Totton Arcade
BEST FOR
Ages 0+
ENTRY
from £5.99
SETTING
Indoors
WHERE
Southampton
What it’s like
Unlimited freeplay on retro and modern arcade machines, in 50-minute sessions, from £5.99.
This is an arcade in the proper sense: rows of machines, retro classics alongside newer cabinets, and unlimited freeplay for the length of your session. There's no coin slot faff once you're in, you just play. Sessions run 50 minutes, which is enough for a good go on a few machines without it dragging into the sort of afternoon where everyone's bored of each other.
General admission is £8.99, though it drops to £5.99 for a child or adult with SEN, and for SEN carers too. Anyone just watching doesn't need a ticket at all. Under-nines need an adult with them the whole time, but from 9 up kids can come without one if a parent's given the nod, so it works for an older child's independent outing as much as a family visit.
Opening hours are a bit of a puzzle to work around. During school term time it's shut Monday to Wednesday and only open 4pm to 7pm on Thursdays and Fridays, with weekends running 10am to 7pm. School holidays and bank holidays are simpler, 10am to 7pm every day. Booking isn't essential, they say walk-ups are fine subject to availability, but it's worth having a plan B if you turn up on a closed day.
There's no food or drink sold on site, so eat before or after. Birthday parties are a proper package here, with game credits, food brought in yourselves (tables and stools provided, or order from the sandwich shop two doors up), and a dedicated party host. Worth knowing it isn't wheelchair accessible and the toilets aren't designed for disabled use either, which is a real gap for an otherwise easygoing spot.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- 9 and up for solo trips; under-9s need an adult alongside
- Booking
- Pre-booking recommended but not essential
- Parking
- Street parking available and some spaces at the back of venue
- Parties
- Birthday party packages available with game credits, food, and dedicated party host
- Spectators watching rather than playing don't need to pay for a ticket
- Alcohol isn't allowed on general sessions, only during pre-booked private hire
- Street parking and some spaces at the back of the venue
- The whole venue can be hired privately from £400, any day of the week
Plan your visit
How much does it cost?
£8.99 general admission. It's £5.99 for a child or adult with SEN, and £5.99 for an SEN carer too.
How long is a session?
50 minutes of unlimited freeplay on the machines.
Do we need to book ahead?
Booking's recommended but not essential, walk-ups are accepted if there's space.
What are the opening hours?
During term time it's closed Monday to Wednesday, open 4pm to 7pm Thursday and Friday, and 10am to 7pm at weekends. In school and bank holidays it's 10am to 7pm every day.
Can my child go without me?
Under-nines need an adult with them at all times. From age 9, kids can attend alone with a parent's permission.
Is there anywhere to eat?
No food or drink is sold on site, so it's worth eating beforehand. Party bookings can bring their own food or order from a sandwich shop nearby.
Do you do birthday parties?
Packages come with game credits, a dedicated party host, and you can bring your own food. Deposits are 50% non-refundable, with the balance due 7 days before.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
The venue isn't wheelchair accessible and the toilets aren't designed for disabled access either.
Featured in 1 Huddlepin list
See all Arcades, VR & Gaming in Southampton · Things to do in Southampton
MAKE A DAY OF IT
