Southampton is steeped in maritime heritage and today is known as the cruise capital of Europe. The city has a vibrant atmosphere with an impressive cultural and retail offering - featuring in the UK's top ten shopping destinations.
Outstanding art galleries in the city include some of the finest collections outside of London and there are many local artists and creatives too, showcasing and selling their work. For evening entertainment the Mayflower theatre regularly shows West End musicals and ballets, Turner Sims offers world class jazz concerts and spoken word and Nuffield Southampton Theatres is a leading producing theatre company.
Southampton’s heritage reaches far beyond the Mayflower. The Bargate in the centre of the High Street was built as the main entrance to the medieval walled town circa 1180 AD.
Much of the medieval city walls also still survive, together with the vaults where the merchants stored their wine. The novelist Jane Austen lived in the city from 1806-1809. Years before the Pilgrims left Southampton through the Westgate Henry V marched his troops through to sail for France and the battle of Agincourt. The Titanic set sail from White Start dock in 1912. Walking Tours are available exploring each of these stories and The SeaCity museum tells the story of the tragic Titanic journey and maritime history of this great port city.
The New Forest National Park, historic Winchester and naval Portsmouth are also all easily accessible from Southampton. London is also only just over an hour by train.
Southampton’s Mayflower 400 project is led by Southampton City Council and is delivered with cultural, corporate and community partners all across the city. The year will focus on the themes of journeys, migration, maritime heritage and innovation.
It seeks to celebrate the city and those who live and work here, it will explore the stories of all the people of the world, including the Mayflower passengers, who have come to, or through, Southampton in search of a new life.
Matching grassroots activity with major cultural projects, the city’s creativity and extraordinary maritime heritage will be showcased through projects such as:
The Mayflower arrived in Southampton in late July 1620 and several days later was joined by the Speedwell, carrying the Pilgrims from Leiden. Their intention was to prepare both vessels and sail in company directly to America.
Southampton was a thriving seaport offering all the commercial facilities to provision and equip for the long sea voyage. Many of the buildings and streets familiar to the Pilgrims then still exist.
The town had established trading links with Virginia and Newfoundland, so there was an experienced pool of seamen who had previously made the dangerous Atlantic crossing. John Alden, a cooper, joined the Mayflower and it is thought William Brewster also slipped aboard here, having been in hiding after publishing material that angered King James.
Stephen Hopkins from Hampshire also joined here and is known as the only Mayflower passenger with prior New World experience, having been shipwrecked in Bermuda in 1609.
There were already concerns about the Speedwell, which required repairs after developing a leak. But on 15 August the two ships weighed anchor and set sail.
Southampton was an ideal place to start the voyage for many reasons. The water is one of the world’s largest natural harbours and offers a safe anchorage, plus its unique double tide provides easy access for 16 hours out of every 24.
Southampton was a true Sea Town (now Sea City since 1964) with all requirements for the preparation of a maritime adventure. Extensive quays and wharfs provided easy access to the commercial facilities in what was and still is a very successful trading port.
Although there was much local trade from the surrounding counties; Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire, Sussex as well as France and the Channel Isles, there were also trading links with Virginia and Newfoundland. This meant that there was an experienced pool of seamen who had previously made the difficult and dangerous Atlantic crossing.
John Alden, a cooper, joined Mayflower here and a George Alden who could well have been his father lived in the high street. The town records show that the Council were ordered to press 100 seamen and mariners for the Royal Navy in July perhaps a good enough reason to sign on to the Mayflower’s crew.
The Speedwell was found to be leaking and it was thought at the time that she may have had too large a mast and sail area. The extensive ship building and repair facilities near West Quay were very useful in expediting repairs.
According to Southampton’s Book of Instruments records, a ship called Speedwell was built locally in 1606 and this may have been the vessel that returned to her home port.
However, the most important benefit to the expedition was the availability of all the supplies required, not only for the voyage but to establish a permanent community in the New World. It is thought that the Pilgrims and settlers shopped during the day and slept back on board both ships. These were supposedly anchored just off West Quay.
In 1620, there were 153 Merchants in the Town of whom 118 were engaged partially or wholly in the wool trade but the balance would have been able to provide all the other items required for self-sufficiency.
When the Mayflower and Speedwell left together on that fateful Saturday 15 August after a fraught and hectic stay they could not have imagined that their persistence would lead to the founding of New England.
Southampton has extensive records pertaining to the Pilgrims which can be found in the city archives.
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Visitor Attraction
Southampton’s most important historic building, Tudor House reveals over 800 years of history.
Visitor Attraction
Tells the story of Southampton and its historic connections with Titanic and the sea.
Visitor Attraction
Internationally renowned for its permanent collection which features around 5,000 works.
Visitor Attraction
Step back in time on the banks of the Beaulieu River at the peaceful haven of Buckler's Hard.
Visitor Attraction
At the heart of the New Forest, Beaulieu is a multi-award winning family day out with something for everyone.
Visitor Attraction
Exbury Gardens is a famous garden in Hampshire which belongs to a branch of the Rothschild family.
Visitor Attraction
The Medieval Merchant's House is a restored late-13th-century building in Southampton, Hampshire, England.
Visitor Attraction
Visitor Attraction
Marwell’s 140-acre park is home to an incredible range of exotic and endangered species
Historic Site
Avington Park is a beautiful privately-owned stately home set in its own parkland
Historic Site
£5.50-£18
Museum
Solent Sky Aviation Museum depicts the story of 26 aircraft manufacturers producing everything from biplanes to space rockets
Grand Harbour Hotel
Hotel
The 173 room Grand Harbour Hotel is located close to the shopping centre and cruise terminals.
Dolphin Hotel
Hotel
The 99 room Mercure Southampton Centre Dolphin Hotel is the oldest hotel in Southampton dating back over 500 years.
Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa
Hotel
The magic of water and its therapeutic benefits with the world class luxury spa facilities.
The Montagu Arms Hotel
Hotel
The Montagu Arms Hotel dates back to 1742. It has a cosy, homely character and picturesque gardens.
The Holiday Inn
Hotel
A modern Southampton hotel near the city's cruise terminals with an indoor pool and gym.
Southampton Harbour Hotel
Hotel
Featuring stunning contemporary design with a restaurant and rooftop bar.
The Clock Tower
Hotel
The Grange Estate's holiday accommodations in Hampshire provide a perfect base from which to visit the Estate and the surrounding area.
Hotel
The world's first hometel brand, is a unique offering combining the comforts of home with the service of hotels
Jurys Inn
Hotel
Located right at the heart of the city overlooking East Park and just a 15 minute walk from the Central Station
Holiday Inn Express
Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Southampton is a contemporary hotel with free Wi-Fi, Parking and breakfast included next to the Ageas Bowl
DoubleTree by Hilton
Hotel
Located just outside the city centre, minutes from the M3 and M27 motorways, DoubleTree by Hilton Southampton offers easy access to plenty of activities
New Place Hotel
Hotel
New Place has something for everyone with a grand manor house, smart business centre and an array of bedrooms, all surrounded by expansive gardens
Highfield House Hotel
Hotel
Highfield House Hotel extends not just a fantastic hospitality towards you, but also a great accommodating environment
Hilton at the Ageas Bowl
Hotel
The Ageas Bowl in Southampton offers the famous cricket ground, Hilton hotel, eforea spa and an 18 hole golf course
Holiday Inn Winchester
Holiday Inn is the perfect destination for leisure, business and families in Winchester
Novotel Southampton
Hotel
Conveniently located in the heart of Southampton city centre, the 4-star Novotel Southampton hotel is the perfect base for guests looking to explore.
Best Western Chilworth Manor
Hotel
Edwardian Manor House Hotel with state-of-the-art health club and spa
Elizabeth House Hotel
Hotel
The restored Elizabeth House Hotel made up of three Victorian buildings and is quintessentially British
Claremont Guest House
Guest House
Established in 2001, Claremont Guest House provides comfortable, warm and friendly accommodation right in the heart of Southampton
Mayview B&B
Bed & Breakfast
The Mayview B&B is an intimate contemporary bed and breakfast located in a peaceful area in the heart of Southampton
You'll be the first to hear the latest Mayflower news, events, and more.
A display incorporated within the Southampton Stories exhibition at SeaCity Museum, exploring how the City has marked commemorations before – Including the Mayflower
All residents of Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Wiltshire and Dorset are invited to submit their artwork for the Southampton City Art Gallery’s biennial ‘open exhibition’
The Maritime Festival will once again be take over Southampton's historic docks in 2020
We step back into history with this unique street theatre company’s production which brings to life 17th century Southampton. Meet Essay Whittiffe builder of the Speedwell, the colourful fishwives of St Michael’s Square, bid farewell to John Alden as he leaves his Southampton home. Set against the original historic backdrops of where these real life incidents took place – feel free to dress up in period costume if you want to really immerse yourself in 1620s Southampton. Get ready to enjoy the sites, sounds and smells of history.
Gods House Tower is the last building the Pilgrim Fathers saw as they sailed out of Southampton harbour. The medieval building has recently undergone a £3 million pound refurbishment, revealing the historic building, which houses a model of Southampton in 1620 and an exhibition illustrating the town in the period. To launch events during the time the Pilgrims spent in Southampton the tower are hosting an exclusive Pilgrim Supper in the long gallery, along with entertainment provided by the Sarah Siddons Theatre Company. Join us for the meal, private tour of the tower and meet some of the characters from 17th century Southampton.
Southampton’s most important historic building, Tudor House reveals over 800 years of history.
Tells the story of Southampton and its historic connections with Titanic and the sea.
Internationally renowned for its permanent collection which features around 5,000 works.
Step back in time on the banks of the Beaulieu River at the peaceful haven of Buckler's Hard.
At the heart of the New Forest, Beaulieu is a multi-award winning family day out with something for everyone.
Exbury Gardens is a famous garden in Hampshire which belongs to a branch of the Rothschild family.
The Medieval Merchant's House is a restored late-13th-century building in Southampton, Hampshire, England.
Marwell’s 140-acre park is home to an incredible range of exotic and endangered species
Avington Park is a beautiful privately-owned stately home set in its own parkland
Solent Sky Aviation Museum depicts the story of 26 aircraft manufacturers producing everything from biplanes to space rockets
The 173 room Grand Harbour Hotel is located close to the shopping centre and cruise terminals.
The 99 room Mercure Southampton Centre Dolphin Hotel is the oldest hotel in Southampton dating back over 500 years.
The magic of water and its therapeutic benefits with the world class luxury spa facilities.
The Montagu Arms Hotel dates back to 1742. It has a cosy, homely character and picturesque gardens.
A modern Southampton hotel near the city's cruise terminals with an indoor pool and gym.
Featuring stunning contemporary design with a restaurant and rooftop bar.
The Grange Estate's holiday accommodations in Hampshire provide a perfect base from which to visit the Estate and the surrounding area.
The world's first hometel brand, is a unique offering combining the comforts of home with the service of hotels
Located right at the heart of the city overlooking East Park and just a 15 minute walk from the Central Station
Holiday Inn Express Southampton is a contemporary hotel with free Wi-Fi, Parking and breakfast included next to the Ageas Bowl
Located just outside the city centre, minutes from the M3 and M27 motorways, DoubleTree by Hilton Southampton offers easy access to plenty of activities
New Place has something for everyone with a grand manor house, smart business centre and an array of bedrooms, all surrounded by expansive gardens
Highfield House Hotel extends not just a fantastic hospitality towards you, but also a great accommodating environment
The Ageas Bowl in Southampton offers the famous cricket ground, Hilton hotel, eforea spa and an 18 hole golf course
Holiday Inn is the perfect destination for leisure, business and families in Winchester
Conveniently located in the heart of Southampton city centre, the 4-star Novotel Southampton hotel is the perfect base for guests looking to explore.
Edwardian Manor House Hotel with state-of-the-art health club and spa
The restored Elizabeth House Hotel made up of three Victorian buildings and is quintessentially British
Established in 2001, Claremont Guest House provides comfortable, warm and friendly accommodation right in the heart of Southampton
The Mayview B&B is an intimate contemporary bed and breakfast located in a peaceful area in the heart of Southampton