Westquay Shopping Centre and Esplanade - Photos near the Auckland Domain. Newmarket square with restaurants
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Westquay Shopping Centre and Esplanade

4.4
·22k reviews·, United Kingdom

Southampton's premier shopping hub, offering a vast array of fashion, tech, and dining, plus seasonal entertainment.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, relaxed shopping

CrowdLow
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Westquay Shopping Centre and Esplanade - Photos near the Auckland Domain. Newmarket square with restaurants

Westquay Shopping Centre and Esplanade

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, relaxed shopping

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Southampton's premier shopping hub, offering a vast array of fashion, tech, and dining, plus seasonal entertainment.

4.4
(22k reviews)

"Westquay is the best shopping destination in Southampton, offering a great mix of high-street brands and restaurants."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Car Stars Exhibition

Car Stars Exhibition

The Esplanade

Iconic film and TV cars on display for free. A must-see for movie buffs!

Westquay on Ice

Westquay on Ice

The Esplanade

Seasonal ice rink offering festive fun for all ages. Skate under the stars!

Wallace & Gromit Escape Room

Wallace & Gromit Escape Room

West Quay Shopping Centre

Test your wits in a fun escape room adventure based on the beloved characters.

Esplanade Dining

Esplanade Dining

Outside Westquay

Enjoy a meal with a view at various restaurants overlooking the Esplanade.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds

Westquay can get busy, especially on weekends and during school holidays. Consider visiting on weekdays to enjoy a more relaxed shopping experience. The food hall can amplify noise, so if you prefer a quieter meal, explore the Esplanade restaurants.

Parking & Accessibility

While parking is convenient, it can be challenging during peak times as there's no park and ride in Southampton. The centre is modern, spacious, and well-maintained, making it easy to navigate for all visitors.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, relaxed shopping
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday evenings
Why
Quieter dining, less busy
Crowd
Low
When
During special events
Why
Unique experiences like ice rink
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

no words needed 😮‍💨❤️ #JakeTheHuman #Southamptonwestquay #MagicRizz #SilentRizz #CardTrickRizz
@jakethehuman_live
0 likes • 0 views

🎯 Avoid Weekend Crowds

Visit on weekdays for a more peaceful shopping experience. Weekends and holidays get very busy. Reddit

🚗 Parking Tips

Parking can be tricky during peak times. Arrive early or consider public transport if possible. Reddit

He didn't even notice that I ran away 😭💔 @Westquay Southampton 👀 #westquay #valentines #prank #couplecomedy #shoppingfun AD
@matthewandryanuk
0 likes • 0 views
[AD] 🇹🇭 We visited the amazing Thaikhun in Southampton📍located on the outside of Westquay shopping centre overlooking the Esplanade, and had a lovely meal… and a couple of cocktails! 🍹 *don’t worry mine was a virgin cocktail 😂 however I did fancy the look of my mummy’s passion fruit martini* 🇹🇭 Starters: 🍽 Thaikhun Sharers 🇹🇭 Mains: 🍽 Massaman Curry & Coconut Rice 🍽 Chilli Prawn & Cashew Nuts ...
dear_mummy
591 likes • 16.6K views

⛸️ Book Ice Rink Tickets

Secure your spot for Westquay on Ice in advance, especially during peak season. TikTok

🎬 Check for Events

Look out for free events like the Car Stars exhibition on the Esplanade. TikTok

🔒 NOW OPEN IN SOUTHAMPTON, UK! 🔒 The Wallace & Gromit: A Grand Way Out escape room is now open at West Quay Shopping Centre! Can you help Wallace find his missing workshop code before it’s too late? 😱 Also available to play in Bristol & Milton Keynes. Book your escape - link in bio! #WallaceandGromit #EscapeRoom #feathersmcgraw
thewallaceandgromit
31.4K likes • 505.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Avoid Weekend Crowds

Visit on weekdays for a more peaceful shopping experience. Weekends and holidays get very busy. Reddit

🚗 Parking Tips

Parking can be tricky during peak times. Arrive early or consider public transport if possible. Reddit

⛸️ Book Ice Rink Tickets

Secure your spot for Westquay on Ice in advance, especially during peak season. TikTok

🎬 Check for Events

Look out for free events like the Car Stars exhibition on the Esplanade. TikTok

🍽️ Esplanade Dining Views

Enjoy meals with a view at restaurants on the Esplanade, great for people-watching. Instagram

🛍️ Over 70+ Stores!

Explore a vast selection of shops, from high-street to niche brands. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.4
(22k reviews)

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

Modern and spacious mall
Wide variety of stores
Excellent dining options

What People Dislike

Busy on weekends
Parking can be difficult

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. Reddit

Yes, Westquay offers extensive parking facilities. However, it can get busy, especially during peak hours and weekends. Reddit

Absolutely! Southampton Central train station is a short walk away, and many bus routes stop near the shopping centre. Reddit

Yes, Westquay is a modern and spacious centre designed for accessibility, with lifts and ramps available throughout. Reddit

Southampton Central is the closest train station, a convenient walk from the shopping centre. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. TikTokInstagram

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. TikTok

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. Instagram

Yes, bookings for Westquay on Ice are open online. It's recommended to book in advance to secure your preferred skating session. TikTok

🎫 🛍️ 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. TikTok+1

Yes, Westquay features a selection of well-known brands catering to a more premium market, alongside popular high-street retailers. Reddit

Certainly! Apple has a prominent store, and other retailers offer a range of electronics and gadgets. TikTok+1

Westquay is a prime destination for fashion, with a diverse mix of high-street staples and designer brands to suit all styles and budgets. TikTok+1

While known for major brands, Westquay also hosts some niche stores, offering a bit of variety beyond the usual high-street offerings. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. InstagramReddit

Yes, the Esplanade section of Westquay features several restaurants with outdoor seating, offering a great atmosphere for dining. Instagram

You can find various international cuisines, including Thai at Thaikhun on the Esplanade. Instagram

The food hall can be quite noisy, especially when busy, as it tends to amplify existing sounds. Reddit

Yes, numerous cafes are scattered throughout Westquay, perfect for a quick coffee or a light snack. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Instagram

Yes, the Car Stars exhibition is a great opportunity for photos, showcasing iconic film and TV vehicles. TikTok

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. TikTok

The festive atmosphere of Westquay on Ice provides excellent photo opportunities, especially with the ice rink lit up. TikTok

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. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Westquay offers a family-friendly environment with plenty of options to keep children entertained. The Wallace & Gromit escape room provides an exciting challenge for older kids and teens. Instagram During festive periods, Westquay on Ice is a major draw, offering fun for all ages. TikTok The centre's spacious layout makes it easy to navigate with strollers, and there are various casual dining options suitable for family meals. TikTok Keep an eye out for special family events or character appearances that are often advertised. TikTok

💰 Budget Travelers

While Westquay has some higher-end stores, it also caters well to budget-conscious shoppers. Look for sales and promotions at high-street retailers like Flying Tiger Copenhagen and Primark (if available). TikTok The food hall offers a range of more affordable dining options compared to sit-down restaurants. Reddit Attending free events like the Car Stars exhibition is a great way to enjoy the destination without spending money. TikTok

couples

Westquay offers a good mix for couples looking for a day out. Enjoy shopping together for fashion or gifts, with a wide range of stores to explore. TikTok The Esplanade dining area provides a lovely setting for a meal or drinks, especially in the evening. Instagram For a fun activity, consider the Wallace & Gromit escape room for a shared challenge or enjoy a romantic skate at Westquay on Ice during its season. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Entertainment and Events at Westquay

Westquay isn't just about shopping; it's a hub for entertainment and events. Throughout the year, the centre and its Esplanade host a variety of attractions. A popular seasonal event is Westquay on Ice, transforming the Esplanade into a festive skating rink during the colder months. TikTok This offers a fun activity for families and friends, often accompanied by seasonal decorations and a lively atmosphere. TikTok

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. Instagram 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. TikTok 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. TikTok

Dining Delights on the Esplanade

The Esplanade, located just outside the main shopping centre, is a vibrant dining destination. It offers a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the bustling interior, with numerous restaurants providing outdoor seating and pleasant views. This area is perfect for enjoying a meal or a drink while watching the world go by. Instagram

Visitors can find a variety of cuisines here, from international flavours like Thai at Thaikhun Instagram 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. Reddit It's a great place to soak in the Southampton atmosphere, especially during warmer months or evenings when the area is illuminated. Instagram

Shopping Variety: From High Street to Tech

Westquay Shopping Centre is renowned for its extensive retail offering, catering to a broad spectrum of shopper needs and preferences. It houses a significant number of high-street brands, making it a go-to destination for everyday fashion, homeware, and essentials. Retailers like John Lewis & Partners, Marks and Spencer, and Zara are anchor stores, providing a comprehensive selection of goods. TikTok+1

Beyond the mainstream, Westquay also features stores for specific interests, such as Apple for the latest technology TikTok and Waterstones for book lovers. Reddit The centre is designed to be spacious and easy to navigate, with clear signage helping shoppers find their desired stores efficiently. Reddit Whether you're looking for the latest fashion trends, electronics, or unique gifts, Westquay aims to provide a satisfying retail journey for everyone. TikTok

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