From green spaces, to restaurants, and everything in between

There’s so much to explore! Whether you’re looking for cozy cafes to study, parks to relax, or local spots to hang out, we’ve got you covered.

Here’s a quick guide to your new neighbourhood.

Green Spaces

📍Riverside Park: found just around the corner from Wessex Lane halls. There is a massive park, river and you can do sports like paddle boarding and kayaking.

📍Southampton Common: A large green space perfect for picnics, outdoor sports, or sunbathing. Make sure to visit Hawthorn’s wildlife centre which is located in the southeast corner of Southampton Common.

📍Itchen Valley Country Park: Itchen Valley Country Park offers walking and cycling trails, rivers, and woodland areas. Pack a picnic and explore this beautiful park.

Further afield...

📍Bournemouth: an hour away by train, Bournemouth is a great day out whether you want to relax or have some fun and is known for its beautiful beaches. If you're up for travelling another hour from Bournemouth, it's also worth visiting Durdle Door which is another scenic getaway.

📍Brighton: another city known for its seaside and beaches, you can get to Brighton in a couple of hours by train. Make sure to take a stroll along the pier, labeled the 'biggest attraction in the South East'!

📍The Isle of Wight: close on the ferry, it is perfect for a sunny day trip. Do not miss historic sites like Osborne House and the Needles.

📍Brockenhurst: looking for a shorter train journey? Only half an hour away, you can visit the New Forest in the small village of Brockenhurst which is a great place for hiking – see if you can spot any ponies, donkeys or cows along the way.

Restaurants and Cafés

📍Garden Restaurant: just a 6-minute walk from Wessex Lane, this authentic Chinese Szechuan restaurant won the best hot pot in Southampton in 2023. Not only is it affordable but also has an amazing garden you must see!

📍Mumbai Indian Kitchen: the same walking distance away, this curry house uses the finest and freshest ingredients in their takeaway dishes. The menu is extensive, so you'll definitely be able to find a dish everyone enjoys. 

📍Cafe at no.6: only 10 minutes walk away you can find humble Cafe No. 6, expect freshly made sandwiches, burgers and jacket potatoes for dinner. 

📍Woodmill Coffee and Kitchen: look at a stunning view of the river Itchen as you enjoy a coffee and cake or hearty homemade lunch, just a short walk away making it a great spot for a delicious weekend breakfast. 

📍Fleming Arms: a friendly pub and restaurant, head here for a traditional British pub meal with a pint, watch the latest sport fixtures and make the most of the deals throughout the week. 

Entertainment

📍The Brook: a live music venue in a beautiful old Victorian building that's been around for over 30 years, promoting thousands of shows on and off site from Bastille to Reneé Rap! 

📍Escape room: head closer to the city centre to find Elusion Escape House, Sneaky Dog Escapes and Houdini’s Escape room, all that offer the perfect activity to participate with a group of friends, finding hidden clues and solving puzzles.

📍Putt Club: from just £7 per person, get ready for a 9-hole themed course of mini golf to bring out your competitive side. 

📍 Hollywood bowling: Head out with some friends for some healthy competition at West Quay or Eastleigh. There is also great food, drinks, games, and a pool table.

📍 Karaoke night: Sing the night away at ones of these venues hosting karaoke nights: The Bedford, Medbar, Shanghai 1814, Oasis Bar, The Lion, Boom Battle Bar or The Stags. 

These are just a few of our favourite - there are so many places to explore.

If you've found your favourite place in Southampton - let us know in our Halls Life suggestion box!