Why You’ll Love… Southampton
Best known for its cruise port, the city also has a wealth of history to explore
Heavily bombed in the First and Second World Wars, it may not be the most picturesque of cities, but, as one of Europe’s biggest cruise ports, millions of visitors pass through Southampton every year. Dig deeper and you’ll discover plenty to do and see, from museums and cultural attractions to the historic old town.
What to do
Just a short walk from the port itself, stroll along the city’s medieval walls, which encircle the old town and were built to protect it from attack by sea. The walk along the top overlooks the beach, offering gorgeous sea views. At weekends, there are guided tours from Bargate, or you can pick up a self-guided walk leaflet from the Tudor House & Garden.
Dating back to the 15th century, the Tudor House has been restored recently, and is well worth a visit. There’s a beautiful knot garden, and the kitchen is laid out with the kind of food people enjoyed 500 years ago. You can relax with a coffee in the glass-sided café overlooking the garden.
At the SeaCity Museum, you’ll see an interactive model of the Titanic. The ship departed from Southampton in 1912, and, as most of its crew came from the city, there’s a poignant street map on the floor, with a red dot commemorating each person lost – over 500 from the city alone.
Where to eat
Just as quaint as its name suggests, That Lovely Little Cafe is a perfect spot for an early breakfast before a busy day.
Eat in to enjoy the bright, fun ambience in the cosy café, or take your food away with you if you’re on the go.
Later, head to Quay FIFTEEN at Shamrock Quay Marina. A family-owned oasis of calm, it offers a seasonal menu packed with inventive dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
Where to stay
The White Star Tavern (whitestartavern.co.uk) is just one of the many places to stay, and is right in the city centre on a road known for its café culture. Beautifully decorated in Titanic-era style with dark walls, leather chairs and weathered desks with anglepoise lamps, there’s also a lively restaurant on site. The cruise-ship terminal is a short walk away, as is the Mayflower Theatre and the historic Grand Café.
Getting there
Southampton’s national and international travel links by road, rail, sea and air are unmatched in the region.
It’s approximately 75 miles from London and 21 miles from the Channel ports, making it the ideal city break or stop-off point for cruise and airline passengers heading further afield.