Famously known as the departure point for the RMS Titanic and the Mayflower, Southampton, England, is a fun city to explore. Its architecture and landmarks reflect the charm of a classic English town, with cobblestone streets, centuries-old homes, and 1.25 miles of a towering stone fortification wall built in the mid-1300s – complete with 29 towers and 8 gates. Although Southampton was heavily bombed during World War II in what became known as the Southampton Blitz, it has since been rebuilt and revitalized into the picturesque and charming city it is today. First settled in 43 AD, Southampton boasts a rich history spanning nearly two millennia, with 1,982 years of continuous development and cultural significance.
Home to around 500 people who perished on the Titanic, Southampton is located about 2 hours southwest of London, 50 minutes from Stonehenge (Stonehenge: Not Just a Pile of Rocks.), and 40 minutes from Salisbury (Salisbury Cathedral: Home to the Magna Carta and World’s Oldest Working Clock.), making it an excellent stop on any English travel itinerary. A decently sized city with a population of approximately 265,000, Southampton offers plenty of lodging, dining, and shopping options. We stayed at the interestingly named Voco Hotel (formerly known as the Holiday Inn), a very nice hotel just a stone’s throw from the Southampton cruise ship terminal. If you’re like us and visiting Southampton as the starting point of a cruise, I highly recommend staying at the Voco.
While we didn’t have the time to explore Southampton super in-depth, we had just enough to get a good feel for what the city offers. We took strolls in the evening and the following morning, wandering through the centuries-old streets and city center. Along the way, we came across various historic landmarks, including…
The Westgate, part of Southampton’s 12th-century fortification wall built following the French raid of 1338, and one of the city’s principal gateways during the Medieval Era. Constructed in the mid-14th century as a defensive structure, it led directly to the West Quay, which was then Southampton’s only commercial harbor. Historical images of the Westgate can be found dating as far back as 1807. Notably, this gate served as the departure point for King Henry V’s army as they marched to board ships bound for Agincourt in 1415. It was also through this gate that the Pilgrims made their way to the Mayflower, destined for America, before being forced to return and head to Plymouth.
The Duke of Wellington is a beautiful 12th-century building now serving as a fine dining establishment and popular wedding venue. Located at 36 Bugle Street, it has become one of Southampton’s most recognizable pubs. Locked in a long-standing debate with the Red Lion over which is the city’s oldest pub, the Duke of Wellington was initially built around 1220 by Benedict Ace, an early Mayor of Southampton, using the remains of an existing house. It was severely damaged during the French raid of 1338 but was later restored in 1494 by Rowland Johnson.
The Medieval Merchant’s House proudly holds the distinction of being one of the oldest surviving merchant homes in all of England. Originally built in 1290 by John Fortin, a merchant who traded with Bordeaux, the house functioned as a home, shop, and workplace. Over the centuries, it fell into disrepair but was beautifully restored in the 1980s to reflect its mid-14th-century appearance. Unfortunately, it wasn’t open to the public during our visit, so we couldn’t explore the interior. One can only view the inside via guided tours, available on select days, with tickets priced at £6.10 for adults and £3.30 for children (ages 5–17). To book a tour or check availability, visit: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/medieval-merchants-house/.
The Castle Gate consists of the remnants of the Drum Towers, which once flanked the main gateway to Southampton’s medieval castle. Although the castle itself no longer stands – the site is now rudely occupied by an ugly, modern 20th-century apartment building – these remnants offer a glimpse into the city’s fortified past. The gate was uncovered during archaeological excavations in the early 1960s. Believed to have been built in the 13th or 14th century, it initially provided access to the king’s private quay, where royal supplies were delivered and stored before being transported to the castle.
Lastly, we visited the iconic Bargate, arguably one of the most well-known landmarks in Southampton. Located in the city center, it was constructed during Norman times around 1180 and served as the main gateway to the city. Now designated as a “scheduled monument,” a status given in the U.K. to nationally important archaeological sites or historic buildings protected against unauthorized change, the Bargate has served as a temporary exhibition and event space for Southampton Solent University since 2012. While it is a two-story structure, the upper floor is not open to the public. However, visitors can walk through and beneath the impressive archway, experiencing a piece of the city’s medieval past up close.
While the landmarks we visited were undoubtedly the highlights, we also enjoyed strolling through the city and driving along the outskirts, taking in the beautiful and often centuries-old architecture. Southampton feels like the quintessential English town, just as someone outside the United Kingdom might imagine it. Among the charming and quirky sites, you’ll find The Titanic pub and restaurant, the Old Courthouse (notably marked with a humorous plaque stating, “On this site in 1897 nothing happened”), classic red phone booths that no longer work, and the Royal Pier Indian Restaurant (a grand building that looks like it should house something far more official than a curry house).
We also passed the former home of Frank A. Parsons, a Senior Fifth Engineer aboard the Titanic who tragically perished during its sinking. Then there is the Westquay, which offers a variety of popular restaurants and stores for shopping and dining. We had dinner here at L’Osteria, an excellent Italian restaurant I highly recommend.
Overall, this blog serves as a toe-dipper into the wonderful city of Southampton, England, which I hope to revisit and explore more thoroughly. Known as the departure point for two of history’s most significant ocean voyages, Southampton is an iconic yet often overlooked destination. Though it may not always appear on lists of must-see English cities, it’s well worth a visit. As a major port for many cruise lines, Southampton is an accessible starting point for many adventures. Whether you’re planning a landlocked adventure or a cruise, I highly recommend spending a day or two within this charming and nearly 2,000-year-old historical city that still proudly clings to its medieval roots.
Southampton – I will be back!!!
Southampton is a lovely city, so glad you enjoyed your time exploring!
Thank you!! I really hope to revisit sometime soon and spend more time exploring!