9.7/10 Trustpilot
Star Bars
The Hobbit - If you've ever wanted to live in The Shire like Frodo and Bilbo, then this is the closest you'll get without hopping on a plane to New Zealand. With fabulous cocktails named after the characters of the popular fantasy series, this Lord of the Rings themed pub is well worth a visit. 'We'll take an Aragorn please!'
Where? 134 Bevois Valley Road, SO14 0JZ
Ninety Degrees - This is where all of Southampton's budding young professionals come to kick back and relax. Ninety Degrees is seriously chilled out in the evenings, but as the night goes on it certainly picks up and you might find yourselves partying well into the early hours.
Where? 24 Carlton Place, SO15 2DY
Trago Lounge - A delightfully artsy café during the day, the Trago Lounge transforms after dark into a relaxed bar where looking cool while sipping on a Good Morning Charles definitely takes precedence over overt displays of dancing skill - save that for later, ladies.
Where? 190 Portswood Road, SO17 2LB
Best Bites
The Soul Bowl Café - After a big night out you might be left feeling a little worse for wear, the solution? Southampton's best burgers in one of the coolest cafes in town. Dis is street food at its finest, innit.
Where? 78 West Marlands Road, S014 7FW
The Art House Cafe - If you're looking for a genuinely special lunch spot then this will suit you to the ground. The Art House is a not-for-profit, organic veggie café that's bustling with creative people. Peruse the original art pieces and enjoy some gorgeous grub in truly unique surroundings.
Where? 178 Above Bar Street, SO14 7DW
Sights & Sounds
Sights
Why wouldn't you take the most beautiful animals Britain's ever seen and put them all in one place for the public to appreciate? Southampton has, and now it's your turn to find out where the wild things are. The New Forest Wildlife Park has collected a wide range of indigenous species like wolves, wildcats and bison for you to admire. This is the perfect way to clear your heads after a big night out and any animal-loving bride-to-be is going to feel right at home here!
Sounds
Southampton's trendsetters and fashionistas all head to Junk for a great night out. This club has been refurbished recently, and it's hosted some big names like Calvin Harris, Professor Green, Dizzee Rascal and Zane Lowe. If you're after an unforgettable night out for the nearly wed, this is it.
Club 4 is funky, fun, and nobody's going to judge your dancing here! It's a hen party's paradise and whether you're enjoying cheesy pop hits or current chart successes, you're guaranteed a fabulous time.
In the Diary
May - Common People. This amazing festival showcases some of the biggest names in the country including Clean Bandit, Years & Years and Fatboy Slim!
October - Music in the City. Feel the rhythm of this seaside town's musical stylings across every genre from Jazz to Bebop.
October - SO: To Speak. This festival of words will educate and entertain as you enjoy plays, poetry and song - plus artsy types are dead cute!
December - Christmas Market. Southampton has a truly wonderful festive bazaar - the girls will love the German oompah band. Wundebar!
Top of the Shops
Fashion in Southampton is all about looking as good as you possibly can without looking like you've put any effort into it. Sounds difficult right? But a quick look through some of the city's best vintage stores will quickly solve the problem, as you'll find bargain buys here that'll have even the hippest of seaside fashionistas lowering their sunglasses to have a good look at your chic style.
Beatnik Emporium - On first glance, this bijou boutique looks like a bit of jumble sale. But step inside and you'll discover that what seems like a mess is actually the most eclectic collection of retro bargains you'll find with threads that range from the stylishly subtle to the flagrantly colourful!
Where? 202 Above Bar Street, SO14 7DW
Harper and Lewis - This little shop tucked away in the West Quay shopping centre is a real gem. You'll see seriously stylish threads that range from casual tees to stunning dresses that'll turn heads when you're back home...and all for a bargain price!
Where? West Quay, Harbour Parade SO15 1QE
Vintage and Retro Village - Just a ten minute train journey to Winchester stands between the girls and one of the UK's best monthly vintage fairs. This is a one-way ticket to retro-chic paradise, and you might find yourselves planning your next trip the moment you hop on the train back to Southampton.
Where? Middle Brook Street, High Street, Winchester
Girls About Town - Getting around Southampton...
This hugely up and coming seaside city has an excellent travel network, so you can rest assured in the knowledge that you won't have to haul all those bags back to your accommodation on foot! Make the most of the bus services, ferries and (even though you probably won't need to) hovercraft with a SolentGo card. They've got an app too, if you don't fancy making the space in your purse!
Hen Days
Southampton is full of hen party activities perfect your big weekend. Looking to get hands on? Cocktail Mixing, Pizza Making & Chocolate and Wine Tasting are all fabulous events that usually end up in a fair few girly giggles. If your hens are excitable and full of energy you'll all love our Grease, Glee and Dirty Dancing workshops. Of course, when you're this close to the sea there's plenty of Watersports fun to be had and a Whitewater Rib ride usually provides great thrills and unforgettable memories. See all our hen day activities...
Hen Nights
Southampton doesn't do 'quiet nights in', this town is positively rocking in the evening and there's plenty of hen party mischief to be getting involved with. Visiting a Restaurant is always a good way to kick the night off before visiting a few Pubs and Bars. Once everybody's relatively merry, it'll be time to make the most of our Guestlist Nightclubbing or if you're feeling lucky, why don't you hit the Casino? See all our nightlife options...
