Southampton has plenty of historical interest for the curious visitor, both nautical and for land lubbers, and on its doorstep lie even greater treasures in the surrounding towns, cities and countryside.
Revisiting the past
The Titanic famously set sail from Southampton docks on its maiden voyage. Visit the fascinating SeaCity Museum and meander through the story of the city’s historical connections with the ship through powerful oral testimony from survivors and a variety of poignant exhibits.
Afterwards, head past the shiny new WestQuay shopping centre and arrive at Bargate, a Grade-I listed Norman gatehouse and the main entrance to the medieval part of town. It was built as part of the walls that stretched for over a mile around the town. Nearly half of the original walls can still be seen, along with 13 towers and six gates. Make sure you also visit Southampton’s most important historic building, the late 15th-Century Tudor House, and gain a unique and atmospheric insight into the lives and times of its residents and of the city itself.
Wind your way to Winchester
The past still echoes loudly around the ancient walls of the cathedral city of Winchester, one of the county’s great historical attractions. It was the capital of Saxon kings and a power base of bishops, and inextricably linked with two of England's most famous kings, Alfred the Great and Arthur (of the round table). Wander through Winchester's narrow streets and marvel at the handsome Elizabethan and Regency buildings that line your way, many of them beautifully preserved. At its heart stands one of England’s most awe-inspiring buildings, the 12th-century Gothic Cathedral.
Naval gazing
Just a short drive away from Southampton lies the rejuvenated port city of Portsmouth, another place with a strong maritime heritage. The big draw is undoubtedly Henry VIII's flagship, the Mary Rose, which was raised from the sea bed in 1982. A £35-million museum has been built around her, giving close-up views of her massive hull. You can also see the 16th-century warship from tiered galleries that faithfully reconstruct life on each deck.
Don’t miss seeing HMS Victory, Lord Nelson's legendary flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Climb below deck and visit the crew's quarters for an incredibly evocative experience. There are yet more seaborne attractions in Portsmouth’s harbour, including the Victorian HMS Warrior and Second World War-era submarine HMS Alliance. The Spinnaker Tower soars 170m above Gunwharf Quays with spectacular views from the top of Portsmouth, the Isle of Wight and the South Downs.
Country fare
In Hampshire's south-western corner are the open heath and woods of the New Forest, designated as a royal hunting ground in 1079 by William the Conqueror. England’s newest national park is a joy to explore. See if you can spot legendary wild ponies, which roam freely, while you make your way through country villages that dot the landscape, connected by a web of walking and cycling trails. The Fox and Hounds in picturesque Lyndhurst is a great option for a tasty lunch in a real country pub.
Beside the seaside
Anchored off the mouth of the Solent and reached by ferry from Southampton or Portsmouth, the Isle of Wight has been a magnet for family holidays for many years. The island’s great appeal remains its mild climate and its stunning 113-km-long coastline lined with beaches, dramatic white cliffs and tranquil sand dunes, punctuated by charming seaside resorts. Exploring the undulating roads and lanes of this timeless holiday favourite in your rental car from Southampton is a rare pleasure not to be missed.
