What to do and see in Southampton, England: The Best Budget-friendly Things to do

The Steamship Shieldhall is the largest working steam ship in Britain. A member of the National Historic Fleet she serves as a sea going tribute to Britain's maritime heritage. As a passenger you too can experience the golden age of steam by booking on an excursion or visiting her in Southampton.

Oasis Down to Earth Farm is a community centre with a difference: we are based on a farm in urban Southampton. As a not-for-profit charity, our mission is to provide a socially inclusive, happy experience where people of all abilities and differences are respected and valued. We aim to educate, empower and engage with our local community. We offer people the opportunity to interact with animals and the natural environment. Based on a 5 acre site our facilities include a barn, dairy, large garden to grow fruit and vegetables, pond, woodland area, wood workshop and two fully equipped community buildings suitable for a range of indoor activities. During the week we offer activities for adults with Learning Disabilities, children with special needs (SEN and NEET) and groups for people living with Dementia. At the weekend we host children's birthday parties and are open to the general public.

Bursledon Brickworks Industrial Museum is all set to become one of the key visitor attractions in the South. The only remaining steam driven brickworks in the country we show how brick making made the leap from small scale production to 20 million bricks a year. The fully restored and working machinery helped us to win the coveted Institute of Mechanical Engineering Heritage Award in 2011 and on Open Days we can show it all running as it was when it ceased producing bricks. On site you can see the patented method adopted to dry the bricks and the huge kiln block that was used to fire them ready for collection. The museum has other clay based collections on site and lots of opportunities on offer which makes a visit both enjoyable and educational.

Solent Sky Museum showcases the history of aviation in Southampton - Spitfire City - and the surrounding Solent area.Geographically this was the most important area in the country, perhaps the world, for aircraft experimental and development work between 1908 and the late 1960s. 26 aircraft companies set up shop in the area, and many of the world’s greatest aircraft, including the legendary Spitfire, first took to the air in the skies over Southampton.We have 18 complete airframes, including a Supermarine Spitfire and Supermarine S6a (N248), and also 4 cockpit sections. We also have a comprehensive collection of aero-engines.Our mighty Sandringham Flying Boat was originally built as a Short Sunderland in 1943, and converted to a passenger aircraft after the war. Visitors are welcome to board the aircraft to sample the luxury of air travel in the romantic era of the great flying boats, and guided tours of the flight deck are also available.Kids (and big kids) can also imagine what it would be like to fly a jet fighter while sat in the cockpits of our Supermarine Swift and Harrier Jump Jet. Our new Schneider Trophy Exhibition is now open, with its record-breaking centrepiece the S6a. Video stock footage of these legendary races and artefacts from the time illustrate the drama and romance of the fastest race in history.

This scheduled ferry service operates every half hour between Southampton's Town Quay and Hythe Pier, passing by Ocean Terminal that is home of the QE2.

Enjoy a great family day out at Manor Farm meeting friendly farm animals as you stroll around our traditional farmyard. There is always something new to see with baby animals and all our usual farmyard favourites. Take part in our daily farm activities, explore the farmhouse and farm buildings, take part in a Victorian school lesson, and join our farmyard walk (weekends and holidays only). Once you’ve met all our animals why not visit our play area with it’s play tractor, combine harvester and pedal tractor circuit? The Café, just outside the entrance to the farm, offers a selection of food and drink from teas and ice creams to hot food.

This 327-acre wide-open green space in the heart of Southampton is a designated "Site of Special Scientific Interest" and an excellent venue for picnicking, walking and watching wildlife.

Consecrated in 1843, this is one of England's earliest municipal cemeteries, and is a well-established stop on the graveyard "hunters" trail.