The Best Day Trips from Southampton When You’re Tight on Time

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From an embarkation point for the Normandy landings (D-Day) to the port that Titanic left on her maiden voyage, Southampton built a historic reputation as a place of great departures. The English city served as an important port of ocean liners and continued to be a hub for luxury cruising. But Southampton has much more to offer than just saying goodbye to its visitors. There are many exciting things to do in and around Southampton, even if you only have a day to spare.

Queen Elizabeth 2 ship in Southampton in the 1960s; 35mm film slide scan by Annie Spratt on Unsplash.

Of course, the town offers numerous heritage landmarks, museums and galleries, as well as walking trails covering everything from Old Town history to street art. But many visitors come for one thing in particular. As the cruise capital of Europe, Southampton welcomes more than 2 million cruise passengers every year.

If you’re leaving Southampton for a great voyage, it always makes sense to arrive a day or two before departure. For one, you don’t want a potential flight delay to affect your embarkation, but also – there are places to discover even before the official start of your cruise holidays.

Besides just exploring the vibrant town that blends history with modern life, you should maximize your stay with trips out of Southampton.

Day excursions would be a perfect opportunity for you to learn more about the region’s history, culture, and various events that shaped the city.

In today’s article, we reveal 7 destinations for day trips from Southampton when you are on a tight schedule.

7 day trips from Southampton you should consider

1. winchester.

If you are into medieval architecture or English literature, you will love exploring Winchester . This historic town is only a 30-minute drive northeast of Southampton.

The interior of Winchester Cathedral; photo by Mario La Pergola, Unsplash.

Once you are there, you can explore the ancient ruins and castles that reflect the glorious past of this place. You can visit the Winchester Cathedral , Wolvesey Castle , and the Winchester City Mill . The biggest attraction here is the mysterious King Arthur ’s round table in The Great Hall of Winchester Castle .

You can drive a bit further to Chawton to see Jane Austen’s House , where she wrote some of her great literary works.

If you are with a kid, you can also explore the Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium .

2. Marwell Zoo

If you’re with a family, you can head for a day trip to Marwell Zoo . Located just a 30-minute ride from Southampton, Marwell Zoo has hundreds of animals, such as leopards, giraffes, tigers, and meerkats.

One of four white rhinos, near threatened animals, at Marwell Zoo near Southampton; photo by Richard Beaman.

With its 57-hectare park and 5 adventure play areas, this is a perfect place to explore when you want to keep your kids entertained when you are short on time.

3. Lyndhurst

If you have a day to spare in Southampton, visiting Lyndhurst would offer you an experience like no other. This is a perfect place for those who love walking and cycling as you can explore the New Forest National Park while finding out more about the forest’s history and heritage .

Trees of the New Forest National Park in Lyndhurst; photo by Andrew Johnson, Unsplash.

This tiny town might surprise you with the number of tea rooms, pubs, cafes, fine dining restaurants, and ice parlors you can find here. Lyndhurst is just a 25-minute drive from Southampton, securing a quick return by the end of the day.

4. Bournemouth

Almost an hour’s drive southwest and you will end up in the seaside town of Bournemouth . Here you can walk the award-winning beaches and Victorian piers .

Bournemouth Pier and beach, photo by Dami Akinbode, Unsplash.

The town is also known for its quirky architecture and art. While you are in Bournemouth, you can also explore the Upper, Central, and Lower Gardens.

Finish the town visit by treating yourself to a delicious meal as you overlook the English Channel .

5. Salisbury

Located northwest of Southampton, Salisbury is known for its captivating history and stunning cathedral . With its colossal spire, the Salisbury Cathedral dominates the skyline of the town.

Salisbury Cathedral, photo by Tzenik, Unsplash.

While you are on a day trip in Salisbury, you can explore the traditional shopping streets and the market square which still retains its medieval charm.

6. Stonehenge

Not too far from Salisbury lies the mysterious Stonehenge . This is one of the most visited sites in the UK as no one knows why this Neolithic monument was built.

Stonehenge, photo by Cajeo Zhang, Unsplash.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site , Stonehenge dates back 5,000 years. It’s a day trip from Southampton you will not forget.

You can visit Stonehenge directly on your transfer from London to Southampton Cruise Terminal .

7. Isle of Wight

If you are looking for sandy beaches and lots of history and heritage , you can enjoy a day trip to the Isle of Wight.

Isle of Wight cliffs; photo by Lison Zhao, Unsplash.

Just a couple of hours’ drive from Southampton, you can have a great time here exploring the outdoors, shopping at the local market, and eating delicious local food at various restaurants and pubs.

Day trips from Southampton – Conclusion

Southampton deserved its European cruise capital title for a reason. Whether it’s a week or two exploring Norwegian fjords, the best of Scandinavia and the Mediterranean Sea , or a Transatlantic journey to Florida , Southampton offers many exciting cruise destinations .

Southampton offers plenty of day trip options for curious travelers

But the town is more than just a cruise port. Whether you’re retracing the footsteps of Jane Austen in Winchester, channeling your inner David Attenborough at Marwell Zoo, or pondering the mysteries of Stonehenge, there are plenty of day trip options from Southampton, waiting for curious souls.

All you need to do is to pack some sense of adventure and your best map-reading skills (or just Google Maps). Embrace the unexpected, make those impromptu detours, sample the strange local delicacies, and snap even the most awkward selfies!

Southampton may be an important cruising port for seeing the world, but you can also see the best of the world while cruising around the town itself.

What is your favorite of Southampton day trips?  Please comment if you already cruised from here, and share your experience! Pin this article for later!

Southampton is not just a cruise capital of Europe, it is also a starting point of some exciting excursions you can take. These are the 7 best day trips from Southampton, UK!

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The Best Day Trips to Take From Southampton

Brighton Promenade

Southampton is fortunate enough to be incredibly well connected to a number of beautiful destinations, providing plenty of opportunities for fun-filled day trips. If you’re keen to escape the city for a while but your schedule is too packed for a whole weekend away, take a day to explore the sights of these nearby locations.

Brockenhurst.

A mere fifteen minutes on the train from Southampton Central, Brockenhurst is a quaint village situated on the edge of the New Forest . When the noise and fast pace of city life becomes too much, this is the ideal day trip destination. At only £7.40 for an off-peak return, it won’t break the bank either.

This picturesque getaway can be visited all year round, but make sure to wrap up warm in the winter months, especially if you plan on taking a hike through the New Forest. Why not prepare a packed lunch and head straight into the forest from the station? Spend the day following one of the many walking routes, stopping for a picnic and photo opportunities with the wild horses that roam the national park. Finish off your day trip by heading back to one of the cosy village pubs for a well-earned drink before hopping on the train home again.

Isle of Wight

As long as you’re not prone to sea-sickness, the Isle of Wight is definitely one of the best day trips to be taken from Southampton . Catch the ferry from Southampton Docks to Cowes, which takes around an hour, with an off-peak return coming in at £17.

Music lovers should visit in the summer for the legendary annual Isle of Wight festival , which hosts well-known acts as well as up and coming artists. However, the natural attractions of the island are rather less seasonal and can be explored year-round, although the unpredictability of English weather should be kept in mind. A well-known beauty spot to make a note of is The Needles, a stunning rock formation with coloured sand accessed by a chairlift. It is easily accessible both by car and public transport from Cowes ferry ports, with the drive taking around an hour each way.

A quirky seaside city with heaps to offer, Brighton makes for a jam-packed day trip. The best way to get there is to hop on a direct train from Southampton Central, priced at £16.10 for an adult off-peak return. In just under two hours you’ll find yourself in the heart of the town, with vintage shops, foodie hotspots, and the iconic Palace Pier only a short walk away.

Although the winter months tend to be quieter, the best time of year to visit Brighton is arguably in August. The typical British weather is much more forgiving if you’re keen to do a bit of sunbathing, but the real draw in this season is Brighton Pride . Celebrating the LGBTQ community, Pride spreads across the whole city with vibrant parades, music, dancers and more. Get dressed up in your best festival gear, smother yourself in rainbow glitter, and throw yourself into the midst of the spectacular party atmosphere.

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Colourful sun loungers on Brighton beach

Despite being one of the oldest university cities in the world, there’s more to Oxford than just studying. For visitors who appreciate stunning historical architecture, a walking tour of the city should definitely be on the to do list. Keep an eye out for the many recognisable backdrops used as filming locations in famous movies such as Harry Potter and The Golden Compass .

Oxford is also the perfect place to get immersed in culture, with its wealth of museums showcasing a huge range of historical artefacts as well as modern art. Must-sees include the Pitt Rivers museum, the Museum of Natural History and the Ashmolean, which features exhibits of art and archaeology.

Trains to Oxford take just under an hour and a half from Southampton Central, with an off-peak return setting you back a reasonable £35.50.

Well-known for being the home of the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Banksy and Wallace and Gromit, the attractions of Bristol will be hard to exhaust in one day. You can head to Bristol on the train from just £34.20 on an off-peak return, with the journey lasting a little under two hours. The bridge is a must-see, as is the floating harbour with its variety of chic bars and restaurants, but why not try something a little bit unique during your day trip?

St. Werburgh’s Church was built way back in the 15th century, but nowadays its tower is a highlight for adrenaline-seekers, as it has been transformed into a climbing centre. Visitors of all ages can make their way up the inside of the church tower walls, in an activity that’s both exciting and great for fitness. When you’re all climbed out, head to one of the many bars and pubs across the city and relax with a local cider.

This article was written in association with Wessex Scene , a student publication based at the University of Southampton .

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Day trips and tours from southampton.

The south coast of England is overflowing with charm and history, with Tudor houses, manicured gardens and rugged coastline as far as the eye can see.

The noble port city of Southampton was the last departure point of the Titanic, but it is also a gateway to a multitude of treasures across England.

Day trips from Southampton promise boatloads of memories as you cruise along country lanes or explore historical destinations that define our world.

Whether you are just looking for a scenic transfer to London or want to sink your teeth into the long-spanning and noble history that flows through the region, there is an excursion from Southampton for you.

day trips from southampton uk

London is a destination that needs no introduction, and this mega-city is only a short journey from Southampton.

This is a must-visit destination like no other. On a London day trip from Southampton , monuments, landmarks and museums leap at you from every corner.

As your ship pulls into Southampton you will be whisked away on a scenic journey to reach one of the most prolific cities in the world, ready to start your big London adventure.

day trips from southampton uk

Venture into the ancient mysteries of a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has boggled the minds and imaginations of humans for centuries on a Stonehenge tour from Southampton .

Just a stone's throw from the city, this prehistoric monument enchants visitors with its enigmatic stone circle, inviting contemplation of its historical significance and celestial alignment.

Whether you believe it was built by aliens, mammoths or the Welsh, this is a worthwhile day tour from Southampton for everyone.

day trips from southampton uk

Embark on a royal escape on a Windsor day trip from Southampton .

Here you will gain access to the regal grounds of Windsor Castle where staterooms, thrones, chapels and centuries of history have been guarded.

You can stroll through the charming town, exploring the quaint boutiques and artisanal shops that add to the storybook atmosphere of this historic town.

day trips from southampton uk

Journey to Salisbury and discover the impressive Salisbury Cathedral, known for its towering spire and the remarkable Magna Carta.

Meander through the town's quaint streets, enjoying its historical charm and picturesque surroundings on a day tour from Southampton to Salisbury .

The timber-framed facades and Georgian lanes create a picture of the quintessential English town, transporting you into a bygone era that now only lives in the pages of a history book.

day trips from southampton uk

Indulge in the Roman heritage and Georgian elegance of Bath, a UNESCO-listed city renowned for its stunning architecture and Roman Baths.

Immerse yourself in the warm waters of the Thermae Bath Spa and explore the exquisite Bath Abbey on a Bath tour from Southampton .

This town is an essential part of any British itinerary and it is the perfect destination for a day trip from Southampton.

day trips from southampton uk

Escape to idyllic landscapes on a day tour to the Cotswolds , a region characterized by rolling green hills, charming villages, and thatched-roof cottages.

Meander through gems like Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury and Lower Slaughter to live your best Jane Austen fantasy in the English countryside.

You will spend your day visiting cozy pubs and tea rooms, admiring Norman architecture that has stood the test of time and absorbing the old-world atmosphere that dominates this corner of the UK.

day trips from southampton uk

While this town is synonymous with its prestigious university, you can discover lots more on offer on an Oxford day trip from Southampton .

Wander through the historic colleges, visit the Bodleian Library, and traverse the lovely meadows along the River Cherwell.

For more than 800 years this town has held its noble reputation among the aristocracy and scholars of the world and your tour through its historic streets will show you exactly why.

day trips from southampton uk

Uncover historic gems in a city steeped in Anglo-Saxon history on a day trip to Winchester from Southampton .

Explore the Winchester Cathedral, stroll through the medieval streets, and immerse yourself in the tales of King Arthur at the Great Hall.

You will experience the distinguished atmosphere of medieval towns scattered around the English countryside and visit prominent landmarks where pivotal moments in history unfolded centuries ago.

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Tours and things to do in southampton, best day trips from southampton.

  • Tours From Southampton Cruise Terminal >

2-Day Private Tour from Southampton

2-Day Private Tour from Southampton

Our 2-day private tour from Southampton visits Stonehenge, Bath, Cotswolds and Oxford. Departing from Southampton Cruise Terminal, spend two days seeing the best of England! Travel in a comfortable modern vehicle accompanied by an experienced driver/guide. Stay overnight in an idyllic Cotswolds village situated in the heart of the English countryside. At the end of the trip, we can drop you in London or Heathrow Airport. Our private tours from Southampton are perfect for couples, families or small groups and are available throughout the year.

We’ll collect you from Southampton Cruise Terminal and begin our 2-day private tour with a visit to Stonehenge. This prehistoric monument was built around 5,000 years ago and is one of the most popular sites in England. See the ancient stone circles and learn more about how and why they were built. Your entrance tickets also include seeing the Neolithic Village and visitor’s centre.

day trips from southampton uk

Roman Baths

We continue the day with a visit to the city of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy lunch in one of the many charming pubs, cafes or restaurants in the city centre. Your guide will then lead a walking tour of the city, pointing out key locations including the Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge and Bath Abbey. Explore the Roman Baths which played a major part in ancient Roman culture and society.

We end the day with a drive from Bath into the Cotswolds and the pretty English countryside. The Cotswolds is one of the most beautiful parts of England, with green rolling hills and chocolate-box villages. Stay overnight in a hotel in a charming Cotswolds village.

We begin day 2 of our Southampton private tour with a visit to Burford. This pretty town is known as the ‘Gateway to the Cotswolds’ and there are lots of independent shops, antique stores and a picturesque church to see. We continue our drive through the Windrush Valley, passing idyllic villages and pastoral countryside. Highlights include visiting Minster Lovell and seeing the ruins of its 15th Century manor house. Look out for the many thatched-roof cottages and honey-coloured stone buildings that are dotted around the area.

day trips from southampton uk

All Souls College, Oxford

We will then drive to Oxford for lunch and a walking tour of the city. Oxford is renowned for its world-class university which is made up of over 40 colleges and halls spread out across the city centre. Admire the impressive buildings including Bodleian Library and learn about the history of Oxford, including the many notable people who have studied here.

At the end of the day, we will drop you at your hotel in Central London or Heathrow Airport.

More details

Pickup/Dropoff

  • We will meet you at your cruise terminal in Southampton
  • At the end of the tour, we can drop you in Central London or Heathrow Airport. Please get in touch if you would like to be dropped off in a different location

Tour includes:

  • A friendly driver/guide
  • Transportation in a comfortable vehicle with air-conditioning
  • Entrance fees to Stonehenge & Roman Baths

Tour does not include:

  • Hotel accommodation. We are happy to provide recommendations for hotels based on your budget and requirements. We suggest booking a hotel in either Bibury, Burford or Bourton-on-the-Water.
  • Any additional entrance fees
  • Food, drink, gratuities (optional)

This itinerary is flexible and can be customized according to your interests. We can also provide longer private tours from Southampton , including 3-day, 4-day or 5-day tours.

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We have included some very popular favorites, along with some ridiculously good priced ones for the early part of the year.

There is a great deal of choice for both UK and Continental holidays, with delightful locations, comfortable and appealing hotels and engaging itineraries.

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We also specialize in private hire – if you are part of a group and wish to travel somewhere for the day or for a holiday, Fiona can help organize the transport, accommodation and trips out for you and your group. Email [email protected] or call 02380 844788 with your requirements for a quotation. We have a fleet of vehicles including a 16 seat minibus, midi coaches and large executive coaches to suit all needs, including corporate work, wedding transport, and airport runs to name a few. You can also message us on Facebook.

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We endeavour to offer superb value for money whilst providing high quality hotels with detailed and attentive itineraries. Our principal focus is to deliver the best service possible from the moment you book to the very end of your holiday with our friendly, efficient and knowledgeable team of booking staff, drivers & managers. We also continue to strive to keep our vehicle standards high with vigorous maintenance checks, where our customer’s safety and comfort is always our foremost priority.

PSo, whether you have travelled with us before or it’s your very first time, we will provide that personal touch, go that extra mile and aim to give you a truly memorable holiday.

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Private Day tour to Bath and the Cotswolds

Duration: 8 hours location: bath and the cotswolds price: from £595 explore some of southern england’s most beautiful sights on this full-day trip from southampton.  take time out from your cruise vacation to discover the delights of bath and the cotswolds. spend the morning in bath, a unesco-listed city famed for its georgian architecture, roman baths and connection with jane austen. then, travel through the beautiful cotswolds and visit the sleepy villages of castle combe and lacock. itinerary.

What places will we get to see? • Castle Combe • Lacock • Roman Baths • Bath Abbey • Pulteney Bridge • Royal Crescent • The Circus

Paint me a picture: Meet your professional driver guide on arrival at Southampton Cruise Terminal at 8.30am and relax in the comfort of an air-conditional vehicle. You’ll start the day by visiting the UNESCO listed city of Bath. Here you will get to enjoy a walking tour of this beautiful city. During the tour you will see Baths famous attractions such as the Royal Crescent, the Circus, Bath Abbey and Pulteney Bridge. After your walking tour of Bath you will have time to visit the Roman Baths independently. Our next stop is the fairytale village of Castle Combe. Undoubtedly the jewel in the crown of the southern Cotswolds. From here we continue through the Cotswolds to Lacock. This is a charming village, home to a wonderful Abbey and many small artisan shops. A place where Harry Potter, Pride and Prejudice and many movies and TV shows have been filmed. We then drive back to your Southampton cruise in plenty of time for your departure. Alternatively, if you have finished your cruise then we are happy to drop you off at Heathrow Airport for an extra fee of £150.

Useful Information

You’ll be looked after by our knowledgeable driver-guide and travel in one of our comfortable vehicles that can hold up to seven guests. Your guide will give you a background of the area’s history as you travel, and at each of the stops you’re free to either explore with your guide or to have some free time to yourself, relax and maybe do some shopping. Tour Details This tour is available seven days a week, subject to availability. We have a tier pricing policy for this tour and below are the prices per person: £595 for 1 person £325 per person for 2 people £235 per person for 3 people £195 per person for 4 people £175 per person for 5 people £150 per person for 6 people £135 per person for 7 people The tour departs from either Southampton Cruise Terminal or your Southampton Hotel and we will return you to Southampton after the tour. Alternatively, if you have finished your cruise then we are happy to drop you off at Heathrow Airport for an extra fee of £150.

What’s Included?

Included in this tour • Professional local guide/driver • Entrance tickets to the Roman Baths • Transportation in a modern comfortable air-conditioned vehicle. • Southampton hotel/port pickup and drop-off • Private tour • We are proud to support ‘One Tree Planted’. So with every booking made, we will donate to allow one tree to be planted

Not included in this tour • Entrance fees to other attractions • Food or refreshments • Gratuities

How to get here?

This is a day tour which departs from either Southampton cruise terminal or your Southampton hotel. The start time for this tour is flexible depending on when your cruise disembarks. Your guide will be waiting for you in the cruise terminal at a pre-agreed time.

How much does the tour cost?

We have a tier pricing policy for this tour and below are the prices per person:

£595 for 1 person £325 per person for 2 people £235 per person for 3 people £195 per person for 4 people £175 per person for 5 people £150 per person for 6 people £135 per person for 7 people

Do you offer pickups from hotels?

Yes if you are staying at a hotel in Southampton then please let us know and we will be happy to collect you and drop you off at your hotel.  Alternatively, if you would like to finish your tour at Heathrow Airport we can drop you off for an extra fee of £150.

What day and time is this tour?

This tour is available seven days a week, subject to availability.  The start time is flexible depending on your cruise arrival and departure times.

What are the payment arrangements for the tour?

Full payment is required at the time of booking. We accept all major credit cards, Paypal or wire transfer.

Do you have a cancellation policy?

Our cancellation policy is 100% of the cost charged for cancellations within 48 hours prior the tour. 50 % of the cost is charged for cancellations 3 – 7 days before the tour. For cancellations given 8 days and greater before the tour then we charge a 5% cancellation fee.

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Hear about tales and tsars from centuries past on a cruise from Southampton to Scandinavia and the Baltic. Get up close to historical treasures like Viking ships in Oslo and Kronborg Castle in Copenhagen.

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Experience tranquility and natural beauty on a cruise from Southampton to Norway and Iceland. During an overnight stay in Alta, search for the Aurora Borealis while sipping on hot chocolate. Come face-to-face with Europe’s largest glacier as you sail down the iconic Norwegian Fjords. Or take a dip in Reykjavik’s Blue Lagoon and rediscover your sense of wonder. See for yourself why it’s called the land of fire and ice.

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Relive the golden age of ocean travel on a Transatlantic cruise from Southampton. Unwind at sea and jump into adventure at each destination. Choose from voyages that take you through the British Isles to the Land of Fire and Ice — Iceland. Or visit ports in Spain and France as you make your way to North America on a cruise from London by way of Southampton. Indulge in the best of land and sea with a Transatlantic cruise from Princess.

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COMMENTS

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    Southampton, South East England. Shore Excursion and Cruise Transfer to and from Southampton. from $996.71. Per group. Likely to Sell Out. Brighton, South East England. Stratford-upon-Avon and the Cotswolds - Day Tour from Brighton. 7. from $88.74.

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  14. 2-Day Private Tour from Southampton

    Available on Selected Dates from £ 1,099 per Group. Ending in London or Heathrow. Our 2-day private tour from Southampton visits Stonehenge, Bath, Cotswolds and Oxford. Departing from Southampton Cruise Terminal, spend two days seeing the best of England! Travel in a comfortable modern vehicle accompanied by an experienced driver/guide.

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  20. Private Day tour to Bath and the Cotswolds

    Price: From £595. Explore some of Southern England's most beautiful sights on this full-day trip from Southampton. Take time out from your cruise vacation to discover the delights of Bath and the Cotswolds. Spend the morning in Bath, a UNESCO-listed city famed for its Georgian architecture, Roman Baths and connection with Jane Austen.

  21. Cruises from Southampton

    Docking: Your cruise from Southampton docks at the Port of Southampton, approximately 1.5-2 hours from London. Attire: We suggest dressing in layers as temperatures fluctuate throughout the year and even throughout the day. This includes a light shirt, sweater and jacket. Transportation: While taxis are available around the city, you can also ...

  22. Day trips from Southampton

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