A trip to Southampton is a classic away day for football fans who appreciate modern facilities, a passionate fanbase, and a vibrant coastal city. St Mary’s Stadium, home to the Saints since 2001, offers excellent sightlines, comfortable seating, and a lively atmosphere, making it one of the more enjoyable trips in the south of England. Whether you’re travelling from nearby counties or further afield, here’s everything you need to know about a Southampton away day.

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Getting There

Southampton is well connected by train, car, and coach, making it relatively easy to access from across the south of England.

• By Train: Southampton Central is the main station and is just over a mile from St Mary’s Stadium (roughly a 15–20 minute walk). Direct trains run from London Waterloo (about 1h 20m), Bournemouth (40m), Portsmouth (20m), and Winchester (20m). The walk from the station is straightforward, with signage directing fans toward the stadium.
• By Car: The stadium is close to the M27, with junctions 3 and 4 providing easy access. Parking is limited in the immediate area, so pre-booking in stadium car parks or using nearby Park & Ride facilities is recommended. Local streets are heavily restricted on matchdays.
• By Coach: Official away coaches typically drop fans outside the away section, making this the most convenient option for large groups.

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Where to Drink

Southampton has a lively pub scene, though most bars immediately around the stadium are home-fan dominated. Away supporters generally head into the city centre for pre-match drinks.

• City Centre: Pubs near West Quay, Above Bar Street, and the Cultural Quarter are good away-friendly options. The Hobbit is a popular choice for craft beer fans, while The Dancing Man Brewery offers local ales and a welcoming atmosphere.
• Near the Ground: Pubs immediately surrounding St Mary’s are generally home-fan only, so it’s safer to enjoy a drink in the city centre before walking to the stadium.
• Alternative Options: If arriving by train, a quick stop at The Star near Southampton Central is convenient for a pre-match pint before heading to the stadium.

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The Ground: St Mary’s Stadium

St Mary’s Stadium is a modern venue, opened in 2001, with a capacity of approximately 32,000. It provides excellent facilities and is known for its family-friendly atmosphere.

• Away Section: Visiting supporters are located in the upper tier of the East Stand, with an allocation of around 3,000. The elevated view gives fans a fantastic perspective of the pitch and allows them to create a strong atmosphere despite being separated from home fans.
• Facilities: St Mary’s has wide concourses, modern toilets, and plenty of food outlets. Matchday kiosks sell pies, burgers, hot dogs, and chips. Alcohol is served in the concourses and sometimes inside the stands, depending on the fixture.

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Food Options

Southampton offers a variety of food choices for fans on matchday.

• Near the Ground: A few takeaways and small food outlets line the walk from St Mary’s, serving burgers, kebabs, and chips.
• City Centre: The city centre offers a much wider selection, including chains like Nando’s, Wagamama, and Five Guys, as well as independent cafés and bakeries. Above Bar Street and the Old Town are particularly good for grabbing a pre-match meal.
• Local Specialties: Being a port city, Southampton is known for seafood. If you’re staying overnight, sampling fish and chips or a seafood platter is a nice treat after the game.

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Making a Weekend of It

Southampton is a coastal city, so there’s plenty to explore if you’re making a weekend of your trip.

• Nightlife: The city has a lively nightlife, especially around Oxford Street and Bedford Place. Bars, pubs, and clubs cater to all tastes. The waterfront area also has restaurants and bars with scenic views.
• Culture & Attractions: Visit the SeaCity Museum, the medieval God’s House Tower, or stroll along the historic Old Town. The Mayflower Theatre also offers live performances if you want some culture before or after the game.
• Day Trips: The New Forest National Park is only a short drive away and offers scenic walking and cycling routes. Portsmouth and Bournemouth are also within easy reach for a coastal day trip.

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Away Day Tips

• Arrive Early: Walking from Southampton Central or driving in from the M27 can take longer than expected on matchdays.
• Drink in the City Centre: Most pubs near the stadium are home-fan dominated. Stick to city-centre venues for safety and a welcoming atmosphere.
• Bring Cash: Some small food outlets may prefer cash, so having a few pounds on hand is useful.
• Expect a Passionate Crowd: Southampton fans are vocal and passionate, but the stadium environment is generally friendly and welcoming to away supporters.

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Final Whistle

A Southampton away day combines modern stadium comforts with the charm of a historic port city. St Mary’s Stadium offers great facilities, an excellent view of the action, and a lively atmosphere, while the city itself provides pubs, restaurants, and attractions to make a full day or weekend out of your trip.

From pre-match drinks in the city centre, to cheering from the East Stand, to sampling seafood by the waterfront afterwards, a Southampton away day is a memorable experience for any football fan. Pack your scarf, plan your route, and enjoy one of the south coast’s most enjoyable football trips.