, making it a perfect destination for the day out. Other popular routes include Oxford to Southampton and York to Southampton. It couldn’t be easier to get to the seaside and take advantage of what this historic city has to offer.

Things to do in Southampton

When you visit Southampton you won’t be short of things to do. The city boasts a wide range of cultural, historical and educational attractions; as well as plenty of options if you’re simply looking to have fun.

As a city which can trace its routes back to the Norman invasion of England in the eleventh century, Southampton is alive with history. In 2022, the city celebrated the 800th anniversary of its first mayor and the medieval walls still standing. The Pilgrims departed Southampton in 1620 aboard the Mayflower. In recent years, the city was also one of the embarkation points for the D-Day landings. The famous Supermarine Spitfire was built in Southampton between 1938 and 1948 - over 20,000 of them.

Southampton is home to several major art galleries such as the Southampton City Art Gallery at the Civic Centre, and the John Hansard Gallery at Southampton University. There is more to be found in the city’s Cultural Quarter too, which can regularly be found hosting events including Pride, a skateboarding festival and Oktoberfest.

During September, the city holds its annual boat show - the biggest in the UK - and features over six hundred exhibitors from around the world.

If you are in town for sport it’s probably to see the Saints play at St Mary’s, but don’t forget about the cricket, hockey, golf or basketball. After all, there is a reason Southampton has been voted the fittest city in the UK!

Perhaps you are only visiting the city to leave it again on one of the many cruise ships which dock here. Southampton is the home port to some of the largest cruise ships in the world; and watching ships like the Queen Elizabeth 2 arrive home is quite a spectacle.

Do you want to watch a show while you are in town? The Mayflower Theatre has something for everyone; from intimate magic shows to West End productions. The O2 Guildhall was recently refurbished in 1989, and only a ten minute walk from Southampton Central, it regularly brings in some of the biggest names in music. If you prefer a more intimate venue then check out the Engine Room or one of the many club circuit venues around the city, such as the Dolphin or the Platform Tavern.

It's easy to see why Southampton is the largest shopping destination in the UK. The city is home to three major shopping centres, including Marlands, and Westquay which houses hundreds of shops as well as dining and entertainment options. If you are after something a little more unique look out for Robin’s Nest Emporium, Puja Sweet Mart or The Guitar Store.

Book a trip to Southampton for yourself, and see what else you can discover.