Did you know…?
- Southampton is a city in Hampshire, England. The area has been settled since the Stone Age. Having been an important regional centre for centuries, Southampton was awarded city status by Queen Elizabeth II in 1964.
- Famous writer Jane Austen lived with her family for two years after the passing of her father. She celebrated her 18th birthday at the Dolphin Hotel.
- On 10th April 1912, the Titanic also known as the ‘the unsinkable’ ship, departed from Southampton port. It was carrying 3,327 passengers and crew on its way to New York. Four days into the crossing, she hit an iceberg and sank.
- Southampton University is in the top 100 universities of the world
Why Southampton is a place to visit?
Southampton is the place to visit with over 100 shops, 2 Universities, many clubs (of all different ages), places to go/explore, restaurants for everyone’s taste buds and is thriving with history. No matter what age or preferences one has I can guarantee you there is something for everyone’s taste.
Here are the top 10 places that you should definitely visit when in Southampton –
1. The Bargate
The iconic Bargate has been a symbol for Southampton since the 12th Century. The wall was constructed in Norman times to be part of the fortified walled city and was considered the main entrance to the old town of Southampton.
2. St Michael’s Church
Founded in 1070, St Michael’s Church is the oldest building still in use in Southampton. Inside, you’ll find an abundance of interesting features, including the Norman tower, an unusual black marble front and a sculpture of St. Michael by Josefina de Vasconcellos.
3. Tudor House and Garden
Tudor House is one of Southampton’s most important historic buildings. Built in the late 15th Century, it offers visitors a unique and atmospheric insight into the lives and times of the city and its residents through the years.
4. Mayflower Pilgrims’ Memorial
While many believe the Pilgrim Fathers set sail from Plymouth, their actual departure point was right here in Southampton. This monument was built in 1913 to commemorate the sailing of the Mayflower from Southampton Quay in 1620.
5. Holyrood Church
Holyrood Church was one of five original churches which served the old walled town of Southampton. After it was bombed during The Blitz in World War 2, the ruins were preserved and dedicated as a memorial to the sailors of the Merchant Navy.
6. Medieval Merchant’s House
The Medieval Merchant’s House is a restored late-13th century building, tucked away from the busy city centre. It was first built circa 1290 by prosperous merchant John Fortin, and has survived hundreds of years of domestic and commercial use. (Open 1st April-30th September on Saturdays and Sundays between 11am-4pm).
7. The Watergate Ruin
Just a few steps away from Westquay Shopping Centre, you’ll find the remains of one of the most important parts on Southampton’s fortification walls, The Watergate Ruin, which provided secure access from the commercial part of the city’s Old Town to Town Quay.
8. Southampton Old Cemetery
Located in the heart of Southampton Common, Southampton Old Cemetery is one of England’s earliest municipal cemeteries. It covers almost 30 acres and includes a number of graves associated with the Titanic, the Battle of Waterloo and the Indian Mutiny.
9. Eling Tide Mill
One of only two remaining operating tide mills in the United Kingdom, Eling Tide Mill has been harnessing the power of the tide to grind wheat into flour in Eling for more than 900 years.
10. Titanic Engineers’ Memorial
Located in East Park since 1914, The Titanic Engineers’ Memorial is an impressive bronze and granite statue dedicated to the brave engineers who lost their lives when the ill-fated RMS Titanic sank in 1912.