Parking
Southampton has good city-centre car parks, but it's also a working port, so timing matters.
- On cruise turnaround days the roads around the docks get busy — allow extra time.
- If you're cruising, check your cruise line's parking advice; many guests prefer to stay the night before and arrive relaxed.
- Check each property listing for parking details.
Getting around
Southampton is well connected by rail, road, air and sea — and the city centre is easily walkable.
By train
Southampton Central has direct trains to London Waterloo, Bournemouth, Portsmouth, Brighton and the Midlands.
By air
Southampton Airport has its own railway station, Southampton Airport Parkway, a few minutes from the city centre by train.
By sea
Red Funnel runs ferries to the Isle of Wight from the Town Quay terminal, and the Hythe Ferry crosses Southampton Water.
By road
The M3 links Southampton to London; the M27 runs along the south coast.
Business travel
The port, the hospital, the universities and major employers like Carnival UK and Ordnance Survey mean plenty of business visitors — many staying for weeks at a time.
- Every home has fast WiFi and a dedicated workspace.
- Weekly and monthly stays are available — contact us for longer-stay rates.
- We can provide invoices for company bookings.
Local attractions
Medieval Town Walls & Bargate
Walk sections of some of the most complete medieval town walls in England, starting at the Bargate gatehouse.
SeaCity Museum
Southampton's maritime story, including a moving exhibition on the city's connection to the Titanic.
Tudor House & Garden
Over 800 years of history in one building, tucked away in the Old Town.
The New Forest
Ancient woodland, open heath and free-roaming ponies, a short drive west of the city.
Major employers
Working in Southampton? These are some of the big names our business guests visit.
Associated British Ports (Port of Southampton)
One of the UK's busiest ports and Northern Europe's leading cruise turnaround port, bringing contractors, crew and logistics teams to the city year-round.
Carnival UK
The company behind P&O Cruises and Cunard is headquartered in Southampton, with teams and visitors working closely with the port.
Ordnance Survey
Britain's national mapping agency has its headquarters in Southampton, attracting specialists and project teams.
National Oceanography Centre
A major marine science research centre based at the Southampton waterfront alongside the University of Southampton.
Hospitals
Many of our guests are NHS staff, contractors or visiting family. Here's what's nearby.
University Hospital Southampton
A major teaching hospital and regional centre for specialist care, based at Southampton General Hospital in Shirley. A significant destination for NHS staff, agency workers and visiting families.
Princess Anne Hospital
Maternity and women's services, located next to Southampton General Hospital.
Spire Southampton Hospital
A private hospital offering a wide range of treatments, located in Bassett.
Universities
University of Southampton
A Russell Group university with its main campus at Highfield, north of the city centre.
Solent University
A city-centre university, a short walk from the Old Town and the waterfront.
Event venues
St Mary's Stadium
Home of Southampton FC, close to the city centre.
Mayflower Theatre
One of the largest theatres in the south, hosting touring West End shows.
O2 Guildhall Southampton
Live music and comedy in the city centre.
Utilita Bowl
Home of Hampshire Cricket, in West End on the edge of the city.
Mayflower Park
The waterfront home of the Southampton International Boat Show each September.