Apartments, airbnb and holiday cottages in Southampton

Visit Southampton: home of the Titanic!

Southampton's history has been founded on its connections with the water: from the long running port and harbour, to its links with the Titanic, it's become known as the Liverpool of the south. However, with 4 million visitors a year, they can't all be heading to the harbour – and they're not. The city itself is a treasure trove of curios and hidden artefacts about the place's history, as well as a number of memorials and trails detailing the creation of the Titanic, and its ill-fated first voyage over 100 years ago. Now, it is also home to the Southampton City Art Gallery which spans over six centuries of distinctly European art, as well as the Tudor House and Garden, and SeaCity Museum. Whether you're looking to learn more about history, art, or nature, or simply watch the ships go by, you'll find the holiday accommodation of your choice.

The Best Time to visit Southampton

For the ideal weather for your trip to Southampton, the months of June through t the end of September are typically the nicest. Minimal rain and precipitation, with warm if not hot summers. The temperature of Southampton can typically vary throughout the year, with autumn and winter (October until March) feeling fairly cold thanks to the lack of humidity and cool sea air blowing over from the English Channel. The warmest month by far is July, but the area doesn't need bright sunshine to still be enjoyed; the cold air can be fresh for an afternoon hike, before relaxing in front of a cosy fire in your bed and breakfast holiday rental.

How to get to Southampton

Situated on the south coast of England, Southampton handily has its own airport, so no matter where you're coming from you can fly straight in and be at your holiday rental in no time. Southampton Airport has connections to cities all over Spain, France, Portugal, Ireland, the Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland, and the UK, and it's only a five-mile trip to the port – the best spot in the city. In addition, there is a train station at the airport, the Southampton Airport Parkway Station, which travellers can take straight to Southampton Central Station in the middle of town. Alternatively, it is possible to reach Southampton by either train or car. It's easily accessible via the M1 and then the A34 from almost anywhere in the country – the M1 is the best road in the UK after all – and you can book a car parking spot right by the port via their online website. If you'd rather hop on the train, there are direct trains from London Victoria, Brighton, Reading and Winchester straight to Southampton Central or Southampton Airport Parkway. If you fall in love with this coastal city and wish to explore further this part of the English coastline, why not extend your holiday and book an apartment in Portsmouth, only half an hour away by train and car!

Where to Stay in Southampton

The Harbour

Southampton has a pretty impressive port that stretches for ten miles. It was first inaugurated over 150 years ago in 1843, and today it is the busiest cruise terminal in the entirety of the UK. The entire port is nestled between the mouths of the Rovers Tes and Itchen, making it one of the world's largest natural harbours. One of the best places to visit in Southampton, travellers can sit and watch the ships go by while sitting in a harbour-side restaurant and enjoying a cool drink. Why not stay at the Ennios? This unusual holiday accommodation in Southampton comes in the form of an Italian restaurant with a handful of short-term apartment rentals, all with sit-out terraces with views over the harbour.

The city centre

Southampton's city centre is impressive, with countless attractions scattered all over the place – which can make it difficult when deciding where to stay. From the Tudor House and Garden, to the old city walls, the Titanic Trail, and even the SeaCity museum, no matter where you choose to base yourself, you'll never be more than a few steps from one of the fascinating and interesting sights on offer. If you're looking for luxury holiday rentals in Southampton, then the Mercure Southampton Centre Dolphin is your best bet; set in a heritage listed Georgian building, it's just minutes away from the Tudor house, and manages to seamlessly combine the heritage of the building with sleek, modern interiors. Alternatively, why not try the Regent Guest House, a warm and friendly bed and breakfast in Southampton's city centre.

Things to do in Southampton

SeaCity Museum

The only museum to visit if you want to learn all about Southampton's history and its people – especially their connections to the sea. The main exhibition surrounds the RMS Titanic, whose home port was Southampton, and the museum has its own 1:25 scaled version of the Titanic in its halls. There are also a number of interactive exhibits for visitors to get up close and personal with the historic past.

Steamship Shieldhall

The Steamship Shieldhall is the largest working steam ship that still exists in the whole of the UK and British Isles – and it also happens to be a member of the National Historic Fleet. Guests can enjoy a number of training courses at the site, or hire out the ship for private events, as well as being able to book an excursion around the steamship.

Titanic Engineer Officers Memorial

When the Titanic sunk in 1912, over 500 households were affected. So, in 1914, the Titanic Engineer Officers Memorial was revealed, commemorating all the engineers from Southampton who tragically lost their lives when the Titanic sunk. It's a captivating spot revealing a lot about Southampton's history and the strength of the people who work there. In total, 24 engineers, 6 electrical engineers, two boilermakers, one plumber, one clerk and Joseph Bell, Chief Engineer Officer of the RMS Titanic were all lost on the ship.

Tudor House and Garden

The Tudor House and Garden is Southampton's first ever museum, built back in 1912. With over 800 years' worth of history inside its walls, the house is considered the city's most historically important building. Take the "tour and tea" special, which sees guests follow a guide throughout the building, learning about the full 800 years of history, and then sitting down to enjoy a cream tea as you discuss what you've just seen. There's also a tour that discusses the various hauntings of the house, for those of you that like to be spooked.

Solent Sky Museum

Not a museum about astronomy, as the name might suggest, but instead the Solent Sky Museum exhibits the history of aviation as it relates to Southampton. This includes 20 different air frames, from the Spitfires to the Supermarine S.6 and a number of other great frames from between 1910 and 1960. Take a guided tour of the museum and learn about all of the important work the people of Southampton did to improve aviation.

The Mayflower Theatre

Just around the corner from Southampton Central station is a beautiful 90-year-old grade II listed building, inside which is the Mayflower Theatre, one of the best theatres in the country. Over the 90 years it's been in paly, a number of West End shows have performed here, from the award-winning Les Misérables to West Side Story and even Hairspray. Not only this, but music legends such as Kate Bush and the Rolling Stones have performed here.

Medieval City Walls

First built during the 14th century, Southampton's medieval city walls are nothing short of breath-taking. They stretch over the length of a mile, complete with wine vaults to explore, churches, and an incredible view of the water and the ships entering the harbour. To get the best views of the walls, which also happen to be the third longest stretch of unbroken city wall in all of Britain, then head to the Western Esplanade, where you'll also spot the Wind Whistle Tower.

Caskaway Tasting Rooms

A fascinating little micropub in Southampton's town, the Caskaway Tasting Rooms offers visitors the chance to drink their way through a number of to-notch craft beers, ciders, wines, and spirits, all purchased from independent brewers around the city. The selection changes regularly, but they often have approximately 18 different brews to choose from and try, which you can get in selections of six delivered straight to your table.

St. Mary's Stadium

Southampton Football Club has been playing at the St. Mary's Stadium since 2001 – and its obviously working, as the team is in the Premier League. The stadium holds over 32,000 people, creating an amazing atmosphere whenever there's a game on. Alternatively book a guided walking tour around the grounds and have a peak behind the scenes of what goes on to keep the stadium running.