A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Southampton vs. Orkney Islands for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Families

Should you visit Southampton or Orkney Islands?

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

Should I visit Southampton or Orkney Islands? 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands is a natural, pristine, and remote archipelago. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, food, and beaches.

Southampton and Orkney Islands: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Southampton or Orkney Islands?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Orkney Islands. Although Southampton and Orkney Islands are both popular with visitors, Orkney Islands has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Orkney Islands is more popular for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Southampton is known for its nightlife and shopping. Southampton is popular for its popularity as a cruise ship port as well as its focus watersports. Orkney Islands is popular for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights. It is also home to The Heart of Neolithic Orkney.

How is Southampton different from Orkney Islands?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Southampton and Orkney Islands.

Southampton offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Orkney Islands. The islands is home to a number of archaeological ruins including the stone age village of Skara Brae and the neolithic chambered cairn of Maes Howee. Also check out impressive Ring of Brodgar stone circle as well as the oldest dwelling in the UK, the Knap of Howar on Papa Westray.

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

Orkney Islands is a great archipelago for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Orkney Islands has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find so many local products on the islands. It's famous for its local beef, lamb, salmon, and seafood, but you'll also find cheeses and produce. There are two breweries on the island as well. Many people pick up some items that they take home with them.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Southampton area. 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.

Is Southampton or Orkney Islands Better for Nightlife?

Southampton is very good for its evening party scene. However, Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Southampton has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is filled with restaurants, pubs, and bars as well as a few nightclubs mixed in.

Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Southampton or Orkney Islands Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands is a great archipelago for the beache. However, Southampton is not a beach destination.

Orkney Islands is considered a top beach destination. The archipelago has hundreds of miles of beaches that feel serene and remote. If you're looking for a tranquil setting that is natural and untouched, you'll have many to choose from. Some of the best beaches on the islands include Tresness Beach, Grobust Beach, and Sands of Evie Beach.

Southampton is not a beach destination.

Is Southampton or Orkney Islands Better for Hiking?

Orkney Islands is a great archipelago for hiking. However, Southampton is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Orkney Islands for the hiking trails. Rolling hills and rugged landscapes make for relaxing and beautiful walks. There are also many archaeological ruins that you can explore. Favorite hikes in the area include Balfour Village and Mill Dam, Birsay Whalebone, and Birwick to Barth Head.

Southampton is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Southampton or Orkney Islands?

Southampton is very good for its shopping areas. However, Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Southampton has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city has two indoor shopping centers, as well as a range of markets and several independent vendors.

Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Southampton or Orkney Islands Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Southampton or Orkney Islands.

Southampton offers lots of family activities. 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.

Orkney Islands is a family-friendly place to visit. Exploring the beaches is one of the best way to spend your days with kids. There are also several places you can take the kids like Barony Mill, Skate Rumple Alpaca Farm, Corrigall Farm Museum, and Kirbuster Farm Museum.

Is Southampton or Orkney Islands Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Southampton and Orkney Islands make for a great 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.

Orkney Islands is a very popular place to visit for couples. Nature lovers will enjoy the stunning beaches and beautiful natural setting. There are also some great restaurants and even live music performances that make for a fun date night.

Is Southampton or Orkney Islands Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Orkney Islands is a great archipelago for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Southampton is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Many backpackers visit Orkney Islands. If camping is your style, you'll find some great campgrounds and campsites that make the most of this beautiful natural setting.

Southampton is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Orkney Islands is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Southampton is not known for its public transit.

While Orkney Islands offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Buses travel to many parts of the islands and many islands are connected by ferries.

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

Is Southampton or Orkney Islands a more walkable city?

Southampton is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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.

Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Orkney Islands or Southampton?

How long in Southampton or Orkney Islands?

Both Southampton and Orkney Islands have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Orkney Islands than in Southampton. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Southampton, and 3-7 days is enough time in Orkney Islands.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands.

One day in Southampton or Orkney Islands?

In Southampton, you'll find museums and nightlife. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the pristine archipelago of Orkney Islands. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Southampton or Orkney Islands?

Southampton is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the serene destination of Orkney Islands. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This archipelago offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Southampton or Orkney Islands?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Southampton. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the tranquil archipelago of Orkney Islands. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Southampton or Orkney Islands?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the port city of Southampton. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Orkney Islands. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most people come for the beaches. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this archipelago.

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.

When comparing the travel costs between Southampton and Orkney Islands, 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 Orkney Islands Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Southampton or Orkney Islands?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Southampton or Orkney Islands in the Summer?

Both Orkney Islands and Southampton are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Southampton this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Orkney Islands for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Southampton is a little warmer than Orkney Islands. Typically, the summer temperatures in Southampton in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Orkney Islands averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Southampton usually receives more sunshine than Orkney Islands during summer. Southampton gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Orkney Islands receives 129 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Southampton usually receives less rain than Orkney Islands. Southampton gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Orkney Islands receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Southampton or Orkney Islands in the Autumn?

Both Orkney Islands and Southampton during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Southampton for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Orkney Islands in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Southampton is generally a little warmer than Orkney Islands. Daily temperatures in Southampton average around 12°C (53°F), and Orkney Islands fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the autumn, Southampton often gets more sunshine than Orkney Islands. Southampton gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Orkney Islands receives 73 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Southampton usually gets less rain in October than Orkney Islands. Southampton gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Orkney Islands receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Southampton or Orkney Islands in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Southampton and Orkney Islands. Many visitors come to Southampton in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Orkney Islands for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Orkney Islands can be very cold during winter. Southampton can get quite cold in the winter. Southampton is a little warmer than Orkney Islands in the winter. The daily temperature in Southampton averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Orkney Islands fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Southampton usually receives more sunshine than Orkney Islands during winter. Southampton gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Orkney Islands receives 29 hours of full sun in the winter.

Orkney Islands receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Southampton usually receives less rain than Orkney Islands. Southampton gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Orkney Islands receives 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Southampton or Orkney Islands in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Southampton as well as Orkney Islands. Most visitors come to Southampton for the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Orkney Islands because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Southampton is much warmer than Orkney Islands. Typically, the spring temperatures in Southampton in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Orkney Islands averages at about 6°C (43°F).

In the spring, Southampton often gets more sunshine than Orkney Islands. Southampton gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Orkney Islands receives 135 hours of full sun.

Southampton usually gets less rain in April than Orkney Islands. Southampton gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Orkney Islands receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Orkney Islands and Southampton