Westquay Shopping Centre and Esplanade
Southampton's premier shopping hub, offering a vast array of fashion, tech, and dining, plus seasonal entertainment.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed shopping
Westquay Shopping Centre and Esplanade
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed shopping
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Southampton's premier shopping hub, offering a vast array of fashion, tech, and dining, plus seasonal entertainment.
"Westquay is the best shopping destination in Southampton, offering a great mix of high-street brands and restaurants."
🎯 Avoid Weekend Crowds
Visit on weekdays for a more peaceful shopping experience. Weekends and holidays get very busy.
🚗 Parking Tips
Parking can be tricky during peak times. Arrive early or consider public transport if possible.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Car Stars Exhibition
The Esplanade
Iconic film and TV cars on display for free. A must-see for movie buffs!
Westquay on Ice
The Esplanade
Seasonal ice rink offering festive fun for all ages. Skate under the stars!
Wallace & Gromit Escape Room
West Quay Shopping Centre
Test your wits in a fun escape room adventure based on the beloved characters.
Esplanade Dining
Outside Westquay
Enjoy a meal with a view at various restaurants overlooking the Esplanade.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds
Parking & Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Avoid Weekend Crowds
Visit on weekdays for a more peaceful shopping experience. Weekends and holidays get very busy.
🚗 Parking Tips
Parking can be tricky during peak times. Arrive early or consider public transport if possible.
⛸️ Book Ice Rink Tickets
Secure your spot for Westquay on Ice in advance, especially during peak season.
🎬 Check for Events
Look out for free events like the Car Stars exhibition on the Esplanade.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Avoid Weekend Crowds
Visit on weekdays for a more peaceful shopping experience. Weekends and holidays get very busy.
🚗 Parking Tips
Parking can be tricky during peak times. Arrive early or consider public transport if possible.
⛸️ Book Ice Rink Tickets
Secure your spot for Westquay on Ice in advance, especially during peak season.
🎬 Check for Events
Look out for free events like the Car Stars exhibition on the Esplanade.
🍽️ Esplanade Dining Views
Enjoy meals with a view at restaurants on the Esplanade, great for people-watching.
🛍️ Over 70+ Stores!
Explore a vast selection of shops, from high-street to niche brands.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Westquay is highly praised as Southampton's premier shopping destination, lauded for its modern, spacious design and extensive selection of high-street and luxury brands. The dining options, particularly on the Esplanade, are a significant draw, offering a pleasant atmosphere. While convenient, parking can be a challenge during busy periods.
"Westquay is the best shopping destination in Southampton, offering a great mix of high-street brands, luxury stores, and a fantastic selection of restaurants. The mall is modern, spacious, and well-maintained, making shopping a pleasant experience. From fashion and electronics to homeware and beauty, there’s something for everyone.
The dining options are excellent, with a variety of restaurants and cafés, including popular chains and independent eateries. The indoor and outdoor seating areas create a great atmosphere, especially in the Esplanade section.
Parking is convenient, and the location in the city center makes it easily accessible by public transport. Whether you're shopping, dining, or just enjoying a day out, Westquay has everything you need. Highly recommended!"
Eranda Janaka
"West Quay, Southampton’s top shopping destination, offers a diverse mix of high-street and luxury stores, alongside excellent dining options. The modern, spacious, and well-maintained mall provides a pleasant experience for fashion, electronics, homeware, and beauty shopping. Convenient parking and a central location make it easily accessible by public transport. Highly recommended for shopping, dining, or a day out!"
Askar Alshammari
"West Quay Shopping Centre is Southampton’s premier retail destination, offering a vast selection of high-street and designer stores. With popular brands like Apple, Zara, and John Lewis, it caters to a wide range of shoppers.
The modern, spacious design makes for a comfortable shopping experience, and the dining options in Westquay South provide a great variety of restaurants, from quick bites to sit-down meals.
Its convenient location, excellent facilities, and vibrant atmosphere make it a must-visit for shopping and leisure in Southampton."
Manjudarsh
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Westquay is centrally located in Southampton. It's easily accessible by car, with several parking options available. Public transport is also a good option, with numerous bus routes serving the city centre.
Yes, Westquay offers extensive parking facilities. However, it can get busy, especially during peak hours and weekends.
Absolutely! Southampton Central train station is a short walk away, and many bus routes stop near the shopping centre.
Yes, Westquay is a modern and spacious centre designed for accessibility, with lifts and ramps available throughout.
Southampton Central is the closest train station, a convenient walk from the shopping centre.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Westquay Shopping Centre is free. Tickets are only required for specific attractions like the Wallace & Gromit escape room or Westquay on Ice.
Opening hours can vary slightly, but generally, the centre is open from around 9 am to 8 pm on weekdays and shorter hours on Sundays. Individual store hours may differ. Check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, Westquay often hosts free events, such as the Car Stars exhibition featuring iconic film and TV cars on The Esplanade.
Pricing for the Wallace & Gromit escape room varies depending on the day and time. It's best to check their booking page for current prices and availability.
Yes, bookings for Westquay on Ice are open online. It's recommended to book in advance to secure your preferred skating session.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping Experience
Westquay offers a wide variety of shops, including high-street fashion, luxury brands, electronics, homeware, and beauty stores. Popular retailers include John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, Apple, Zara, and Flying Tiger.
Yes, Westquay features a selection of well-known brands catering to a more premium market, alongside popular high-street retailers.
Certainly! Apple has a prominent store, and other retailers offer a range of electronics and gadgets.
Westquay is a prime destination for fashion, with a diverse mix of high-street staples and designer brands to suit all styles and budgets.
While known for major brands, Westquay also hosts some niche stores, offering a bit of variety beyond the usual high-street offerings.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Westquay boasts a wide array of dining options, from casual cafes and fast-food outlets to sit-down restaurants. The Esplanade area offers a particularly pleasant dining experience with outdoor seating.
Yes, the Esplanade section of Westquay features several restaurants with outdoor seating, offering a great atmosphere for dining.
You can find various international cuisines, including Thai at Thaikhun on the Esplanade.
The food hall can be quite noisy, especially when busy, as it tends to amplify existing sounds.
Yes, numerous cafes are scattered throughout Westquay, perfect for a quick coffee or a light snack.
📸 📸 Photography
The Esplanade offers scenic views, especially with the backdrop of the city and the dining areas. The modern architecture of the centre itself can also make for interesting shots.
Yes, the Car Stars exhibition is a great opportunity for photos, showcasing iconic film and TV vehicles.
Generally, photography is allowed for personal use within the public areas of Westquay. However, it's always good practice to be mindful of other shoppers and avoid intrusive photography.
The festive atmosphere of Westquay on Ice provides excellent photo opportunities, especially with the ice rink lit up.
Late afternoon or early evening can offer nice lighting, especially around the Esplanade as the lights come on. Weekday mornings are best for fewer people in your shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Entertainment and Events at Westquay
Beyond seasonal events, Westquay also features unique attractions like the Wallace & Gromit: A Grand Way Out escape room, providing an interactive challenge for puzzle enthusiasts. For car lovers, the Car Stars exhibition has showcased iconic film and TV vehicles on The Esplanade, offering a free and engaging experience for visitors of all ages. Keep an eye on Westquay's official channels for announcements on upcoming events, as they frequently offer diverse entertainment options to complement the shopping experience.
Dining Delights on the Esplanade
Visitors can find a variety of cuisines here, from international flavours like Thai at Thaikhun to other popular eateries. The combination of good food and an appealing setting makes the Esplanade a go-to spot for both shoppers taking a break and those specifically visiting for the dining experience. It's a great place to soak in the Southampton atmosphere, especially during warmer months or evenings when the area is illuminated.
Shopping Variety: From High Street to Tech
Beyond the mainstream, Westquay also features stores for specific interests, such as Apple for the latest technology and Waterstones for book lovers. The centre is designed to be spacious and easy to navigate, with clear signage helping shoppers find their desired stores efficiently. Whether you're looking for the latest fashion trends, electronics, or unique gifts, Westquay aims to provide a satisfying retail journey for everyone.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit