10 Best Things To Do in Southampton Westquay 2026

I have spent many afternoons wandering through the levels of our premier shopping destination, and it is clear that there are so many things to do in Southampton Westquay beyond just browsing the stores. It is a space that has transformed into a complete leisure hub, especially since the expansion of the South development. Finding what’s on at the various venues within the complex is always exciting as the offerings continue to evolve in 2026. Whether you are looking for a quiet cinema trip or high-energy competitive gaming, I am certain you will find something that suits your mood.

Things To Do in Southampton Westquay

I have spent a significant amount of time exploring the different levels of the centre, and it is impressive how much variety is packed into one location. When considering things to do in Southampton Westquay, it is easy to focus only on the retail side, but the South development has added a whole new dimension of leisure. I find that it is a perfect place to visit regardless of the weather, as the indoor layout provides a comfortable environment for a full day of activity. In this section, I am excited to share the top ten experiences that make this destination a must-visit in 2026. Finding what’s on at these venues will help you make the most of your trip.

1. Showcase Cinema de Lux Southampton

I believe that this cinema offers one of the most premium movie-watching experiences in the region. The fully reclining leather seats in every screen make a huge difference to the comfort level, especially for longer blockbusters. It is a fantastic choice when looking for things to do in Southampton Westquay that allow you to relax in total luxury while enjoying the latest releases with state-of-the-art sound and vision.

• Location: Level 4, Westquay South, SO15 1DE
• Cost: From £11.00 per ticket
• Best for: A luxury cinema experience
• Opening Times: Monday to Thursday 10:00 am – 12:30 am, Friday and Saturday 10:00 am – 1:30 am, Sunday 10:00 am – 12:30 am
• Local Tip: I recommend upgrading your viewing experience to an IMAX or XPLUS screen if you are catching an action blockbuster; the custom dual-projection setups and wall-to-wall screens make you feel like you are standing right in the middle of the film scene.
• Key Highlight: The XLR premium reclining seats

2. Hollywood Bowl Southampton

I find that this venue remains a classic and reliable choice for entertainment within the complex. It features sixteen high-tech bowling lanes and a massive arcade that provides endless fun for all ages. It is one of the most accessible things to do in Southampton Westquay, and I particularly enjoy the VIP lane experience, which offers a more private and upscale setting for a friendly game of ten-pin bowling.

• Location: Level 2, Westquay South, SO15 1RE
• Cost: From £9.00 per game
• Best for: Family fun and social competition
• Opening Times: Monday to Thursday 10:00 am – 11:00 pm, Friday 10:00 am – 12:00 am, Saturday 09:00 am – 12:00 am, Sunday 09:00 am – 11:00 pm
• Local Tip: I recommend ordering a quick bite directly to your lane from their classic American diner menu; it saves time and keeps the competitive family energy flowing between frames.
• Key Highlight: The American-style VIP bowling lanes

3. Build-A-Bear Workshop Southampton

I find that a visit to this store is a truly nostalgic and interactive experience, regardless of your age. It is a unique shop where you can choose and customise your own stuffed animal, from the amount of stuffing to the heart-wish ceremony and the final outfit. I think it is a standout choice for things to do in Southampton Westquay if you are looking for a personalised gift or a creative activity that results in a unique keepsake to take home.

• Location: Level 1, Westquay Shopping Centre, SO15 1QD
• Cost: From £14.00
• Best for: Creative gifts and family activities
• Opening Times: Monday to Friday 09:00 am – 08:00 pm, Saturday 09:00 am – 07:00 pm, Sunday 11:00 am – 05:00 pm
• Local Tip: I suggest treating your little ones during their birthday month; the special ‘Count Your Candles’ promotion allows children to pay their exact new age for the dedicated birthday treat bear.
• Key Highlight: The interactive heart-wish ceremony

4. Boom Battle Bar Southampton

This establishment has quickly become a favourite of mine for high-energy socialising. It features an array of unique games like axe throwing and augmented reality darts, which are brilliant things to do in Southampton Westquay for groups of friends. I find that the vibrant atmosphere and the selection of themed cocktails create a great environment for a night out that feels much more interactive than a standard bar visit.

• Location: Level 2, Westquay South, SO15 1DE
• Cost: From £10.00 per activity
• Best for: Competitive socialising and group nights
• Opening Times: Monday to Thursday 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm, Friday 12:00 pm – 12:00 am, Saturday 11:00 am – 12:00 am, Sunday 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
• Local Tip: I suggest booking your games as a package; combining axe throwing with a round of AR darts is often much cheaper than paying for them separately.
• Key Highlight: The professional-grade axe throwing lanes

5. Locked In A Room Southampton

This venue offers an immersive experience that I highly recommend for anyone who enjoys puzzles and teamwork. With multiple identical rooms, it is one of the best things to do in Southampton Westquay for large groups who want to compete head-to-head in a race against time. I found the narrative-driven challenges to be genuinely challenging and a fantastic way to bond with a team in a unique environment.

• Location: Level 3, Westquay South, SO15 1RE
• Cost: From £22.00 per person
• Best for: Team building and logical challenges
• Opening Times: Monday to Thursday 10:00 am – 10:00 pm, Friday and Saturday 10:00 am – 11:00 pm, Sunday 10:00 am – 09:00 pm
• Local Tip: I highly suggest splitting large groups across their identical ‘Timelock’ rooms; starting the puzzles at the exact same moment adds a brilliant, competitive layer to the experience as you look at the master leaderboard.
• Key Highlight: The ability for large groups to play the same room simultaneously

6. The Esplanade

I often visit this outdoor square when I need a break from the indoor hustle of the shops. This beautiful outdoor space sits right alongside the historic city walls and often hosts a variety of seasonal events. It is one of the most scenic things to do in Southampton Westquay, providing a quiet spot to appreciate the heritage of the city while remaining within easy reach of all the modern amenities the centre has to offer.

• Location: Outside Westquay South, SO15 1DE
• Cost: Free
• Best for: Relaxation and historical views
• Opening Times: Open 24 hours daily
• Local Tip: I suggest taking a brief walk out onto the pedestrian plaza during winter evenings; the modern uplighting bouncing across the medieval limestone blocks is simply stunning.
• Key Highlight: The beautifully lit historic town walls

7. Cosmo Authentic World Buffet

I highly recommend this dining spot for anyone who appreciates having an unlimited choice of flavours from across the globe. As an “eat all you can” restaurant, it features live cooking stations where chefs prepare everything from fresh sushi to traditional British roasts. It is one of the most cost-effective things to do in Southampton Westquay for a large group, as it caters to every possible dietary preference and appetite size in a stylish, modern setting.

• Location: Level 3, Westquay South, SO15 1RE
• Cost: Dinner from £17.00 (Monday to Thursday) or £21.99+ (Weekends)
• Best for: Large groups and diverse appetites
• Opening Times: Monday to Thursday 5:00 pm – 9:30 pm, Friday 4:30 pm – 10:30 pm, Saturday 12:00 pm – 10:30 pm, Sunday 12:00 pm – 9:30 pm
• Local Tip: I suggest heading straight for the teppanyaki live-cooking stations as soon as you are seated; you can hand-select your fresh steak or prawns and watch the chefs sear them to perfection right in front of you.
• Key Highlight: The live teppanyaki and stir-fry cooking stations

8. Westquay Retail Park

I find that this adjacent park is the best place to go when you are looking for larger flagship stores and bulky homeware items that are not found in the main mall. It is located just at the back of the centre and features massive branches of popular brands like Boots, Currys, and Matalan. It is a practical addition to your itinerary if you need to tick off some essential shopping in a more spacious environment with its own dedicated parking area.

• Location: Harbour Parade, Southampton, SO15 1BA
• Cost: Free Entry
• Best for: Flagship stores and homeware shopping
• Opening Times: Monday to Saturday 09:00 am – 08:00 pm, Sunday 11:00 am – 05:00 pm
• Local Tip: I suggest utilizing their custom click-and-collect parking bays if you are picking up bulky electronic items from Currys; it saves you dragging heavy boxes through the primary walking avenues.
• Key Highlight: Access to the larger “big-box” retail brands

9. The LEGO Store

I believe that this venue is a must-visit for anyone who enjoys creativity and intricate builds. It is much more than just a shop; it features the famous “Pick a Brick” wall and various play tables where you can experiment with the latest sets. It is one of the most engaging things to do in Southampton Westquay, especially if you are interested in seeing the massive, exclusive models that are often on display throughout the store.

• Location: Level 2, Westquay Shopping Centre, SO15 1QB
• Cost: Free Entry
• Best for: LEGO fans and creative builders
• Opening Times: Monday to Friday 09:00 am – 08:00 pm, Saturday 09:00 am – 07:00 pm, Sunday 11:00 am – 05:00 pm
• Local Tip: I suggest chatting with the building staff at the custom Minifigure tower; they often hold rare, seasonal accessory pieces behind the counter that help you build a truly custom figure.
• Key Highlight: The iconic Pick a Brick wall

10. The Food Quarter

I often find that this dining space is the heart of the centre when it comes to variety and convenience. It is located on the upper levels and offers an incredible selection of quick-service options that range from classic burgers to international street food. It is one of the most practical choices when you are in a rush or cannot quite decide what you want to eat. It is a vibrant, bustling area where the atmosphere is always lively, making it a great spot to refuel before heading back to the shops or catching a film.

• Location: Level 3, Westquay South, SO15 1DE
• Cost: Individual menu options from £6.00
• Best for: Quick meals and variety
• Opening Times: Monday to Saturday 09:00 am – 10:00 pm, Sunday 11:00 am – 06:00 pm
• Local Tip: I recommend grabbing a window table overlooking the open plaza; it provides an excellent elevated view of the social events happening on the lawn below while you enjoy your meal.
• Key Highlight: The vast selection of international fast-casual cuisines in one place

Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Southampton Westquay

I find that spending a day at Southampton Westquay is always a highlight because it offers such a diverse range of activities in one central location. Whether I am browsing the latest sets in the LEGO store or enjoying a massive meal at Cosmo, it is clear that the centre has evolved into a full-scale leisure destination. It is the perfect place to visit when you want to combine a bit of retail therapy with interactive fun or a world-class meal. Finding what’s on at the Esplanade or inside the mall makes every trip feel a bit different, and I hope this guide helps you navigate all the fantastic things to do in Southampton Westquay. It is a joy to look at how much this complex continues to anchors the social lifestyle of our city centre in 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Westquay Southampton dog friendly?

Yes, well-behaved dogs on static leads are welcome in the shopping centre. I recommend looking for the paw print sticker in individual shop windows, as specific store rules regarding canine companions may vary across the mall.

How much is parking at Westquay in 2026?

Parking at the Westquay Multi-Storey car park starts at £2.50 for the first hour. If you are visiting the Westquay Retail Park at the back of the complex, you can access up to one hour of parking for free, provided your stay does not exceed sixty minutes.

What time do the shops close in Westquay?

Core retail shopping hours are typically 09:00 am to 08:00 pm from Monday to Friday. On Saturdays, stores close slightly earlier at 07:00 pm or 08:00 pm depending on the season, while Sunday trading hours are strictly 11:00 am to 05:00 pm.

Can I build my own teddy bear at Westquay?

Yes, the Build-A-Bear Workshop is located on Level 1 of the main shopping centre. It is a fantastic place for a creative activity where you can personalise your own stuffed animal from start to finish.

Does Westquay have a food court?

Westquay features The Food Quarter on the upper level of the South development, offering a huge variety of quick-service international cuisines. For an “eat all you can” experience, COSMO Authentic World Buffet is also located on Level 3.