Whether you are passing through or enjoying a city break, Southampton has so much more to offer than meets the eye. Hidden amongst the city’s commotion, Southampton is full of history, culture and oodles of entertainment. Located 120 km from London, approx. 75 mi and only 15 km, approx. 9.5 mi from the New Forest, Southampton is the gateway to exploring a new city. Commonly regarded as the Cruise Capital of Europe, Southampton is also the perfect entrance for those wanting to travel further afield.
Travel back in time to the Titanic
For history lovers or those who were captivated by Rose and Jack’s love story, The Sea City Museum is the perfect way for you to start exploring Southampton. Located in the heart if the city, The Sea City Museum will have you travelling back to 1912 to experience and absorb all the history of the ever famous Titanic. An undeniably enjoyable experience, The Sea City Museum may even have you feeling a little on the emotional side as you learn of the 500 crew members who lived in Southampton.
Open every day until 5 pm, The Sea City Museum recommends allowing 2-3 hours for your visit. From experience this seems pretty accurate. Entrance will cost 9.50 GBP, approx. 13 USD for adults and 7 GBP, approx. 10 USD for concessions. Pre booked guided tours are available, but personally I would recommend taking your time to explore and enjoy a pit stop as the Sea City Museum Café for a light lunch or indulgent delight. For the Titanic fanatics amongst us, spoil yourself with Titanic memorabilia in the gift shop.
However much of a fan, the Sea City Museum is perfect for soaking up the real history of the Titanic - sorry film lovers!
An afternoon stroll in The Common
With over 300 acres of greenery and woodland, Southampton Common is a pleasant surprise inside the city. With various ponds and woodland trails, The Common is perfect for walkers, cyclists and lovers of the outdoors. Often the home to charity runs, festivals and dog walkers, Southampton Common is a mass of beautiful, wide open space that allows you to stretch your legs even at the busiest of times.
Now it has to be said, like most cities, Southampton Common probably isn’t the best of ideas to be walking around at night. It isn’t particularly well lit, so I would advise going during the day - but to be honest, who wants to go for a stroll at night?
The second highly advisable thing to do is take some bread – you may have a few ducks chasing you otherwise!
Prepare for a food baby
After a mooch around Southampton Common, visiting The Cowherds is an absolute must! A country pub abundant with rural charm, The Cowherds offers amazing hearty pub grub which is sure to see you loosening those trousers. With absolutely stunning rustic interior, The Cowherds has a wonderful and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for both families and couples.
It has to be said that the food served is truly to die for! A personal recommendation would have to be the beef and merlot pie – I cannot explain how amazing this is, literally no words.
An afternoon exploring or a true expedition?
Whatever length of time, Southampton will never fail to keep you entertained and occupied. For a bit of retail therapy visit West Quay Shopping Centre. For the more quirky shoppers and vintage lovers, head to Beatnik Emporium, which is perfect for retro clothing.
Spending the night in the city? Southampton has an endless array of bars and nightclubs for you to enjoy along with a variety of fantastic restaurants to feast your eyes on. If this isn’t quite up your street, why not try one of the many fine dining restaurants closer to the docks. Either way, Southampton has something for everyone and should be high on anyone’s UK bucket list.
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