Author: andrew

A Visitors Historical Journey Through Southampton

Posted on January 1, 2024 by - Resource

A Visitors Historical Journey Through Southampton

Southampton has a rich and fascinating history, and there are plenty of things to see and do for visitors and history buffs to enjoy. If you’re planning a trip to Southampton, then here’s an brilliant itinerary for you to travel back through time and uncover more about the city’s intriguing histories of it’s people and important places to see. You could visit for just a day or maybe a weekend trip but don’t miss out on some of its most important stories and activities.

Day 1: Maritime and Local History Exploration

Morning:

Titanic Trail:  Take a walk along the Titanic Trail, there are a number of memorials in the city dedicated to those who perished when the ship sank in 1912. This tour visits some of these memorials and includes other points of interest en-route. The walk will take approximately one hour 15 minutes in actual walking time and starts from the Civic Centre. Find out more information here.

SeaCity Museum:  Explore the SeaCity Museum to learn about Southampton’s maritime history and its connection to the Titanic. Kids can stoke the Titanic’s boilers or steer the ship out of the Solent. There’s oral history from survivors and plenty of facinating facts to find out. You can also learn about Southampton’s ancient past with Stone Age, Roman and Saxon finds on display. Pre-book tickets here.

Lunch:

SeaCity Café:  With barista-style hot drinks, indulgent cakes, tasty sandwiches and a popular menu of hot lunches, with vegan or vegetarian options, all locally sourced, you’ll find something for everyone in the café.

Afternoon:

Solent Sky Museum: Explore the Solent Sky Museum, dedicated to aviation history, with a focus on the Spitfire and other iconic aircraft. With 20 historic aircraft to see there’s plenty to keep kids entertained. Find more information.

Evening:

Oxford Street: Head to Oxford Street for dinner, known for its historic pubs and diverse dining options.

Day 2: Southampton Old Town and Medieval History

Morning:

Walk the Walls: Explore the charm of Southampton’s history with a stroll around the town’s ancient walls. This signposted walk takes you around the medieval walls with many listed buildings and monuments, you’ll find many information panels along the route. We suggest starting outside Westquay on Western Esplanade, near the Arundel Tower. You can purchase an Old Town Walk booklet from the Tudor House shop. Alternatively you can find some brilliant guided history walks by See Southampton here.

St. Michael’s Church: Visit St. Michael’s Church, the oldest building still in use in the city, with parts dating back to the 11th century. It is the only church still active of the five originally in the medieval walled town. You can find it opposite the Tudor House & Garden museum an it’s FREE to visit.

Tudor House and Garden: Visit the Tudor House and Garden, Southampton’s oldest museum and very important historic building which gives a unique and atmospheric insight into the lives and times of both its residents through the years, and of Southampton itself. The traditional Tudor Knot garden is a peaceful oasis in the middle of the city. You can buy tickets on the day or pre-book them here.  

Lunch:

Tudor House Café: The modern Café building with it’s living green roof sits perfectly within it’s much older surroundings, giving you plenty of light and time to take in your visit. Whether you want to pause for a mouth-watering cream tea mid-trip or end with a delicious locally sourced lunch. The Café at has it covered.

Afternoon:

Gods House Tower: God’s House Tower holds many fascinating stories, brought to life with their exhibition: Stories Behind the Stones, found throughout the historic Tower. You can even grab a coffee in their café. From thought-provoking art exhibits to breathtaking views of the city, God’s House Tower is a cultural gem waiting to be discovered.

Medieval Merchant’s House: Tour the Medieval Merchant’s House, a restored 14th-century building in one of the busiest streets in historic Southampton, providing insight into medieval life. The house is managed and run through English Heritage, find out more information here.

Evening:

Dinner at The Dancing Man Brewery: Enjoy dinner at The Dancing Man Brewery, located in a historic building overlooking the city walls and waterfront. Find out more here.

If you’re still looking for things to do in Southampton, try Visit Southampton for some great family days out inspiration, or if you want to keep up to date with the latest events and activities, signup to our weekly Culture Vulture email here.

Local Nursing Home Residents Celebrate International Museum Day With Us

Posted on June 27, 2023 by - News

To celebrate International Museum Day recently, residents from local Oaklands House Nursing Home in Southampton paid us a lovely visit. John, Bill, and Irene were very excited to visit our wonderful Titanic Museum. If you have visited us before, you will know that our SeaCity Museum tells the story of the people of the city, their fascinating lives and historic connections with Titanic and the sea. You can discover maritime history brought to life through an interactive experience, which John, Bill and Irene enjoyed participating in.

As the port at which the 1912 White Star liner Titanic set sail, Southampton is at the heart of the Titanic story. Many lives and families were affected by the tragedy. This exhibition tells their story. Residents enjoyed exploring the 1:25 scale interactive model of the ship, experienced the disaster room, and immersed themselves in the 1930s court room which depicts the enquiry held in London after the disaster.

Residents also looked at the Southampton Gateway to the World: Using the City’s unique historic collections, this gallery recounts the stories of people who have departed from or arrived in the port of Southampton over the last 250,000 years, from the earliest settlers to the stories of people living in the city today.

The importance of care home residents enjoying days out cannot be overstated. Days out provide social interaction, combat feelings of isolation, and promote a sense of belonging. They stimulate the mind, improve cognitive function, and enhance emotional well-being. Days out empower residents, maintain their independence, and boost their self-esteem. Engaging in physical activities during outings improves physical health and mobility. Meaningful experiences create lasting memories, while overall, days out contribute to an improved quality of life for care home residents. By facilitating and supporting these outings, care homes can enhance well-being and satisfaction for their residents. Residents John, Bill and Irene were enthralled by the various rooms, sounds, exhibits and the many artifacts and we were thrilled to have them visit us for the day.

May half-term children’s activities

Posted on May 24, 2023 by - News

May half-term children’s activities

Southampton has plenty of fantastic family activities to offer this May half-term. If you’re looking to do something fun with the kids, or even if you need to drop them off somewhere to enjoy a much-needed break for yourself, here are some great ideas to keep everyone busy…

Tuesday 30 May

Explore different toys from the past at Tudor House & Garden, and even make some of your own in this workshop packed with objects, activities, and crafts. The Toys Through Time workshop session is 10.30am.

Wednesday 31 May

Step back in time to 1940 for a fascinating Civil Defence Training Experience at Tudor House. Led by the Air Raid Precautions Warden, children will be trained in the skills needed during WWII, like the correct way to put out an incendiary bomb and bandaging the wounded! Workshops are 10.30am, 11.30am, 1pm and 2pm, and are suitable for ages 6yrs+.

Or, get messy in Southampton City Art Gallery with a fun creative workshop for all the family, without having to clean up afterwards! Perfect for kids 5yrs+, this workshop will have you will experiment with charcoal and chalks to create your own mixed media masterpiece. Join sessions at either 10.30am or 1pm. Find out more here.

Thursday 1 June

Spend an hour discovering Southampton’s past in this family accessible walking tour with historian Andy Skinner. Starting at Tudor House & Garden you will explore the Old Town and discover the impact that the Blitz had on the city. There’s a 11am or a 2pm tour. It’s suitable for ages 6+. Book the Tour for All here.

Children can let their imagination run wild with some at Southampton City Art Gallery as you explore the Telling Tales: Stories, Symbols exhibition before creating your own story character as a wire figure, complete with props and costume in this fun creative workshop for 7yrs+. Join at 10.30am or 1pm. Find out more here.

Friday 2 June

Get creative in the gallery where you can explore the huge potential of junk; from simple activities with cutting and sticking to more complex design and three-dimensional thinking. Ten things you never knew you could do with a milk bottle workshop is for ages 4yrs+ but can be enjoyed by families of all ages. Choose from 10am, 12.30pm or 2.30pm. Book tickets here.

History buffs can join a fun-filled history session exploring the wonderful world of the Ancient Egyptians at SeaCity Museum. You will even get to mummify an orange in this Mummy Mayhem workshop. Sessions are either 10.30am or 1pm.

Don’t forget, if you are booking children and family activities at SeaCity Museum, Tudor House & Garden, or Southampton City Art Gallery, if you buy six, you get a seventh free. Just pick up your loyalty card from the front desk at one of the venues. Find out more here.