Location: Southampton
Top Things to do in Southampton
- 1. Southampton Board Walk
- 2. The Spa at Cobble Beach
- 3. Macgregor Point Provincial Park
- 4. Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre
- 5. Saugeen Rail Trail
- 6. Southampton Art School and Gallery
- 7. Southampton Olive Oil Company
- 8. Chantry Island Lighthouse Tour
- 9. Fairy Lake Trail
- 10. Thorncrest Outfitters
Countries
10 Things to Do in Southampton That You Shouldn't Miss
Southampton (/saʊθˈæmptən, -hæmptən/ ( listen)) is the largest city in the ceremonial county of Hampshire, England. It is 69 miles (111 km) south-west of London and 15 miles (24 km) west north-west of Portsmouth Southampton is a major port and the closest city to the New Forest. It lies at the northernmost point of Southampton Water at the confluence of the Rivers Test and Itchen, with the River Hamble joining to the south of the urban area. The city, which is a unitary authority, has an estimated population of 253,651. The city's name is sometimes abbreviated in writing to "So'ton" or "Soton", and a resident of Southampton is called a Sotonian.
Restaurants in Southampton
1. Southampton Board Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 61 reviews
Reviewed By rnr636 - Elora, Canada
We walked along Captain Spence path and encountered a heron, frogs, ducks and a baby snapping turtle. Lots of historical information along the way. Not a long walk but an easy one. The other direction is the boardwalk and generous sandy beach. We saw two washrooms. There are no dogs allowed on the beach from May to the end of October. And no bicycling. Not that many shops in town either...can walk it all in an hour.
2. The Spa at Cobble Beach
Overall Ratings
4 based on 12 reviews
The Spa at Cobble Beach - Located on the lower level of the Cobble Beach Clubhouse, the Spa is fully equipped with a couples massage room, steam room, jacuzzi hot tub, fitness facility, private treatment rooms, a relaxation room and a Vichy shower. All spa services include full access to all spa amenities including steam room, whirlpool, seasonal outdoor plunge pool, and fitness facility.
3. Macgregor Point Provincial Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 143 reviews
Reviewed By Jim L
Our campsite in the Huron section was spacious and relaxing. Kudos to the park for making their non-electrical sites a priority – they were level, built up with a sand/gravel base and had excellent drainage. The sites are generally well spaced and private. Other parks should look here to see how it’s done right!
The park is a good size with lots of natural areas including forest, marshes and shoreline. There are several trails for both walking and biking. Unfortunately, most of the trails are mixed use, so watch out for bikers and/or hikers!
The park does lack a major feature or ‘wow’ factor – just a nice setting with lots of good quality campsites.
4. Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65 reviews
Experience this world class Museum & Cultural Centre where the old marries the new, and discover the stories of Bruce County from First Nations people to the newcomers; fishing and forestry, farming and furniture and marine heritage. Rich in natural history and cultural, visitors of all ages will enjoy interactive experiences through exhibits, special events and programming.
5. Saugeen Rail Trail
Overall Ratings
4 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By DCanadian - Woodstock, Canada
The Saugeen Rail Trail is straight and level, and hard-packed with fine gravel. As all rail trails, it is lovely to use for jogging or biking as there is no motorized traffic. I rode from the Rotary Perkins Park in Southhampton to the Trail Head at Port Elgin, which took about 40 minutes round trip.
The Southampton section would be shady throughout the day, while the Port Elgin trail is mostly shady in late afternoon with the taller trees on the west side for a good portion of the trail.
The trail runs through farmland and then between residential backyards in Port Elgin. There are no waterfront views. On a Sunday in September there were only a few using the trail so it was very peaceful.
The Rotary Park has parking with washrooms and flush toilets open from May - October.
6. Southampton Art School and Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
The Southampton Art Gallery is excited to showcase the finest regional and local talent right in the heart of downtown Southampton! Open year round and FREE ADMISSION, browse through the shop, experience contemporary art exhibits and enjoy our “Signature Art Events” all emphasizing HANDMADE works of Art.
Reviewed By TKoTP - Hamilton
Last week I took an art class at the Southampton Art School and Gallery.
The class I took was very good. I learned many things that will take me weeks to apply and prefect.
After the class I dropped into the gallery to see what was happening locally. There were many very fine pieces on display in the small but warm and inviting gallery.
7. Southampton Olive Oil Company
Overall Ratings
5 based on 20 reviews
Super Fresh Ultra Premium Certified Extra Virgin Olive Oils and Aged Balsamic Vinegars. Over 50 varieties here in our 'Tasting Room'. Come in for a taste experience. Your selection is bottled fresh for you after you choose. Try before you buy! We will host a private tasting party for your group of 8 - 12 people. Gift bags & baskets for any occasion!
Reviewed By Zappafan5797 - Hanover, Canada
Tried this on a whim and was amazed at the knowledge and courteousness of the staff. 3 staff for 4 of us. Tried balsamics that I thought would be dreadful and was very surprised at the taste and fullness of the product. They even have taste pairings on the evenings with salads and you can BYOB. Even tried a sparkling water and balsamic mix that was delightful and a great change for a non alcoholic beverage for us drivers. Never even considered that before. This is a hidden gem in Southampton and we will certainly visit again and would love to attend the evening seminar. Great selection and a very helpful staff to guide you through it all and we were made to feel welcome the moment we walked through the door. Even if you think you don't like olive oil, you should try it!
8. Chantry Island Lighthouse Tour
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By AmyLynn1980
At first glance, the price may seem a little much but there is no possible way to describe the incredible value of this trip. Chantry Island is accessible only by boat. The lighthouse and keeper's cottage have been restored and are maintained by volunteers. The tour is also conducted by volunteers, and monies raised from ticket sales go towards upkeep of the island. It takes about 15 minutes by boat to reach the island - very interesting narrative of the Southampton Harbour on the way. Once you arrive, you are greeted by nesting birds galore! Quite a site to see. You have the opportunity to visit the restored keeper's cottage and get a glimpse of what life was like for the families who called Chantry Island home. It has been lovingly restored and furnished, with much attention to detail! You will also have the opportunity to climb to the top of the lighthouse itself. There are 106 stairs so it is a little bit of a climb - the guide paused at each landing to share a story or point out information, making what could be a rough climb rather easy and manageable. Amazing views from the top, didn't want to come down! Kudos to the amazing volunteer team for their efforts and dedication. Worth every penny - go check it out!
9. Fairy Lake Trail
Overall Ratings
4 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By Peter_K_B_Toronto - Toronto, Canada
On hot summer days, it's nice to walk this trail along the small lake in the heart of town. It's not particularly interesting but an OK activity when you do not want to be out in the direct sun at noon, for example. Lots of parking on the streets around it. A ten minute walk up from the beach.
10. Thorncrest Outfitters
Overall Ratings
4 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By hansen944 - Boracay, Philippines
Yes it was all good with the canoe rental and shuttle, but watch out when you get home and see your credit card has been billed almost double the agreed price. It was never mentioned to me when I booked it that there could be a "late fee". I was told when booking I could return the canoe to the drop point AT ANY TIME and they would come get it after I call them, if I wait for them. Ruined my day when I saw the extra charges...wont use them again.
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