Get ready for thrilling rides and family entertainment as Southampton’s Biggest & Best Fun Fair, presented by William Cole & Son Amusements, comes to Southampton Common! Running from Thursday 27th to Monday 31st August, this excitement-packed event features rides, games, and entertainment, plus a special Monday Market on 31st August. Entry to the fairground grounds is completely free!
Event Schedule & Timetable
Operating times for Southampton’s Biggest & Best Fun Fair at Southampton Common:
- Event Dates: Thursday 27th August to Monday 31st August 2026
- Daily Opening Time: Open daily from 1:00 PM
- Monday Market: Monday 31st August 2026
- Location: Southampton Common, Southampton (SO15 7NN)
Attractions & Event Highlights
What to expect at the fairground:
- Fairground Rides & Featured Attractions: A wide selection of thrill rides, classic amusements, and children’s rides presented by William Cole & Son. Featured rides include:
- Dodgems
- Waltzer
- Sizzler
- Ibiza
- Booster
- Pulse
- Orbiter
- Rock N Roll
- Crazy Frog
- Sticky Wall
And so much more! There is something to suit everyone at the fairground.
- Monday Market: Special bank holiday market stalls open on site on Monday 31st August.
Admission & Pricing
Entry and attraction pricing guidelines:
- Entry Fee: Free entry to the fairground site.
- Rides & Attractions: Individual rides, side stalls, and games are priced separately on-site.
On-Site Facilities & Site Rules
Amenities and safety guidelines on Southampton Common:
- Restrooms: On-site public toilet facilities available.
- Safety & Security: The event site is monitored by CCTV for public safety. Height restrictions apply to specific fairground rides.
How to Get to Southampton Common
Travel options for visiting the fun fair:
- By Bus: Frequent local Bluestar and Unilink bus services run along The Avenue (A33) directly alongside Southampton Common.
- By Foot / Bike: Accessible via paved pedestrian and cycle paths from all surrounding directions including Portswood, Shirley, and Highfield.
- By Train: Southampton Central Railway Station is approximately 1.5 miles away (a short bus trip or taxi ride).
- By Car: Route via The Avenue (A33) into Southampton.
Parking Information
Parking options near Southampton Common (SO15 7NN):
- Cemetery Road Car Park (SO15 7NN): Located directly off The Avenue (A33) along the southern boundary of Southampton Common, offering roughly 140 open surface parking bays. Dedicated wider Blue Badge accessibility bays are available near the main gates. Note that spaces fill up extremely quickly on event days and sunny weekends.
- On-Street & Surrounding Parking: Additional pay-and-display parking bays are available along surrounding residential roads near the perimeter of the Common.
- Public Transport Encouraged: Visitors are strongly encouraged to walk, cycle, or use local bus services due to very high demand for parking spots over the Bank Holiday weekend.
Discover More Local Events
Looking for more exciting things to do across the region? Check out our complete list of What’s On in Southampton to discover the latest family fun fairs, outdoor events, bank holiday markets, and community entertainment near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the Fun Fair taking place at Southampton Common?
- The event runs from Thursday 27th August to Monday 31st August 2026, opening daily from 1:00 PM.
- Where is the event located?
- The fairground is hosted on Southampton Common, Southampton (SO15 7NN).
- Is there an entry fee for the fairground?
- No, entry to the ground is completely free. Individual rides, stalls, and attractions are charged separately.
- When is the Monday Market taking place?
- The special Monday Market takes place on Bank Holiday Monday, 31st August 2026.
- Who presents the fun fair?
- The event is presented by William Cole & Son Amusements.
- Are toilet facilities available on site?
- Yes, public toilet facilities are available on-site at Southampton Common during the event.