Southampton is the largest cruise ship destination port in Europe, with more than 500 cruise ships arriving here every year and as a city we’re delighted to share the amazing centuries of history with our guests.
Many of our guests want to explore this history of the old town with its maritime history dating back to Roman times.
A walk along the streets of the old town covers the story through the centuries, from the city’s earliest days to the medieval time of a wool-out-wine-in port, the stories of the famous ships – the Titanic especially – and on to the elegance of the spa town era, and effects of the Second World War.
Some cruise guests are looking for certain themed walks – such as covering the story of Southampton in the Second World War, or the 1620 Mayflower connection – and I’ve just done a Jane Austen in Georgian Southampton tour for two delightful American ladies.
The novelist was one of the city’s most famous residents, living in Southampton 1806-1809 and many foreign visitors – particularly from the US – are fascinated to hear about her life during this time.
One of the guiding organisations to which I belong is See Southampton Heritage Guides, and which is also putting together a programme of walks aimed specifically for cruise ship visitors to Southampton.
Southampton old town is a mere five minutes from the cruise ship terminals – or a ten-minute stroll – and tours can be tailored to suit individual themes and timings.
If you’d like more information, do please get in contact!
Caroline Wigley 