The city of Southampton is one destination ready to show UK holidaymakers why it’s a top choice for a family and couple’s staycation.
Boasting a waterfront location, in addition to offering everything expected of a city that’s in the running for the 2025 UK City of Culture title, it’s also a great base for exploring a host of Hampshire’s top attractions – or a short ferry ride over the Solent to the Isle of Wight.
From history and culture to adrenaline and adventure, family fun to relaxing and exploring. Southampton aims to position itself as a top spot for a staycation this summer.
And with more demand this year for UK breaks, the Southampton Hoteliers Association has just launched a series of new staycation and mini break offers, from staying in a hotel that hosted Queen Victoria and Jane Austen, to a ‘Shop & Fizz’ package.
With a rich maritime heritage, Southampton has been famous for being a liner port since the middle of the 1800s and today is widely recognised as the cruise capital of Europe – but city break visitors can also discover plenty to do and see, without setting sail.
Recently, travel guru Simon Calder included Southampton among his top tips for a great UK getaway city break, calling it one of one of England’s greatest maritime cities.
Steeped in history, Southampton Old Town has over 90 listed buildings and more than 30 ancient monuments, from some of England’s best-preserved medieval Town Walls to God’s House Tower, a 700-year-old ancient monument now transformed into an acclaimed arts and exhibitions venue.
The Seacity Museum brings seafaring history to life through an interactive experience, including revealing more about Southampton’s connection with the world’s most famous liner, The Titanic, which embarked from the port on its fateful maiden voyage in 1912.
Meanwhile, the city’s newest family entertainment experience, High Score is a free-play amusement centre, packed with over 60 games, from old school classics, including Space Invaders and PAC-man, to pinball and the newest arcade fun. Pay once and play any game as many times as you like for £9.95 (www.highscorearcades.co.uk/southampton).
The city also makes for a great base for exploring more of Hampshire, with Winchester and its attractions, Marwell Zoo, Paultons Park family theme park and Beaulieu, home to the National Motor Museum, Palace House and Gardens and World of Top Gear, all within a half hour drive or so.
Among the new short break offers is a special family deal at a hotel that can lay claim to offering a warm welcome to Queen Victoria, Admiral Lord Nelson, and Jane Austen, as well as being the oldest hotel in the city.
Follow in famous footsteps and stay at the 4-star Mercure Southampton Centre Dolphin Hotel, in a building that has stood in the heart of the city for over 500 years, with a Family Break deal with Bed, Breakfast and Pizza Dinner for a family of three, from £99.
While the Hilton, At The Ageas Bowl has taken away the frustration for families who may need an interconnecting room, which can now be booked and confirmed right from the start of booking. The hotel is also adjacent to the Ageas Bowl with sweeping views of the cricket ground – one of the venues for this summer’s brand-new cricket contest, The Hundred.
For those who prefer some retail therapy, Holiday Inn Southampton has a ‘Shop & Fizz’ package, which includes a bottle of bubbly, hotel room, breakfast, and late checkout.
Elsewhere in the city, the Southampton Harbour Hotel offers 5-star accommodation with a striking ‘super yacht’ style design, which not only reflects Southampton’s thriving marine culture, with walls of windows and glass to soak up the Solent views, but also boasts one of the UK’s most desirable marina locations – plus a spectacular rooftop destination bar, kitchen, and club.
Southampton’s summer staycation offers can be found at .
For general tourist information about Hampshire, see www.visit-hampshire.co.uk.