The seaside city of Southampton welcomes over 4 million visitors a year and offers an action packed holiday experience, regardless of age or interests.

The city has some exceptional cultural and historical attractions and the 800 year old Bargate marks the entrance to the Old Town, where the 3rd longest stretch of medieval defensive walling in England can be found. In the Old Town you will literally step back in time and walk in the footsteps of many famous residents, including Shakespeare, Jane Austen and Henry V. Tudor House is Southampton’s most important historical building and visitors can learn more about the city and its heritage whilst wandering through the exhibits and exquisite Tudor knot garden.

The Seacity Museum is housed in the former magistrates'' Court and is an interactive museum that focuses on Southampton’s close ties to the sea. It chronicles stories of the Titanic and other maritime events that affected the city in an entertaining and informative way for both adults and children.

Solent Sky Museum showcases Southampton’s ties to aviation and visitors can tour various types of aircraft or learn more about the rich aviation history of the area. R J Mitchell, who designed the Spitfire, was a local resident and it was at what is now Southampton Airport where Spitfire had its maiden flight.

The medieval merchant’s house and Mottisont Abbey are both also popular attractions and are situated near the River Test where several lovely pubs and restaurants offer a fantastic opportunity to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Southampton is renowned for its music venues and award winning parks; live music performances are often held in these outdoor oases of tranquillity. For those who enjoy a more active holiday, there are also plenty of walks through the town, alongside the river and on the coast, and water based activities are on offer for the more adventurous.

Discover a city with so much to offer, book cottages in Southampton for your next getaway.