For many years Southampton was to me little more than a rest stop on the way from my home town on the Isle of Wight to somewhere else.
I know the routes to the train and coach stations well and if I’m in the city I just pop into Primark, IKEA and Westquay for a quick visit, and sometimes I also go to St Mary’s with saint-loving family and friends.
But spending a weekend in Southampton as a tourist? It seemed incredible and something I’d never considered.
But when I was invited to explore the city’s history and sites, I was intrigued.
Could I, an islander just 11 miles away across the Solent, really enjoy Southampton as a tourist destination? I set out to find out.
On a sunny Friday I packed lightly and boarded the Red Jet at Cowes, arriving in Southampton 20 minutes later.
A short walk from the terminal brought me to the White Star Tavern on Oxford Street.
Isle of Wight County Press: The White Star Tavern, Southampton
White Star Tavern, Southampton (Image: IWCP)
This five-star inn boasts an award-winning pub, restaurant and hotel, promising a “true taste of Hampshire hospitality”.
We found the atmosphere warm and inviting and the staff friendly, our spacious room with numerous complimentary amenities was perfect for a weekend stay.
Isle of Wight County Press: My Room at the White Star Tavern, Southampton
My room at the White Star Tavern, Southampton (Image: IWCP)
Eager to begin my adventure, I headed to Grumpy Monkey, a lively cocktail bar on Above Bar Street – I was on holiday after all.
Set in a modern setting with monkey-themed décor, I ordered their most popular drink, the Monkey Punch, made with spiced rum, Kraken and a variety of fruit juices.
Grumpy Monkey also offers a late-night bar experience with special events, and although it was quiet and calm when we visited earlier in the evening, we imagine the party atmosphere gets livelier for weekend party-goers.
Isle of Wight County Press: The Grumpy Monkey of Above Bar Street
Grumpy monkey on Above Bar Street (Image: IWCP)
We returned to the White Star for dinner and, as fish and chips are a Friday tradition in our house, we indulged in the tavern’s popular beer-fried haddock.
The restaurant area was bustling with a variety of accents, from an Australian family planning a visit to the city center to an American couple excited about their upcoming Caribbean cruise.
Isle of Wight County Press: Dinner at the White Star Tavern
Dinner at White Star Tavern (Image: IWCP)
My evening ended at God’s House Tower for the GHT Lates event. Steeped in centuries of history, this old gatehouse offers a unique nighttime exploration experience with the chance to listen to live music and learn about the building’s time as a prison.
In a cosy atmosphere, and whilst Winterfal, Nick Hilder and March performed, talented artist Chris Riddell sketched. His amazing real-time drawings were projected onto a screen behind the musicians, and his humorous depictions kept the audience laughing throughout the evening.
Held on the last Friday of every month, GHT Lates is a must-attend event for art and music lovers.
Isle of Wight County Press: Nick Hilder performing and Chris Riddell sketching at GHT Rates
Nick Hilder performing at GHT Lates and Chris Riddell sketching (Image: IWCP)
After a night of restful sleep, I set off in full tourist mode.
My first stop was Carleton Place Market, a quaint community market with several independent food stalls that takes place on the first Saturday of every month.
This community market features local businesses and stalls selling baked goods, jewelry, perfume, clothing and more.
Isle of Wight County Press: Carleton Place Market
Carleton Place Market (Image: IWCP)
Next, we visited Southampton Art Gallery, which is free to enter. The exhibitions of modern and historical art were very enjoyable, even for a beginner like me.
At the time of my visit, a couple was getting ready for their wedding at the back of the main hall, but they were not interrupted by the various art lovers quietly browsing the galleries.
This gallery is a must-visit for art lovers as it offers a glimpse into the city’s diverse art collections.
Isle of Wight County Press: Southampton Art Gallery, Main Hall
Southampton Art Gallery’s main hall (Image: IWCP)
Just a short walk away is SeaCity Museum, a major tourist attraction that opened in 2012 to mark 100 years since the Titanic set sail from Southampton.
The museum’s artefacts, artifacts and interactive exhibits delve into the story of the Titanic and Southampton’s maritime history.
Also on the wall is a list of the names of all the crew members who were on board the liner, including two men, 1st Class Bather H. Broom from Cowes and 1st Class Steward Henry Fairall from Ryde, both in their 30s, who were lost at sea.
Be sure to set aside a few hours to explore the museum thoroughly.
Isle of Wight County Press: Titanic model at SeaCity Museum
Titanic model at SeaCity Museum (Image: IWCP)
Below you’ll find links to Southampton’s attractions, bars, hotels and restaurants.
For lunch we headed to Ocean Village Marina, a classy, modern and clean area where impressive yachts and sailboats are moored.
Banana Wharf, one of many restaurants overlooking the marina, served up a delicious “BFC” burger made with the establishment’s own “secret spice mix” and their “famous” Banana Colada cocktail.
Isle of Wight County Press: Lunch at Banana Wharf, Ocean Village Marina, Southampton
Lunch at Banana Wharf, Ocean Village Marina, Southampton (Image: IWCP)
After a stroll around West Quay, Marland and my usual visit to Primark, I arrived in Southampton Old Town, home to the Tudor House and Gardens.
This historic attraction tells the story of over 800 years of Southampton history, and I was ushered into a welcoming banquet hall where the spirit of the house explained the building’s history before I was whisked away to a stroll through creaking corridors and lush gardens.
Interactive experiences and family-friendly activities make for an engaging visit.
Isle of Wight County Press: Tudor House and Gardens
Tudor House and Gardens (Image: IWCP)
Heading back across town, our Saturday night began at Rita’s Bar, where I tried the Silver Fox cocktail, which is always on the menu due to its overwhelming popularity.
With its classy atmosphere, I found Rita’s to be a great place to unwind, and if you’re heading out into the town, it’s also a great place to start your evening with plenty of bars nearby.
Isle of Wight County Press: Rita’s Bar, Oxford Street
Rita’s Bar on Oxford Street (Image: IWCP)
The highlight of the evening was dinner at Ennios, an award-winning Italian restaurant and hotel.
The Brodetta di Pesce and Lasagna al Forno were excellent, and the experience was made even more memorable thanks to the most friendly waiter I have ever met.
If you’re in Southampton and want to sample some authentic Italian and traditional cuisine, Ennios is a great choice, not far from the Red Jet terminal.
Isle of Wight County Press: The bar area at Italian restaurant Ennios
The bar area of Italian restaurant Ennios (Image: IWCP)
My weekend ended at Dancing Man Brewery, which describes itself as “not your typical English drinking hole” and is located in a 700-year-old former Wool House on Town Quay.
Many Islanders have probably noticed the brewery and the grassy hill beside it, always dotted with patrons, just outside the Red Funnel Car Ferry, perhaps while turning left towards IKEA.
Once again, I sampled the venue’s most popular beer, the Big Casino, an in-house brewed IPA with a citrus punch.
Isle of Wight County Press: Dancing Man Brewery
Dancing Man Brewery (Image: IWCP)
Plan your stay
An overnight stay for two people in one of White Star Tavern’s cosy cabins starts from around £98 including breakfast – see www.whitestartavern.co.uk
Grumpy Monkey: www.grumpy-monkey.co.uk
God’s House Tower (GHT Lates): www.godshousetower.org.uk – Entry to changing exhibitions, galleries, cafe and library is free. Entry to special events costs extra.
Southampton City Art Gallery: www.southamptoncityartgallery.com – free entry
Sea City Museum: www.seacitymuseum.co.uk – Adults: £11.00, Children aged 5+: £8.50
Banana Wharf: www.bananawharf.co.uk
Tudor House and Gardens: www.tudorhouseandgarden.com
Rita’s: www.ritasbarandkitchen.co.uk
Ennios: www.ennios.co.uk
Dancing Man Brewery: www.dancingmanbrewery.co.uk
For more information, visit visitsouthampton.co.uk
Our weekend in Southampton was filled with walking miles, discovering new streets far from the high street, and experiencing the city’s rich art, history, and delicious food.
To my surprise, I discovered that islanders can also be tourists in Southampton.
The city’s charm and vibrant appeal make it a hidden gem on our doorstep and the perfect place for a weekend getaway.
