History sets sail from Southampton Docks

Southampton is steeped in history; from the infamous sailing of the Titanic to the construction of ships for the D-Day Landings. Visitors to the city can learn about its past from several museums and exhibitions - the Medieval Merchants House is one of the earliest surviving buildings of its time. Head to the Maritime Museum for scale models of famous vessels; discover Roman and Saxon artefacts at the Museum of Archaeology. At night Southampton is a city of entertainment; casinos, theatres, bars and clubs stay open late into the night. Choose from plays, comedy and opera at the Mayflower Theatre or Southampton Guildhall. For a laid back afternoon relax at the 326-acre Common (Southampton’s largest park), take a ferry from the harbour over to the Isle of Wight or visit the New Forest to see the wild ponies.

Why Go?
Renowned for famous liners and cruise ships setting sail from her docks, Southampton is also home to a thriving contemporary city centre and historic walled Old Town. Explore Tudor architecture, maritime exhibitions and medieval houses. Browse the stores of the city centre and relax in one of the many stylish bars and restaurants.

When To Go?
Southampton’s location on the southern coastline of England enjoys a warmer climate than most other UK cities. Winter is mild but wet with low temperatures of 9°C, visitors preferring instead the summer months of July and August for warm and sunny weather. The end of September tends to be the quietest in Southampton; as a result flights are cheaper during this period.

How To Get There?
Southampton is served by Southampton International Airport (SOU) and with its own railway line, getting to the city centre couldn’t be easier. Journey time can take 7 minutes; Southampton Parkway Station is positioned on the London line with 5 trains arriving per hour. Southampton International Airport offers direct flights to other UK destinations and seasonal flights throughout Europe. Cross-channel ferry services are an alternate method of transport with sailings available from France via Portsmouth.

Must See
Walk through The Bargate into the Old Town of Southampton to get a sense of life during the Norman period. Some of the ancient wall still appears in parts and can be traced on heritage trails throughout the city. Some of Southampton’s most famous visitors include The Pilgrim Fathers, William the Conqueror and Jane Austen. Take a tour of the medieval houses and museums or enjoy lunch in one of the quaint tearooms. Christmas markets draw crowds in December and make for an enchanting experience.