A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Southampton vs. Glencoe for Families, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Southampton or Glencoe?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Southampton or Glencoe? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Southampton

Southampton is a dynamic, up-and-coming, and waterfront port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Glencoe

Glencoe is a picturesque, natural, and serene village. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the food and hiking.

Southampton and Glencoe: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Southampton or Glencoe?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Southampton. Although Southampton and Glencoe are both popular with visitors, Southampton has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Southampton is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping, while Glencoe is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Glencoe is more touristy than Southampton and is popular for its mountaineering, hiking, and beautiful natural setting. Southampton is popular for its popularity as a cruise ship port as well as its focus watersports. It is also home to the SeaCity Museum.

How is Southampton different from Glencoe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Glencoe and Southampton. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Southampton or Glencoe?

Southampton
Glencoe

Southampton is a port city with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Glencoe does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Southampton. Museums are a favorite activity in town. There are a surprising number of options including SeaCity Museum, the Tudor House and Garden, and Southampton City Art Gallery.

Glencoe does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Southampton or Glencoe? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Southampton
Glencoe

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Southampton and Glencoe can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

Southampton has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. While most people used to pass through Southampton on their way somewhere else, the city now offers a dynamic food scene with local restaurants mixed with international options and even fine dining.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Glencoe area. Local specialties include seafood and pub food. You'll also find plenty of whisky and local beer. There are a variety of dining options with local pubs alongside fine dining restaurants.

Is Southampton or Glencoe Better for Nightlife?

Southampton
Glencoe

Southampton is a port city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for nightlife.

Southampton has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is filled with restaurants, pubs, and bars as well as a few nightclubs mixed in.

Glencoe doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a handful of bars where you can relax with local whisky or beer.

Is Southampton or Glencoe Better for Hiking?

Southampton
Glencoe

Glencoe is a great village for hiking. However, Southampton is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Glencoe for the hiking trails. The area has dramatic hikes and stunning landscapes. Some of the best walks through the countryside include Inchree Falls, Grey Mare's Tail & Mamore Lodge, and The Two Lairigs.

Southampton is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Southampton or Glencoe?

Southampton
Glencoe

Southampton is a port city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Glencoe is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Southampton to go shopping. The city has two indoor shopping centers, as well as a range of markets and several independent vendors.

Glencoe is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Southampton or Glencoe Better for Families?

Southampton
Glencoe

Glencoe is a great village for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Glencoe is very family-friendly. Take a steam train along the Harry Potter Line. You'll feel like you're aboard the Hogwarts Express. You can also visit the Natural History Center, hike around the Glencoe National Nature Center, or visit the Glencoe Folk Museum.

Southampton is a family-friendly place to visit. This cruise port city offers a handful of fascinating activities for kids including learning about the Mayflower and the Titanic. There are also many parks and gardens as well as the Mayflower Theater, which regularly has kid-family productions.

Is Southampton or Glencoe Better for Couples?

Southampton
Glencoe

With fun activities for couples, both Southampton and Glencoe make for a excellent place to visit.

Southampton is a great port city if you're traveling as a couple. Museums, parks, gardens, and chartered boats all offer a romantic experience for couples visiting the area.

Glencoe is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy nature, hiking, and stunning scenery will enjoy a visit to this beautiful area.


Is Southampton or Glencoe Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Southampton
Glencoe

Southampton and Glencoe both offer decent public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Southampton. There are buses around town that make some areas accessible even without a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Glencoe. There are local buses, but it's much easier to make the most of your visit if you have a vehicle.

Is Southampton or Glencoe a more walkable city?

Southampton
Glencoe

Southampton is a port city with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for its walkability.

Southampton is a somewhat walkable port city. It's possible to walk in parts of Southampton but in general it's easier to take a taxi.

Glencoe is generally not a very walkable port city. It's easier to fully experience the area if you have your own vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Southampton Worth Visiting? and Is Glencoe Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Glencoe or Southampton?

How long in Southampton or Glencoe?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Southampton and Glencoe. In our opinion, Southampton has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Southampton than Glencoe. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Glencoe than Southampton. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Glencoe, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Southampton than Glencoe. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Southampton that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Glencoe than Southampton if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Glencoe.


  • How many days in Southampton or Glencoe? Ideal Length of Stay
    Southampton 1-3 
    Glencoe 1-3

One day in Southampton or Glencoe?

In Southampton, you'll find nightlife and food. This port city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the picturesque village of Glencoe. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this village has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


A weekend in Southampton or Glencoe?

In Southampton, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Southampton has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the picturesque destination of Glencoe. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This village offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Southampton or Glencoe?

Southampton is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The natural village of Glencoe offers food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Southampton or Glencoe?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Southampton. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Southampton. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the food when visiting Glencoe. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best 2-Week Tours from London.


Which place is cheaper, Glencoe or Southampton?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Southampton is £132, while the average daily cost in Glencoe is £117. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Southampton and Glencoe in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Southampton £85
    Glencoe £59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Southampton £170
    Glencoe £118
Compare Hotels in Southampton and Glencoe

Looking for a hotel in Southampton or Glencoe? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Southampton


Hotels in Glencoe


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Southampton Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Southampton £8.70
    Glencoe £37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Southampton

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Southampton:


  • Ferry to Isle of Wight
    £16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Southampton

Also for Southampton, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • "Private Group Transfer: Southampton Port to London.": $290
  • "Private Stress-Free Transfer: Southampton to Heathrow.": $109
  • "Private Transfer: Heathrow to Southampton Port.": $110
  • From Cruise Terminal to London transfer: $650
  • Heathrow Airport to Southampton Port - Private Transfer: $300
  • Heathrow Airport to Southampton Ports - Private Transfer: $275
  • London to Southampton Cruise Terminal Private Transfer: $651
  • London to Southampton Port | Private Transfer: $300
  • London to Southern England Cruise Terminals Transfers: $119
  • London: City Center and Heathrow to Southampton Transfer: $131
  • Private Minicab Transfer from Southampton Port to London: $287
  • Private Port Arrival Transfer Southampton Cruise Terminals to Gatwick Airport: $226

Is it cheaper to fly into Southampton or Glencoe?

Prices for flights to both Glencoe and Southampton change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Southampton £37
    Glencoe £33
Typical Food Prices in Southampton

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Southampton:


  • Breakfast
    £4.00

Typical Food Prices in Glencoe

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Glencoe:


  • Lunch for 2
    £46
  • Lunch for 2
    £23

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Southampton £19
    Glencoe £29

Tours and Activities in Southampton

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Southampton.

  • Secrets of the Titanic Guided Walking Tour: $20
  • Private Southampton Walking Tour: $22
  • Isle of Wight Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (7 Day Pass) UK: $32
  • New Forest Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (7 Day Pass) UK: $32
  • Full Day Private Shore Tour in Winchester from Southampton Port: $112
  • Walk the Secrets of the Titanic: Private Tour: $114
  • Shuttle Service Southampton Cruise Terminals to Heathrow Airport and London: $153
  • Private cruise arrival from Southampton to London or airport: $159
  • Full Day Private Shore Tour in Windsor from Southampton Port: $160
  • London to Southampton and Portsmouth Cruise: $191
  • Oxford and Blenheim Palace Day Tour from Southampton: $191
  • Private Day Tour To Bath And The Cotswolds: $406

Tours and Activities in Glencoe

Here are a few actual costs in Glencoe for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Evening Cruise in Scotland: $46
  • From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glenoce & The Highlands Day Tour: $61
  • From Edinburgh: Magical Highlands Tour with Hogwarts Express: $219
  • Loch Linnhe Rib Adventures in Aurora: $64
  • Private Walking Tour in Fort William Town Centre : $13
  • Seal Island Cruise Tour: $46

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Southampton £21
    Glencoe £6.77

Sample the Local Flavors in Southampton

Also in Southampton, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Southampton Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47


When comparing the travel costs between Southampton and Glencoe, we can see that Southampton is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Southampton Expensive? and Is Glencoe Expensive?.