Welcome to Southampton
Southampton is undoubtedly the ‘cruise capital’ of Europe but it’s also the gateway to some of England’s most magnificent landscapes and quintessentially English cathedral towns like Winchester.
Flying to Southampton
Aer Lingus Regional flies to Southampton year-round
Cork
Cork airport
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Southampton
Southampton Airport
SOU
Things to do here
Perhaps unfairly characterised as ‘just’ the cruise capital of Europe, Southampton itself is an attractive port city that is also the ideal gateway to discovering the unique charms of the English countryside and the truly gorgeous towns and villages of Hampshire. Nearby attractions include the New Forest, the picturesque cathedral towns of Winchester and Chichester, and the idyllic lanes and fields of the South Downs National Park. Southampton is also the embarkation point for ferries to the Isle of Wight.
To Eat
- White Star Tavern - Critically acclaimed restaurant serving modern British food and located in the heart of the city’s Oxford Street district.
- Montagu Arms Hotel - This award winning hotel is located in Beaulieu in the New Forest, just 30 minutes from Southampton. Head Chef Matthew Tomkinson is responsible for the Michelin star food at The Terrace Restaurant. Refined English rustic charm at its best.
To Stay
- The Pig in the wall - An intimate 12-room boutique hotel within Southampton’s medieval walls. Rooms are funky one-offs and there’s an upmarket deli counter. You can also get a free transfer in the hotel’s Land Rover to their sister property in the New Forest.
- Grand Harbour Hotel - This four-star 173 bedroom hotel is located on the waterfront close to the city’s four cruise ship terminals. Refurbished in 2014, it boasts an extensive spa and leisure centre.
Sea City Museum
Museum
As the name suggests, this museum focuses on the city’s long relationship with the sea and the people and events that have shaped that history including the famous Titanic.
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New Forest
Outdoor Fun
Established by William the Conqueror almost 1,000 years ago as a royal hunting preserve, the New Forest today is one of the largest remaining tracts of unenclosed pasture, heathland and forest in England. It’s also a national park and its villages, grand homes and ancient landscape are unique. Only 20 minutes from Southampton city centre.
Winchester
Tour
Some have called it the perfect English city. The former seat of King Alfred comfortably combines its ancient heritage with a modern vibrancy. Winchester Cathedral is Europe’s longest medieval cathedral and the city is also ideal for exploring the adjacent South Downs National Park.
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Beaulieu
Tour
‘More than just a motor museum’ is how they like to put it, and Beaulieu, owned by the Montagu family for over 400 years, has a wide range of great attractions including the ‘World of Top Gear’ and the Palace House itself, home to the family since 1538.
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