Key Highlights
- Southampton’s festive offerings for families include Ferris wheel rides and Santa’s grotto.
- All Bar One offers a variety of food options suitable for Christmas celebrations.
- The ice rink at West Quay provides an exciting activity for children during the holiday season.
- Families can enjoy various attractions in close proximity, making it ideal for a day out.
Exploring Southampton’s Festive Attractions
In the lead-up to Christmas, families across the country have been seeking festive entertainment options. A recent trip by Michael Cox, Digital Audience and Content Editor, highlighted what one city had to offer for a magical day out with the family.
West Quay Ice Rink: A Winter Wonderland
The Ferris wheel, a prominent attraction at Southampton’s West Quay shopping centre, was notably quiet during mid-morning visits. Despite its tranquility, it provided spectacular views of the city skyline, including the docks and St Mary’s football stadium. The ride itself was smooth, with both children and parents enjoying their three rotations.
After a few rides on the ice slide, it was time for some sustenance at All Bar One, a modern restaurant within West Quay.
Here, Cox and his family dined on an 8oz sirloin steak with beef dripping sauce and chicken Milanese. The menu also featured fish goujons for the younger members of their party.
Festive Market and Dining Choices
The Christmas market stalls along West Quay provided a variety of dining options, including All Bar One, which boasted festive decorations that enhanced the atmosphere. For drinks, Cox’s wife opted for the Christmas Mountain Mallow Sour mocktail, while he enjoyed Sandford Orchards Devon Red apple cider. The main courses were well-received, with the sirloin steak and chicken Milanese standing out.
For dessert, sticky toffee rum pudding and popcorn chocolate brownie were available.
Both children enjoyed their fish goujons, but the son was particularly enthusiastic about ice skating at the nearby rink. The session was busy but still offered plenty of space for skaters, with penguins and seals providing additional fun.
Meeting Santa and More Christmas Activities
The family’s visit to West Quay concluded with a trip to meet Santa in his grotto on the high street. Although our children were initially wary, they quickly adapted when given the choice of toys. The experience was priced at £7.99 per child but offered a good value for families seeking an engaging Christmas activity.
Before heading back to West Quay, the family enjoyed some pancakes from the market and took in a lights show on Bargate, which illuminated historic architecture with festive scenes. This added to the overall Christmassy ambiance of the city by day and night.
Conclusion
Southampton’s Christmas attractions offer families a variety of activities within close proximity, making it an ideal destination for a family day out during the holiday season. From Ferris wheel rides to ice skating and meeting Santa, there is plenty to keep both children and adults entertained.
Sources:
- All Bar One restaurant review.
- Santa’s grotto visit experience.
- Ice rink and market stall observations.
