We’re excited to welcome you to the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) for this year’s conference.
To facilitate your travel arrangements, we have compiled detailed guides for various transportation modes to the National Oceanography Centre (NOC). These guides are designed to accommodate diverse preferences, ensuring a seamless and stress-free arrival at the SCDTP Final Year Conference 2024.
For the utmost convenience of all our guests, we particularly recommend the Unilink bus service as the most accessible transportation option to reach the venue seamlessly.
Please note that the NOC is located within the Southampton Docks area, under the supervision of Associated British Ports (ABP). Upon entering the docks, you may be requested to undergo identification verification by ABP Security. It is recommended to carry a copy of the conference registration (a mobile digital copy is acceptable), and it is compulsory to have a valid photo ID with you. We kindly ask all student and staff attending the conference to bring their university ID as well, to facilitate a seamless access process during the conference. Your cooperation in adhering to these precautions is greatly appreciated.
Please ensure that the following information is with you as you enter through Dock Gate 4:
On Foot
The National Oceanography Centre (NOC) can be conveniently reached through well-lit pedestrian walkways connected to both Dock Gate 4 and Dock Gate 5. It is a brief 5-minute stroll from either gate. Exercise caution while crossing roads in the dock area, as it is frequented by large moving vehicles.
By Cycle
The National Oceanography Centre (NOC) is seamlessly integrated into the Southampton City Cycle Network. A dual-use cycle path is accessible from Dock Gate 4, and convenient covered cycle parking is provided near the main reception. Onsite amenities include shower and changing room facilities. It’s important to be aware that ABP requests all cyclists to utilize bike lights and don high-visibility jackets when navigating the dock area after sunset.
By Rail
Southampton is easily accessible from London in under one and a half hours by train. South West Trains operate approximately four trains per hour from London’s Waterloo station to Southampton Central station. Connecting to NOC is convenient from Southampton Central railway station, either through the UniLink Bus Service (details below) or local pedestrian routes, with an approximate 30-minute walk.
Schedules are available on the National Rail Enquiries website.
By Bus
UniLink: Explore the convenience of the Uni-Link Bus service (U1C City Centre & NOC), originating at Southampton Airport, making stops at Southampton Central railway station, and concluding directly at NOC. Presently, fares stand at £2 for a single journey and £3.50 for a return (allowing unlimited daily travel on all Uni-Link services).
We recommend arriving at the NOC using this method because the bus stops directly in front of the NOC building within the dock area. Unlike other public access means, where you’d need to pass through a security point at the dock gate and then walk to the NOC building, this approach ensures a more straightforward and convenient arrival for our visitors.
For detailed schedules, please visit the Uni-Link Bus website.
Quayconnect: Another option is the Quayconnect bus service, which travels from Southampton Central railway station through Asda and West Quay to Town Quay (disembark at the first stop on Town Quay). From there, it’s just a 15-minute walk to NOC. Refer to the provided walking directions for additional guidance.
Further details about this service can be found on the Bluestar website.
National Express Coaches
National Express coaches make stops at Southampton Central bus station, a mere 5-minute walk from Southampton Central railway station. From there, you can easily catch local buses to NOC.
For detailed schedules, please visit the National Express website.
Southampton Ferries
Convenient ferries from Cowes, Isle of Wight, and Hythe connect directly to Southampton Docks (Town Quay). It’s approximately a 15-minute walk from Town Quay to NOC. Refer to the provided walking directions for additional details.
Explore schedules on the aferry.co.uk website.
By Road
For motorists, reaching the NOC is conveniently facilitated by direct access from the M3, M27 (W), or M27 (E).
When heading from Central London, simply merge onto the M3 and take the exit at Junction 14. Access to the A33 into Southampton is available from both directions at this juncture, where the M3 divides into east and west routes. Follow signage guiding you to Dock Gate 4 and the Waterfront,
Parking: Very limited visitor parking is accessible directly outside the NOC front entrance. These spaces have now been allocated and attendees with spaces have been informed. If you have not been informed that you have a space allocated, you will not be able to park at the venue. There are public other car parks in the area, including one in Ocean Village. The NOC offers two electric vehicle charging points. For details on pricing and booking guidelines, kindly reach out to the NOC directly.
