Cruises from Southampton

Southampton is a city full of history, from the sailing of the Titanic in 1912 to the first flight of the Spitfire in 1936.

It is a city proud of its heritage and its strong links with the sea and aims to carefully preserve this history and bring it back to life for visitors and residents.

The city’s rich maritime tradition saw King Henry V’s army sail from Southampton for the invasion of France in 1415, which culminated in the Battle of Agincourt. In 1620 the Mayflower left from West Quay for the New World.

The city was also the start of the maiden voyages of the Titanic in 1912 and the Queen Mary 2 in 2004.

People have been living on the site of the city since the Middle Stone Ages. Originally a Roman port, Southampton has grown into a modern, international city, but within its development, the memories still live on in its vibrant heritage.

Southampton has more than 60 ancient monuments and 450 listed buildings, including the Grade 1 listed Tudor House, which is currently undergoing major restoration. Visit the 14th century Wool House, now known as the Maritime Museum; see the carvings made by Napoleonic prisoners and take a wander through the story of Southampton’s historical ports. RMS Titanic sailed from Southampton on its fated maiden voyage in April 1912. Come and find out more about the story of Titanic’s crew, most of who came from Southampton. As the largest liner in the world, Titanic had a crew of 898 but only 210 survived the sinking.

Don’t miss the Museum of Archaeology, located in God’s House Tower, a 13th century gatehouse that was once part of Southampton’s medieval defences (one of the earliest purpose-built artillery towers in Europe).

The story of the city’s aviation history is told at Solent Sky where you can discover stories about how the legendary Spitfire was designed in Southampton by RJ Mitchell.

See the Bargate, one of the finest medieval gatehouses in any British city and take a guided tour of the ancient town walls with the Southampton Tourist Guides offering fascinating information to the visitors about the old town’s history.

You can even stop for a drink at the medieval inns – the Duke of Wellington that opened in 1490 or the Red Lion, first licensed in the mid 16th century.

As the south coast’s number one retail destination the city has an unmatched choice of shopping options. All the famous high street names can be found in the city centre including the recently opened IKEA.

WestQuay – the magnificent city centre shopping complex offers an unrivalled combination of top brands in a superbly designed and spacious environment in the heart of the city. Above Bar, the city’s traditional shopping heart, has the best high street shopping names around an attractive pedestrian precinct, whilst the city’s historic Bargate monument provides a dramatic backdrop to the shopping experience.

Southampton is home to the regions best theatres, concert halls and art venues. The Guildhall is Southampton’s biggest venue for rock, stand up comedy and classical music whilst lovers of jazz and small ensemble classical music can enjoy the intimate venue of the Turner Simms Concert Hall.

The beautiful Mayflower Theatre stages the leading London shows including ballet and opera throughout the year whilst the Nuffield Theatre has an excellent reputation and frequently previews plays destined for London’s West End. The city is also the regional centre for the visual arts and Southampton Art Gallery boasts a national reputation. Contemporary art can also be seen at the John Hansard Gallery and Millais Gallery.

For further information contact the Southampton Tourist Information Centre on 023 8083 3333 or visit www.visit-southampton.co.uk