Things to do in Southampton
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New Forest
Less than 30 minutes from Southampton is an ancient swathe of wild heath and woodland grazed upon by wild ponies, donkeys and deer. A unique place, the not-so-New Forest has an even more singular history and fascinating archaic traditions that date back almost 1000 years.
Wild ponies mooch around its picturesque scrubland, paying no attention to the walkers and cyclists that pant past. Deer flicker in the distance and rare birds flit among the foliage. A scattering of genteel villages dot the landscape and a web of walking and cycling trails connects them.
The New Forest is the only area of England to remain relatively untouched since Norman times, thanks in large part to…
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Maritime Museum
Set in a 14th-century waterfront warehouse, this museum tells the tragic story of the Titanic and the effect its sinking had on Southampton. The building was once a prison – look out for the inmates' names carved in the impressive timber roof.
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Southampton City Art Gallery
The imposing Civic Centre houses the excellent City Art Gallery. Its permanent collection features the best of 20th-century British art, including work by Sir Stanley Spencer, Matthew Smith and Philip Wilson Steer.
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Southampton Art Gallery
Features work by some of the best names in British art, including Spencer, Turner and Gainsborough.
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Medieval Merchant's House
Brightly painted sea chests and replica period furniture dots this French merchant's home, which dates from 1290.
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Guided Walks
Southampton has the third largest section of 13th-century fortifications in the country, and free, 90-minute guided walks led by the Southampton Tourist Guides Association see you strolling beside and on top of the towering walls. Tours leave from Bargate, the city's northern medieval gate. In August walks also take place at 2.30pm.
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