Holiday rentals in Southampton

With its huge port and rich maritime history, Southampton is undoubtedly a serious seafaring city. But those who think of it merely as a launching point for sailing trips and cruises overlook its many hidden gems. Lending character to Southampton’s busy centre are surviving sections of the medieval stone city walls, set incongruously against a backdrop of shopping precincts, bars, clubs, and independent shops. A quickly developing Cultural Quarter has several theatres, galleries, and live music venues, while the city’s notable museums include the Tudor House Museum and Garden and the marine-focused SeaCity Museum, with exhibits about the Titanic, whose first and only ill-fated voyage began here.

Lively Oxford Street and Bedford Place are gaining a reputation for their international restaurants and outdoor dining, interspersed with independent coffee shops and cabaret bars. Taking a sailing trip along the Solent or riding the ferry to the Isle of Wight makes for an exciting day out, but Southampton is a great jumping-off point for adventures on dry land too, in the New Forest or rural Hampshire, where ancient drovers’ paths connect adorable villages.

If you’re a football fan you might time a trip to catch one of the football matches held at St Mary’s Stadium, or, if you’re otherwise inclined, a game of cricket at the Ageas Bowl. Theatre shows, comedy nights, and gigs draw crowds whatever the season. Annual mega events include the Southampton International Boat Show in September, geared to every sort of boating enthusiast, whether you’re into stand-up paddleboarding or considering buying a superyacht. July’s Mela Festival is a vibrant world music extravaganza of bhangra, Bollywood, and belly dancing, with workshops, dance demonstrations, and shows in Hoglands Park. In summer, Guildhall Square in the Cultural Quarter is often turned into a beach for Seaside in the Square, but there are plenty of lovely real beaches along the coast in both directions too, such as Milford-on-Sea to the west and Hayling Island, connected by road, to the east.

City Walls

Gates, vaults, towers, and arches add interest to the medieval city walls, built by the invading Normans almost 1,000 years ago. Following the walls is a fine way to explore the city. Look out for the impressive Bargate, the grand historic town gatehouse looking rather out of place in the centre of the high street, and the West Gate, through which Henry V marched his troops to sail for the Battle of Agincourt in France.

Solent Sky Museum

This museum about aviation history outlines how the city and the Solent area was the centre of the world for aviation research and development between 1910 and 1960. The Spitfire was designed near the city in Woolston, and took its maiden flight from Southampton Airport. On display are 20 aeroplanes from the early, golden age of aviation — and you can experience sitting in a jet fighter cockpit!

Southampton Common

To the north of the city, this 326-acre green space has a bit more wow factor than your average park, with wetlands, nature trails, a fishing lake, and a wildlife centre accompanying the usual suspects of fields, trees, and playgrounds.