Known as the cruise capital of Europe, Southampton plays host to over four million visitors a year and boasts an impressive cultural offering, from museums, music venues and art galleries, to award winning parks and the general hustle and bustle of a diverse city with fantastic shopping facilities.

Sightseeing walks and tours in and around Southampton offer visitors great opportunities to explore and make the most of a day or short break in the area.

Join one of the many guided or self-guided walks and discover the history and culture of this magnificent city.

‘See Southampton’ is Southampton's newest tour guiding group, offering tours and talks, for individuals and groups. An innovative series of walks has been designed to showcase the very best of Southampton.

Southampton's history

Sotonians include Jane Austen, who lived in what is now Old Town, and it is rumoured that Southampton Water is the site where King Canute tried to hold back the tides. The renowned novelist lived in Southampton from 1807 to1809. There is a Jane Austen Trail through Southampton's Old Town

The city has an important aviation and maritime heritage. Henry V marched his troops through the Westgate (still standing) to sail for France and the battle of Agincourt. The Mayflower sailed from Southampton taking settlers to the New World of America. The Titanic embarked from Southampton on its fateful maiden voyage, taking over five hundred Southampton residents who would never return. Southampton was home of some of the first flying boats, and it is thought that the term 'air port' was first used in reference to Southampton in this role. Local resident RJ Mitchell designed the Spitfire and it had its maiden flight from what is now Southampton airport. Local people kept production of this vital plane going throughout the war. The port also served as a critical base for American soldiers amassing in secret for the D Day landings.