Although Southampton has become synonymous with the hundreds of cruise ships that depart its port every year, holidaymakers should do better than give this vibrant city more than just a cursory glance. History buffs, trivia fans and art lovers in particular will find that the city has so much to offer and days spent in Southhampton will definitely prove worthwhile.
It is noteworthy that this port city has a rich history spanning 2,000 years. Like any other strategic locations, it was coveted by many and had been a target of attacks and attempts to conquer. Take a lazy stroll around the city and you’ll see many sections still lined with centuries old defensive walls to protect the territory from raiders and intruders.
If you are interested in getting a good look at Southampton’s remarkable history, the Museum of Archaeology is the perfect place to start. The museum’s exhibits will take you as far back as the prehistoric times, through the Romans and Saxon period up until the romantic Middle Ages and the energetic contemporary times.
For real life experience of how it was like to live in luxury back in the medieval period, pay a visit to the Medieval Merchants’ House. The house and its lavish furnishings are authentic representations of the opulence enjoyed by the rich merchants back in the day.
The Maritime Museum is also a worthy destination especially to those who are curious about the Titanic whose doomed voyage commenced from the city’s renowned port back in 1912. The 14th century building housing the museum is also an attraction in itself. You’ll also get to know the navigational giants of the old such as the Mayflower and the Queen Mary when visiting this city’s major attraction.
Southampton is not just a navigator’s arena. It also played a significant part in aviation’s history. Check out the Solent Sky or the Hall of Aviation to find out more about the city’s pioneering contribution – the Spitfire fighter plane of the World War II. If planes are your passion, you can’t pass up the opportunity to sit in one of the many historic aircraft cockpits on display and play jet fighter pilot for the day.
The Southampton City Art Gallery is the place to go for art enthusiasts. The art deco building where it is located is a work of art in itself and you are surely going to delight in the 3,500 spectacular artworks it contains. Six centuries worth of masterpieces are housed in the museum as well as a remarkable 20th century collection from local artists. From the Art Gallery, you may want to check out the Mayflower Theater. Its impressive line of performances – ballet, musicals, opera, etc. - will surely impress.
Finally, it is worth noting that Southampton’s attractions are not all contained indoors. The city is gifted with plenty of verdant gardens where you can sit back, relax and nibble on your sandwiches while you enjoy the sights and sounds of Southampton daily life. The Hawthorns Urban Wildlife Center is also worth visiting if you want to spend more time with nature. It exhibits several natural ecosystems that are surely going to get plenty of excitement from both children and adults alike.
Sunee is author of this article onHotels in Thailand. Find more information aboutPhuket Hotels here.
No comments:
Post a Comment