Introduction
Southampton is a thriving university city, with over 20,000 students at the University of Southampton, so you’re never short of fun things to do and places to see. One of the best things about our student accommodation in Southampton is the premium location that puts you in the heart of this waterfront city.
You can enjoy a wide range of leisure and sports activities, alongside discovering the best restaurants and bars, get some shopping along the waterfront or explore some of Southampton’s best green spaces and attractions.
In fact, one of the things we love most about this city is its choice of galleries and museums, that’s why we’ve put together a quick guide to some of the best museums in Southampton. Whether you’re looking to explore Southampton’s rich maritime history, want to explore Solent’s aviation credentials or you’re more of an art lover, there’s something for everyone in the city.
Most of the fun things to do we’ve found are also easily accessible from our Park House accommodation so it’s easy for you to enjoy a fun, cultural day out on your own doorstep. So when you’re ready for a study break, enjoy our guide to the best museums in Southampton.
SeaCity Museum
Southampton has a very rich maritime history, and there’s no better place to explore it than at the popular SeaCity Museum (sometimes referred to as the Titanic museum). With three permanent exhibitions, you can learn more about the lives of the Southampton residents that were on board the Titanic when it sank in 1912, and countless stories detailing the city’s local history, archaeology and archives. The Gallery Cafe and gift shop are also open to anyone so you don’t need a ticket for Southampton’s maritime museum to pick up an unusual souvenir or grab a bite to eat.
Where: Havelock Road, SO14 7FY
How far: 6 minute walk*
Cost: £7
Open: Monday-Sunday 10am-5pm
*Approximately, from our Park House student accommodation.
Solent Sky Museum
If you’re looking for an aviation museum in Southampton, you’re certainly in the right city as the region of Solent was at the very centre of research and development during the golden age of aviation. The Solent Sky Museum is the home of the famous Spitfire as well as the world’s only jet-fighter-flying boat. These sit among 20 aircrafts on display with cockpits that you can sit in and explore, and a host of archival material and items for you to enjoy.
Where: Albert Road South, SO14 3FR
How far: 21 minute walk*
Cost: £10
Open: Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 12am-5pm
*Approximately, from our Park House student accommodation.
Southampton City Art Gallery
Southampton’s flourishing Cultural Quarter is home to the Southampton City Art Gallery (roughly just a 6-minute walk away from our Solent University accommodation and conveniently right next to the SeaCity museums) hosting a huge range of high quality exhibitions. Whether you love painting, sculpture, fine art, photography or film, there’s something for every interest here. Enjoy the gallery’s permanent collection that includes the Pre-Raphaelite Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones’ work of the Story of Perseus, as well as regularly changing displays so you’re likely to get a new experience every time you visit.
Where: Commercial Road, SO14 7LP
How far: 6 minute walk*
Cost: Free
Open: Monday-Friday 10am-3pm, Saturday 10am-5pm
*Approximately, from our Park House student accommodation.
Tudor House and Garden
One of the most popular attractions in Southampton, the Tudor House and Gardens is well worth a visit while you’re in the city. This historic building is over 800 years old and sits alongside King John’s Palace, a house that dates back another 300 years. It’s a unique attraction that gives you a real insight into the lives of Southampton residents through the years and how the city has changed. Most of the displays are also interactive so you can really immerse yourself in the exhibitions and eerie atmosphere of this incredible building.
Where: Bugle St, SO14 2AD
How far: 11 minute walk*
Cost: £6
Open: Monday-Thursday 10am-3pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am-5pm
*Approximately, from our Park House student accommodation.
The Shipwreck Centre & Maritime Museum
If you’d like to explore Southampton’s maritime history even further, why not take a day trip to The Shipwreck Centre & Maritime Museum in the Isle of Wight? The south coast island is just a 25-minute ferry ride from the port in Southampton so it’s more accessible than you might’ve thought. This museum is packed with thousands of objects that have been recovered from actual ship wrecks, as well as antique diving gear, fascinating stories and model ships all on display for you to discover.
Where: Arreton Barns Craft Village, Isle of Wight, PO30 3AA
How far: 16 minute walk to Southampton port*
Cost: £4
Open: Monday-Sunday 10am-5pm
*Approximately, from our Park House student accommodation.
Student Accommodation in Southampton
Exploring all the cultural hotspots that Southampton has to offer is sure to take it out of you. So after a busy day discovering the delights of the city, you’re sure to be glad to get back a comfy bed and the privacy of your own studio – you get that and so much more with our student accommodation in Southampton. Our Park house accommodation has an excellent city centre location and is easily accessible for the University of Southampton, so you can live, study and explore the city in total comfort and style. All bills and Wifi are included in your weekly rent, as well as access to exclusive facilities such as an on-site gym and grab-and-go breakfasts with free hot drinks. With Collegiate, you’ll have everything you need for your time in Southampton.