Southampton, also known as “Soton” to the locals, is a city located on the south coast of England. It’s a place where you can enjoy a lovely stroll by the seafront, or get lost in the labyrinth of roundabouts and traffic lights that make up the city’s road system.
The city is famous for its maritime history, and you can visit the Titanic museum to learn about the fateful voyage of the famous ship. Alternatively, you can take a leisurely boat ride down the River Itchen and admire the sights and sounds of the city.
Southampton is also home to two universities, which means there are plenty of students wandering around the city at all hours of the day and night. If you’re looking for a good night out, head to Bedford Place, where you’ll find a plethora of bars and clubs to choose from.
The locals are known for their friendly and welcoming nature, and you’ll often hear them referred to as “Sotonians.” They’re also fiercely proud of their football team, Southampton FC, and you’ll often see the team’s red and white stripes worn proudly around the city.
Postcode Map of Southampton
- SO14 – City Centre, St Mary’s, Newtown, Ocean Village
- SO15 – Freemantle, Shirley, Millbrook
- SO16 – Bassett, Swaythling, Redbridge, Lordshill
- SO17 – Highfield, Portswood
- SO18 – Bitterne, Bitterne Park, Chartwell Green, Townhill Park
- SO19 – Sholing, Thornhill, Woolston, Weston, Itchen, Netley Abbey, Harefield
- SO20 – Michelmersh, Timsbury, Braishfield, North Baddesley
- SO21 – Compton, Colden Common, Hursley, Micheldever, Owslebury, Shawford, South Wonston, Sutton Scotney, Twyford
- SO22 – Badger Farm, Fulflood, Hursley Park, Littleton and Harestock, Olivers Battery, Pitt, St Cross, Stanmore, Weeke
- SO23 – Abbotts Barton, Bar End, Highcliffe, Hyde, St Cross (part), Winnall
- SO24 – Alresford, Beauworth, Bighton, Bramdean, Cheriton, Gundleton, Kilmeston, Ropley, Tichborne
- SO30 – Botley, Hedge End, West End
- SO31 – Warsash, Hamble-le-Rice, Locks Heath
- SO32 – Bishop’s Waltham, Corhampton, Droxford, Durley, Exton, Meonstoke, Shedfield, Soberton, Swanmore
- SO40 – Totton, Netley Marsh, Copythorne
- SO41 – Lymington, Milford on Sea, Pennington
- SO42 – Brockenhurst, Sway, Boldre, Pilley
- SO43 – Lyndhurst, Emery Down, Bank, Minstead, Bramshaw, Copythorne, Cadnam
- SO45 – Hythe, Fawley, Blackfield, Langley, Holbury, North Blackfield, Calshot, Hardley
- SO50 – Eastleigh, Bishopstoke
- SO51 – Romsey, Ampfield, Lockerley, Mottisfont, Wellow
- SO52 – North Baddesley, Rownhams
- SO53 – Chandler’s Ford, Hiltingbury, Horton Heath, Eastleigh, Otterbourne, West End (part)
Best Places for things to do
Top 10 things to do in Southampton
- Visit the SeaCity Museum: This museum explores Southampton’s maritime history, including its connection to the Titanic.
- Explore the Southampton Old Town: This historic area is full of charming medieval streets, old buildings, and interesting shops.
- Take a stroll in the Southampton Common: This large park offers plenty of open space for walking, picnicking, and playing sports.
- Catch a show at the Mayflower Theatre: This historic theatre hosts a variety of shows, including musicals, plays, and concerts.
- Go shopping at Westquay Shopping Centre: This large shopping centre offers a range of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
- See a football match at St. Mary’s Stadium: This is the home of Southampton Football Club, which plays in the English Premier League.
- Visit the Tudor House and Garden: This historic house and garden dates back to the 15th century and offers a glimpse into Southampton’s past.
- Enjoy the Southampton Old Bowling Green: This historic bowling green has been used since the 13th century and is a great place to relax and enjoy the sunshine.
- Check out the Solent Sky Museum: This aviation museum showcases the history of aviation in the Solent area.
- Walk along the waterfront at Ocean Village: This marina is home to a range of restaurants, bars, and shops, and offers stunning views of the harbor.
Top 5 places for SO14
Here are some places of interest you might want to visit in the area:
- Mayflower Theatre: This historic theatre hosts a variety of shows, including musicals, plays, and concerts.
- SeaCity Museum: This museum explores Southampton’s maritime history, including its connection to the Titanic.
- Southampton Guildhall: This concert venue hosts a variety of events, including music, comedy, and theatre performances.
- Bargate: This medieval gate is one of the most iconic landmarks in Southampton.
- Westquay Shopping Centre: This large shopping centre offers a range of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Top 5 places for SO15
The Mayflower: This historic pub is named after the famous ship that sailed from Southampton to America in 1620.
Southampton Common: This large park offers plenty of open space for walking, picnicking, and playing sports.
The Southampton City Walls: These historic walls were built in the 14th century to protect the city from invaders.
The Engine Rooms: This music venue hosts a variety of concerts, ranging from up-and-coming bands to established acts.
The Titanic Trail: This self-guided walking tour takes you through Southampton’s connection to the Titanic, including the Titanic Engineers’ Memorial.
Best Places for Food and Beverage
Some popular cuisine options in Southampton include:
- British: Southampton has a variety of traditional British pubs and restaurants, serving classic dishes like fish and chips, roast beef, and shepherd’s pie.
- Seafood: Given its location on the coast, Southampton is known for its seafood. You can find fresh fish dishes in many restaurants and markets around the city.
- International: Southampton also has a diverse range of international cuisine options, including Italian, Indian, Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Mexican, and Middle Eastern.
- Vegan and Vegetarian: There are also a growing number of vegan and vegetarian restaurants and cafes in Southampton, offering plant-based options.
- Street Food: Southampton has a thriving street food scene, with regular markets and festivals featuring food trucks and stalls selling a range of cuisines.
SO14:
- British cuisine: There are a number of traditional British pubs and restaurants in SO14, serving classic dishes such as fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and roast beef.
- Seafood: Southampton’s maritime history and location on the coast make it a great place to enjoy fresh seafood. You can find a variety of seafood restaurants and markets in SO14.
- Italian cuisine: SO14 has a number of Italian restaurants serving pizza, pasta, and other classic Italian dishes.
- Indian cuisine: Indian cuisine is also popular in SO14, with a range of Indian restaurants offering curries, biryanis, and other Indian dishes.
SO15:
- British cuisine: Like SO14, British cuisine is popular in SO15 with a number of traditional pubs and restaurants offering classic British dishes.
- Seafood: Seafood is also popular in SO15, with a range of restaurants offering fresh fish and seafood dishes.
- Caribbean cuisine: There are a number of Caribbean restaurants and takeaways in SO15, serving dishes such as jerk chicken, curried goat, and rice and peas.
- Indian cuisine: Indian cuisine is also popular in SO15, with a range of Indian restaurants offering curries, biryanis, and other Indian dishes.
- Turkish cuisine: Turkish cuisine is also growing in popularity in SO15, with a number of Turkish restaurants serving kebabs, mezze, and other Turkish dishes.
SO11:
- British cuisine: As with other parts of Southampton, British cuisine is popular in SO11, with several traditional pubs and restaurants serving classic British dishes.
- Italian cuisine: SO11 has a number of Italian restaurants serving pizza, pasta, and other classic Italian dishes.
- Mediterranean cuisine: Mediterranean cuisine is also popular in SO11, with a number of restaurants offering dishes such as Greek mezze, Spanish tapas, and Turkish kebabs.
SO16:
- British cuisine: British cuisine is popular in SO16, with several traditional pubs and restaurants serving classic British dishes.
- Indian cuisine: Indian cuisine is also popular in SO16, with a range of Indian restaurants offering curries, biryanis, and other Indian dishes.
- Chinese cuisine: Chinese cuisine is also popular in SO16, with several Chinese restaurants and takeaways serving dishes such as stir-fries, dumplings, and noodles.
- Italian cuisine: SO16 also has several Italian restaurants serving pizza, pasta, and other Italian dishes.
SO19:
- British cuisine: British cuisine is popular in SO19, with several traditional pubs and restaurants serving classic British dishes.
- Seafood: SO19 is located near the coast, so seafood is also popular, with a range of restaurants serving fresh fish and seafood dishes.
- Indian cuisine: Indian cuisine is also popular in SO19, with a variety of Indian restaurants offering curries, biryanis, and other Indian dishes.
- American cuisine: American cuisine is also growing in popularity in SO19, with several restaurants serving burgers, BBQ, and other American dishes.
British cuisine appears to be the most widely available