Southampton Sightseeing
Introduction | Coach Station | Lifestyle | Sightseeing
Southampton has been one of the sparkling gems of England's vibrant south coast for many years, and all it takes is a bus to Southampton for you to discover thousands of years of history, and find out what a pivotal role this small city has played in shaping the world we live in today.
Centre of the seafaring world
Its strategic location on the south coast means that Southampton has always been vital to Britain's seafaring activities. The town became an important shipbuilding centre in the Middle Ages and has produced everything from medieval warships to modern-day cruise liners. Southampton witnessed the departure of the Mayflower in 1620 and the Titanic in 1912, and if you take a bus to Southampton you can follow in the footsteps of these, and many other, famous adventurers.
Southampton buses take you straight to the heart of the matter, and you can explore the city's Maritime Museum Complex, with its fabulous new Titanic exhibition - or board Admiral Nelson's flagship HMS Victory, which triumphed at the Battle of Trafalgar, and now rests in a dry dock in Southampton.
On land, on sea and in the air!
Of course, there?s much more to Southampton than just the sea, and many people every year take the bus to Southampton to visit the home of the Spitfire, and marvel at the exhibits in the city's Aviation Museum.
And then there's the Old Town, which includes some of the finest city walls in all of England, more medieval vaults than anywhere else in the country, and a host of beautiful half-timbered Tudor buildings. Once you've taken a bus to Southampton, the best way to explore these is on foot, and Southampton Tourist Guides Association offer regular guided walks, helping you get under the skin of this fascinating city.
Or if you'd prefer to take matters into your own hands, wander down the QE2 Mile - a new pedestrian route that links the city's parks, cultural quarter, old town and waterfront, and passes many of its historical features.
Southampton has been an international city for centuries, and this is reflected in its rich cultural scene, with more exciting galleries and theatres than many cities twice its size.
Top 5 cultural hotspots
- City Art Gallery - described by the Independent as "one of the best places outside London to see British modern art"
- Mayflower Theatre - the largest theatre in the south, which regularly hosts large-scale touring productions and big name acts
- Bargate Monument Gallery - an 800 year old building, given a new lease of life as an innovative contemporary art space
- Nuffield Theatre - an exciting arts venue, presenting first-class productions and boasting strong links with local artists and groups
- John Hansard Gallery - a unique space, showcasing Southampton University's photographic collection, and offering regular talks and workshops.
Southampton buses are just the beginning of your voyage of discovery and no matter what you're into, you'll find plenty to keep you happy in this bustling little city.
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