Southampton. A city with one of the richest maritime histories in Britain—where Henry V set sail for Agincourt, the Mayflower departed for the New World, and the Titanic left on its doomed voyage. But visit today, and you might wonder what went wrong.
For a city that helped shape Britain, Southampton doesn’t always feel like it gets the respect it deserves. Modern development has erased much of its character, and what remains often feels neglected. But beneath the soulless shopping centres and council-planned “improvements,” there’s still something here worth seeing—if you know where to look.
I personally believe in supporting English cities, not because of what they are today, but because of what they once were and could be again. Southampton has a story worth telling, and if you’re considering a day trip from London, here’s what you need to know.
Getting to Southampton from London
Southampton is an easy trip from London, but is it worth making? Well, that depends. The city has enough history to fill a day, but it’s not the kind of place that grabs you immediately—you’ll have to dig a little deeper to appreciate it.
🚆 By Train (Recommended)
• Depart from: London Waterloo
• Arrive at: Southampton Central
• Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes (fast trains)
• Cost: £20-£50 return, depending on time and advance booking
The train is the best option—it’s quick, comfortable, and drops you right in the heart of the city.
🚌 By Coach (Budget Option)
• Depart from: London Victoria Coach Station
• Arrive at: Southampton Coach Station
• Duration: 2-2.5 hours
• Cost: £5-£20 (depending on advance booking)
Slower, and slightly less comfortable, but if you’re on a tight budget, it’s an option.
Morning – Southampton’s Forgotten History
Arriving in Southampton, your first impression might not be great. The area around the station is uninspiring—generic new builds, grey streets, and little to hint at the city’s legendary past. But don’t judge it just yet.
🏰 Walk the Medieval Walls
Southampton’s medieval city walls are some of the best-preserved in England, but you wouldn’t know it from how badly they’ve been integrated into the modern city. Once a vital fortress, today they feel like an afterthought, lost between car parks and glass-fronted apartment blocks.
Worth seeing? Yes—if only to imagine what they could have been if the city had treated them with more respect.
🏡 Tudor House & Garden – A Glimpse into the Past
One of Southampton’s true historical gems, Tudor House & Garden is the best-preserved glimpse into the city’s past. Dating back over 800 years, the house has seen medieval merchants, Tudor traders, and Victorian residents come and go. Inside, you’ll find fascinating exhibits about Southampton’s past, and out in the garden, you can stand where people stood centuries before, looking out onto a city that was once thriving with trade and opportunity.
Worth seeing? Absolutely! It’s one of the few places in Southampton that truly transports you back in time.
Lunchtime – Avoid the Chains, Find Something Local
Southampton has a bad habit of replacing character with convenience, and its food scene reflects that. Avoid the big chains in the Westquay shopping centre and head to Oxford Street instead—a small stretch of local restaurants, pubs, and cafés that still have some charm.
Recommended spots:
🍽 Porters Wine & Charcuterie – Cozy spot with quality wines and artisan charcuterie
🍔 The Rockstone – Great burgers & craft beers
🍻 The Grapes – An old-school pub with history
🍺 Dancing Man Brewery – Independent brewery with great ales & character
Afternoon – The Port, the Mayflower & the Ghosts of the Past
⚓ The Mayflower Memorial – Forgotten & Fenced Off
Most people associate the Mayflower with Plymouth, but Southampton was the ship’s true departure point. Yet, you’d barely know it. The Mayflower Memorial, a tall obelisk by the roadside, feels completely neglected—a forgotten monument to one of the most important voyages in history.
Southampton should have made more of this moment in time, but instead, it’s just a monument standing awkwardly on a busy road, ignored by most who pass by.
Worth seeing? Yes, but don’t expect much fanfare.
⛪ Holyrood Church – A Haunting Ruin
Destroyed in WWII, Holyrood Church was once a grand place of worship, its walls echoing with centuries of prayers from sailors and townsfolk alike. But when the bombs fell, it was left in ruins. Rather than rebuilding, the city chose to preserve it as a war memorial—a haunting shell standing in silent remembrance of what was lost.
Should it have been rebuilt? I personally, think it should have been rebuilt. However, in its current form, it remains one of Southampton’s most atmospheric spots, a powerful reminder of both devastation and resilience.
Evening – Bedford Place: A Glimpse of What Southampton Could Be
After a day of walking through the forgotten history of Southampton, you might be wondering if there is anywhere in this city that still has life. The answer? Bedford Place.
Unlike much of the corporate-planned regeneration in Southampton, Bedford Place still feels real. This small cluster of streets has some of the city’s last remaining independent bars, pubs, and restaurants, and in the evenings, it’s one of the few places in Southampton with a genuine atmosphere.
🍺 Craft Beer & Independent Pubs in Bedford Place
If you’re a craft beer lover, Bedford Place is Southampton’s best spot to grab a quality pint. This area is packed with independent bars and microbreweries, each offering something unique for beer enthusiasts. Whether you’re into small-batch brews, quirky taprooms, or a relaxed pub atmosphere, you’ll find it here.
Recommended spots in Bedford Place:
🍺 Overdraft Beer & Tacos – The ultimate craft beer and taco combo, with an ever-changing selection of brews.
🍻 Beards & Boards Craft Beer Bar – A relaxed, welcoming spot for small-batch beers and proper local vibes.
🍾 Bottle & Stoat – A hidden gem with an impressive craft beer lineup and a great independent feel.
🍻 The Social – A lively bar with a laid-back crowd and solid drinks selection.
No generic chain pubs, no overpriced cocktails—just great beer, great people, and a proper Southampton atmosphere. 🍻
Splash out! Make It an Overnight Trip of it! But Where to Stay?
If you really want to enjoy Bedford Place in the evening, staying overnight is a far better idea than rushing back to London. Here are three hotels for different budgets:
💰 Budget: Ibis Budget Southampton Centre (£50-£70) – Simple, clean, and close to the station.
💎 Mid-Range: The Pig in the Wall (£130-£180) – A boutique hotel full of character inside the old city walls.
🏨 Luxury: Leonardo Royal Southampton Grand Harbour (£180-£250) – A modern hotel with waterfront views, perfect for a more relaxed stay.
Final Thoughts – Is Southampton Worth a Trip?
Southampton is not the postcard-perfect England you see in brochures. But if you love history, if you like uncovering the forgotten stories of Britain, and if you want to see a city that still has something to say, Southampton is worth a visit.
Would I come back? Yes—but not for what Southampton is now, but for what it could be.
Watch the Full Video 🎥
🔔 Watch my full journey through Southampton on YouTube to see the city for yourself.
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Happy travels, The Wondering Englishman
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