Southampton: Best Things to Do

Image by Anna and David from Flickr - a city in Hampshire, the United Kingdom

Southampton is a city located in Hampshire, South East England

This city is the home port of some largest cruise ships in the world

Many of attractions related to the history of Southampton are considered a top-ranked destination to explore

They are Bergate, Netley Abbey, Tudor House and Garden, and Medieval Mechant's House

Numerous art works can also be enjoyed at Southampton City Art Gallery or Solent Sky Museum

You may complete your valuable adventure in Southampton by staying at The Pig-in The Wall or Leonardo Royal Southampton Grand Harbour

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SIGHTSEEING

Learning Southampton history is a great idea to create amazing adventures in the city. You can start exploring the old town of Southampton at the Bergate, an entrance to England's Best-preserved medieval town. It was the first building dating back from 1290 among the entire medieval town which took 300 years to build. You can enjoy the Old Town walk and discover more than 90 listed buildings, 30 ancient monuments, medieval churches, and Georgian houses here.

Bergate

Medieval gatehouse built as part of original city walls, now serving as a cultural & events space

Address : High St, Southampton SO14 2DJ, United Kingdom

DOWNTOWN

Southampton city center is not right at the center of the city, it is on the southern side. It runs from Town Quay to Bargate which mainly consists of shopping areas and museums. You can find the first Southampton museum namely Tudor House and Garden. This historical building was built in 1491 but open to the public in 1912. Discover the unique insight of Southampton and its residents' lives through the years. Walk to the south of the museum, you will find the Medieval Mechant's House that was built in 13 century. It has a narrow plan design with a unique storage room to store wine.

Tudor House and Garden

Restored 14th-c

Tudor house & remains of a 12th-c

Norman home, with 16th-century gardens & a cafe

Address : Bugle St, Southampton SO14 2AD, United Kingdom

Medieval Mechant's House

A medieval trader's house restored to its former 14th-century glory, open April to September

Address : 58 French St, Southampton SO14 2AT, United Kingdom

SHOPPING

To find a paradise for shopping, you may go to downtown of the city where Westquay exists. This area is the largest shopping center in the United Kingdom with around 130 shops, ranging from high-end brands to standard retails. Complete your shopping experience at Made in: Here, a souvenir and gift shop specialty. The store offers plenty of local creation of eco-friendly stuff that also has its fascinating local history. Make sure to buy some of them for your relatives at home.

Westquay

Sleek, contemporary shopping centre featuring fashion stores, casual restaurants & a cinema

Address : Harbour Parade, Southampton SO15 1QF, United Kingdom

FOOD & DRINK

The typical food of Southampton is dominated by lamb, beef and watercress. cuisines made of bacon and ham are also popular here. You can try Homemade Pork Meatballs, the rodeo burger, and Salad Orite for your culinary experience. While for the drink, a variety of wines are popular in Southampton.

CULTURE

Southampton is definitely for you, the culture lovers. Known as a multi-cultural city, Southampton becomes the cultural destination in the south. It is a thriving hub of arts, live music, and performance. Many superb collections of arts are displayed at the galleries such as City Art Galeries, The John Hansard Gallery, and many more. There is also a wide range of traditional, contemporary, and musical theatres operating actively. The Mayflower Theatre, the largest theatre in Southern England is also here.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The perfect time for exploring Southampton is between May and October. You will have a pleasant temperature and small chance of rainfall. While if you are here to enjoy skiing, February is the best option when the fresh powder is deepest.

HOTEL

Leonardo Royal Southampton Grand Harbour is a perfect place to stay. The unique and classic architecture make this hotel as a landmark on the Southampton waterfront. Its strategic location close to some wonderful sights makes the guests easy to explore the city. You can also have an unforgettable night stay at The Pig-in the wall, a boutique hotel with a rustic soul located in the medieval city walls. By staying here, you will feel the sensation of the middle ages.

Leonardo Royal Southampton Grand Harbour

Known for its timeless character and ambience hotel

Address : W Quay Rd, Southampton SO15 1AG, United Kingdom

THE PIG-in the wall

12 unique bedrooms, a deli-bar, fire-side cosiness and a whole city to explore right outside

Address : 8 Western Esplanade, Southampton SO14 2AZ, United Kingdom

RESTAURANT

There are many restaurants to eat Southampton's local cuisines. One of the best is Uptons of Bassett, the most popular restaurant known for its hygiene. Trying some excellent ribs cooked in unique ways and also bacon sandwiches will make your mouth watering because of its delicious flavor. Another one is Cowfish restaurant that has the best lobster roll in the city. Located near the Cove Marine, this place offers a beautiful water view. Its wooden style design also makes you feel warm and comfortable.

Uptons of Bassett

Pioneering a spirit of traditional quality with a commitment to fulfilling modern animal welfare concerns has helped make Uptons of Bassett one of the premier butchers in the south

Address : 351 Winchester Rd, Southampton SO16 7DJ, United Kingdom

Cowfish

Stylish spot with rustic furnishings pairs seafood & sushi with canal views from patio tables

Address : 258 E Montauk Hwy, Hampton Bays, NY 11946, United States

CAFE

Recharge your energy by having a cup of something hot like coffee or tea at Docks Coffee. This is one of the best cafes that prioritized on healthy. For coffee lovers, this place is for you because they serve the finest coffee beans. If you want something cold, The Songbird Ice Cream Cafe and Creative Space is a great place to visit. You can get plenty of delicious ice cream flavors and many selections of different waffles here. Besides, the cozy place will make you comfortable.

Docks Coffee

Warm, counter-serve coffee shop offering caffeinated drinks, baked goods & light bites

Address : City Centre, 44 Oxford St, Southampton SO14 3DP, United Kingdom

The Songbird Ice Cream Cafe and Creative Space

A place where people can enjoy lovely food, and find time to relax

Address : 23 Manor Farm Rd, Southampton SO18 1NN, United Kingdom

BAR AND NIGHTLIFE

Southampton offers many entertainment places to go out at night. The Hobbit is a popular pub among local people especially students since its location is near a university. It has large outdoor area that allow you to enjoy Hobbit cocktails and live music performance. Another great one is Bring & Mix, a bar popular for its most unique cocktails in Southampton. Even the place is not too largest, but it offers a fantastic and comfortable atmosphere.

The Hobbit

Tolkien-inspired pub and live music venue with exposed brick walls and large terraced garden

Address : 134 Bevois Valley Rd, Southampton SO14 0JZ, United Kingdom

Bring & Mix

Cosy spot with a speakeasy vibe where bartenders craft cocktails from spirits brought by guests

Address : 36 Upper Bannister St, Southampton SO15 2DG, United Kingdom

INTERESTING PLACE

Southampton has rich historical sites, heading to Netley Abbey is a must. It is a ruined medieval monastery founded in 1239 that being an inspiration for romantic writers and poets. Solent Sky, the world's largest flying boat operation is another must-visit place while you are in Southampton. In this place, a fantastic collection of 19 flying machines is displayed to tell the story of Southampton's aviation heritage. While exploring the museum, you can also take a break in the museum's cafe.

Solent Sky Museum

Collection of 18 vintage aircraft that includes flying boats, jet fighters and the iconic Spitfire

Address : Albert Rd S, Southampton SO14 3FR, United Kingdom

Netley Abbey

Picturesque, well-preserved ruins of a medieval church & monastery founded in circa 1239

Address : Abbey Hill, Netley, Southampton SO31 5FB, United Kingdom

INSTAGRAMMABLE SPOT

The museums in Southampton offering a great spot for photography. Sea city museum is indeed instagramable worthy and also has a unique architecture to get captured. This museum is home to the historic Southampton people and their connection with the sea. You can also get a great photo with several stunning scenes from the collection of Southampton City Art Gallery.

Sea City Museum

Hands-on venue exploring shipping and the sea, with cafe, education zone and gift shop

Address : Havelock Rd, Southampton SO14 7FY, United Kingdom

Southampton City Art Gallery

1939 Civic Centre gallery with strong 20th-century and contemporary British art collections

Address : Civic Centre, Commercial Rd, Southampton SO14 7LY, United Kingdom