A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Windsor vs. Southampton for Attractions, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Windsor or Southampton?

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

Should I visit Windsor or Southampton? 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.

Windsor

Windsor is a touristy, beautiful, and royal town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the food, museums, and nightlife.

Southampton

Southampton is a waterfront, dynamic, and up-and-coming port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Windsor and Southampton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Windsor or Southampton?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Windsor than Southampton, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Windsor is better known for its museums, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Southampton is more popular for its shopping. Windsor is more touristy than Southampton and is popular for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world. Also, Windsor is famous for The Windsor Castle. Southampton is well known for its popularity as a cruise ship port as well as its focus watersports.

How is Windsor different from Southampton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Windsor is a great town for its historical sights. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its sights and museums.

Windsor offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The main draw is the Windsor Castle, which many people explore in a few hours. Then you can pass some time wandering around the town.

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.

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

Foodies will find both Windsor and Southampton both to be notable destinations.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Windsor. There are cafes, pubs, and local restaurants that let you sample regional dishes. There are also chain restaurants and international options including Japanese and Thai food.

Southampton is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 Windsor or Southampton Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Windsor and Southampton.

Windsor has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a low key nightlife scene with local pubs and a theater. Dinner cruises are also a fun activity.

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.

Is Windsor or Southampton Better for its Old Town?

Windsor is a popular place for its old town. However, Southampton does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Windsor. The old town is opposite the castle and caters specifically to tourists with its restaurants, pubs, and a few shops.

Southampton does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Windsor or Southampton?

Southampton is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Southampton offers some nice shopping areas. The city has two indoor shopping centers, as well as a range of markets and several independent vendors.

Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Windsor or Southampton Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Windsor or Southampton.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Windsor. Kids will enjoy seeing a working castle when they visit Windsor Castle. While a visit to Windsor Castle is the obvious draw to the town, there are also river cruises, parks, and even the Royal Windsor Maze at the Goswells Park that the whole family will enjoy. There is also a Legoland in the area for those who have more time.

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.

Is Windsor or Southampton Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Windsor and Southampton make for a high quality place to visit.

Couples visit Windsor frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Exploring the Windsor Castle, taking a river cruise, and wandering the parks and gardens hand in hand make this a great place for a couples retreat.

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

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

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

While Windsor offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system around town.

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

Is Windsor or Southampton a more walkable city?

Windsor is a great town for its high level of walkability. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its ease of walking around.

Windsor is a very walkable town. The town is compact and relatively easy to walk around. There are also several walking routes in the area.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Southampton or Windsor?

How long in Windsor or Southampton?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Windsor and Southampton. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Southampton than in Windsor. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Windsor, and 1-3 days is enough time in Southampton.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Windsor 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 Windsor.

One day in Windsor or Southampton?

Windsor is a small town with plenty to do. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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.

A weekend in Windsor or Southampton?

Windsor might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This town 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.

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.

Five days in Windsor or Southampton?

Because Windsor is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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.

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.

A week in Windsor or Southampton?

Since Windsor is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom.

When comparing the travel costs between Windsor and Southampton, we can see that Windsor 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 Windsor Expensive? and Is Southampton Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Windsor or Southampton?

Southampton has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Windsor. When comparing the sizes of Windsor and Southampton, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Windsor or Southampton?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Windsor or Southampton in the Summer?

Both Southampton and Windsor during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Windsor because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Southampton this time of year.

Windsor is around the same temperature as Southampton in the summer. The daily temperature in Windsor averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Southampton fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In the summer, Windsor often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Southampton. Windsor gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Southampton receives 195 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Southampton. Windsor gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Southampton receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Windsor or Southampton in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Windsor and Southampton. The small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Windsor this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Southampton for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Windsor is around the same temperature as Southampton. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Windsor in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Southampton averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Windsor usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Southampton during autumn. Windsor gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Southampton receives 107 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Windsor usually receives around the same amount of rain as Southampton. Windsor gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Southampton receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Windsor or Southampton in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Windsor as well as Southampton. Many travelers come to Windsor for the museums and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Southampton in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Southampton can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Windsor. In January, Windsor is generally around the same temperature as Southampton. Daily temperatures in Windsor average around 4°C (40°F), and Southampton fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, Windsor often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Southampton. Windsor gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Southampton receives 52 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Southampton. Windsor gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Southampton receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Windsor or Southampton in the Spring?

Both Southampton and Windsor are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Windsor in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Southampton for the natural beauty during these months.

Windsor is around the same temperature as Southampton in the spring. The daily temperature in Windsor averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Southampton fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Windsor usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Southampton during spring. Windsor gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Southampton receives 147 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Windsor usually receives around the same amount of rain as Southampton. Windsor gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Southampton receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Southampton and Windsor