Southampton Shipping Information
Click the links below to view the shipping movements for Southampton. There are two links for Southampton one will take you to the overall shipping movements and the other will take you to the cruise schedule. The cruise ship schedule is generally for the year but it will change on occasions so check back at different times.
The map below is from the ABP Ports website. This gives the berth numbers and locations so you can see where they vessel will berth once you looked it up on the movements and choose a location to view from.
Suggested Locations For Photographs
(Magazine Ln, Marchwood, Southampton SO40 4UX)
For good close up photos of the container ships arriving into their births at the docks I'd suggest heading to Magazine Lane, Marchwood. Turning into Magazine Lane looks like you are turning onto a footpath but it is a public right of way that takes you to a public hard and car park. Once parked up head to the top of the car park and go through the gate then cross the slipway to another gate. Once through this gate you can walk all the way along the path to see the docks. Giving opportunities to achieve photos such as these.
(Marchwood, Southampton SO40 4ZD)
For photos of the ships docked in berths 101 and 102 I'd suggest heading to Cracknore Hard, Marchwood. At the end of the road there is parking for around 4 or 5 cars if people have parked sensibly. Park up and have a wonder around to find the photos you'd like to achieve.
Ideally something like a 70-200mm would be better for this location depending of the type of photo you desire.
These are some my photos from this location.
(Shamrock Way,Hythe SO45 6DW)
Hythe Marina offers a great all round spot for the ships coming and going. Lots of options for places to park and lots of different angels for different photo opportunities. When you turn into Hythe Marina keep to the right and follow the road round to the car park. The car park is pay and display so remember to have some change with you. Park up and have a wonder around to find the photos you'd like to achieve. Once you're finished with the ships and have an appetite there's a really nice fish and chip shop in Hythe Town called Marina Fish Bar. There's other amenities nearby to as in public toilets coffee shops etc.
These are my photos from this location.
(Calshot Rd, Calshot, Southampton SO45 1BR)
Calshot Activities Centre is another all round good spot to head to. Park up and enjoy the views. The ships pass here pretty close so on a miserable day you can even watch while sat in the car. There is toilets and a cafe inside the activity centre which can be used. The food and drink in the cafe is a bit pricey but good quality. There's not a lot close by so either take food with you or use the cafe.
If you park in the car park it is done by ANPR charging so your reg will be taken on entry and you pay at the machine on departure. The machine accepts cash and card. Blue Badge holders get 3 hours free parking, you'll need to go to the activity centre reception and ask for a code to put in the machine so bare that in mind incase they close.
It can get pretty busy here so if there's something popular coming or going remember to give a bit of extra time to claim your spot.
Any focal length will work from here. My choice would generally be 100-400mm as that gives me the photo angle i prefer.
These are my photos from this location.
(Goatee Beach, SO40 9HF)
This spot is good for photographing the container ships while they are in berths SCT1 and SCT2. Really good for evening shots of the dock lit up.
It's a bit of a long walk to get to this spot from the car park so wear comfy shoes. you need to park in the small car park just across the road in Eling, Southampton SO40 9HF. This is a pay and display car park so remember to have some change in the car. There is public toilets in the car park to but think they are locked up at night. When you cross the road you walk along what looks like someone's driveway but its a public footpath. Walk to the end into the park, then follow the footpath to the end until you see the ships.
Ideally you'll need something like a 70-200mm or 100-400mm to get shots from here.
These are my photos from this location.
(Southampton SO14 2AQ)
A good spot for the early morning arrivals and evening departures. The only issue with departures is you'll be shooting your photos into the sun so not ideal. Still a good choice to visit though.
Any vessel moored in berth 101 will be very close to the park so some superb photos can be achieved from this. 24-105mm lens (Or similar) will be required to get photos of this. A wide variety of lenses can be used here depending on your desired choice of photo.
The car park is pay and display so change needed. There is public toilets and a small cafe serving hot and cold food. There is also an ice cream van parked up selling the usual goodies.
Once parked up have a walk around to see the different spots you can watch from. On a miserable day you're close enough to be able to sit in your car and watch the arrivals or departure.
These are my photos from this location.
(Note, Google Maps is showing Mayflower Park set up for the boat show. The large marques aren't normally in place)
(Town Quay, Southampton SO14 2AQ)
This location is also a very good spot for early arrivals and departures. This location brings you close to the vessels passing and gives plenty of photo opportunities for different angles. I generally use my 100-400mm lens here for most of my photos but i do switch to a wider angle lens as the vessels get closer. 24-105 (Or similar) work well here for a side on photo.
The car park is pay and display and it is a must that you do so. You can pay with cash or card or even use the PayByPhone app. The car park has ANPR cameras set up which records your number plate on entering so failure to pay will land you with a £100 fine. Also another note is to check where you park within the car park as some bays are staff/permit holders only.
