Sightseeing Overview

Southampton is a relatively compact city that’s flanked on two sides by the rivers Test and Itchen that run in a ‘V’ shape down and into Southampton Water on the southern coast. It’s very much a city that’s associated with the ocean and many of Southampton’s attractions have a nautical theme; the most obvious of these sights is the excellent Maritime Museum that charts the port’s distinguished history including a good exhibition about the Titanic.

Much of the old city walls (rebuilt after a devastating attack by the French in 1338) are still intact and the city’s Museum of Archaeology is a great place to begin a tour of historical Southampton. Southampton is also an artistic city with notable art galleries and theaters situated in its vibrant Cultural Quarter. For those who want to stay abreast of the latest fashions, an ever-growing number of shops have helped to earn Southampton a deserved reputation as something of a shopping mecca amongst young urbanites. Surrounded by public parks, there are plenty of green spaces where visitors can get away from hustle and bustle and enjoy a walk within easy reach of the city.

The city’s tourist office is centrally located at opposite the Civic Center. The helpful staff are able to offer advice on local attractions and events as well providing a selection of free and saleable maps and guides.

Destination Southampton is the conference and venue booking arm of the Tourist Information Center. They offer a free booking service and can help visitors with group bookings, hotel reservations and booking conference venues.

Passes There are currently no tourist passes in Southampton.

Key Attractions:

Museum of Archaeology

This interesting museum tells Southampton’s story through the ages with displays from prehistoric, Roman, Saxon and medieval times. There are other interesting exhibits including some from ancient Egypt. Situated on the south-east corner of the walls that had once encircled medieval Southampton, the building alone arguably justifies a visit with parts of it dating back to the 13th century.

Medieval Merchants’ House

Owned and run by English Heritage, this is one of the earliest surviving merchants’ houses in England. All the furniture has been authentically recreated and visitors are able to get a glimpse of what life was like for a prosperous wine merchant, John Fortin, who lived in the house with his family over 700 years ago.

Maritime Museum

Opened in 1912, this was the city’s first public museum that’s situated in a 14th century warehouse that was originally built for the wool trade. The museum tells the stories of the city’s maritime past including exhibitions on the Mayflower, the Queen Mary and the Titanic. Those who want to know more about the ill-fated ship can follow the Titanic Trail with the aid of a free brochure available from the Tourist Information Center.

Solent Sky

Southampton and the Solent played a pioneering role in aviation development and it was here that the world’s first seaplane was built. It was also the birthplace of the Spitfire fighter plane that has become so synonymous with the Second World War.

Southampton City Art Gallery

The city’s impressive art gallery is in the heart of the Cultural Quarter and contains over 3,500 works of art spanning six centuries of European culture. Its main attraction is the exhibition of 20th century British Art which attracts visitors from all over the world.

(Note: Parts of the Gallery will be closed from June 20 - September 31, 2005 due to the installation of a new lighting system.)

Further Distractions:

Hawthorns Urban Wildlife Center

The center is set in over half a hectare of grounds to the north of the city center. The grounds are planted and managed as different wildlife habitats and it’s a great place to learn about the different eco-systems. This is good for family visits and the perfect place to get away from the city center and get back to nature.

St Mary’s Football Stadium

After a 27-year run in the top divisions of English football, Southampton was relegated from the Premiership in 2005. Despite the setback, football remains a big passion in the city and visitors can take a tour of the ground.