Saturday, April 12, 2025 – Photo of the Day – South Hampton, UK

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Southampton, UK, in southern England.

SOUTHAMPTON, UK
The departure point of the Titanic
Home of the ill-fated Titanic departure, Southampton has a long maritime history. Henry V’s fleet bound for the battle of Agincourt left from here, as did the Mayflower (not from Plymouth as many believe) and the great British ocean liners. Queen Elizabeth 2 and Queen Mary departed on their maiden voyages from the port. So, suffice it to say that Southampton is a seafaring place.

Today, Southampton is the cruise capital of Northern Europe, so expect a city that understands how to have fun. This comes in various ways: a castellated old town with lots of charm, some excellent museums (the most notable of which is the Sea City Museum), and extensive green spaces. Authentic Tudor remains provide a fascinating insight into 15th-century living, while other landmarks date back even further. A stroll around the city is generous in its attractions, so there is no better way to see Southampton than on foot.

Culture-wise, the city’s bustling Guildhall Square is the centre for art, education, and food and drink. Southampton’s location of the south coast of England means just a short distance away lie some interesting spots. Prehistoric enigma Stonehenge is less than an hour away, while Salisbury’s quintessentially English market town is perfect for shopping. Both are well worth a visit. For those who prefer their entertainment crafted by Mother Nature, a short ride to the New Forest will give you peace; think idyllic glades, ancient woodland, open moors, heathland, and cliff top walks.

SIGHTS
• John Hansard Gallery
• Seattle City Museum
• The Stage Door
• Tudor House and Garden
• Go Ape Southampton
• Royal Victoria Country Park
• City Eye
• Mayflower Studios
• Houdini’s Escape Room adventure in Southampton
• Harbour Lights Picturehouse
• The Mayflower Village

SHOPPING AND CUISINE
The city has the best tea rooms, cafes, shops, and restaurants to suit all your foodie needs. If you’re looking for a good drink, Southampton has award-winning cocktail bars, clubs, pubs, wine bars, and even speak-easy bars.

The Mayflower Village is a pub located next to The Mayflower Theatre, serving beer, wine, spirits, and food. It has recently been refurbished and features an area to play ping pong. The pub is well-known for its pizzas and burgers.

Banana Wharf is the perfect spot for birthdays, celebrations, lunch, or breakfast under the sun. It is the premier choice for waterfront al fresco dining. Large decorative murals depicting the industry in full flow can be seen inside all Banana Wharf venues.

Today’s Excursion – Historic Winchester
We discovered the history of Winchester and its legendary sights during this excursion.
Southampton, Central Winchester
We took a stroll to the entrance of Winchester Cathedral and proceeded on a guided walking tour. We learned about the history of Winchester and King Alfred the Great, who united the Kingdom of Wessex and made Winchester its capital in the late 9th century, and ordered the building of Winchester Cathedral and Winchester Castle. We saw the unchanged parts of this original Romanesque building and the fabulous Gothic Nave, which was modernised in the 14th century.

Burial Place of Jane Austen, Great West Window, Winchester Cathedral Tour
Next, visit the burial place of Jane Austen, author of Pride and Prejudice, and admire the Great West Window, which was
smashed by soldiers during the 17th-century Civil War and later repaired with medieval glass after the Restoration of Charles II
in 1660. Learn about William Walker, the diver credited with saving Winchester Cathedral in the early-20th-century, and
walk on floor tiles dating from the 13th century.

Tonight’s dinner was in the Atlantide Restaurant