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 Relive history |
Bargate Southampton, Hampshire SO14 2YD United Kingdom +44 2380 22 1106 |
These tours are the best free informative entertainment on the South Coast. A Blue Badge guide takes you to points of historical interest. You can see where Henry V and his army left for Agincourt; where Richard the Lionheart had his only Christmas Dinner as king; medieval vaults where wine was stored and local townspeople sheltered during the Blitz; where Shakespeare popped in for a pint and then wrote about it in Henry V; where the Pilgrim Fathers set sail in 1620 and much more. Tours leave from the Bargate (by the clearly marked signpost) and take one and a half hours. They are free for individuals and groups of less than eight. Contact the Bookings Secretary on the number given to arrange a private tour. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Variety of tours |
Ocean Village Southampton, Hampshire SO14 3JS United Kingdom +44 2380 22 3278 |
See Southampton by sea by taking a cruise on the water. Blue Funnel cruises depart from Ocean Village and are a great way of discovering the South Coast, whilst enjoying a day out on the water. A varied range of tours are offered, from one hour dock cruises to half-day and full-day trips complete with commentary and entertainment. The Solent Special, which includes a stop over at Cowes, is highly recommended. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 Harbour tours of the docks |
17 Albany Court Bishops Waltham Southampton, Hampshire SO32 1AZ United Kingdom +44 7702 50 6895 |
If you have an interest in viewing huge ocean liners, a Favourite Boat Cruise is highly recommended. Travelling on a 65-seater boat you are given a tour of Southampton's harbour, taking in all the ocean liners moored in the docks at the time, which can include the QE2 and liners from America. The tour takes one hour and you receive a full guided commentary. Longer tours and tailored trips for groups can also be arranged. Please call the number provided for more information. Admission: £6 adults, £3 children. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Restored park |
Above Bar St In the heart of the city centre Southampton, Hampshire United Kingdom |
Once an ancient field, today home to West (Watts) Park, East (Andrews) Park, Palmerston Park, Houndwell Park and Hoglands Park. These lovely old parks are full of great places to sit, think, watch and rest. You can enjoy colourful flowers from spring to autumn, and free guided tours are offered throughout the year, including walks like Central Parks, Summer Trees, Summer Bedding and Autumn Walk. The park is currently being refurbished, thanks to a £4.5m scheme funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Southampton City Council. The money is going towards features like a Victorian bandstand. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Beautifully restored, dating from 1290 |
58 French Street Southampton, Hampshire SO14 2AT United Kingdom +44 2380 22 1503 |
This fascinating ancient house was originally built in 1290 and has been beautifully restored to its original condition. It has two first-floor bed chambers connected by a gallery and fine exposed roof timbers, reflecting the social standing of its first owner. Specially designed hangings cover the walls and replica medieval pottery adorns the rooms. The merchant in question was the very prosperous John Fortin, who imported cellar-fulls of wine from Bordeaux. The house is said to be the most haunted building in Southampton. Ask the staff about the curly wurly footprints in the cellars and the ghost of Ruth Dill. Admission: Adults £2, Children £1.50. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Explore the world |
Richmond House, Terminus Terrace P&O Cruises Head Office Southampton SO14 3PN United Kingdom +44 (0)845 678 0014 (Reservations) http://www.pocruises.com/ |
P&O Cruises make exploring the world fun. Whether it is the European cruise or the Caribbean, guests are treated to a luxurious stay onboard their vessels, the Oceana, the Arcadia, and the Artemis. You can also opt for a package, depending upon whether you're looking for a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a historical sojourn. Special voyages of 103 nights are also available for those who want to travel the whole world by water. Call for schedules and packages. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Swimming, diving, health and fitness |
27 Harbour Parade off West Quay Southampton, Hampshire SO15 1BA United Kingdom +44 2380 72 0900 |
There is so much more to the Quays than just a swimming pool. It contains a fun pool, a 25-metre main pool with eight lanes, a diving pool and a sixty station fitness suite. It is advertised as "swimming, diving, health and fitness all in one place", so if your hotel or health club does not have a pool, dive in here. With a crèche, studio and a cafe on the premises, the Quays is an excellent all-round leisure venue. Special packages for regular users are available and family season tickets and corporate membership are also on offer. The hours below are for the main pool. The centre is served by the CityLoop bus service. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Trips to the Isle of Wight |
Town Quay Southampton, Hampshire SO14 2AQ United Kingdom +44 2380 33 4010 http://www.redfunnel.co.uk. |
You have two choices to get to the Isle of Wight. You can take a boat from Town Quay that takes 55 minutes, or you can travel by this high-speed ferry service, which takes just 22 minutes! Ferries run throughout the day and all night. Once you're on the island, there's an ocean of places to visit, like Osborne House, Carisbrooke Castle, Blackgang Chine and much more, plus lovely beaches and 60 miles of coast. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Richard and Gill Long |
 Photo: Damien Everett |
 Photo: iowsaintsfan |
 Photo: Richard Beer |
 Photo: Nick Kitson |
 Photo: Andy |
 Photo: Karen Dance |
 Photo: Matt |
 Photo: Jim Champion  |
 Photo: trishapete |
 Photo: Ken Irvine |
 Photo: Peter Collins |
 Photo: the_deelo |
 Photo: Ken Walker |
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Dance yourself dizzy |
18 Obelisk Road Woolston Southampton, Hampshire SO19 9BN United Kingdom +44 2380 44 5613 |
This specialist centre offers adult recreation classes in a number of styles. It has modern and bright studios and provides tuition in many dance arts including ballet, tap, modern and ballroom, as well as a programme of beginners and improvers classes. The staff are highly accomplished dancers and tutors and the friendly, easy-going atmosphere is popular with dancers of all ages, from teenagers right through to the over 50s. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Vacation cruises |
Richmond House Terminus Terrace Southampton S014 3PN United Kingdom +44 (0)845 070 0500 http://www.seabourn.com/ |
Seabourn Cruises make journeys into the sea exciting and memorable. Mediterranean, Trans-Atlantic or South Pacific, select your destination and explore landscapes, historical sites, cultures, languages etc., while being taken care of in style. The ships can carry up to 208 passengers each, and are equipped with a casino, lounge, cafe, business center, gymnasium, and library. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Must-see for aviation buffs |
Albert Rd S (opposite Ocean Village) Southampton, Hampshire SO14 3FR United Kingdom +44 2380 63 5830 http://www.spitfireonline.co.uk |
This museum is a must-see for aviation buffs and a great tribute to one of Southampton's heroes, R J Mitchell - the designer of the legendary Spitfire, which was built in Southampton. Exhibits at the museum include a real Sandringham flying boat, a Spitfire and 13 other aircraft, plus masses of photos, models and engines. After taking in the exhibitions, why not stroll across to Ocean Village for a look at the yachts. Check their website for admission prices and seasonal opening hours. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Will Prescott |
 Photo: Geoff Collins |
 Photo: Rob Pym |
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Take to the waters with ease |
Floating Bridge Road Chapel Southampton, Hampshire SO14 3FL United Kingdom +44 2380 22 5525 http://www.swac.co.uk |
This unique centre offers water-sports and outdoor activities all year round. It is recognised by the Royal Yachting Association as a provider of dinghy sailing, powerboat, windsurfing and navigation courses and it also hosts courses in first aid, sea survival and management development. There is a superb range of facilities and resources, with full wheelchair access. Situated adjacent to Ocean VillageOcean Village Marina, the centre operates on the lower reaches of the River Itchen and Southampton Water. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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City centre leisure centre |
St Mary's Road Southampton, Hampshire SO14 0BL United Kingdom +44 2380 22 7579 |
Conveniently located in Southampton city center, this very well-equipped and popular leisure center offers facilities for health, fitness and relaxation. Along with all the usual fitness activities such as aerobics, circuit training classes and weight training, it has a solarium and spa, plus squash courts, badminton and table tennis. There is a full program of classes and activities for all the family, with different groups like the over 50s, mothers and children specifically catered for. Discounted concessions are available for off-peak use and for the aged, as well as further discounts for members of the Southampton City Council Leisure Card scheme. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Dan Kerins |
 Photo: Richard Coshott |
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Replica cargo ship |
Western Esplanade Southampton, Hampshire SO15 1AG United Kingdom +44 2380 83 3333 |
This fascinating replica cargo boat sits by Southampton's waterfront and is a very popular tourist attraction. Although it is called the Viking ship and looks like a Viking ship, it is actually a keel. It was the main type of boat used to carry cargo in and out of Southampton between 1200 and 1400. During the 13th century alone, these keels were used to import thousands of casks of wine, by the local descendants of those who came to England with William the Conqueror. Unfortunately, because the boats were notoriously slow, they were also easy prey for pirates! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |