Exploring The Solent From Southampton

Southampton is the perfect base from which to explore all that the south coast and the Solent has to offer. This little stretch of the South Coast is absolutely buzzing this time of year.

I stayed at the cute, luxury boutique hotel Ennios which is located in one of the oldest preserved warehouses in Southampton. This is where passengers who boarded the Titantic stored their luggage and there are tons of original features to remind you where you are.

My room at the back of the hotel had a Juliette balcony overlooking some ruins, upon investigation I discovered that this was King Canute’s Palace. It gave the rather modern interior a lovely sense of destination and history.

The front of the hotel faces Town Quay which is where you can jump on the foot or car ferry to the Isle of White for the day. I was quite envious watching them board the ferry as I ate my way through a delicious cooked to order breakfast of smoked sea trout Eggs Benedict and the most beautiful Italian coffee.

The hotel has a traditional Italian restaurant on the ground floor which is open to the public and guests. Being so close to the water it’s no surprise that they specialise in Seafood. After a day yachting on the Solent their Oysters and Seafood Stew was absolutely divine and hit every spot. The restaurant was busy and buzzing with great service and despite a slightly more traditional interior it really delivered.

Southampton is a harbour city rich in maritime history with reminders of its past and present everywhere you look. If you fancy delving into the history of the city you could visit the SeaCity Museum or visit the Tudor House and Gardens.

If you prefer to spend your time on the water there are lots of places to hire yachts for the day or partake in watersports on the Solent. The picturesque waterway between Southampton and the Isle of White has ideal, calm conditions for Jet Skiing or learning to sail.

If that is all a little bit too high octane there is even a spa located in one of the disused forts in the Solent. There is literally something for everyone.