Spending an Afternoon on Southampton Waterfront

Thanks to its location on the confluence of the rivers Test and Itchen in Hampshire, Southampton has long been a city where great ocean adventures have begun. With its roots in Roman times, the settlement first came to prominence in 1066, when conquering Norman aristocrats saw its waterside location as a springboard to their vast estates back across the English Channel in France. King Henry V and his soldiers embarked on their voyage to the battlefields of Agincourt from this burgeoning port in 1415, while in the early 17th century, the Pilgrim Fathers set sail to the New World from Southampton.

By the advent of the 19th century, the city was known as the "Gateway to the World"; it had become a liner port of international significance and that's a role it holds to this day. This great seafaring tradition survives in Southampton's waterfront district, where you can still watch stately cruise liners depart from the five cruise terminals, tour medieval landmarks slap-bang next to the gleaming Westquay shopping malls, learn of the city's tragic link to RMS Titanic in a shiny new museum and go on to discover the booming late-night pub and dining scene.

Yes you can – in fact the best way to see Southampton waterfront, its landmarks and attractions is on foot – just bear in mind that the docks are out of bounds for everyone apart from cruise passengers. Book guided walking tours (£7, daily in summer, weekends only in winter), which leave from The Bargate at 1:30pm, or alternatively download the self-guided Titanic Trail route, commemorating the 549 crew members from Southampton who lost their lives when RMS Titanic hit that iceberg on her maiden voyage in 1912.

Overnight in Southampton hotels before sailing away on a cruise or looking to dive into the city's history? Here's what to see.

Imposing and crenellated, The Bargate has been a Southampton icon since late medieval times. It was built as part of the original walls that wrapped around the city, which were replaced in the 1360s – several sections of which are still standing.

High Street, SO14 2DJ. Open 24/7. Free to access.

Good to know : If you're in need of sustenance during the afternoon, one of Southampton's most popular events is the Village Popup market, open Friday and Saturday from 9am to 5pm around The Bargate.

GHT (as it's known locally) began life in 1189 and over the centuries it has doubled as an arsenal, prison and archeology museum. Today it's an innovative creative hub showcasing local artists alongside exhibits highlighting the history of the building.

Town Quay Road, SO14 2NY. Open Fri–Sat 10am–5pm; Sun 10am–4pm. Admission free.

This timber-framed townhouse is a 13th-century time capsule showcasing the life of a medieval wine merchant. Have a peek inside for the restored exposed beams, replica period furnishings in the bedchambers and cellar originally used for storing wine.

58 French Street, SO14 2AT. Open Apr–Sep 11am–4pm daily.

Destroyed by bombing in The Blitz, the ruins of Holyrood Church are preserved and dedicated to Southampton sailors from the Merchant Navy who lost their lives in World War II; inside you'll find a serene courtyard and the white-marble Titanic Crew Memorial Fountain.

3-5 Bernard Street, SO14 3AU. Open 24/7. Free to access.

Good to know: In front of the church is a 13-ton anchor from the formerly Southampton-based cruise liner Queen Elizabeth 2 , now enjoying retirement as a floating hotel in Dubai.

Tall, spindly and topped with a bronze weather vane representing The Mayflower , this ornate Portland stone memorial celebrates the sailing of the Pilgrim Fathers from Southampton to America in 1620.

Town Quay, SO14 2AP. Open 24/7. Free to access.

Dominating St Michael's Square in Southampton's Old Town, the multi-gabled, half-timbered Tudor House is full of quirky treasures including a leather sedan chair, a set of wooden stocks and a penny-farthing. You can spot 16th-century graffiti etched into the walls of the Trade Room, and immerse yourself in video displays of delicate pages from the illuminated Southampton Book of Hours .

Bugle Street, SO14 2AD. Open Mon–Thur 10am–3pm; Sat–Sun 10am–5pm. Book time slots online .

Good to know : There's a neatly kept, colorfully planted knot garden behind the house, from which you can access the ruins of the Norman-era King John's Palace.

Don’t miss the two hard-hitting displays at SeaCity. "Gateway to the World" celebrates the millions of people who have passed through Southampton, from ancient Roman traders to World War II troops departing for Normandy beaches. Featuring an interactive model of the Titanic (get the kids to try steering it), "Southampton’s Titanic Story" depicts the grim events of that fateful night in 1912 and how the tragedy affected the city and its residents.

Civic Centre, Havelock Road, SO14 7FY. Open 10am–5pm daily. Admission £10.50; book time slots in advance online.

Southampton may be the city of ocean-going cruisers, but it has strong aviation links as well. It was the home of early flying boats, and World War II Spitfires were designed here by engineer RJ Mitchell. Discover his backstory at this fascinating museum – an entertaining interlude if your offspring are getting fretful with all the cultural sightseeing.

Albert Road, SO14 3FR. Open Mon–Sat 10am–5pm; Sun 12pm–5pm.

Experience the golden age of steam on a cruise around Southampton Water aboard the Steamship Shieldhall; the kids can tour the engine room, admire gleaming brasswork on the bridge and chat to the ship’s crew.

110 Berth, SO15 0HH. Book cruise tickets online.

In early evening, Southampton changes up a gear as streets around the waterfront come alive and the pubs, bars and restaurants begin to fill up.

Overlooking the River Itchen, stylish Ocean Village Marina is the new kid on the block if you’re after drinks, cocktails and sophisticated dining for all tastes from Thai to British – and the Mediterranean cuisine at The Olive Tree is standout good. Pedestrianised Oxford Street also packs a gourmet punch in indie bars and brasseries – and when the weather permits, you can eat al fresco under colourful awnings. Lovers of Italian dishes should make a beeline for Ennios, housed in a former warehouse where the luggage of Titanic’s first-class passengers was stored.

Heritage looms as large in Southampton pubs as it does in its museums and monuments. You can drink in historic, half-timbered pubs like the Duke of Wellington, or catch the current zeitgeist at Dancing Man , a micro-brewery set in a 14th-century former wool store right on Town Quay. And the roster of drinking holes would not be complete without one named after the city's biggest tragedy, so stop by The Titanic Pub & Kitchen for a decent pint and live music in old-world surrounds.

If you're staying at Mercure Southampton Center Dolphin , there is paid parking at the hotel. Otherwise, there are several pay-and-display car parks near the cruise terminals and the waterfront attractions – the closest (and most expensive) being Town Quay car park. The parking at Harbor Parade is close to the waterfront and if you're staying on to party until late, it's free after 6pm.

Southampton's weather is at its best between June and September, but the city is well-supplied with indoor entertainment options to keep everyone happy if the heavens should open. There are family-centric shows (Peppa Pig often stars) at MAST Mayflower Studios, and there's a schedule of fun workshops and craft sessions for kids at SeaCity Museum.

Southampton's weather is at its best between June and September, but the city is well-supplied with indoor entertainment options to keep everyone happy if the heavens should open. There are family-centric shows (Peppa Pig often stars) at MAST Mayflower Studios, and there's a schedule of fun workshops and craft sessions for kids at SeaCity Museum.

Popular viewing points for watching the grand spectacle of a 185,000 -ton cruise boat set sail from their home port include Mayflower Park, right on the waterfront, and the neighboring Town Quay yacht marina. See liners and ferries pass by from Southampton Water View Point at the southern end of Town Quay car park and of course, if you're overnighting at family-friendly Novotel Southampton on the waterfront, you'll have a grandstand view of all the comings and goings in the terminals.

This is our top selection of interactive museums, maritime memorials and medieval landmarks in Southampton – please enjoy exploring them all!