Having a balance in life helps us feel energetic and motivated. For students pursuing overseas education, it becomes necessary to keep a balance between studies and fun.
Southampton in itself is a beautiful place, and if you have already explored this city, it is time to go for a quick weekend getaway. In this blog, we are going to list down some of the best places near Southampton that you can explore during your weekend.
| Place | Address |
| National Motor Museum at Beaulieu | John Montagu Building, Beaulieu, Brockenhurst SO42 7ZN, United Kingdom |
| Isle of Wight | Isle of Wight, United Kingdom |
| Salisbury | Salisbury, UK |
| Hythe | Hythe, United Kingdom |
| Winchester | Winchester, UK |
Table of contents
Exploring the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu
Beaulieu is very close to Southampton, and it takes only 1 hour to get here by car. The best places to visit in Beaulieu include the National Motor Museum and Palace House. The best part is that your museum ticket also gives you access to the Palace House. The museum is home to around 300 vintage vehicles, the oldest one being from 1875. This place is a good option for a day trip as there are plenty of places nearby, like the little Beaulieu adventure playground, that can be covered easily and will be so much fun if you go with your friends from student accommodation in Southampton. Moreover, the site is an excellent spot for your Instagram shots!
Distance From Places of Interest
| Places | ETA |
| Palace House | 4 minutes walk |
| Beaulieu Abbey | 7 minutes walk |
| The Terrace Restaurant | 3 minutes drive |
The Isle of Wight
To reach the Isle of Wight, you’ll have to take a ferry from Southampton, which will take around 55 minutes to drop you here. This place is full of beautiful beaches like Sandown and Ryde, and is a perfect destination to indulge in water sports. There are lots of trendy pubs and restaurants nearby that serve some delectable seafood. If you want to see some vintage beach huts, you must also visit Shanklin Beach and Ventnor Beach.
Distance From Places of Interest
| Places | ETA |
| Shanklin Beach | 10 minutes drive |
| Ventnor Beach | 11 minutes drive |
| Artista Pizza | 1 minute walk |
Also Read: 5 Best Areas to Live in Nottingham
Salisbury
Salisbury is located less than an hour from Southampton and has plenty of options to explore. Dating back over 900 years, Salisbury Cathedral is a sight to behold and is one of the most beautiful churches in England. One advice if you decide to go out from student accommodation in United Kingdom for Salisbury, then don’t forget to take some pictures of this Early English Gothic architectural masterpiece! Some other places to cover here include Stonehenge, a prehistoric monument dating back to 3100 BC, and The Bear Inn, which serves terrific, delicious food.
Distance From Places of Interest
| Places | ETA |
| Salisbury Cathedral | 7 minutes walk |
| Stonehenge | 20 minutes drive |
| The Bear Inn | 13 minutes drive |
Hythe
A ferry service from Southampton to Hythe is available every 30 minutes. Hythe is a market town and so has plenty of shopping options. You also have the option to indulge in outdoor activities like sailing and windsurfing. Some other beautiful options include Hythe Beach, Hythe Sound Mirror, and The Three Mariners.
Distances From Places of Interest
| Places | ETA |
| Hythe Beach | 4 minutes drive |
| Hythe Sound Mirror | 6 minutes drive |
| The Three Mariners | 8 minutes walk |
Winchester
Winchester sits only 30 minutes away from Southampton by car. You’ll never run out of options here as there are plenty of things to fill your day. Winchester Cathedral can be a wonderful option to start your day in this city. Founded in 1079, the cathedral has beautiful architecture, and a walk around it will make you forget all your worries. Another great option is the 13th-century Great Hal,l which should be a must-visit for every history buff. Add Winchester to your list of quick weekend trips from Southampton.
Distance From Places of Interest
| Places | ETA |
| Winchester Cathedral | 9 minutes drive |
| The Great Hall | 9 minutes drive |
| Rick Stein | 4 minutes walk |
Also Read: Exploring the Heart of England: 8 Places to Visit in Birmingham
What to Pack for a Weekend Trip
Packing smart for a weekend getaway can make your trip smoother and more enjoyable, especially if you’re a student on a budget or using public transport. Here’s a quick guide to help you pack light, yet be fully prepared.
1. Clothing Essentials: Choose clothes based on the weather and planned activities.
- 1–2 comfortable outfits (layers work best)
- One set of nightwear
- A light jacket or hoodie (even in summer, evenings can get chilly)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Raincoat or umbrella (UK weather can be unpredictable)
2. Toiletries and Personal Care: Keep it compact and travel-sized.
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, and deodorant
- Any prescription medication
- Sunscreen and hand sanitiser
- Compact hairbrush or comb
- Travel towel (especially if you’re staying in a hostel)
3. Gadgets and Chargers: Make sure your devices stay powered up.
- Phone and charger
- Power bank
- Headphones or earphones
- Optional: Camera if you love capturing memories
4. Travel Documents and IDs: Always carry essential documents, even for domestic trips.
- Student ID (for discounts)
- Railcards or travel passes
- Accommodation booking confirmations (printed or digital)
- Some cash and a debit/credit card
5. Snacks and Water Bottle: Save money and stay energised.
- Carry protein bars, fruit, or biscuits
- Refillable water bottle (many UK stations have refill points)
6. Daypack or Small Backpack: Pack everything in a small, comfortable bag you can carry around easily. Make sure it’s lightweight but durable enough to hold your essentials.
Best Time of Year for Weekend Getaways from Southampton
If you’re wondering when to plan your perfect weekend escape from Southampton, the good news is—you’ve got options all year round! Each season offers something unique, depending on what kind of experience you’re after.
1. Spring (March to May) – Perfect for Nature Lovers
Spring is a beautiful time to explore places like the New Forest or Winchester. You’ll enjoy blooming flowers, fresh greenery, and pleasant weather, ideal for walks, hikes, and countryside picnics. It’s also less crowded than summer.
2. Summer (June to August) – Best for Beaches & Festivals
This is the peak season for weekend trips, especially to coastal destinations like Brighton, Bournemouth, and the Isle of Wight. The weather is warm, and there are tons of events, music festivals, and food markets. But book early—accommodations fill up fast!
3. Autumn (September to November) – Great for Budget Trips
Autumn offers stunning scenery with golden leaves, making places like Salisbury and Bath extra magical. The tourist crowds thin out, so it’s a great time for peaceful getaways and cheaper deals on travel and stays.
4. Winter (December to February) – Cosy & Cultural
While it’s cold, winter is perfect for indoor activities, think museums, Christmas markets, or spa days. Head to London, Portsmouth, or Winchester for a festive vibe. It’s also a great time to find off-season discounts.
Quick weekend getaways from Southampton are easy, fun, and affordable, especially for students. Whether you’re craving beach vibes, forest hikes, or cultural trips, there’s always a great spot nearby to help you relax and recharge without breaking the bank.
FAQs
Some quick weekend getaways from Southampton that can be reached within an hour include Winchester, Hythe, and Salisbury.
Some must-see sights in Salisbury are the Salisbury Cathedral and Stonehenge.
You can pick a destination that is 30 minutes to an hour away from Southampton. This way you’ll save a lot of time travelling.
Pack light: a pair of comfy shoes, weather-appropriate clothes, toiletries, phone charger, water bottle, and snacks. Don’t forget your student ID for discounts and travel cards for cheaper fares.
Yes! Bournemouth, Brighton, and Southsea are all popular beach destinations less than 2 hours away by train. Perfect for a sunny weekend or a refreshing day out.
Spring and autumn are great for fewer crowds and pleasant weather. Summer is perfect for beaches, while winter is ideal for cosy indoor getaways and festive events in cities like Bath or London.
Absolutely! Winchester Cathedral, Bath’s Roman Baths, and Portsmouth Historic Dockyard are all rich in history and easily accessible for short trips from Southampton.
It’s about a 30-minute ferry ride. A great weekend escape with beaches, walking trails, and castles. Ferries run frequently, and student fares are often available.
Budget-friendly options include day trips to Winchester or Portsmouth. You can also explore the New Forest for free if you pack your own snacks and use a railcard for discounted train fares.
Yes! The New Forest National Park and South Downs offer beautiful hiking trails and scenic walks. Both are just an hour away by public transport and are perfect for a nature-packed getaway.
This blog was all about some beautiful yet nearby weekend getaways from Southampton. All of these places are less than an hour away from Southampton and have some iconic attractions that deserve a weekend trip.
For booking the best accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
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