Southampton is England’s most historic port and today is home to some of the world’s largest cruise ships.
Queen Mary 2 at Southampton (Photo courtesy of Flickr/roonsaunders47).
The city is rich in beautiful sights, sounds and tastes, but the most interesting fact is that the Titanic left here on its fateful voyage.
Southampton is not only a cruise capital, but also offers architectural beauty. Some of the 12th-century stone walls still stand, as does the city’s first museum, built in 1912.
Here’s our guide to the best things to do in Southampton.
List of What You Read
1. Starry Sky Museum
The famous Spitfires were built at Southampton (courtesy of Pixabay/TheOtherKev).
A long time ago, at the beginning of the 20th century. At the beginning of the twentieth century, an aircraft manufacturer from Southampton developed the famous aircraft known as the Spitfire. At the Solent Sky Museum, visitors can learn about the history of the Spitfire, Schneider Trophy seaplane racing and the seaplane service.
Bristol, Alvis, Napier and Rolls Royce jet engines can also be found in this museum.
Opening hours: 10.00 to 17.00, Monday to Saturday. From 12 to 17 hours on Sundays.
2. Mayflower Theater
The Mayflower Theatre is quite large for an old theatre, with a capacity of 2,300 people. It was inaugurated in 1928 as the Imperial Theatre and has since undergone many restorations. This iconic location has hosted some of the world’s most famous music artists, including the Rolling Stones, the Beatles and Queen. It also features fantastic comedians, like Sarah Millican.
3. City Museum
(Photo courtesy of Flickr/heatheronhertravel)
This museum opened its doors one hundred years after the Titanic tragedy. Visitors to this historic epicenter in the heart of Southampton can immerse themselves in the stories of those who were aboard the original ship.
The museum’s designers have really tried to bring the history of the sea to life with exhibitions and activities for visitors young and old.
Opening hours: daily from 10.00 to 16.00.
4. Tudor House and Garden
The Tudor House and Garden is another important historic building in Southampton. It is the first museum of the city, founded in 1912.
Although the museum is more modern, the building itself has a history of over 800 years. Visitors can recall the past of the residents from the 15th century.
Opening hours : Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed on Friday. Saturday and Sunday, 10am-5pm.
READ MORE: 5 things to see during a stopover in Belfast, Northern Ireland
5. Bargata
(Photo courtesy of Flickr/zoe_toseland)
Bargata is a medieval gate in the centre of the city. This architectural site, once the main gateway to the city, is now used by Southampton Solent University for its exhibitions.
Opening hours : 24/7
6. City walls
The city walls were used as defensive structures in the Middle Ages and are an attraction for anyone interested in history. Some of these walls were built in the 19th century. It was demolished in the 19th century, but you can still see the gates and the ruins of the Waterpoort.
Each structure has a plaque explaining the history of the wall.
Opening hours : Saturday and Sunday, 10am-5pm. Monday to Thursday from 10am to 3pm. Closed on Friday.
