Home / Historic Old Town

Historic Old Town

Come and discover Southampton's Old Town, one of the gems of England. A place, with some unique features, that has played its part in the country's history and that, for diverse reasons, attracted the interest of William The Conqueror, Henry V, William Shakespeare, the Pilgrim Fathers, Isaac Watts and Jane Austen.

Walk in their footsteps seeing buildings that span centuries of time, be captivated by the spell of very impressive medieval town walls that rival any to be found in England and wonder at The Bargate, one of the country's finest medieval town gates.

See the church in which Philip of Spain heard Mass before riding to Winchester to marry Queen Mary in 1554. Be thankful that you are not trapped beneath the fiendishly defended West Gate. Near here both Mayflower and Speedwell were berthed in 1620 when the Pilgrim Fathers were at Southampton and had no inkling that they would be making an unscheduled stop at Plymouth.

Find out the fishy story of why Tudor Merchants' Hall was moved. See places that Jane Austen and her family knew, including the wide variety of architectural styles within a short distance in Bugle Street. Go back in time at award winning museums, in historic buildings, to see how people lived here in past centuries and why the loss of the Titanic had such a devastating effect on Southampton.

Within a short distance of the Old Town is the waterfront, peaceful now with cruise ships and container vessels that are such a feature of Southampton, but once of vital importance for the D-Day landings.Solent Sky, with its wonderful display of historic aircraft, is nearby. With no shortage of places to relax, eat and drink, Southampton's Old Town looks forward to your visit.

For more information, contact the Tourist Information Centre