Southampton, England — Where to Go
Southampton Sightseeing Overview
Southampton was originally founded by the Romans around 2,000 years ago. As the town's strategic importance grew, it became a target for foreign armies and marauding pirates. The Normans built a castle and ringed the city with defensive walls and towers to protect themselves against attacks. It is still possible to see some complete sections of these defenses. The city's Museum of Archaeology is a great place to begin a tour of historical Southampton.
Southampton’s importance as a port is reflected in two key historical events. In 1620, the Mayflower departed for the New World from here, and it was from Southampton that the Titanic set off on its ill-fated voyage in 1912. Visit the excellent Maritime Museum to learn more.
Surrounded by public parks, the city has plenty of green spaces, and also lies close to the glorious New Forest, a short journey via Hythe Ferry, or a ferry or hovercraft voyage from the Isle of Wight.
Southampton Tourist Information
Southampton Tourist Information Center
9 Civic Center Road
Tel: (023) 8083 3333.
Website: www.visit-southampton.co.uk
The city's tourist office is centrally located opposite the Civic Center. The helpful staff offer advice on local attractions and events as well as 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: 0845 226 9944; 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.
Key Attractions in Southampton, England
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.
Tower House, 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.uk
Maritime 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) 8063 5904.
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. This museum houses many historic planes and you can even sit at the controls of a jet fighter.
Albert Road South
Tel: (023) 8063 5830.
Website: www.spitfireonline.co.uk
Southampton City Art Gallery
The 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, with works from artists diverse as Gainsborough and Gilbert & George, and a particularly impressive exhibition of 20th-century British art.
Civic Center, Commercial Road
Tel: (023) 8083 2277.
Website: www.southampton.gov.uk/s-leisure/artsheritage/sotonartgallery
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 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.
Britannia Road
Tel: 0845 688 9448.
Website: www.saintsfc.co.uk
