Southampton Neighbourhood Guide: Beyond the Marina
Around the corner
Second Nature sits between Southampton's Old Town and the city centre, close enough to the water to hear the ferry horns, but a few minutes' walk from art, vinyl, theatre and some of the best coffee in the city. This is our guide to the Southampton beyond the boat show: where to spend a morning, where to eat lunch, and where to end the night.
Southampton City Art Gallery - a dose of culture in the city centre
Start with the changing exhibitions and permanent collection at Southampton City Art Gallery, in the heart of the Southampton City Centre neighbourhood. Admission is free, and it's an easy way to spend an hour before the shops open.
@southamptoncityartgallery
Vinilo Record Store & OSOTO - browse, then stay for coffee
Lose an hour flicking through crates at Vinilo Record Store, then settle in for coffee at OSOTO, tucked inside. It's the kind of spot locals send each other, rather than tourists - a short walk from the Old Town's medieval streets.
@vinilorecordstore
Maurie's - the best lunch near Southampton city centre
Head to Maurie's for thoughtfully made sandwiches and good ingredients - the sort of lunch you'll think about long after the last bite. It's a few minutes from Above Bar Street, making it an easy stop between the gallery and the shops.
@mauriessandwichshop
Mayflower Theatre - an evening out in The Polygon
Make your way to Mayflower Theatre, in The Polygon neighbourhood, for an evening of theatre, comedy, music or dance. It's one of the largest touring theatres outside London, so there's usually something on.
@mayflower.theatre
Winnie's - end the day back at Second Nature
Come back to Second Nature for good drinks, good company, and 2-for-1 cocktails every day from 7pm at Winnie's, our neighbourhood café and The Bar.
Make Second Nature your base
With the best of Southampton - from the Old Town to The Polygon - just beyond your door, make Second Nature your base for exploring the city.
What's the best neighbourhood to stay in near Southampton city centre?
Old Town. Inside the old city walls, a few minutes from Town Quay and the marina, and close enough to WestQuay and the station to walk to both. Second Nature Southampton sits right here, on Queens Terrace.
What's there to do near Southampton besides the marina?
Plenty, all within walking distance. SeaCity Museum tells the city's Titanic story, Tudor House and Garden shows 500 years of domestic life, and God's House Tower, once a medieval gate, now hosts art and heritage exhibitions. Oxford Street and Bedford Place cover dinner and drinks, and Southampton Common is there if you want some green space.
Is Southampton Old Town worth visiting?
Yes. The medieval wall is one of the most complete in the country, running past God's House Tower down to the old quays. Below ground, stone vaults once stored merchants' wine, and the Bargate still marks the old entrance to the city. An hour on foot covers it well.