15 minute read
#VisitSouthampton
Southampton Centre - The area for shopping and dining!
The centre of Southampton is a hub of excitement and offers a wealth of things to do. From a bustling shopping experience, to the quiet city centre parks, and an abundance of bars and restaurants to keep you well fuelled and well entertained.At the heart of the city centre you’ll find a shopaholics dream with Westquay Shopping Centre, The Marlands Shopping Centre, a high street packed with your favourite stores and East Street where independent boutiques are plentiful. Southampton Centre is also home to Southampton’s markets on a Friday and Saturday from 9am-5pm.See the city’s history standing strong with the Bargate Monument, Titanic Engineers memorial, the Cenotaph, and Old Town Walls easily identifiable as you wander through the city centre, and when you want to slow things down take a picnic and sit amongst the well-manicured flower beds of the city’s green spaces.In the evening Southampton Centre is a buzz with nightlife. Whether you choose to enjoy some of the High Street bars, dine in one of the many restaurants, or recline back and take in a film at Showcase Cinema de Lux, there’s always plenty to do.
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The North Quarter – The area for lifestyle and nightlife!
In the north of the city you’ll discover streets full of life with independent shops, cafes, bars, restaurants, clubs, open space and more! From the diverse lifestyle of Shirley High Street and Portswood Road, to the popular and lively Bedford Place and London Road, and across the River Itchen to Bitterne.
This area of the city is buzzing with life and offers something for all ages from students enjoying the trendy vibe, families exploring the parkland at Southampton Common, sporting enthusiasts loving the Southampton Snowsports Centre, foodies looking for the best places to dine, and party goers looking for a great night out, there really is an eclectic mix of things to do.
On a glorious summer’s day, you’ll almost be guaranteed to find an ice cream van at Southampton Common. The Common includes 326 acres of woodland, parkland, rough grassland, ponds, wetlands, nature trails, a paddling pool, a children’s play area, a model yachting pond, and a fishing lake. It’s also the venue for Southampton’s Common People Festival, which will be enjoying its fourth year in May 2018.
The Maritime Quarter – The area for maritime history & dining
In the southern end of the city you’ll discover a maritime quarter of fine dining, waterfront views, trendy bars, and the heart of Southampton’s maritime history. Stretching from historic Oxford Street to Ocean Village, and across Itchen Bridge to Centenary Quay, this area of town is a must for those that love to watch the boats go by, take in a part of history, and enjoy the finer things in life.Famous for its connections to the Titanic, Oxford Street is one of the most historic streets in the city. It’s also home to a range of cafes, bars, fine dining restaurants and bistro’s, including The Docks Coffee House, The Grapes, Max’s Bar & Brasserie and Simons at Oxfords.
Moving on to Ocean Village Marina you’ll find a yachtsman’s dream and a host of trendy bars. The new Southampton Harbour Hotel is an impressive sight offering a 5-Star experience, and a choice of restaurants with a marina view, such as Steak Of The Art and Maritimo Lounge, make a visit well worth while at any time of day.Across the Itchen Bridge to Woolston you’ll discover the newly developed Centenary Quay. As well as stunning waterfront homes there’s a variety of shops and restaurants. Whether you’re in the mood for coffee and cake at Mettricks, wood-fired pizza at Supermarine, or mouth-watering burgers at Vospers, you can enjoy indulging whilst enjoying the spectacular views across the Solent.
The Old Town Quarter – The area for history and independent venues
From the Bargate Monument to Town Quay, you’ll discover Southampton’s Old Town. Here you’ll find a history-lovers playground and a foodie’s dream! Once a medieval gatehouse Southampton’s most iconic monument the Bargate, now acts as a gateway to the Old Town.From here to Town Quay you’ll discover the old town walls that weave their way through the city and a diverse range of restaurants and bars. Enjoy a pint in a historic pub with the Duke of Wellington, Red Lion, The Titanic Pub and Juniper Berry, all homed in timber-framed buildings and offering a warm welcome.
The history of this area of the city can be found in every aspect of its modern-day surroundings. Opposite the waterfront the historic old walls house The Pig in the Wall, and the old Wool House provides a quirky home to Dancing Man Brewery, which still pays homage to the buildings heritage.
Discovering the history of this area is made easy with a guided walk with the Southampton Tour Guides Association, and the Tudor House Museum on Bugle Street opens up 800 years of history to explore.
Home to Red Funnel Ferries and the Blue Funnel Hythe Ferry, Town Quay offers a gateway to the city, as well as easy access from Southampton to the Isle of Wight and Southampton’s Waterside.
THE GALLERY, BASED IN SOUTHAMPTON’S CIVIC CENTRE, OPENED IN 1939.
The art gallery attracts art-lovers, curious amateurs as well as those who simply enjoy the atmosphere of a gallery. Southampton City Art Gallery offers the opportunity to enjoy high quality exhibitions ranging from painting, sculpture and drawing, to photography and film, as well as permanent collection and displays that change regularly to ensure new experiences with each visit.Southampton City Art Gallery is internationally renowned for its permanent collection which features around 5,000 works. These span eight centuries and tell the story of western art from the Renaissance to the present day. The core of the collection is twentieth century and contemporary British art. Strong clusters within this include Post-Impressionism (notably the Camden Town Group), Surrealism, St Ives and progressive contemporary art from the mid-1970s.
Free to enter and conveniently located right next to SeaCity Museum, the venue caters for families. You can enjoy gallery trails through the exhibitions, monthly art clubs and a fantastic range of activities for all ages.The gallery can be hired for weddings, civil ceremonies, drinks receptions and even more. Paintings and sculptures provide a wonderful backdrop for couples seeking somewhere unique and the gallery spaces provide a harmonious environment for an unforgettable day. Seating can be provided for up to 120 people, and our in house catering team can work with you to ensure your guests are kept happy throughout your event.
Mon to Fri: 10am-3pm
Sat: 10am – 5pm,
Sun: Closed,
Bank Holiday Mon: 10am-3pm
Discover Southampton’s most important historic building, encompassing over 800 years of history on one site. Tudor House, with its beautifully recreated Tudor knot garden, is just a few minutes walk from the city centre.
The timber-framed building facing St Michael’s Square was built in the late 15th Century, with King John’s Palace, an adjacent Norman house accessible from the garden, dating back a further 300 years. Tudor House gives a unique and atmospheric insight into the lives and times of both its residents through the years, and of Southampton itself.
Enjoy a vivid and exciting audio-visual show which explains the history of the house, alongside interactive screens that rotate to show how the rooms would have looked during different historic periods, in particular the Tudor, Georgian and Victorian eras. A selection of restored artefacts are on display in the museum, including archaeological finds dating back to the medieval and Tudor periods. Special events are held throughout the year, including hugely popular Halloween & Christmas activities.
Tudor House is also available for weddings and corporate hire. Within this historic complex, we offer a wide range of rooms which can be laid out in different styles to suit your event – be it a meeting, conference, product launch, team building day or corporate hospitality with a difference. They may be used by themselves or in combination to enable, for example, breakout sessions and the ability to provide catering and refreshments separately from the main venue. Alternatively, it is possible to hire the entire venue for exclusive use.
LOCATION: Bugle Street, Southampton, SO14 2AD. www.tudorhouseandgarden.com023 8083 4242 tudor.house@southampton.gov.uktudorhouseandgarden
Gate way to the World
Titanic Story
The most famous ship in the world, the RMS Titanic, pulled away from White Star Dock in Southampton at the start of her maiden voyage on 10 April, 1912. In the early hours of 15 April she struck an iceberg and sank, causing great loss of life.Nowhere was the tragedy of the Titanic disaster more felt than in Southampton, where more than 500 households lost a family member. Visitors to the museum will discover how many people worked on board and the huge variety of jobs the crew carried out. The centre-piece of this gallery features a 1:25 scale, interactive model of the Titanic.
Through powerful oral testimony from survivors, the Disaster Room describes the sequence of events from the time the ship struck the iceberg to its sinking, and the rescue of passengers by the Carpathia. Also, there is a fascinating audio visual show for visitors to find out about the British Inquiry, which was held in London soon after the disaster.
Gateway to the World
Gateway to the World recounts the stories of people who have departed from or arrived in the port of Southampton over the last 200,000 years with themes of invaders and settlers, traders, exiles and soldiers.This gallery introduces visitors to people who have passed through Southampton: from Roman traders bringing new merchandise, Saxon settlers setting up homes bringing in new trades and skills to Hamwic, or Huguenot Protestants seeking refuge and Victorian industrialists with links across the British Empire. Digital touchscreens and hands-on activities invite visitors to interact and engage in exhibits and share their Southampton stories.To help put the city into context, a large interactive map reveals the development of Southampton from small Stone Age settlements into the walled medieval town and through the ages to its present size.
SPECIAL EXHIBITION AREA
SeaCity also hosts a range of exciting temporary exhibitions in the stunning Pavilion extension. This year we have a major exhibition, We March On: Southampton Football Club, Then and Now running 29 March – 28 October 2018. Celebrating over 130 years of Southampton Football Club, this exhibition gives a unique insight into life at the club, through its supporters, ex-players and backroom staff. Featuring fascinating memorabilia, interactive exhibitions, fun facts and more. A must see for football fans!
Located in the only surviving freestanding medieval warehouse in Southampton, Dancing Man Brewery is an award-winning microbrewery offering great beer, mouth-watering food and outstanding service.
Built in around 1338, The Wool House was used as storehouse for wool exports to Europe, during Southampton’s time as a leading wool port it is one of several wool houses. It was later used as a prison during the Napoleonic war and then the Maritime Museum which closed following the opening of the new SeaCity Museum.
The Grade I listed building, has been brought to life by two friends and business partners who have successfully restored an empty heritage building into a city brew house.
Renovated beautifully to compliment the building’s character, Dancing Man Brewery’s minimalistic design mixes the old with the new. Look out for the graffiti on the walls, which remain from when it once held French prisoners from the Peninsular War.
Dancing Man brewery were awarded Best design in the South by the People’s Choice Solent Design Awards.
Dancing Man brewery holds the coveted Best Bar None Award for Best Pub in Southampton and Best Overall Venue along with numerous CAMRA beer awards.
The ground floor bar offers a fantastic view of their beautiful brewery where the brewers can be seen crafting amazing creations, from classic beer styles and New World hop bombs to experimental oddities and the downright strange. There is always someone available to help you choose from their fantastic range by offering tasters and their infinite knowledge about hops and the inspiration for each beer.
Learn how to pair with not just their ale but beers from all around the World, partake in the sampling of ciders and fine wines. If you just want to sit and admire this incredible building, they offer a range of teas and coffees too. Visitors to the city are all invited to view this historic building as they encourage guests to wonder around the place to take photographs.
Their 120 seater restaurant caters not only for lunchtime guests but their full al a carte offers a range of delicious home cooked food with an extensive Vegan menu for their evening visitors.
Weddings and other events are a speciality as they are located next door to Southampton’s Registry Office.
Two legged and four legged friends are very welcome. Bring all the family, including the dog - they have a menu for everyone.
LOCATION: Town Quay, Southampton, SO14 2AR www.dancingmanbrewery.co.uk023 8083 6666 DancingManBrewery @DancingManBrew
SS SHIELDHALL ALIVE AND STEAMING!
A heritage, cargo-passenger ship included in the National Historic Fleet, SS Shieldhall was launched on the Clyde in 1955, and later owned by Southern Water until her purchase for £20,000 in 1988 by the charity that still operates her. Today the Shieldhall is a unique seagoing ‘time capsule’. She provides a working example of steamship machinery both above and below deck, typical of the cargo and passenger ships that plied the oceans of the world between the 1870s and 1960s, after which they became all but extinct. Whilst other heritage ships are held permanently in dry dock, the Shieldhall is very active, with a programme that allows passengers to access the impressive steam engines at work in the engine room itself,
and the bridge, complete with traditional instruments and gleaming brasswork.Passengers are encouraged to see how the ship operates, and meet the Captain and volunteer crew. Relax on board and listen to the commentary of the sites and sounds of Southampton Water, as Shieldhall passes the outgoing cruise ships. Shieldhall is considered a very stable vessel, providing an excellent viewing platform. There is plenty of covered seating on board, a Children’s Passport to follow, and a fully licensed bar and saloon serving hot snacks and refreshments.The 2018 cruising programme runs from June – September, with a variety of trips from 2hr to all-day cruises. Look out too for ‘alongside events’ taking place in dock.
LOCATION: BERTH 48, SOUTHAMPTON SO14 2QN FOR SAILING DAYS
Belgium and Blues is an independently owned Craft Beer bar and brasserie located in the heart of Southampton’s Cultural Quarter, its neighbours include the NST City Theatre & John Hansard Gallery which have just opened this spring.Set over two floors B&B offers an artisan spirits bar and brasserie on the ground floor overlooking the parks whilst the atmospheric cellar below holds the city’s best stocked beer bar.
The beautiful ground floor brasserie is a must in the summer months. Over 50 gins and artisanal spirts on offer alongside freshly prepared food. You can drift off and people watch as the sun sets over the parks. Whether you’re an aficionado or simply looking to try something new we’ve got something for you.
As the name suggests we love Belgian beer and stock well over 100 beers in the cellar. Ranging from Belgian classics to craft beer from the best breweries locally and around the world and have in our first year been honoured with inclusion in CAMRA’s good bear guide. It doesn’t stop there though, we offer some of the best steaks and mussels found on the south coast and a menu of ‘food to drink to’.
Whether you’re after a bite to eat at lunch time or an unforgettable evening with great drinks, sumptuous food & weekly live music & entertainment, Belgium and Blues is a must do when visiting Southampton.
LOCATION: 184 Above Bar St, Southampton SO14 7DW023 8022 5411 belgiumandblues.co.uk
ROYAL VICTORIA CHAPEL – UNCOVERING THE STORIES OF THE ROYAL VICTORIA MILITARY HOSPITAL
A Jewel in Hampshire’s Crown
LOCATION: Royal Victoria Country Park, Netley Abbey, Southampton, SO31 5GA. www.hants.gov.uk/rvchapel02380 455157 rvcp.enquiries@hants.gov.uk RoyalVictoriaCP @RoyalVictoriaCP
Set in the beautiful Royal Victoria Country Park, the historic chapel is all that remains of the British Army’s first purpose built military hospital.
The Royal Victoria Chapel stands on the edge of Southampton Water and is an iconic local landmark, with its impressive tower rising 150ft to an elegant domed cupola. The Royal Victoria Hospital was opened by Queen Victoria in 1863 and served the British military for over a century, stretching for a quarter of a mile along the shoreline. As the British Army’s first purpose built hospital, the Royal Victoria was a unique and ambitious project which would help change the face of the medical world.An exciting £3.8m Heritage Lottery Fund project has seen the restoration of the original Victorian Chapel interior, the creation of a new exhibition, visitor facilities and outdoor information points. Visitors can now explore the unique military past of the site and walk in the footsteps of the patients, doctors and nurses of the once vast and imposing Royal Victoria Hospital
If you have a head for heights, the tower of the Royal Victoria Chapel offers a perfect view across the surrounding Hampshire countryside. On a good day, you can see across to the Isle of Wight, Southampton docks and can even spot the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth!While visiting the Royal Victoria Chapel, why not explore the rest of the country park? Offering fantastic views across Southampton Water, Royal Victoria Country Park is a great place to watch the ships coming in and out of Southampton Docks and is ideal for relaxation and leisure. The park’s ancient woodlands, large open spaces, boardwalks and ponds offer something for everyone. There are a number of picnic areas throughout the site and family BBQ areas can be hired. The Café in the Park serves a wide variety of hot and cold food and children will love taking a ride on the miniature railway or burning off steam in the picturesque, fully accessible play areas.The Royal Victoria Chapel and Country Park hosts a range of exciting events throughout the year and is available to hire for weddings and parties. Visit our website to find out what’s on at this unique historic site www.hants.gov.uk/rvchapel
