Sightseeing OverviewSouthampton is a
relatively compact city that is 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 is 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 also has a lot to offer in terms of
art and
culture, with notable art
galleries and
theaters in the city center. 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.
Tourist InformationSouthampton Tourist Information Center9 Civic Center Road
Tel: (023) 8083 3333.
Website:
www.visit-southampton.co.ukThe city’s tourist office is centrally located opposite the Civic Center. The helpful staff offer advice on local attractions and events as well provide a selection of free and saleable maps and guides. The tourist office also provides an accommodation-booking service and sells bus tickets.
Destination Southampton (tel: (023) 8023 5211; website:
www.destinationsouthampton.co.uk) is a conference and venue booking company. They offer a free booking service and can help visitors with group bookings, hotel reservations and booking conference venues.
PassesThere are currently no tourist passes in Southampton as most public museums and galleries are free.
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 southeast 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.
God’s House Tower, Winkle Street
Tel: (023) 8063 5904.
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.
58 French Street
Tel: (023) 8022 1503.
Website:
www.english-heritage.org.ukMaritime Museum Opened in 1912, this was the city’s first public museum. It is 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.
The Wool House, Town Quay Road
Tel: (023) 8022 3941.
Solent Sky (Hall of Aviation)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 WWII.
Albert Road South
Tel: (023) 8063 5830.
Website:
www.spitfireonline.co.ukSouthampton City Art GalleryThe city’s impressive art gallery is housed in an elegant art deco building 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.
Civic Center, Commercial Road
Tel: (023) 8083 2277.
Website: www.southampton.gov.uk/leisure/arts
Further Distractions:Hawthorns Urban Wildlife Center The center is set in over half a hectare (1.25 acres) of grounds to the north of the city center. The grounds are planted and managed as different wildlife habitats and it is a great place to learn about the different ecosystems. This is good for family visits and the perfect place to get away from the city center and get back to nature.
Southampton Common
Tel: (023) 8067 1921.
St Mary’s Football StadiumAfter 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.
Britannia Road
Tel: 0845 688 9448.
Website:
www.saintsfc.co.uk
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