Coach Travel to Southampton

As the cruise capital of Northern Europe and a magnet for yachting aficionados, Southampton’s draw is, for some, its maritime history and modern marinas. For others, however, a break to this south coast city means a hefty slice of culture, shopping and partying. Take a coach to Southampton and discover its Cultural Quarter, crammed with museums, theatres and top-notch music venues. Then shop till you drop at the sprawling city centre mall, Westquay, before hitting the bars and clubs on Bedford Place.

Southampton: top 3 things to do

1. The Titanic story

Southampton’s links to the sea are showcased in Southampton's Titanic story at the SeaCity Museum. You'll see over 200 artefacts and listen to the stories of those who were there.

2. Soak up some culture at the Mayflower Theatre

Southern England’s largest theatre was built in the 1920s and has undergone extensive refurbishment since then. Enjoy a night of culture with a musical, opera or ballet performance. In the mood for some laughs? You can also catch a comedy act at the Mayflower, too. Check what’s on before booking your coach travel to Southampton.

3. Discover the Tudor House and Garden

The 15^th-century Tudor House Museum is a must for history buffs. This timber-framed building is filled with ancient artefacts, reconstructed Tudor and Victorian kitchens, and, as rumour has it, the ghost of Anne Boleyn. The beautiful landscaped gardens are another highlight of this Grade I listed mansion.

Southampton: getting around

Travel to Southampton with megabus and you’ll usually get extras like free WiFi* onboard and a 20kg luggage allowance for your essential items. For more information on what to expect from your journey, check out our on board facilities page .

When you arrive in Southampton, the best place to start is at the Tourist Information Centre on Civic Centre Road, just off Above Bar Street. You can pick up a map to get your bearings, and book tickets for theatres and museums. Take a walk around the Cultural Quarter and you’ll find the SeaCity Museum, the Mayflower Theatre and the Southampton City Art Gallery all in this area.

The layout of the city makes it easy to walk to most attractions. But if you want to hop on a bus to get from A to B, there are plenty of services to shuttle you across town.

If you’re travelling to the University of Southampton, the bus will take you from the city centre to Highfield campus in 20 minutes. Heading to Southampton Solent University? It’s just a 10-minute walk from either of the megabus stops.

Take a 25-minute ferry ride to Cowes on the Isle of Wight to explore the island’s sandy beaches. The cities of Salisbury, Winchester and Portsmouth are also within easy reach of Southampton. If you’re a fan of the great outdoors, take the bus to Brockenhurst or Lyndhurst in the heart of the New Forest.

Southampton: best for nightlife

Southampton delivers on all fronts when it comes to nightlife. The student contingent makes a beeline for the lively venues in the area between Bedford Place and London Road. Orange Rooms in particular always draws plenty of partygoers.

If you prefer dinner to drinks, Oxford Street lines up a number of upscale restaurants. Looking for live music? You’re spoilt for choice with the O2 Guildhall and The Brook all hosting first-class music acts.

Southampton: best for shopping

Westquay is Southampton’s premier shopping destination, with over 90 stores set over three floors. It’s wall-to-wall with high street favourites like Zara and New Look, along with a food court. The Marlands Shopping Centre also caters to shopaholics, with big-name brands rubbing shoulders with independent boutiques.

For more in the way of stand-alone stores, Bedford Place and Oxford Street will have you reaching for your wallet. And specialist markets run on Above Bar Street selling artisan food, vintage goods, antiques or arts and crafts, depending on which weekend you stop by.

Southampton for free: our top 3

1. Explore Ocean Village

Ocean Village is prime people-watching territory. This chic marina has a clutch of popular dining spots, bars with harbour views, and super-yachts worth drooling over. While away the afternoon at the cinema before tucking into fresh seafood and a chilled glass of wine al fresco.

2. Visit Southampton City Art Gallery

Art lovers will have a field day at this internationally renowned gallery. The modern space contains more than 5,000 works of art spanning eight centuries. From Italian Renaissance to French Impressionism and the present day, the ever-changing exhibitions will inspire your inner artist. The gallery is free of charge and open Monday to Saturday.

3. Take a stroll on the Common

Southampton’s green Common is immense. The UNESCO site of special scientific interest covers 326 acres and is a short walk from the city centre. Do as the locals do and take a long walk through the guided paths before cosying up in The Cowherds pub on The Avenue for a roast and a pint.

Use the megabus journey planner to book your cheap coach tickets to Southampton today.

We serve Southampton from a number of routes including:

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