For non shopping trips Soton is lacking "shi tty" in quite a few ways, there are some interesting places, but for a city rich in history its pi $$ poor.
I was down in at place called Gun Wharf the other day and even though it was a damp grey day, there was loads going on, for those who have not been there, there is a very tall tower that you can go up and have a look around, its very good. I did hear Soton was going to get a simular thing "when"
So saw this and thought, not a bad price for a the tallest bit of art, I know its ugly, but 700 people an hour ---churrrr khinnnngg, almost as good a that Ikea carpark ramp thing.....
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1262533/The-Hubble-Bubble-tower-welcome-visitors-London-2012-Olympics.html