Southampton is a fascinating port city which offers the best of both worlds in terms of city centre attractions and waterfront entertainment. You can really get to know the city by exploring the area’s maritime links and come up with some truly exciting evenings out to wow your date. We’ve rounded up the best date ideas that will suit all tastes in the Southampton area, whether you are an established couple or getting to know somebody new.
The Maritime Quarter
Make the most of Southampton’s waterside location by spending a few hours enjoying The Maritime Quarter. You can just enjoy a chilled stroll by the water and admire the awe-inspiring boats, shimmering water, and stunning views. Then you can decide on which of the many bars, restaurant, and shops you want to enjoy next. Make sure you make time for a stop at HarBAR, a spectacular rooftop destination at the Southampton Harbour Hotel & Spa with cosy outdoor seating and delicious cocktails to help you make the most of the view.
If you prefer to be out on the water, then book an excursion on the Shieldhall, the largest working steam ship in Britain. A range of voyages are available in the summer months so you can see the city from a different angle.
The Cultural Quarter
Take a look around one of the city’s fascinating cultural venues together for a date with a difference. The city’s maritime history is explored in depth at SeaCity Museum, where you can learn the story of the Titanic and how it made its voyage from the Southampton Docks. The City Art Gallery houses one of the finest collections of art in the south of England and is also well worth a look to browse more than 5,000 works spanning eight centuries.
Secure tickets to a show at The Mayflower Theatre, a great venue offering a diverse programme of live performances, including big name stand-up comedy, ballet and touring West End musicals.
Get active
Spend some time among the treetops at Go Ape in Itchen Valley Country Park, where you can take on the exhilarating high ropes course and speedy zip lines. Not for the faint-hearted, it’s a great way to get to know each other as you tackle the course. Alternatively, take on some stress-busting axe throwing and see if one of you can hit the bullseye! If the weather isn’t playing ball, Ninja Warrior offers a fun-packed indoor course full of obstacles inspired by the hit ITV show. If winter sports are more your thing, then visit Alpine Snowsports, a dry ski slope that offers both skiing and snowboarding.
You can also challenge each other to an array of games and experiences at Boom Battle Bar in the West Quay mall. From shuffleboard and karaoke to American pool and augmented reality darts, you’re bound to find something that suits.
Relax
Fancy a more sedate date night? There are plenty of romantic spots to enjoy a relaxed night of dinner and drinks. Bring & Mix offers a fun concept where you can bring your own bottles of your favourite spirits for the mixologists to create unique cocktail concoctions with. The intimate bar has a 1920s speakeasy theme, and you can relax and get to know each other better as the talented team serve you a range of tasty drinks. If beer is more your tipple then you could also head to Dancing Man Brewery which makes and sells beer in an awe-inspiring historic building. Oxford Street is Southampton’s nightlife hub, and you can find plenty of independent restaurants to suit all tastes. Enjoy a relaxed brunch at XOXO or MedBar and make it bottomless if you prefer! For dinner try Marco’s, which offers fine wines and traditional Italian cuisine, including tasty small plates of cicchetti to share.
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