Southampton is the port many cruise ships depart from in the UK. Little did I know this city had so much more to offer.
Beaulieu
We were attending a car event in Beaulieu on a Sunday so Kev & I decided to make a weekend of it by visiting Southampton on Saturday and staying overnight. Beaulieu is about 30 minutes from the centre. I would highly recommend visiting the National Motor Museum. In addition to the best collection of cars, including a collection from Top Gear, it is also home to:
- a Palace House which will give you a taste of what it was like to live in the Victorian times
- Beaulieu Abbey where you can walk in the footsteps of mediaeval Monks who lived there 800 years ago
- Gardens which include a victorian kitchen & flower garden and Alice in Wonderland topiary
- Secret Army Exhibition & more
Entrance to all the above is included in the price. We did not have a chance to explore Beaulieu village but just the drive through the New Forest was enough to give us a flavour and an excuse to return.
Southampton City
We got to Southampton just in time for lunch. I knew I wanted good views, food and a cocktail or two however I did not book anything (silly idea). Now more than ever it is so important to reserve tables especially if you have your heart set on a place. We missed out on the
Food & Drink
Oxford Street is known for its independent restaurants and lifestyle. After missing out on pizza at HarBar we had Italian on our mind but the Italian restaurant we saw was closed for lunch. Right opposite was Oxford Brasserie and the “mixed seafood platter” on their specials board caught my eye.
It was a sunny day so we sat outside. The ambiance was brilliant and it was a perfect spot for lunch. We tucked into a seafood platter for one and some chicken wings. I was “wowed” by the seafood platter. It was excellent and such great value for money at £17. Fresh, versatile and full of flavour, this platter for one was ideal for two. Langoustines, prawns, scallop and fish all served with some vegetables and warm seasoned potatoes all in a light tomato sauce.
The chicken wings were tasty too and perfectly cooked and flavoured. This was £7.
Pig Hotel: I have longed to stay at one of the Pig hotels. By the time we went to book the hotel they only had the more premium rooms left so we decided against it.
Things to do
Shopping: The city had a great shopping centre, West Quay if you are after high street stores and restaurants. The shopping centre is modern and had a good selection of stores. There are also independent and specialist shops dotted around the city. Visit Southampton has great information on them.
Ocean Village: The yacht-filled marina is somewhere I could spend the whole day. There are plenty of bars, restaurants that overlook the marina. Surrounded by residential blocks, upmarket hotels it is a perfect spot to people watch.
History & Culture: The city is full of historic sites including the country’s most complete medieval city walls and wine vaults. You can visit the Tudor House, Seacity Museum and much more. We did not have time to explore but walked around and explored the walls and it was fascinating.
Parking: There was plenty of parking, which was reasonably priced around the city. We parked at Crosshouse Road Car Park which is 6 minutes walk from the Marina. Parking was £2.60 for four hours.
It is a beautiful city to walk around. Once the cruise liners start operating I imagine it is quite nice just sitting by the bay and people watching. Have you been to Southampton?
I have to agree Southampton is a fab place to visit and I adore their historic old centre, we used to visit a lit a few years ago. Also a very beautiful dock area to sit out and watch the yachts. Shame about the Pig Hotel but an excuse to go again.
What a beautiful place to spend the weekend. I have never been before but there certainly seems like there is plenty to do when visiting x
I’ve never been to Southampton. It looks like a beautiful place to visit and the Ocean Village sounds amazing.
I’ve only ever been to Southampton to jump on a cruise but would totally love to head down there for a little longer so I can explore. It looks like there is so much to do there! Sim x
I’ve been to Beaulieu, it’s really good. Need to explore Southampton more I think. I never knew it had medieval city walls!
Every visit I have met to Southampton has either been for school or work so not yet had the pleasure of enjoying a proper visit there, need to add it to the list soon.
Ive driven past Southampton a couple of times but never had the chance to stay there for any amount of time, there seems like some great places to visit.
I didn’t realise that Southampton was so interesting! I’d love to take the time to explore it one day – I’ve only driven through it.
I’d love to stay in a Pig hotel too, we can dream one day! I’ve always loved Southampton whenever I’ve been but it’s normally to meet friends so I’ve not explored all that much x
That sounds like a beautiful place to visit! So many different things to do. I’ll have to add it to my places I’d like to visit list.
Southampton is great, I went years ago. There’s loads to do. It’s a shame you didn’t get to stay at the Pig hotel but good you at least went and had something to eat there.
A few of my friends have visited Southampton and raved about it. After reading your post I can understand why, so much to so and do there, I hope to spend a few days there when we visit
What a fab guide and there is a lot to see and do. I like the sound of the Southampton yacht-filled marina x
I don’t think I’ve ever been to Southampton before, but it looks like such a great place to visit. I’ll have to take the kids one day 🙂
Louise x
Southampton is our nearest city so we are regular visitors. I love Beaulieu and highly recommend a visit to Bucklers Hard next door. Jealous that you stayed in the Pig……..we have one near us, but can never get booked in
I’ve only been to the city once but we had a great time, it is definitely somewhere I would go back too