If you are looking for the best things to do in Ocean Village Southampton, the marina has become the city’s primary spot for waterside dining and leisure. It offers a modern contrast to the historic city centre, with glass-fronted buildings and rows of yachts. Whether you want a quiet walk by the water, a film at an independent cinema, or a meal with a view, Ocean Village is one of the more relaxed areas of the city to spend an afternoon.
I have updated this guide with the latest venue details and current pricing for the season. If you are heading to the marina today, here is the local breakdown of what is available:
Ocean Village Activity Overview
| Activity | Type | Feature | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marina Walk | Outdoors | Southampton Water views | Free |
| Harbour Lights | Cinema | Independent films | Waterside bar |
| HarBAR on 6th | Drinks | Rooftop terrace | City views |
| The Jetty | Dining | Seafood specialists | Set lunch deals |
1. Walk the Marina Promenade
The promenade provides a flat, circular route around the entire marina basin. It is a straightforward way to see the various yachts and motorboats docked in the harbour. The path is popular for a quick lunch-break stroll or a weekend walk when you want a bit of sea air.
- What to see: A close-up view of the private yachts and the modern architecture of the Harbour Hotel.
- Why it is popular: It is easy to access and suitable for pushchairs or a casual run.
- Cost: Free.
- Local tip: Follow the path toward the south end of the basin for the best view of the cruise ships docked at the nearby terminal.
2. Harbour Lights Picturehouse
This is a small, independent cinema that focuses more on the atmosphere than the usual multiplex. It has two screens and a large bar area with floor-to-ceiling windows. It is the main cultural venue in the marina and shows a mix of new releases and classic films.
- What to see: A curated list of independent films and major new releases.
- Why it is popular: The seating is comfortable, and the bar area is much quieter than most city-centre cafés.
- Cost: Standard tickets are around £13.50, with discounts for members.
- Local tip: If you are visiting on a Thursday morning, they run “Silver Screen” sessions for over-60s which include coffee and biscuits.
The Best Photo Spot
The best light for photos of the marina is usually late afternoon. The jetty near the Harbour Hotel gives you a clear shot of the water with the city buildings in the background.
3. HarBAR on 6th
This bar is located on the top floor of the Southampton Harbour Hotel. It has a rooftop terrace with outdoor seating and fire pits. It is often the busiest spot in Ocean Village on a Friday or Saturday evening because of the views over the water.
- What to see: Panoramic views of the marina and the ships entering the Solent.
- Why it is popular: It is one of the few places in the city with a proper rooftop terrace.
- Cost: Set lunch menus start from £22.95; cocktails are around £12.00.
- Local tip: It gets very busy on weekend nights, so it is better to visit on a weekday afternoon for a quieter experience.
4. The Jetty
The Jetty is a high-end seafood restaurant located on the ground floor of the hotel. It has a large outdoor deck that sits right on the water’s edge. While it is a more formal venue, they run regular set menus that make it more accessible for lunch.
- What to see: A menu focused on fish landed daily and seasonal local ingredients.
- Why it is popular: The quality of the food is consistent, and the waterside deck is great in the summer.
- Cost: Set lunch menus for two courses are typically around £22.95.
- Local tip: Ask for a table on the deck if the weather is clear; it is much better than sitting inside.
5. Boat Trips and Yacht Charters
Ocean Village is the starting point for several boat companies. You can book everything from a short sightseeing tour of the docks to a full-day private charter. It is the best way to get out on the water if you are visiting with a group.
- What to see: The massive cruise liners from the water and the coastline of the Solent.
- Why it is popular: It offers a different perspective of the city that you cannot get from the shore.
- Cost: Short group tours usually start at £25.00 per person.
- Local tip: Check with the marina office or local operators like Blue Box Sailing for scheduled trips during the summer months.
6. Blue Jasmine
Blue Jasmine is a Pan-Asian restaurant that focuses on “Tapasía”—small plates designed for sharing. It is located on the northern side of the marina basin and has a more modern, sleek feel than the traditional pubs nearby.
- What to see: A mix of Chinese, Thai, and Malaysian-influenced small plates.
- Why it is popular: The food is well-presented, and the interior is very high-end.
- Cost: Small plates start from approximately £9.00 each.
- Local tip: Their outdoor terrace is south-facing, so it gets the sun for most of the day.
7. Banana Wharf
Banana Wharf is one of the longest-running restaurants in Ocean Village. It has a huge menu that covers everything from pizza and burgers to Thai food. Because of the variety, it is usually the top choice for families with children.
- What to see: An international menu with a massive range of options.
- Why it is popular: It is casual, fast, and has a very large outdoor seating area.
- Cost: Most main courses are between £15.00 and £25.00.
- Local tip: It is a reliable spot for a walk-in table, even when other places in the marina are fully booked.
8. HarSPA
The spa inside the hotel is open to both guests and local members. It includes an indoor pool, a hydrotherapy pool, and a sauna. It is a quiet place to spend a few hours if you are looking for something more relaxing than the bars and restaurants.
- What to see: Modern spa facilities and a range of massage and facial treatments.
- Why it is popular: It is the most modern spa facility in the city centre.
- Cost: Afternoon spa passes start at around £95.00.
- Local tip: Look for “late-availability” deals on their website for discounted spa sessions during the week.
9. Maritimo Lounge
This is a large, casual café and bar spread over two floors. It has a big balcony on the first floor that looks over the marina. It is very informal and is a good place to sit with a coffee or a laptop for an hour.
- What to see: A quirky, relaxed interior and a large menu of comfort food.
- Why it is popular: It is dog-friendly and generally cheaper than the other marina venues.
- Cost: Tapas deals (3 plates) are around £14.25.
- Local tip: The first-floor balcony is the best place to sit for a view without paying the higher hotel prices.
10. Public Art and Heritage Trail
Ocean Village has several plaques and sculptures that mark its history as a busy commercial dock. You can find these by following the main paths around the water. It is a simple way to learn about the area’s past as you walk.
- What to see: Historical markers and nautical-themed public art installations.
- Why it is popular: It is a free way to add some interest to a walk around the marina.
- Cost: Free.
- Local tip: Look for the plaques that mention the QE2 and other famous ships that have docked here over the years.
Staying for the evening?
If you are planning to make a night of it, take a look at our full guide to the best nightlife in Southampton for more ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is there parking at Ocean Village? Yes, there is a large multi-storey car park (Ocean Car Park) on-site. It is usually easier to park there than to find a spot on the street.
- Do I have to pay to enter the marina? No, the marina promenade and all the restaurants are open to the public for free.
- Which restaurant has the best view? HarBAR on 6th has the best elevated view, while Maritimo Lounge and Banana Wharf have good ground-level views.
- Is Ocean Village good for kids? Yes, the paths are flat for pushchairs and restaurants like Banana Wharf have good children’s menus.
- Can I take my dog? Most of the outdoor seating areas are dog-friendly, and Maritimo Lounge allows dogs inside as well.
