Question about Southampton

[Summerspringtime]

Have never been- thinking of going with a friend and want to ask- if we are going off season ie mid to end of March or early April, is it possible to just turn up for any day boat trips to other places?
Do these run off season and where about to?
Would be something ie the boat trip we could come back the same day from..
Thanks

There’s the Isle of Wight, and possibly the Hythe ferry, but not sure what else. It’s not normally a weekend destination apart from people stopping over for the cruise ships.

The Isle of Wight would be great- would be going during the week so would be even quieter.
Hoping we could turn up on the day and get the ferry to Isle of Wight and back?…..

We would not have the car so would be on foot….

You'd be better off getting to Portsmouth and catching hover to IoW if that's your plan.

There is a ferry from Southampton but I don't know how much chance there is of getting on on the day.

Look up red funnel ferry from Southampton to Isle of Wight. As a foot passenger you could also get the catamaran, Red Jet. I think it goes to Cowes (more used to Portsmouth to Ryde). From Cowes you could get the chain ferry to East Cowes (check if working as was notorious for breaking down then an inland trip to Newport) then a 20min walk to Osborne House. Look at train ticket 2 for 1 deals for entry tickets.
In Southampton look at Sea City Museum, near Central train station/behind Guildhall square. Admittedly years ago but really liked the Titanic story/exhibition. Stories of local people employed/involved. In the old courts/police station building and the inquiry/inquest part of expo was set up in the courtroom. There's always Ikea if you get stuck lol.

I agree that Portsmouth would be better, you can catch the hovercraft or fastcat to Ryde and then buses are good on the other side. There are also boat trips round Portsmouth Harbour which are interesting, see the naval ships etc. Personally I think Portsmouth has more to offer as a destination too, the dockyard, HMS Victory, the Mary Rose, Old Portsmouth is lovely to wander round, Gunwharf Quays, Southsea and it’s castle, the D Day Experience and a long seafront to walk along. If you stayed in central Southsea (bus or taxi from the station, or walk a mile or so, all of this would be in walking distance and again there are buses if needed.

Hythe Ferry isn’t running at the moment due to an issue with the Pier! I echo PP’s sentiments, Portsmouth would definitely be better if you’re looking to go to the IOW!

Yep go to Portsmouth, Southamptons a dump

There is a ferry from Southampton but I don't know how much chance there is of getting on on the day.

Unless it's Cowes Week, the Boat Show or the IOW festival it's fine after rush hour. Even then they put on extra boats.

Blue Funnel do day trips around the rivers and the Solent but I think more likely in summertime than in March (this is a separate company from Red Funnel who do the ferries)

Gosh thanks- it looks like Portsmouth is the better option- I’m interested to see Portsmouth anyway, so we could stay overnight and do Portsmouth one day and Isle of Wight another. Hopefully we can just get a boat on the day, but if not could always plan to go back. Ideally would like to get on the day though, so fingers crossed.

U can definitely get walk-up ticket for hovercraft from Portsmouth Pier on the day, I think they are quite frequent, go about every 1/2 hr at the weekends (tho I expect subject to the weather). It only takes 10 mins to cross on the hovercraft.
I also like Portsmouth/Southsea, lots to see and a nice long promenade walk. There is a theatre in Portsmouth so even worth looking what's on if u fancy some culture.

Yes, the hovercraft is weather dependent so if it's bad keep an eye on their website. I haven't been on it in years, I like it though, very fast and lands on the beach.