5 must-see Southampton museums

In the county of Hampshire, Southampton welcomes more than four million tourists a year. Its location, just 75 miles south west of London and slightly east from the New Forest, is perfect for a long camping trip. While you can easily travel to Southampton’s ports and surrounding areas to make the most out of your Hampshire trip, the city itself is a lively cultural hub with art galleries, music venues and top class museums. To really get a taste of the city’s past and present, we have compiled a quick list of five must-see Southampton museums. Set aside some time for the whole family to enjoy a fun learning experience within the city.

1. Medieval Merchant’s House

Now lovingly preserved by English Heritage, this restored 13th century building has survived centuries of domestic and commercial use. Built in 1290 by John Fortin, the Grade I listed building is now a popular tourist attraction along French Street. For an affordable price of £4.00 for adults and £2.40 for children, guests can wander around the house’s rooms, medieval exhibitions and gardens before settling down for some lunch in the picnic area. This tucked away historical site, which is within walking distance from the city centre, has other attractions nearby to explore, including Netley Abbey and Portchester Castle.

2. SeaCity Museum

Situated within the heart of Southampton, the popular SeaCity Museum plays homage to Southampton’s maritime past and present. Visit the museum to discover the city’s Titanic connections and stories of its inhabitants over the centuries. Amongst SeaCity’s attractions is the Clock Tower tour and Southampton’s Settlements, an insightful and hands-on guide into the area’s archaeological past. The Galley Cafe and education rooms can also be enjoyed at SeaCity. Discover the museum’s highlights seven days a week from 10am to 5pm on Havelock Road. Family tickets are £18 while a joint ticket with the Tudor House and Garden (number 5 on our list) costs £9.50.

3. Solent Sky Museum

Another museum which celebrates one of Southampton’s major industries over the years is the Solent Sky Museum, formerly known at the Southampton Hall of Aviation. The museum showcases the history of aviation in Southampton and the Solent area. More than 18 various aircrafts can be viewed in the Engine Bay including the famous Spitfire, the S6b and many more. Visitors can imagine what it is like to take to the skies in the cockpit of a Swift or a Harrier Jump Jet, followed by a tour of the flight deck and a Sandringham Flying Boat. Take your family to this popular tourist spot Monday through Saturday from 10am and 5pm or on a Sunday from 12pm to 5pm for a price of £6.50 and £4.50 for adults and children.

4. Southampton City Art Gallery

Although this next entry technically isn’t a museum, we just couldn’t leave out the Southampton City Art Gallery. This tourist hotspot is found in the Civic Centre on Commercial Road and has a vast collection that span eight centuries of European art history. The internationally renowned gallery tells the story of western art from the days of the Renaissance to present day. Since the gallery first opened in 1939, the venue has welcomed exhibitions ranging from sculpture and paintings to photography, drawings and films. Visitors of all ages can enjoy the City Art Gallery’s lively roster of adult workshops, art clubs for children and a dynamic exhibition line up for free from Monday to Saturday.

5. Tudor House and Garden

Relax in the Tudor House and Garden (pictured above) on Bugle Street with your family away from the hustle and bustle of Southampton’s city centre. The Grade I listed building is a historic site, museum and tourist attraction all rolled into one. In fact, when the museum was first established in 1912, it was regarded at the oldest in Southampton. Today, locals and tourists can discover more than 800 years of history every day from 10am to 5pm. The beautiful timber-framed building and surrounding formal gardens play host to family-friendly activities and interactive, hands-on learning experiences throughout the year. There is also a cafe and shop on hand to soothe tired feet. Admission for a family of five costs £12.

These five Southampton museums give an insight into the city’s interesting past and vibrant present. All of these attractions are easily accessible from Southampton’s range of campsites along the Southampton Water and River Hamble to Botley inland.