The 30 best parks and gardens in Southampton

Lovely place to spent an afternoon. We passed here on our way to Dorset with the kids and dog so was a perfect place to get rid of some energy and have a good snack and coffee. Had sausage rolls, cheese toasties and lovely iced coffee (because it was a hot day today!) Had lots of toilets and very clean. Lots of play parks to suit different ages, plus a trail through the forest with various things to climb safely. Very impressed. Also had a dog wash, although we didn't need it this time.

Used to love visiting this park, proper sense in the words country park. Now it’s just an industrialised ‘conservation area’ They’ve dug up a field to build a big car park, installed a monstrosity of barriers which are flood lit to make sure you will pay to enjoy the forever dwindling countryside on the edge of the city. The irony is the signs polluting everywhere stating ‘Save time & pay by app!’ I don’t want to even LOOK at the time, I’ve come for a bit of peace & quiet & enjoy the surroundings! It’s not the biggest of parks but has trails, a GO Ape, an adventure park for children & a decent cafe, you can even pay to go and throw an axe or two 🤦🏻‍♂️ Such a shame but it’s all about the money with most things now…

Brilliant set up. Great space for children and dogs. Toilets are very clean, café staff were friendly. The pathways are accessible with a pushchair, just a shame some people can't pick up their dog poo. Parking seems expensive, but when you see how lovely they keep it, you don't mind paying. Plus it's cheaper than days out elsewhere. Definitely will be returning.

Great for children of all ages. New trails have been added which are fun to explore and all authentically made. Plenty of parking across the site. Go-ape, cafe and park runs. It’s a regular place to visit to be out and about and get fresh air whilst having fun!

Great walks with children's play areas. Lovely clean toilets with a great cafe. Really well kept and thought out area. Well worth a visit with the kids and /or your dogs. Loved it here

Often, bring my Grandsons, they love it here. There is plenty of space for a picnic or an ice cream from the cafe. Toilets are kept nice and clean. Also, there are lots of areas to walk the dogs, too, and the dog wash is a godsend.

There's plenty of parking (I went on a Saturday about 11.30am) and the parking prices weren't too bad considering the park was free to enter other than that. We walked around the brown trail but it wasn't obvious where to start from and I think we went the wrong way. There wasn't many posts on the way round to show you were on the right track. The main field area next to the car park was nice and spacious and there's a little playground there if you're taking kids, plus plenty of benches to sit down at. The only disappointing bits were the lack of decent signage about where to start walks and posts showing you are on the right track and that they advertise a river walk on all the signs but it seems you can't do that anymore. Also there is no real path for the meadow walk and the first bridge we came to was questionable to cross on that trail. Overall it was a nice walk, even though we got a bit lost, and we would go again.

This is a great country park for the great various activities and facilities the park offers. Although it had a good picnic area, I would recommend you definitely bring your own food, the cafe is absolutely extortionate and so overpriced. I ordered their fish fingers and chips for my son and was given 8 chips and 1 fish finger, which is ridiculous. Thankfully, we also bought a picnic from home, but as it was a cold day, my son wanted something hot, thus the cafe order. With that said, the park itself was brilliant. The little steam train was a joy to ride for all ages. The playground was enjoyed by the kids from the 2m5 Yr old to a 7 year old. The little 'beach' was fun, and we collected shells and pebbles. The grounds were clean, and we had wished we had bought bikes as it seems like a lovely country park to explore on foot and bike. I would return and recommend this park. However, I definitely would also recommend bringing your own food. The only 'food' that was worth its value was the Jude's ucecream on offer, and we were impressed by the range of vegan options.

Went to see The Lost World of Dinosaurs. They were good and some really great and huge dinosaurs to make kids happy. They were placed in woods so it was better. But they can do more by having more and better condition dinosaurs rather than worn out ones. Not much options to buy food other than burgers, chips and ice cream and drinks. Huge area for picnic and roaming.

Great park! The view of Soton Docks is not the best but the park and its amenities make it a great choice for a day out and get fresh air. Visited the dinosaur exposition there yesterday which is now closed, and it was great. The park should have more events like this!

Great park by the seashore with lots of history behind it. Nice restaurant within the park and a small railway around the park for the family to enjoy. Highly recommend visit if you’re in Southampton or near by.

Fab place, loads to see, great for relaxing. Lots of parking spread about. Miniature railway for £1.75 is a bargain.. Great grounds to play ball or have a picnic. Sea views where you can watch the world float by...

Lovely park over looking Southampton water, lots to do for family's, large areas to have picnics, a lovely woodland walk too, well worth visiting in the spring when there are bluebells on show. Lovely area where there's a tea room too

Beautiful place to visit! Plenty of parking (but don’t forget to pay), good toilet facilities and nice little cafe!

The riverside path is flat and there is easy parking at Woodmill. You can park in other places too! Great park for dog walks and family cycle rides, loads of space and it is one of the best parks in Southampton, with a lovely cafe at Woodmill, or it’s not far to walk to the White Swan if you fancy a pub meal.

The park is situated along the river and also has green space for people to play and relax or have picnics. It's close to a nice little social club and Bitterne. The park it's self needs some tlc. It's not bad but it's not amazing either. My kids enjoyed it and the scenery around it is not bad especially with nice weather.

Nice place to get relaxed and for riding bikes with friends and family. There is also a practice area for bikes. Good view to talk a look at the birds swimming on the river side and many kayaking race between many people happens. Such a wonderful spot to see different kind of boats floating on the mirror like calm and silent river which directly shows the reflection of the beautiful blue sky with cotton candy like white and rainbow colored clouds at various intervals of the day from morning to evening. Must be an amazing spot to walk around with your loved ones and have a blissful chat in the midst of the river and green lawns surroundings with dedicated walking tracks and bike tracks. Many wooden benches are available every 10 meters to talk some good rest facing the river and beautiful sky. There is also a practice area for bikes. Good view to talk a look at the birds swimming on the river side and many kayaking race between many people happens. People will have a good experience on visiting this wonderful area and returning with good memories. I hope my review helped you to discover about this place. Enjoy the river view. Goodbye !!!

This is a good place to hangout with friends and the park is big. Also, here you can see the boats which are personal and can hire. But, the only reason I'm giving the medium rating is seaweed, it is too much and smells bad even while we are walking the river sidewalk.

Riverside Park has a path which you can follow all the way to Winchester and beyond. This section has two parts, from Cobden Bridge to Woodmill, and across the road continuing to Mansbridge. In the first part is a miniature railway (seasonal) and plenty of open space. On the other side it follows a more scenic river path. Both have walking / cycling paths so easy for all to stroll along looking at the ducks and swans.

This is right on our doorstep and is a lovely walk any time of year. I love taking my baby daughter out for a walk along the riverbank to look at the ducks. If you are lucky you can see deer, dab chicks and a cormorant.

I thought I had to write a review at some point, so here we go! The walkways are level and well-maintained, making it suitable for families, and there's a reasonable-sized playground for children as well. During the summer, it's ideal for a kick-around with a ball or simply lounging in the grass. There's even a small café kiosk by the parking area if you feel like a coffee or a snack. It's clean all the time and feels super safe, even at night. You have a nice variety of people — joggers, students, older people out for a walk — but it never seems crowded. A true local treasure that's easy to take for granted. Well worth a visit if you need some fresh air and a taste of nature without leaving the city. 5 stars!!!

Southampton Common is one of the best green escapes in the city for nature lovers and walkers alike. Covering over 300 acres, it offers a great variety of landscapes – from open meadows and woodland trails to peaceful ponds teeming with wildlife. The walking routes are well-maintained and varied, whether you’re after a short loop or a longer meandering stroll. The woodland areas are especially lovely in spring and autumn, with plenty of shade and birdsong. There are a few gentle inclines, but it’s mostly flat and easygoing, ideal for all ages and abilities. The model boating lake and cemetery lake are nice spots to pause – you’ll often see ducks, moorhens, and occasionally herons or even bats at dusk. It’s a surprisingly rich area for urban wildlife. If you’re into quiet nature walks, early mornings or weekday afternoons are best, when it’s calm and less crowded. There’s also a more secluded feel on the paths heading toward the back near The Avenue. Whether you’re walking solo, with a dog, or just clearing your head, the Common offers a lovely slice of nature right in the city – no need to go far to feel away from it all.

Amazing place to relax and have a walk. Plenty of green space and a beautiful lake with good views

Southampton Common Park is an absolutely delightful spot, especially for dog owners. It’s a vast area, offering plenty of space to walk, explore, and enjoy some solitude. The park is peaceful and feels safe, making it a perfect place to take your dog for a leisurely stroll or let them roam a bit. Whether you’re looking for quiet moments in nature or a relaxing walk, this park provides a great balance of both. It’s a hidden gem that gives you the chance to unwind and feel secure while surrounded by beautiful greenery.

Lovely park and playgrounds. Shame about the fast battery powered bikes, but that's a blight on all the UK landscapes now.

Serene and big park.. many people doing different activities like picnic, rugby, cycling, jogging and walking

Southampton Common is a beautiful and expansive green space in the heart of the city. It offers a peaceful escape with its scenic ponds, lush gardens, and wide-open lawns. The park is well-maintained and perfect for picnics, leisurely walks, or a relaxing day out with family and friends. There's a fantastic playground for kids, as well as plenty of space for outdoor sports and activities. With its diverse wildlife and natural beauty, Southampton Common is a true gem and a great spot for both locals and visitors to enjoy nature.

A great place in the city for a walk, a run, cycling and bringing the dogs out. Large open fields and lots of trees as well as lakes too. A large playground and a nearby pub, The Cowherd’s. Parking via Cemetery Rd. Easy access for all. An essential part of the great outdoors during the last few months of the pandemic and beyond.

Mayflower Park is a lovely spot for a stroll with scenic views of the ships nearby. It’s a great place to get a close-up look at the cruise ships coming and going. The park could be a little cleaner with tidier landscaping, but overall it’s a very nice place to relax and enjoy the waterfront.

Ferries leave early but this means everything is calmer and parking is easier. Great starting point for day trip to Amalfi and Positrano via Sorrento.

Mayflower Park is a very nice park on the eastern bank of the River Test. It is located between the passenger and cargo terminals of the Port of Southampton, and is near the confluence of the rivers Test and Itchen (which together form Southampton Water, which the drains into the Solent in front of the Isle of Wight, and then into the English Channel). The river bank offers spectacular views of the dawn and dusk skies just as the sun sets over the cargo terminal. From time to time, you may even see huge container ships docking at the terminal, which is a spectacle in itself. Looking far enough towards the south, where Southampton Water drains into the Solent, you can see Fawley Refinery, the biggest oil refinery in the UK (I once caught one of the many chimney towers spewing out flames from various gases, and they looked lovely from the distance). There are even ducks that occasionally swim near the bank. Sometimes there may be events taking place on the Mayflower Park that may cause a little bit of noise. When I’m writing this review, the Continental Circus Berlin had a few shows over the course of about 2 or 3 weeks, and the noise was noticeable even near the river bank (even with the large circus tent positioned a few hundred feet away from the bank). And the actual river bank, complete with benches for you to sit on, is rather annoyingly occupied by a car park (but I think it makes sense, because the site of Mayflower Park used to be occupied by a large warehouse/building for commercial purposes - do let me know if you know additional details). Overall, though, Mayflower Park is a wonderful park with a huge grassy area if you want a nice little picnic, or if you just want to sit by the river and let your mind get carried away by the beautiful scenery or the ships. Happy visiting!

Relax have some ice cream and watch the ships as they go by. What a place man! I truly loved it, and will definitely visit again.

I've attended the Fake Festival for a few years now and it's always well run on a good site at Mayflower Park. Lots of space, good set up with the marquee for the bands and bar and well organised with good security in place and lots of portaloo's provided. Great food stalls full of various meals, sweets and treats.

Great place to view the cruise ships. Lovely place to go in the sun with the family in the summer. Lovely place to enjoy an ice cream. Really lovely to still have such a great, large open green-space in the middle of the city. This is also where the annual Southampton Boat Show & other large public events take place.

It is a nice calm and quiet place to go walking on a pier side with a marvelous view of some cruise and ferry ships. There are plenty of parking spaces which you can enjoy all the scenery of water and sky while seating. It's really a good place to relax. I often come here in the afternoon to enjoy the sea and the sunshine, in the afternoon. You won't feel tired. There are ice cream trucks, children's playgrounds, swings, basketball courts, large lawns and seats facing the sea, suitable for people of all kinds to come and play here. When night comes, you will find that the park has become another look. You will be shocked by such a nice beautiful scenery. If you have a car, you can drive directly to the park, there is a parking space , you can park facing the sea, and enjoy such a beautiful view in the car without being blown by the cold sea breeze. Remember to check the weather condition before coming to the park as it can be very windy and cold in bad weather. This is a perfect park for a date and relaxation in the evening.

Very nice park, with a mini golf and colourful fountain. Great for a leisure troll.

Park is well tended to with a selection of friendly birds and the occasional squirrel calling it their home. Paths are smooth and in good condition. There are lots of benches scattered about for seating although some do wobble. It's a great spot for sitting down and eating, especially with all the food shops just across the road.

Palmerston’s Park is a hidden gem among Southampton’s central parks, offering a serene and well-maintained green space in the heart of the city. The park is one of five Victorian-era parks that form the Grade II* listed Central Parks, established between 1854–1866 . Its intimate layout is defined by dense, ericaceous planting—camellias, rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias, and witch hazels—which burst into lavish colour in spring and early summer . At the park’s northwest corner stands a striking seven-foot statue of the 3rd Viscount Palmerston, crafted from Carrara marble and granite, commemorating the former prime minister and unveiled in 1869 . Adjacent, a modern bandstand (rebuilt in 1999) and a lovely eastern border near the bandstand serve as focal points for quiet strolls and weekend relaxation . Pathways connect through lush lawns under mature trees, offering benches for rest. Visitors from TripAdvisor describe it as “beautifully curated” with a “very nice feel” . It’s an ideal spot for a peaceful lunch break or reflective walk, although some advise daylight visits, particularly in warmer months. Though compact, Palmerston’s Park is a colourful sanctuary echoing Victorian heritage—perfect for anyone seeking calm and greenery in the bustling city center.

There are quite a few parks and great shopping area near Vincent walk. People enjoy spending time at these parks in summer but in Winter and Autumn, it's very quiet. Sadly, Southampton council doesn't want to make these parks more useful and enjoyable for public all year around. There is no toilet in any of these parks. Everyone has to go to West quay and other shops toilets. It will be very good if there are some toilets including family toilets. Also, it will be nice to put more seats, CCTV for public safety and park gym.

Beautiful flowers and trees. It is worth a visit!

Lovely and peaceful place to walk or sit lots of space for little ones to run around

Nice park, plebty of space and plenty of green.

Such a well maintained abbey. Been visiting a few abbeys in the last few years around Midlands and southern England, but this one is different. High arches and big courtyards are great to see. Nice little parking. People can spend time on mats and enjoy some snacks and drinks. Do bin your litter.

If you’re into Gothic architecture and the romantic. You have to check this place out. Not only is it free, but it’s a great place to walk around take photographs and have a picnic. Places like this are awesome and allow us to connect with our cultural heritage and take a peek back into the past so if you’re looking for a cost-effective way to enjoy an afternoon, please consider the abbey

Incredible! Just chose a random place to cycle to. Wow, very cool! Those ruins moved me.

One of the best preserved ruins of Cistercian monasteries in england. It's dog friendly and entrance is free of charge. Sadly, there are no picnic tables around.

Lovely place. It's a pity so many parents encourage their kids to boot footballs at the ruins. I have even seen adults and kids kicking rugby balls and footballs through the window frames. So it us visitors who let the place down, but the place is good in itself.

Beautifully preserves and presented remains of the Abbey. Some helpful info boards which explain the history of the site. Entry is free and it's open 364 days a year, so lovely for locals and passers by. Just due to how little remains of the structure I wouldn't suggest going far out of your way to visit it specifically, but as a local I massively appreciate it being there

Glorious ruin of an abbey. This place must have been massive. Entrance quite tricky to see as set back in a hedge. Small carpark but apparently more parking just down the road.

Today’s trip to Humble River Country Park with the kids was great fun: From the moment we arrived, the place had a calm feel, open skies, wide green spaces, and that gentle river welcoming you. The trails are easy to follow but still have that bit of adventure to them — perfect for kids to explore without getting truly lost. We spent a good while skipping stones by the river, then hit one of the bigger open fields for an impromptu football match. Plenty of space for it, and the grass was just the right kind: soft enough for diving tackles, tough enough not to turn into mud with a bit of rough play. There’s a quiet magic to Humble River: it feels real, not overdeveloped, not trying too hard. Just a place where nature takes the lead and you’re invited along for the ride.

At its best when the tide is high. Plenty of good walks with fields and woodland paths. Parking a little expensive and machines often don’t recognise number plates, making paying confusing.

A nice place to visit for river and crabbing. Good play park and cafe. Quite busy when we were there.

Largish park which is mainly forest with some open spaces situated on the bank of the river Hamble with good views of the river. There are 2 chargeable car parks and cafes as well as a farm

Great place for crabbing and chilling. It was a shame about the algae stopping the kids from paddling but still a lovely spot to visit.

A nice area to roam around with lots of wildlife, a variety of walking routes and opportunities for fishing and crabbing. The signs for the “beach” in the park brought amusement to my partner and I.

Had a lovely afternoon walk here with the kids. Kids had a lovely time in the play park whilst us adults had a quiet coffee. Weekends can get very busy and parking can get awkward, but is a lovely place to spend a few hours.

My first visit to Manor Farm. I found the farm very interesting especially with the second world war theme. Good collection of original buildings. Tractors and machinery. The farm house especially well done worth taking time to look round. Nice to see the mixture of animals birds ect. Took me back to my days on a farm in the 1960 sixties. Also the modern working part of the farm to see as well. Parking included in admission .Cafe. shop.and toilets. Along with hand wash points around the farm. It would have been nice to see a David Brown tractor in the collection. The first tractor I drove at 14.

Lots of interesting farm equipment and displays of historical living. The Farmhouse was a delight with plenty of hands on artifacts. There were a number of historical living activities, including one teaching the process of converting freshly shaven sheep wool to processed knitting wool. Feeding the sheep was also a great highlight!

We went to the farm for a workshop and thought the staff did a fantastic job! One of our favourite workshops. (we have done many!) We found the staff very welcoming and they made the experience really interesting and entertaining. The children loved feeding the animals, making rag rugs, cracking codes and experiencing a WW2 classroom. We enjoyed playing in the soft play afterwards as well as exploring the rest of the farm. Thank you for a lovely day Manor Farm.

We had an absolute amazing time. We came along to a home education 1940’s experience. One of the stand out lesson was the 1940’s school. The acting teacher was amazing and really made it feel like a school from these times. Thank you all for the great experience

A fantastic day out. It was lovely to see so many different animals many with their young. We also enjoyed the Farm House and the school room both kept as at the turn of the (20th) century. Also the 13th century church.

Outstanding educational day provided by Devon and the team. A set of four well-paced and gentle workshops based on England during WWII. All four ladies were engaging, creative, warm and understanding of the needs of the group. Highly recommend for schools and home education groups. A wonderful place which has developed hugely since our last visit, and the play barn was a real enhancement. Beautiful kitchen garden and lovely old buildings and church. The school room was a highlight, with excellent strict school teacher characterisation which had us parents in stitches. Well done all 💓

Good little farm with a variety of animals and different historical cottages and buildings to go into. It was nice and quiet when we went which was great, although it didn’t take long to walk around. Some of the ground can be a little rough with a pushchair as lots of paths are gravel, but they aren’t too bad. Cafe has a limited offering so good idea to take some food and drinks. Inside seating is very limited, but there are some covered outdoor benches too. Indoor play area for kids which looked good. When you visit the farm parking is included.

I've had many happy times here. There were great attractions and it was thoroughly enjoyable. No queues for rides. It's popular with the public. I think it's a little run down. Really sad about the boating lake. The ice cream place is boarded up and is no more. It's a real shame.

It's so cool, feels like you're stepping back in time! Was quite busy when we were there and only 2 staff working so was sort of hanging around a while for the rides too start and there was no water for a hot drink which was a bit pants! Other then that its a lovely little park.

Amazing day with my beautiful nieces, they really enjoy themselves, so many rides on one place.

has a retro look and only take cash (owner said they are looking to get a card machine due to covid and all that). kids had a fabulous time ... people running this place are very polite and helpful! When we went it was possibly the hottest day ... but there were places where you could sit in the shed.

Extremely hard to find! Postcode gets you nowhere close and all google directions try to take you down roads not open to vehicles. The only place to park is the sports complex and there are no obvious signs or directions really from there so it was a gamble to walk the 10 minutes from there. Its a slightly overcast day and it's closed at 230pm when we took the 10 minute walk from the car park to get here. It does say on the gate 'weather permitting' but not anywhere else! It looks good from the outside but we obviously werent able to actually attend.

Going out with kids its great fun here, just like going in time, Love the music there, amazing to find places like that!! Very friendly guys running the place!!

If you have an old style heart and young kids 2 years up wards 10 pounds for 16 rides well fun for kids Just been again got a new ride and had fun kids enjoyed it 4 8 2023

A surprisingly lovely park in the heart of the city. It’s very well maintained. Beautiful wisteria walkway was blooming and the wild flowers around the park were beautiful. Lots of opportunities to hire a e-scooter to get around but as a person with varying walking abilities, the park is flat and had plenty of seating to rest so I resisted hiring a scooter. Police patrol throughout the evening but the kids still managed to sneak some fairy liquid into the fountain.

East Park, also known as Andrews Park, is one of Southampton's most beloved green spaces, offering a tranquil retreat in the heart of the city. Established in the 19th century, the park is part of the "Central Parks" network, a series of interconnected parks that provide a lush, green corridor through Southampton's urban landscape. East Park is characterized by its well-maintained lawns, vibrant flowerbeds, and mature trees, creating a picturesque setting for relaxation and recreation. The park is home to several notable features, including the Titanic Engineers' Memorial, which honours the engineers who lost their lives on the RMS Titanic. With its blend of historical significance and natural beauty, East Park serves as both a community gathering place and a reminder of Southampton's rich maritime heritage.

Pretty park to walk through in the city centre. Safe and accessible easily.

Germ in the city. Like to walk in different seasons.

Coming from a place where we are lucky to enjoy the sun most of the year, it is easy to understand how much I like sunny days. If we add to that the feeling that I get walking among trees and gardens after the rain, the mix is a wonderful experience. And that is what I was able to experience in this beautiful park in Southampton. The East Park is the perfect place to exercise, read, meditate or spend a pleasant time with friends or family in the open air, just a few minutes from the sea and the city center.

It's a big park with many attractions throughout the garden. Try to explore every attraction if possible

Very nice and big park. Plenty of space to chill out in a good wether, surounded by nature.

Kids love this skatepark ..no idea why tbh..its a nice green space to sit in with people around if you are lonely. Everyone just gets on with there own thing here..best ice-cream van parks here! :))

Lovely quiet park as long as you're away from the skate park. They do some lovely local festivals and events here too. Only downside is you have to walk into the city center for the toilets

Hoglands Park for a nice chilled afternoon, a spacious green picknick flat, with benches along the path. There is a decent skatepark area half pipe and ramps.

Apart from the rubbish some people leave behind...fantastic.

Good place to walk my dog, clean and plenty of bins for bags which are used as there's very little rubbish on the ground

A park close to the city centre and St. Mary in Southampton. Good for outdoor activities and picnic. There is a basketball court as well

Went to see Summertime Live Classic Ibiza. Fantastic night. The atmosphere was buzzing. Would go again next year.

Lovely littlegreen space ,sun trap,lots of dogs and traffic but nice enough for a little walk or picnic.

What a gem of a place! I walk here everyday - it’s safe, clean and has beautiful flower beds with huge trees too. I wish it had toilet facilities though in that case I would be spending hours over here! Plenty of people come to walk their dogs, jog or just pass through as it’s right near the city centre opposite the docks where the cruises embark. Love this place! It’s very well looked after.

I recently visited Queens Park in Southampton, and I must say, my experience was FAR from pleasant. The park itself has potential, with its green spaces and pathways, but it's completely overshadowed by one major issue: dog poo. It seems like every few steps, there's another stinky pile of brown sludge to avoid. It's not just an occasional problem; it's everywhere, making it nearly impossible to enjoy a walk without constantly watching your step. The lack of enforcement and responsibility from dog owners is glaringly obvious. There are signs posted about cleaning up after pets, but they are clearly being ignored. This not only makes the park unsightly but also poses a health risk, especially for children who might be playing in the grass. Additionally, the smell can be quite overpowering in certain areas, which really detracts from the overall experience. It's a shame because Queens Park could be a lovely spot to relax and enjoy nature, but the dog poo issue is a significant deterrent. I hope the local council can address this problem promptly, perhaps by increasing the number of waste bins and ensuring more rigorous enforcement of the rules. Until then, I would not recommend visiting Queens Park unless you are prepared to navigate through a minefield of dog mess.

Used to live 10 mins from park and was always here, not visited in over 6 years. Met here for pride with work. Beautiful well kept park

Went to Queen’s Park and was delighted to see three of the wild parakeets singing away in the trees. A quiet park with plenty of seating and lovely well maintained flower beds

For a small park, it's very pretty and peaceful.

Silent, not at all crowded. Good for an evening walk

We enjoyed the playground after a shopping trip. The playground itself is nice, but it's much more appropriate for older children. The climbing frame in the middle means you can not see one end to the other. Also keep in mind there are busy roads on two sides of the playground, I wouldn't want to visit regularly due to car pollution.

Lovely little park used by visitors and locals.Always a friendly atmosphere here..great for the kids to burn off some of that endless energy they have😂😇and for parents to put some space around themselves and stop them going insane❤️

Absolutely GORGEOUS park after me and the Mrs have finished our DAILY clean up and been around disposing of EVERYBODY ELSES DISGUSTING LITTER!!! If people were more conscientious and caring of the local environment it would always be a beautiful little retreat right in the centre of town :)

In a real state of disrepair and danger. Many items have been removed (no swings except one baby cage model and no see saw). Lots of equipment broken without replacement. The top of the castle climbing structure (see photo) has had the wire safety punched out, so your child can fall from a significant height.

Nice park, clean. Great at weekends with with good weather. Not so great at the evenings.

Good a place to relax and watch the difference birds flying and it places for the children to go wild in the playground

Lovely big park with themed play park on a boat and castle theme.

IKEA Southampton is a standout destination for home furnishings conveniently situated on West Quay Road within Southampton’s city centre. As one of the UK’s larger IKEA branches, it spans four floors and approximately 34,000 m² of space—a rare urban-scale format in the IKEA chain. The store is huge, spread over several floors, and is packed with inspiration at every turn. I love how the showrooms are set up like real homes — it makes it so easy to imagine how things will look in your own space. There’s a great selection of furniture, home accessories, kitchenware, and even plants, all with that signature Scandinavian style and at very reasonable prices. One of the highlights is the restaurant and there’s always something tasty whether you’re in the mood for a hot meal or a quick snack. The view from the restaurant is lovely too. Staff are friendly and helpful, and the store is well organised, so even though it’s big, it’s easy to find your way around. Parking is convenient, with plenty of spaces, and you get free parking for a few hours if you spend over a certain amount. Overall, IKEA Southampton is more than just a shop — it’s a fun day out where you can get great ideas, enjoy good food, and find everything you need for your home in one place.

Did you know that IKEA stands for Incredible Kingdom of Eternal Awe? Well it certainly lives up to its name because wondering through each chartered corner of the shop is an adventure; my awe is ceaseless. From searching for sleek modern furniture with your little IKEA pencil and tape measure, then traversing the vast halls of the downstairs warehouse for your finds, all the way to constructing the goods in your living room like a grown-up lego set- the fun never ends and I haven't even started on the food yet: oh the food... Whoever thought cranberries would go with meatballs and gravy? Well the Swedes did and I am so immensely grateful that we have been gifted with such ethereal cuisine. Furthermore, breakfasts are reliable, delectable and truly a family staple. IKEA is my home. Not just because it's where my heart lies, but because my home is literally 50% IKEA. I don't know what I would do without you...

Great parking, which you can get money back if you spend over £20? Store very well laid out and leads you around so that you don't miss anything. Cafe is good value and has great views too. Recommended 👍

Åh… IKEA. Åh.. IKEA. Most definitely one of my favorite shops, I’m autistic and have a hyper fixation with IKEA stores. Wasn’t very busy and the Köttbullar (Swedish Meatballs) were absolutely amazing. I got a Blåhaj, and a few other things! I would 100% recommend this store if you’re looking for items as such as furniture, food and decorating! IKEA Family is a must! Amazing discounts I tell you and free drinks and sometimes products. Hoppas vi ses igen, IKEA Southampton! :3

IKEA Southampton has a good collection but the location is not very convenient. I tried the food and did not like it. The iconic meatballs were too salty for me.

The layout is easy to navigate, the signage is excellent, the staff member we spoke to was helpful and friendly and we found what we needed at a good price. Unfortunately it is a large shop filled with other people, you will find yourself negotiating with your partner over the size of mason jars that you don't need, and the parking is a nightmare. I don't ever want to go back but it wasn't a bad visit. 4 stars.

The store is great but I just queued for an hour in the restaurant for food. One person serving food and one person on the till. I imagine this is one of their busiest weekends of the year as the students are back to uni but management obviously didn’t anticipate it. Kudos to the staff for keeping their cool though.

Ideal spot for relaxing and watching the cruise ships and other vessels go by. Pebbly beach safe for swimming. One end of the beach has a fast food and ice cream van at the car park. Mini golf, toilets and a cafe at the other end. Netley Abbey ruins and Victoria Country Park within walking distance. Ideal for family picnics and also popular with dog walkers

Nice walk, shame about the tower blocks that ruin the view and the rubbish on the beach!

A nice place to enjoy the sun.

Can't give it 5 stars purely to the fact of the surrounding area. The shore itself is ideal for a quick treat as you can definitely guarantee at least one ice cream van located in the area, usually inside the carpark. Playground for kids is next to none existing due to not so friendlies ruining it.

Nice patch of pebble beach to walk and relax. There are several benches along the street. Nearby, a walk way for walking your dog is also available. A short bus ride away from the Southampton city centre. I especially recommend it for people looking for a not so busy seaside spot. Amazing sunset scenery!

A great place to visit on the edge of the city to relieve that stress after a hard day. Park up and sit in your car if the weather is not too good or get out and have a walk along the shore or just sit and chill, watch the sea traffic or watch the seabirds feeding and wading in the shoreline. Can get busy during the summer months but plenty of spaces to park and there’s usually an ice-cream van and a burger van later. A play area for the kids or just walk and enjoy.

Near Weston Shore location is Eddies Play Trail which is situated on green slopes near Westwood Woodland Park Nature Reserve. Please view attached photos regarding newly installed play equipment within the play trail. Also near here is a controlled fenced ball play area run by Southampton City Council. Free parking can be found along the shore road which is a mere five minute walk to Eddies Play Trail. Along the shore there normally Mitie bite burger van serving hot and cold drinks. The nearest toilets can be found approximately fifteen minutes walk at the Water Side Cafe' where outside seating is provided to take in the sea view, catering a small selected menu. SCC have recently installed new type of rubbish bins to encourage the public to keep the area clean. Some areas here are not wheelchair user friendly due to the terrain.

Do not park here. Took 30 minutes totally stationary in a queue trying to leave. No staff to manage the flow. No give way signage. Absolutely gridlocked chaos. This was when 2/3 spaces were empty! Can't imagine how bad it would be if full. Also incredibly narrow. Spaces so small most were unusable.

Great location for visiting the theatre, but some narrow spaces and expect to be waiting for at least an hour to exit the car park after a show. Park at the far end on the lowest levels to reduce the time to leave.

Don't park here if you go to the mayflower. Getting out takes longer than the show. Stevie wonder directing the traffic. Why do t they just change the traffic lights and let the traffic out. Joke

Convenient for the mayflower theatre BUT DREADFUL to leave . 30 minutes in a non moving queue to get out 🤬🤬🤬

Enough parking space with reasonable fees but the walk out exit on the ground floor is full of strong stench of human urine.

Great parking - but took over 20 minutes to get out!

Plenty of room so spaces could be a bit bigger tho

Nice place where to hang out and eat your chips

Excellent place, great tennis courts.

Such a big space and no were to run your dog caus it's mostly no dogs aloud. an awful lot of glass towards the back of the dog run. Also all the grass and thorns are cut back everywhere except the only space I can walk my dog off her lead. I'm getting stung and so is she. Lovely park for family days but rubbish for my poor puppy dog.

It's a nice park, nice play area for kids and great tennis courts. it would be even better if there were more bins, as there is too much rubbish on the floor. Another good Idea is a portaloo near the Tennis courts for the pot heads when they lose control of their bowels.

It is quite good for chilling and let your stressed your stressed away. It has a really nice environmrnt, fresh air and a lot of trees and nature. A nice place to be with your family in the week ends,just hanging around with friends or just spend time alone with yourself with a nice book or a novel I would really reccomend it!

We see a beautiful hedgehog took the dog for a late night walk parks clean but some people left there rubbish on the field after having a bbq but good to see it's being used just wish people would clean up after themselves so others could enjoy the land after them

Lovely little park in the heart of Portswood. Great place to come to play football or sports or just to hang out with friends. Next to a school aswell so is great for those children. Fully recommend a visit if you live near.

I had visited here before via the nursery entrance.and had a great winter walk and visited the nursery. It was winter and very quiet. ..This time I discovered another entrance close to the Swan pub in Woolston. The butterfly walk is more rustic and really enjoyable The pathway will take you to the nursery , eventually if you follow the pathway that takes you on a circuit of that part of the woods , I haven't explored the short cuts yet. That's the great thing about Mayfield Park. The park really does need to be explored. The good news is the Butterfly Wood extends as far as Woolston. I discovered this by accident. It ends at Weston Shore or opposite the main entrance of the new waste water processing plant. The woods ends / start's on a pathway a short way up Swift Road. The pathway to the woods is the first lane on the right hand side of the road. I haven't mentioned the children's playground on the Weston Lane side of the park close to the garden centre . The zip wire looks like fun.

Large area but be careful as the field leads onto wooded areas where people allow their dogs to run free. I have never had an issue but it can get congested at times. The majority of the people are very friendly and like minded.

Enjoy comein to this place with the kids just get left alone to enjoy time with the kids

Something for everyone. A great garden centre and bowls, plus plenty of gree space and woods for children and dogs. Football fields, lakes and basketball courts. Everything you could wish for

We visited the funfair, it was a good evening out. Could use some more parking and the play area definitely needed some cleaning. These niggles apart we had a good time.

Great little place for the dog, playing in the great children's park or just relaxing

A park off Weston Lane, there is a car park but can get busy during the weekends as there a number of football pitches here. A great place to walk your dog, it also has a big play area for the kids. Down the back there are woods & a stream, you can also walk to through the gardens.

A beautiful famous river, with great views and scenic walks

Love this place! Dogs, kids & adults love it too. The surrounding wildlife & natural grounds, where you not only get the fun parts of being at a beach, like rock pool viewing, paddling/swimming, etc (although would advise you check tide flows as can get a bit boggy), but also the surrounding woods & woodland flora & fauna. The only downside for a disabled person esp is it’s difficult for getting to the beach further along the walks due to higher grounds but, there are plenty of benches along the walk to take a break. The only shame is ppl doin things & dumping their rubbish inc sanitary towels, etc in certain out of the way areas. Plenty of opportunities for parking, other things to do along the way; pubs, marinas, pier, etc.

Great walks great just to tske in veiws little pubs on way in all direction popular with dog walking and jogging busy over weekends with parking but can always find a place paddle boarding very popular plenty to do .

Beautiful walk along the river. A windy but lovely day in the sunshine.

Great place for walking

It is a river with loads of marinas and therefore yachts and pleasure boats, what more can one say! 😉

Great place to fish and relax

Large green area for all sorts of gyms., 1 table tennis table - bring own equipment , 1 basket hoop, outdoor exercise machines, large play area for kids, wall climbing area, suites kids and a cafe is available

Well kept rectangular park with seating, a cafe and a great children's play and picnic area. Also features a tennis court, netball area, outdoor gym, swing and outdoor ping pong table. Popular with dog walkers and local community

We love this park! Great for smaller and older children (and there's a great little cafe with refreshments for the adults!) Spacious and fun, my three year old is becoming more adventurous and wanting to climb the bigger frames/slides! Plenty of benches and seating around. With the other activities on offer, (such as basketball hoops, tennis courts, climbing wall etc), you could easily spend a whole afternoon here!

Lovely park in the middle of Southampton. Outdoor activities for young and old. Would recommend. Toilets and cafe available on site.

Lovely park my 3 year old daughter loves it and there is a great cafe!

Visited in Jul 2022. The park is excellent for children with various playing facilities. There are 2 exciting slides which i recommend children to try. Street Parking is available when I visited here.

Great park, filled with families, kids and dog walkers. Also has a nice cafe. Had a great day here in the snow!

We had the most incredible day at Fairthorne Manor YMCA! The range of activities for the kids was outstanding – from Stand Up Paddleboarding and kayaking to rock climbing and abseiling, there was never a dull moment. The water slides kept everyone laughing non-stop, and the giant bouncing pillow was a huge hit! Every activity was well organised, safe, and so much fun – the kids were constantly smiling and building their confidence while trying new things. The staff were friendly, helpful, and full of energy, which made the whole experience even better. What really stood out was the value – for everything that’s included, the price is unbelievably cheap. For a full day of adventure, laughter, and memory-making, it’s worth every penny and more. We came away with amazing memories, tired but very happy kids, and a promise that we’ll definitely be back soon. Fairthorne Manor is a hidden gem and I can’t recommend it enough!

Fairthorne family fun day was amazing! We all had so much fun and our girls got to try activities they had never tried before. The staff were brilliant and made our girls feel safe and supported teaching them technique and skill so they could build confidence snd participate fully.

Used the “River Launch” for another day on Hamble River. Fairthorne’s river launch gives you access to the most beautiful parts of Hamble river. If you turn left after launching you can go all the way to the waterfall (Sluice gate) at Botley Mill. It’s a lovely paddle with plenty of wildlife as you navigate the winding river up to Botley, passing under the road bridge with the bell you can ring at “The hidden tap” on the Flour mill wall and then opening up to the waterfall which lets the freshwater from the upper Hamble meet the salt water from the lower tidal river. Turn right and stay right and it’s another wonderful paddle all the way to “The Horse and Jockey” pub in Curbridge. Alternatively turn right after launching then take a left and the Hamble River will take you all the way to the Solent. Plenty of picnic spots in the way. Just got to remember it’s tidal ! Many people have been caught out by the lack of water coming back after a long paddle. Fairthornes river launch opening and closing times differ each day to match the tides. Those opening hours let you know how long you have on the water. There is a kiosk selling snacks and drinks but sadly there’s no toilets.

Fantastic week spent there with my school (St Joseph`s) , canoeing, archery, & orienteering. St Ann`s & St John`s were there as well. Unfortunately there was some violence between us and St Ann`s but we`re all friends now. Blondie were number 2 in the charts with dreaming, reminds me of a girl from St John`s. September 1979. Happy Days.

Paddle boarding - Fabulous scenery along the river, facilities near the launching area and a few parking spaces , but plenty a short walk away, the best place we have been paddle boarding.

Campsite review only (not the activity centre, who were fantastic) We have recently had a large group at YMCA Fairthorne for the second year running. We were shocked this year at the state of the shower/loo block. Overflowing sanitary bins, blocked and dirty loos, toilet paper all over the floor. I did mention this at reception at the time but nothing was done about it. We were there for 2 nights and they were not cleaned once. It really ruined our experience and we won't be returning next year. Such a shame because the setting is lovely. This review is purely based on the state of the campsite/toilet block. The staff down at the river were wonderful and really helpful.

I attended the Bank Holiday event on 26 May 2025 as a grandparent. The children aged 17 - 12 enjoyed the activities and I congratulate the organisers of the event. Many of the questions here aren't relevant to a day visit to Fairthorne.

Firstly- car price per hour £2.50 quite a lot to walk in the woods, secondly in the barn paying only in cash- so you cant send your kids to buy them self a cake, and if you go for a walk and try to disconnect yourself from work for example (phone left home)- you can't enjoy the tea or cake in shop- you have to pay card. Then after the dog walk you go for a dog wash and pay £3 - again card only. And if you decide you don't have cash and will skip the tea, cake, dog wash. You will not leave car park - card only. So not friendly to families who watch their spending and using cash. Also, when you add up walk - maybe you need 2/3 hours+ Tea+cake+dog wash=around £19/20.00. Is it worth it? No. I think places like that are made for families who don't care about spending. But not accessible for poorer families. So the kids will strive in games in front of the x-box. Or if you are single- option- go to free woods, park on side of road, and after that go to restaurant for a meal= less then £20 and you are done for a day. Maybe the car park charges in woodlands should be reconsidered to 50/70p an hour- more families would enjoy the walks.

I found out that manor farm has a private field for dogs so we called up and asked about how to book it. Chris was very rude on the phone and when we explained why we want to use the field and told chris what dogs we had (cane corso) and before we could even say anything chris said we don’t take anything under the XL bully characteristics which I found informed and in accurate as my dogs are not XL bullies. Surely the principle of booking a private field is to enable ALL DOGS to excercise with out harassment sent from other dogs???.. This is a paid facility in which my opinion is suppose to protect all those that have paid to wish to excerise their dogs in peace.

We go here every other weekend to take my boy and are dog. The only thing that lets it for me is that half the fog walkers we come across do not keep their dogs on the lead or even know where they are at when walking them they just appear out of know where or you can see the owner calling then and the dogs are of barking some where else.

Parking is expensive, most of the pay and display machines are out of order and the one that does work does not take credit cards - Terrible! Massive park with ONE dog waste bin - no wonder dog walkers don’t pick up - there are no bloody bins! Poorly run park considering all the money raised on expensive parking charges. We wont return.

This is a small park near the port and contains some ruins and flowerbeds.

It’s probably not what I’d call a park due to its small size. It does have this name though. Apart from that, it’s got some nice places where flowers, bushes and plants are that bloom nicely in the summer. There are some benches to sit on and it’s in amongst the other historical places in the area. The Dancing Man brewery is close by if you need a drink.

Great place to have a walk

(Translated by Google) Beautiful and quiet place (Original) جميل المكان وهادي

Playground suitable for age 4/5+ only, equipment too big for smaller kids. 2x climbing frame and 3x swings. Often has teenagers playing football within the playground after school.

Play equipment is nice but the ladder up to the slide needs to be improved as it's metal poles are far too slippery in wet or cold weather. Rubber grips or wooden steps would be great. Other parents have been commenting that it's a hazard except in dry weather. Other than this it's really lovely and a beautiful little park with ample seating.

A convenient spot to sit and wait for the bus with a seat just inside the entrance. This morning it was nicely shaded by a nearby tree.

Like this park alot,it's totally safe for dogs,two self closing gates and fences all around so even my little dog can't get out,plenty of tables and bench seats and a kiddie's park fenched off from the rest of the park with swings etc, plenty of bins but when I went today they badly need emptying , overflowing.

I love to go to the park with my dog and we start working in the cemetery and we got all around 43 or 4 hour and it's a fabulous place to go go in the centre of the city to have a park like that is incredible the only problem I have is there now very clean Southampton City Council could employ somebody to around and giving penalty to people that throw the stuff on the on the grass or leave in the things behind when they do a barbecue and throw them can't throw things on the floor if they had somebody walking about out with other uniform and take a picture of them and tell them you're drop that I got proof of it and you want to pull your £100 to clean it I suppose they were making enough money to pay corporate staff member Southampton City Council they haven't got no brains

Great secure dog walking park with kids play area benches and picnic tables.

Lovely park, clean area and nice grass areas.

It's an industrial park the reason I gave it three stars is the speed bumps are too high

Local convenient trading park with some parking. Post office sorting office along with Screwfix, Toolstation and TLC electrical wholesalers ( does sell to the public).

Well, the picture does not represent the industrial estate, I used TLC electrical wholesaler with a wide selection of stock. The trade desk is open to the public so it can be busy on a Saturday morning, I did a click and collect.

Visited TLC Electrical great service and price well stocked.

Seems to be a hub for building and DIY related businesses with Screwfix, Toolstation, TLC etc. Convenient location with plenty of parking usually.

Great area to work in but some weekends the litter louts empty the contents of their cars in the car park as well as fast food wrapping rubbish being left blowing around after their partying evenings

You can find most of what you need for domestic repairs at the companies located here.

Best in spring/summer because the plants die in the winter.

This is a beautiful oasis on campus. It is quite compact yet it holds many different gardens. The border gardens are particularly lovely. In the back there is a wonderful wild garden that has native plants and wildflowers. I love seeing the changes through the seasons here.

The are a perfect getaway from University hustle bustle. I love how they are made to have benches next to small ponds and there is even a small creek running through them. Perfect for reading a book or just strolling. Also they never get too busy. I would recommend that the summer opening times are extended due to longer daylight hours.

Small pretty landscaped garden where the Southampton University Botanic Gardens used to be. No sign now of the wonderful old glasshouse that used to dominate the site, and which should ideally have been retained. But the stream that flows through the length of the garden adds character and interest. The Valley Gardens are hidden deep within the main uni campus, and would never be found by chance, but are worth seeking out for a tranquil spot in the middle of all the madness!

Really peaceful, lots of seating and interesting art pieces...plenty of green with a stream running throughout to a pond- all is very well kept!! Really worth the visit if you're on/around campus...

It is a nice place because it is a little bit hidden in the university gardens so that it is always very quiet and enjoyable. However, it is not well maintained. Only the area near the entrance is nice.

I really love the gardens they’re the best they’ve looked in years, every time I walk through it looks so nice. You can tell a lot of care and attention has gone to the upkeep of these gardens.