Mayflower Park
A vibrant waterside park in Southampton, perfect for ship spotting, enjoying sunsets, and hosting major civic events.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful strolls, fewer crowds
Mayflower Park
Best Time
Peaceful strolls, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant waterside park in Southampton, perfect for ship spotting, enjoying sunsets, and hosting major civic events.
"A lovely spot for a stroll with scenic views of the ships nearby."
💰 Coin-Operated Parking
Bring plenty of coins for parking meters, as card payment is often not an option. Renew your slot to stay longer. :moneybag:
🚢 Ship Spotting Guide
Best spots for ship viewing: Mayflower Park for docking, Town Quay for close-ups, and Calshot for departures. :ship:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cruise Ship Spectacle
River Test waterfront
Witness massive cruise ships docking and departing, offering a truly impressive sight against the waterfront backdrop.
Sunset Serenity
River Test waterfront
Experience breathtaking sunsets over the water, painting the sky with vibrant colors. A perfect moment for reflection.
+1
Event Hub
Main park area
Home to major events like the Southampton Boat Show and Circus Berlin, offering vibrant entertainment and community gatherings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Event Parking & Payment
Best Views & Times
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Coin-Operated Parking
Bring plenty of coins for parking meters, as card payment is often not an option. Renew your slot to stay longer. :moneybag:
🚢 Ship Spotting Guide
Best spots for ship viewing: Mayflower Park for docking, Town Quay for close-ups, and Calshot for departures. :ship:
📸 Sunset Photography
Capture stunning sunset photos from the river bank. The light over the cargo terminal is particularly beautiful.
🎉 Event Day Prep
If attending an event, arrive early to secure parking and be prepared for crowds. Check event schedules in advance.
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Coin-Operated Parking
Bring plenty of coins for parking meters, as card payment is often not an option. Renew your slot to stay longer. :moneybag:
🚢 Ship Spotting Guide
Best spots for ship viewing: Mayflower Park for docking, Town Quay for close-ups, and Calshot for departures. :ship:
📸 Sunset Photography
Capture stunning sunset photos from the river bank. The light over the cargo terminal is particularly beautiful.
🎉 Event Day Prep
If attending an event, arrive early to secure parking and be prepared for crowds. Check event schedules in advance.
🚶♀️ Waterfront Walk
Enjoy a leisurely walk along the riverbank, taking in the views and fresh sea air.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mayflower Park is a beautiful waterfront location offering scenic views of ships and stunning sunsets, making it ideal for strolls and picnics. It also serves as a popular venue for major events, though parking can be inconvenient with coin-only payment and time limits. Some visitors note that the park could benefit from tidier landscaping.
"Mayflower Park is a beautiful place to go , only been the other day to watch the show at Circus Berlin. The only annoying thing is the parking : it doesn't work to pay by card .
You pay £1.50 for 2 hours of parking, and if you need/ want to stay longer, just have to go back and renew for 2 more hours🙄
So be prepared to have coins with you 😏"
Cristina Sandu
"Mayflower Park is a lovely spot for a stroll with scenic views of the ships nearby. It’s a great place to get a close-up look at the cruise ships coming and going. The park could be a little cleaner with tidier landscaping, but overall it’s a very nice place to relax and enjoy the waterfront."
Kyle B
"Mayflower Park is a very nice park on the eastern bank of the River Test. It is located between the passenger and cargo terminals of the Port of Southampton, and is near the confluence of the rivers Test and Itchen (which together form Southampton Water, which the drains into the Solent in front of the Isle of Wight, and then into the English Channel).
The river bank offers spectacular views of the dawn and dusk skies just as the sun sets over the cargo terminal. From time to time, you may even see huge container ships docking at the terminal, which is a spectacle in itself. Looking far enough towards the south, where Southampton Water drains into the Solent, you can see Fawley Refinery, the biggest oil refinery in the UK (I once caught one of the many chimney towers spewing out flames from various gases, and they looked lovely from the distance). There are even ducks that occasionally swim near the bank.
Sometimes there may be events taking place on the Mayflower Park that may cause a little bit of noise. When I’m writing this review, the Continental Circus Berlin had a few shows over the course of about 2 or 3 weeks, and the noise was noticeable even near the river bank (even with the large circus tent positioned a few hundred feet away from the bank). And the actual river bank, complete with benches for you to sit on, is rather annoyingly occupied by a car park (but I think it makes sense, because the site of Mayflower Park used to be occupied by a large warehouse/building for commercial purposes - do let me know if you know additional details).
Overall, though, Mayflower Park is a wonderful park with a huge grassy area if you want a nice little picnic, or if you just want to sit by the river and let your mind get carried away by the beautiful scenery or the ships. Happy visiting!"
Sankarshan Bhattacharyya
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mayflower Park is located on the eastern bank of the River Test in Southampton. You can reach it by car, with parking available on-site, or via public transport. Several bus routes stop near the park.
Yes, there is parking available at Mayflower Park. However, be aware that it is often coin-operated and requires renewal every two hours. It's advisable to bring plenty of change.
Absolutely! Mayflower Park offers excellent views of large cruise ships docking and departing from the Port of Southampton. It's a popular spot for ship enthusiasts.
The park generally offers level grass areas and paved paths, making it reasonably accessible. However, specific event setups might temporarily affect accessibility.
For major events, consider public transport or arriving early if driving, as parking can become congested. Check event-specific travel advice.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Mayflower Park itself is a public park and generally free to enter. However, if you are attending a specific ticketed event held within the park, such as the Southampton Boat Show or Circus Berlin, you will need to purchase tickets for that event.
Mayflower Park is a popular venue for various civic events, including the Southampton Boat Show, festivals like Circus Berlin, and fireworks nights. +1
Age restrictions typically depend on the specific event being held. For family-friendly events, there are usually no restrictions, but for others, it's best to check the event organizer's guidelines.
For many popular events, like the Southampton Fireworks Night, tickets are often sold in advance and may not be available on the gate. It's highly recommended to book tickets online in advance to avoid disappointment.
As a public park, Mayflower Park is generally accessible during daylight hours. However, specific event timings will vary and should be checked with the event organizer.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Mayflower Park offers level grass areas, play facilities for children, and a cafe. There are also benches along the riverbank for enjoying the views.
Yes, the large grassy areas make Mayflower Park an excellent spot for picnics. You can enjoy your meal with scenic views of the water and ships.
Besides attending events, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, watch the ships, capture sunset photos, or simply relax on the grass. +1
Yes, Mayflower Park is equipped with play facilities, making it a suitable destination for families with children.
Typically, dogs are allowed in public parks like Mayflower Park, but it's always a good idea to check local bylaws or signage for any specific restrictions, especially during events.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Mayflower Park has a cafe on-site. During events like the Southampton Boat Show or festivals, numerous food stalls offering a variety of options are also available.
Yes, Mayflower Park is a great spot for picnics, so bringing your own food and drinks is perfectly fine. The large grassy areas are ideal for this.
Food offerings at events vary widely. The Southampton Boat Show and festivals often feature diverse street food stalls with meals, sweets, and treats.
Yes, the area around Mayflower Park has several dining options, including pubs like The Dancing Man Brewery, which is recommended for its location and views.
Alcohol policies can vary. While generally allowed in public parks for personal consumption, it's best to check local regulations or event-specific rules, especially during organized events.
📸 📸 Photography
Mayflower Park offers fantastic photo opportunities, including dramatic sunsets over the water, impressive cruise ships, and the vibrant atmosphere during events like the Southampton Boat Show. +1
The 'golden hour' around sunset provides stunning light for photography, creating beautiful reflections on the water. Early mornings can also offer serene shots with fewer people.
Yes, Mayflower Park is an excellent vantage point for photographing large ships as they dock or depart. The proximity allows for impressive shots.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional photography or filming may require permits, and it's always wise to be mindful of privacy.
A versatile lens is recommended for capturing both wide waterfront views and details of ships. A tripod can be useful for sunset shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When visiting for events, be mindful of potential crowds and parking challenges. Consider bringing snacks and drinks, although a cafe is available on-site. The waterfront views are also a pleasant backdrop for family photos.
🚢 Ship Enthusiasts
Consider checking ship schedules in advance to time your visit for arrivals or departures. The park's location provides excellent vantage points, and the nearby Town Quay or even Calshot can offer alternative perspectives for ship movements.
📸 Photographers
+1 Capturing the scale of the ships against the waterfront is another compelling subject. Bring a versatile lens to capture both the expansive waterfront and the details of the vessels. A tripod can be beneficial for low-light conditions during sunset. Be aware of the parking situation, especially if you plan to stay for an extended period to capture the changing light.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Mayflower Park Events
+3 Other popular events include Circus Berlin, which brings a unique entertainment experience, and the Southampton Fireworks Night, a spectacular display that lights up the sky. Attending these events requires some planning. Parking is a common concern, often being coin-operated and limited to two-hour slots, necessitating frequent renewals.
The park's layout is generally well-suited for events, with large grassy areas and a waterfront promenade. However, the setup for specific events can sometimes impact accessibility or views. Despite these logistical considerations, the vibrant atmosphere and diverse offerings make events at Mayflower Park a memorable experience for visitors.
The Waterfront Experience
Beyond the ships, the park is renowned for its scenic beauty, particularly during sunset. The sky often transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors, reflecting beautifully on the water, creating a serene and picturesque atmosphere.
+1 This makes it a favored location for photographers and those seeking a peaceful moment by the water. The riverbank itself is equipped with benches, providing comfortable spots to sit, relax, and soak in the views. While the park offers a tranquil escape, it's worth noting that the riverbank area is sometimes occupied by a car park, which some visitors find slightly detracts from the natural scenery.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit