Things to do in South Coast

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit South Coast

Types of activities

Where to stay

South Coast Travel Guide

Durdle Door featuring rugged coastline, a sunset and a pebble beach

Walmer Castle and Gardens which includes chateau or palace and a bridge as well as a small group of people

Bournemouth showing heritage elements, building ruins and tranquil scenes

Durdle Door which includes a bay or harbor and rugged coastline

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Top places to visit

1. Southampton Cruise Terminal

Spend some time watching cruise liners and freight ships come and go from the Southampton Cruise Terminal. Afterwards, make the short walk into Southampton City Center to see historic landmarks and discover a lively bar and restaurant scene. Southampton Cruise Terminal is among the most important marinas in the United Kingdom and welcomes some 2 million passengers every year.

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One of the busiest cruise ports in England is just a few steps from the historical and entertainment attractions of Southampton.

2. Gunwharf Quays

Beneath the shadow of the famous Spinnaker Tower is the stylish shopping and leisure center of Gunwharf Quays, where you can easily spend a day browsing the many shops and enjoying the entertainment. The site's history as an ordnance yard is marked only by the cannons that line the waterfront. Today, the area is a modern, buzzing destination, popular with both local residents and visitors. Spoil yourself with a day of shopping and eating here.

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Gunwharf Quays featuring a river or creek and modern architecture

3. Durdle Door

Durdle Door is a natural arch carved into the limestone cliffs on the Jurassic Coast of England. The geological feature is the unquestionable highlight of the Lulworth Estate, which is open to the public and consists of 12,000 acres (4,856 hectares) of picturesque terrain. Go for a romantic stroll along the stony beach and take photographs of this stunning geological feature.

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Durdle Door featuring a sunset, rugged coastline and a bay or harbor

4. Poole Harbour

Poole Harbour is a large natural bay with several small islands in the southern part of the city. It has an intriguing history, with its shores having been inhabited for thousands of years. A boat from the Iron Age was discovered here. Watch the lifting of Poole Bridge, built in 1927 and spanning the waterway between the harbor and Holes Bay.

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Poole Harbour which includes a river or creek and heritage architecture

5. Portsmouth International Port

Portsmouth International Port is a gateway to the rest of Europe, as well as the nearby Channel Islands. Considered Britain’s best-connected port, it operates ferries, cruises and cargo ships. Access it easily just north of Portsmouth’s center. Start here for a great opportunity to visit the historical seaside town of Portsmouth.

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Embark on a trip to Europe or enter the lovely town of Portsmouth, England, through the comfort and ease of this modern port.

6. Brighton Marina

Brighton Marina consists of a harbor full of boats and a maze of houses overlooking the English Channel. The 127-acre (51-hectare) labyrinth is charming in its simplicity and is home to gated communities with townhouses and apartments. Spend the afternoon browsing its various leisure centers, shops and restaurants with waterfront views.

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Brighton Marina which includes a house and a marina

7. Bournemouth Beach

Bournemouth Beach is one of England’s most popular and attractive sandy areas. For decades, locals and travelers have been relaxing under umbrellas against the roar of the English Channel’s waves. Discover the varying parts of the beach during your vacation, from the more active central bays to the spacious havens a little farther out from the city.

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What to do in South Coast

Popular places to visit

Southampton Cruise Terminal

One of the busiest cruise ports in England is just a few steps from the historical and entertainment attractions of Southampton.

Gunwharf Quays

Stretching along the sea is one of Portsmouth's coolest areas, with plenty of shops, cafés, bars and restaurants as well as a contemporary art gallery.

Durdle Door

Swim through the large natural arch in the cliffs, which juts out dramatically into the sea and dates back about 140 million years.

Poole Harbour

Visit a forested part of this harbor’s archipelago after strolling along the charming promenade full of restaurants, pubs and boutiques.

Portsmouth International Port

Embark on a trip to Europe or enter the lovely town of Portsmouth, England, through the comfort and ease of this modern port.

Brighton Marina

Take a leisurely stroll around this remarkable port, where houses and apartments stand alongside moorings for impressive ships and yachts.

Bournemouth Beach

Stroll along miles of England’s southern coast and stop at the fun parks and activity centers along the way.

Brighton Beach

Visit this famous spot on the Sussex coast, where you can enjoy waterside activities during the day and an energetic nightlife after dark.

Goodwood Motor Circuit

Catch an event at Goodwood Motor Circuit during your trip to Chichester. Check out the spas and top-notch restaurants in this relaxing area.

Areas of South Coast

Southampton City Centre

The lively bars and waterfront views are top of the list for many visitors to Southampton City Centre. A stop by Southampton Maritime Museum or Southampton Passenger Terminal might round out your trip.

Brighton City Centre

The stunning beaches and fantastic nightlife are just a few highlights of Brighton City Centre. Make a stop by North Laine or Brighton Lanes while you're exploring the area.

Brighton Beach featuring general coastal views

Seafront

Kings Road Arches and Brighton Pier are just a few worthwhile attractions to visit in Seafront. Travelers also love the stunning beaches, fantastic nightlife, and popular shops.

Bournemouth City Centre

The stunning beaches and fantastic nightlife are just a few highlights of Bournemouth City Centre. Make a stop by Bournemouth Lower Gardens or Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum while you're exploring the area.

Kemptown

5/5(1 area review)

Kemptown is known for its breathtaking beach views, and you can see some sights in the area like Brighton Beach and SEA LIFE Brighton.

Portsmouth City Centre

Portsmouth City Centre is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Portsmouth Guildhall and New Theatre Royal while in the area.