Southampton has developed as the preferred cruise terminal in the UK for most cruise companies No Fly Cruises. In fact we have sailed from here many times, and it has become one of our favourite cities to visit.
It’s a very friendly, vibrant city, rich in culture and activities. It also has so much fascinating history, including it’s indelible ties to the Titanic. We love to visit Southampton for a city break, even when not cruising, but when we are we always add a few days on to explore.
The White Star Tavern:
On our most recent visit, we stayed at The White Star Tavern. Situated in a bustling, mainly pedestrian area on the city’s bustling Oxford Street, it is handily close to the cruise terminals, West Quay and the Mayflower, and there is ample parking.
Surrounded by art and culture, maritime heritage and a cosmopolitan atmosphere right on our door step. You will need more than two nights!
The White Star Tavern is a great pub and restaurant with boutique style bedrooms, we think it is great value. It’s also a really popular and cool place for lunch and dinner, with a large open plan restaurant and generous outdoor area where you can soak up the atmosphere and people watch to your heart’s content.
The bedrooms are stylish and comfortable and have everything you need to enjoy your stay, whether you are visiting for business or pleasure.
However, the history of this place is wonderful.
Formerly known as The Alliance Hotel, The White Star Tavern was renamed after the White Star Shipping Line, as both passengers and crew would wine and dine here frequently. If the company name rings a bell, it’s because it’s linked to one of the most famous ships of all time – the Titanic. It was actually one of the hotels where a lot of people stayed the night before boarding the Titanic.
This theme runs throughout, and in a nod to the area’s nautical history, the bedrooms are ship-themed making your stay all the more memorable.
Whether you choose one of the Lower Deck, Upper Deck or Middle Deck rooms, each one is named after a ship from the White Star Lines fleet, with Titanic memorabilia everywhere you look.
What to do in Southampton:
Walk the Secrets of the Titanic: A must for all fans of maritime history, big ship fanatics and anyone who loved the film The Titanic. Explore the history of the building of The Titanic in Southampton’s Port of Present and Past, and learn about its unique design that hailed both the future of shipbuilding and brought about a famous shipwreck. As well as The Titanic, hear about the QE2—the Royal yacht—and the Mayflower and discover their stories on this unique tour.
SeaCity Museum and Titanic Trail: Known as the Gateway to the World, Southampton is synonymous with some of the history’s most famous sea voyages. A significant natural port since Roman times, it was the point of departure for the Mayflower pilgrims, the ill-fated Titanic, the D-Day landings and home port to Cunard’s luxurious transatlantic Southampton to New York ‘Blue Riband’ liners.
For an interactive insight into this coastal heritage, the SeaCity Museum tells the story of the people of the city, their fascinating lives and historic connections with the sea and especially the Titanic. A museum highlight is the permanent Titanic exhibition which tells the fascinating story of its tragic sinking in 1912, and of the impact it had on the city – more than 500 households lost a family member. Its Disaster Room describes the sequence of events from the time it struck the iceberg, to its sinking and the rescue of the passengers by the Carpathia. Through a fascinating 1:25 scale, interactive model of the ship, visitors are given an insight into the lives of the crew aboard the Titanic, many of whom were Southampton residents.
Plus, its free to download Titanic Trail is the ideal starting point for visitors to the city. The 75-minute walking tour and map features key locations in and around the city and port providing a fascinating backstory to the ship, its passengers and crew. . https://seacitymuseum.co.uk
Solent Sky Museum: Solent Sky Museum showcases the history of aviation in Southampton – Spitfire City – and the surrounding Solent area. Geographically this was the most important area in the country, perhaps the world, for aircraft experimental and development work between 1908 and the late 1960s. 26 aircraft companies set up shop in the area, and many of the world’s greatest aircraft, including the legendary Spitfire, first took to the air in the skies over Southampton.
Tudor House and Garden: Tudor House gives a unique and atmospheric insight into the lives and times of both its residents through the years, and of Southampton itself. It appeals to visitors of all ages and interests, who find the family-friendly activities, interactive technology and fascinating displays a winning combination.
The Brickworks Museum: The height of Victorian industrial innovation – 125 years of brick history under one roof. A visit to The Brickworks Museum invokes the sights, smells and sounds of life in Victorian Britain. Explore how our favourite building material was made and the lives of the people who worked so hard to make it happen. With hands-on exhibits, two play areas and plenty to see and do in our 10 acre site, there has never been a better time to visit.
Walk the City: Just walk around this wonderful city and soak in all that it has to offer. Marvel at the many cruise ships coming and going, follow the city walls around the Old Town, admiring the higgledy piggledy medieval buildings along the route. Then there is the shopping, the many excellent restaurants, the list goes on.
Christmas in Southampton: There’s a detailed article here to see all that is happening over the festive period.
One thing is for sure, Southampton is addictive. It’s a healthy addiction to have.
Review by Angela Riches
Some images supplied
