Location: Southampton
Top Things to do in Southampton
5 Specialty Museums in Southampton That You Shouldn't Miss
Southwest of London is Southampton (Soton to the locals), a metropolitan area centered around the port. However, tucked away on the side streets are ancient gems such as the Tudor House, Mottisfont Abbey, and "God's House," a museum located in a tower in the medieval wall. The ultra-modern Sea City Museum celebrates Southampton's seafaring past and the RMS Titanic. Looking for nightlife? Travelers can dance the hours away with bars, clubs, and live music, all accessible by public transportation.
Restaurants in Southampton
1. Bursledon Brickworks Industrial Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 182 reviews
Bursledon Brickworks Industrial Museum is all set to become one of the key visitor attractions in the South. The only remaining steam driven brickworks in the country we show how brick making made the leap from small scale production to 20 million bricks a year. The fully restored and working machinery helped us to win the coveted Institute of Mechanical Engineering Heritage Award in 2011 and on Open Days we can show it all running as it was when it ceased producing bricks. On site you can see the patented method adopted to dry the bricks and the huge kiln block that was used to fire them ready for collection. The museum has other clay based collections on site and lots of opportunities on offer which makes a visit both enjoyable and educational.
Reviewed By SouthamptonUKAndy22 - Southampton, United Kingdom
Another visit to my local industrial museum which has reopened following COVID lockdown. Felt safe to visit, currently only open on Thursdays. Well worth a visit to get an overview of local brickmaking.
2. Tudor House and Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 626 reviews
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.
Reviewed By MichaelandKaren
At just £5 this is absolutely amazing value for money! Great audio guide and beautiful gardens. Very well preserved and fascinating video about its recent restoration. Lots of information over several centuries and fab interactive displays that turn 360 degrees.Lovely gift shop and very helpful staff especially on the front desk and knowledgeable room guides. A must see place for anyone visiting Southampton and for all ages.
3. Solent Sky Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 869 reviews
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.We have 18 complete airframes, including a Supermarine Spitfire and Supermarine S6a (N248), and also 4 cockpit sections. We also have a comprehensive collection of aero-engines.Our mighty Sandringham Flying Boat was originally built as a Short Sunderland in 1943, and converted to a passenger aircraft after the war. Visitors are welcome to board the aircraft to sample the luxury of air travel in the romantic era of the great flying boats, and guided tours of the flight deck are also available.Kids (and big kids) can also imagine what it would be like to fly a jet fighter while sat in the cockpits of our Supermarine Swift and Harrier Jump Jet. Our new Schneider Trophy Exhibition is now open, with its record-breaking centrepiece the S6a. Video stock footage of these legendary races and artefacts from the time illustrate the drama and romance of the fastest race in history.
Reviewed By Exploration814927
We visited in the afternoon and were warmly greeted by two volunteers, one of whom gave us a brief introduction to the layout, including the relatively new section which now includes the Hampshire Police and Fire Service Museum exhibits. A volunteer quickly showed my grandson to a couple of jet fighter cockpits to sit in ( including flying helmet ), and he was hooked! We spent the next two hours working our way around, including the magnificent flying boat over which another volunteer gave us a comprehensive and very informative tour. All the volunteers were very interesting and knowledgeable. A wonderful afternoon. We will certainly go again.
4. God's House Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
NOW OPEN! Southampton's brand new arts and heritage venue. Inspirational art, stunning rooftop views, and 700 years of history.
Reviewed By shaz4444 - Southampton, United Kingdom
The staff are very friendly and the whole atmosphere is great, lots of really interesting things to see, well worth a visit
5. SeaCity Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,481 reviews
Reviewed By 996thailas - San Mateo, United States
We recently booked the SeaCity Museum for a virtual birthday party for my 8-year old son and it was a HUGE hit! My son is fascinated with the Titanic and was very insistent that he wanted a party on this topic. We live in the US and after not having much luck finding someone local, we looked across the pond. :). Kate and Andy were both so engaging and fun, and kept a large group of children and adults engaged for a full hour. The presentation included several interactive features such as polls, a mini scavenger hurt, identifying mystery artifacts, and decoding Morse Code, which kept all of us captivated throughout. After the party, I received so many messages from friends expressing how much their children enjoyed and learned about the Titanic! I highly recommend booking SeaCity Museum for your next virtual birthday party. Thank you, Kate and Andy!
