Tourists depart from Southampton every day to get a ferry to the Isle of Wight or join cruise holidays. But maybe it’s the perfect time to linger longer and book a staycation in what is a compelling port city.
Spectacularly situated where the rivers Test and Itchen converge to form Southampton Water, it’s bidding to be UK City of Culture 2025.
It’s ripe for a visit to appreciate how it beautifully blends maritime and aviation history with a thriving arts scene, good hotels, quality restaurants and buzzing bars.
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There’s plenty to pack in for a pre- or post cruise or Isle of Wight stay - or a standalone city break.
It’s charmingly compact, so exploring by foot is easy with most attractions in walking distance from central hotels.
So if you’re not Itchen to visit Southampton, perhaps you should be…
What to see
Known as The Gateway to the World, it’s been a port since Roman times and is synonymous with some of the world’s most famous sea voyages. For maritime history from the Pilgrim Fathers’ Mayflower journey to the New World to giant modern-day cruise ships, you should check out the Sea City Museum, which tells the story of the people of Southampton, their lives and ongoing connections with the sea.
The fascinating hands-on exhibition dedicated to the city’s most ill-fated sailing – RMS Titanic in April 1912 - is unmissable.
The disaster’s impact on the city was immense and can be explored further on the museum’s Titanic Trail.
This is a free to download 75-minute walking tour and map featuring key locations in and around the city and port which adds to the backstory of the tragic ocean liner, its passengers and crew (seacitymuseum.co.uk, adult £9/child £6.50/family £27).
Southampton is also home of the Spitfire, and the Solent Sky museum is the place to learn all about the famous Second World War fighter plane developed at the city’s Supermarine factory (solentsky.org, adult £10/child £6/family £20).
For a flavour of the past on foot, try a See Southampton Hidden History tour, which departs from the Lions on the north side of the Bargate at 10.30am on Saturdays and Sundays (seesouthampton.co.uk, adult £6/accompanied child free).
Got your walking legs warmed up? Now take a stroll through the Grade I-listed Tudor House and Garden, Southampton’s most important historic building. While large swathes of the city were bombed in the Second World War, this timber-framed property, built in the late 15th century, remained intact.
It is full of interesting artefacts and has a cafe overlooking the Tudor Knot Garden (tudorhouseandgarden.com, adult £6/child £5).
For more of an artistic fix, the City Art Gallery has a collection that spans eight centuries with paintings by Monet, Gainsborough and Paula Rego (southamptoncityartgallery.com, free).
God’s House Tower, a 13th century gatehouse in part of Southampton’s medieval city wall and fortifications, offers an artistic spin on the city’s history through a revolving programme of exhibitions and art inspired events and talks.
The roof offers fine views of the city and harbour too (godshousetower.org.uk). If your credit card is getting itchy, the Westquay centre has big brands such as Hollister, H&M, Levi’s, M&S, Next and Oliver Bonas. The Marlands centre is for those seeking more independent shops.
Where to eat
Plenty of fine choices, our picks are:
- Family-owned Ottoman’s Kitchen for authentic Turkish delights with charcoal cooked kebabs, sharing platters, hot and cold mezes (ottoman-kitchen.co.uk).
- Ennios, in a Victorian warehouse on Town Quay, offers traditional and authentic Italian dishes using quality ingredients. Expect first class antipasti, pastas and Ennio’s speciality – fresh fish (ennios.co.uk).
Book the holiday
Moxy Southampton hotel at Harbour Parade offers an industrial-chic-meets-nautical feeling close to the Westquay centre and the marina.
Guests get a complimentary Moxy cocktail and can enjoy the hotel’s 24/7 self-service food and drink.
Rooms at Moxy Southampton start from £58 a night on room-only. Find out more at marriott.co.uk.
You can also plan your trip and get more information at visitsouthampton.co.uk.
