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Home > Special offers & days out > Destination guides > Southampton
Southampton

Southampton Guide

Great days out by train

Packed with history, Southampton is a popular destination with lots to see and do, from arts, parks, sports venues and events, to being a top shopping destination in the South of England.  Most attractions and leisure facilities are within a short walk from Southampton Central train station or just a stop away using the free City Link bus service.

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Marwell Wildlife

Whilst visiting Southampton, jump on a train over to Eastleigh and visit Marwell Wildlife. Formerly known as Marwell Zoological Park, the park is home to over 100 different species from Piranha to Giraffe and Tigers.

Travelling to Marwell Wildlife at a weekend or a Bank Holiday? Velvet M bus service departs from Eastleigh railway station for Marwell Wildlife starting from 1025. From then onwards, they will leave at 25 past every hour until 1725. Buses from Marwell Wildlife for Eastleigh railway station go at 45 mins past the hour from 1045 to 1745.

Click here for more information on the Velvet M bus service.

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The Maritime Museum

The Maritime Museum tells the story of this important port and is home to the Titanic Exhibition where visitors can re-live the ill-fated story of this famous ship.

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Southampton Hall of Aviation

Southampton Hall of Aviation depicts the history of aviation in the Solent area and tells the story of the legendary Spitfire designed in Southampton. The Maritime and Archaeology museums are a short walk from the free City Link bus stop on Town Quay, which departs every 15 minutes from Southampton Central station.

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The Mayflower theatre

The Mayflower theatre is the largest theatre in the South and offers you magical evenings with the most spectacular touring musicals - many direct from the West End - plus opera, ballet, and some of the biggest names in popular music and comedy.

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Southampton City Art Gallery

Southampton City Art Gallery is home to more than 3,500 works of art spanning six centuries. The Gallery regularly offers special exhibitions in an elegant, vaulted space.

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Southampton Guildhall

Southampton Guildhall is the South's largest multipurpose entertainment venue and has a capacity of 1,749. It hosts some of the biggest names in music, from Pink Floyd & David Bowie in the 70's, to present day bands such as Hard Fi, Manic Street Preachers, The Killers, The Kaiser Chiefs and Amy Winehouse. The Guildhall is just a few minutes from Southampton Central.

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West Quay

West Quay is the city’s premier shopping centre, located in the heart of Southampton city centre, boasting over 90 stores spread over three shopping levels.

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Ocean Village Marina

Ocean Village Marina is situated in the shelter of Southampton Water, right in the heart of Southampton. Surrounded by restaurants, cinemas and bars, it offers outstanding recreational facilities.

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Free City Link bus

Upon arrival at Southampton Central station, you can take the free City Link bus service from just outside the platform 4 exit of the station. This bus leaves every 15 minutes and calls at the city centre for the shops, art gallery and stops at Town Quay.

Southampton by foot
To walk from Southampton Central, station simply leave via the platform 1 exit to get to the Mayflower Theatre, City Art Gallery, Guildhall, Central Library and Bedford Place shops, all within 10 minutes' walk. To reach the Tourist Information Centre and shopping centres, leave from platform 4 and walk up the hill. The Tourist Information Centre is about 10 minutes' walk, and West Quay and the Bargate shopping malls are 15 minute' walk from the station.