Southampton Attractions

Stay in a Southampton hotel and see a city with a story of medieval discovery and maritime triumph and disaster.

Historic Southampton

The Grade I Norman-built Bargate was the main entrance to the city and has served as a jail and Second World War police HQ. From your Southampton hotel stroll to the ruins of Holyrood Church on the high street where Crusaders and Agincourt soldiers prayed and the Titanic dead are remembered. At Town Quay, the Tudor Merchants House and the Tudor House evoke a time when dockside commerce ruled the day.

Art and museums in Southampton

Many of the dead Titanic crew were from Southampton, and at the Maritime Museum you’ll hear the harrowing tales of local survivors. At the 1417 artillery fortification God’s House Tower, a museum of archaeology displays local finds from Roman, Saxon and medieval eras. Explore Southampton City Art Gallery’s whopping 3,500 works of European art across six centuries.

Quirky things to do in Southampton

On a sunny day, head to Mayflower Park to watch vessels small and gigantic arrive at the docks. At the Hall of Aviation learn about the city’s pivotal role in air transport, including the first Spitfire flight.

Events in Southampton

Whether you’re an ancient mariner or a trainee seadog, the Southampton Boat Show at Mayflower Park in September gets you addicted faster than a sailor can order a pint. June’s Power in the Park on Southampton Common draws 80,000 pop fans.

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