Southampton Common

About

Southampton Common is the largest of Southampton’s open spaces with the first written record dating back to 1228 although it is possible that the area’s status as a common dates back to the town of Hamwic around 500AD.

The 365 acres of ‘The Common’ features woodland, rough grassland, ponds, wetlands, lakes and parkland and is a much loved and well used green open space in the centre of the city, popular for informal leisure activities as well as large events. The diverse habitats support an amazing abundance and variety of wildlife and in 1988 most of Southampton Common was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Southampton Common's new nature play and water park is a popular destination for children of all ages. The park has been designed to encourage adventurous play with features including zip wires, a climbing tower as well as traditional swings, slides and roundabout. Special water features spark imaginative play with water spouts, pumps and water wheels providing streamlets of water for damn building or just splashing around.

There is lots of seating and picnic benches within the fenced area, ideal for a picnic. At the weekend and during school holidays there is a refreshment kiosk selling ice cream, drinks and hot and cold food. There is an onsite toilet and baby changing area that is open when the kiosk is open. 

Within the Common there is also the Hawthorns Urban Wildlife Centre and café with indoor seating and toilets. Situated in the south east corner of Southampton Common, The Hawthorns Urban Wildlife Centre provides information about Southampton's abundant wildlife and how we manage the city's open spaces to protect and increase biodiversity.

On Saturday mornings Southampton's Parkrun event takes place at 9am. See the Southampton's Parkrun website for further details. 

Throughout the year the common places host to a number of events inclduing music festivals and sport acttivities.