Saturday, April 12, 2025 - Southampton, England, United Kingdom

Southampton, a vibrant and historically rich city, is nestled in the picturesque county of Hampshire.  Its stunning maritime heritage is vividly reflected in its bustling port, which has been a pivotal gateway to the world for centuries.  The city's fascinating past is intricately woven with tales of the Mayflower and the Titanic, each leaving an indelible mark on its history.  Medieval walls whisper secrets of a bygone era.

 

Southampton's cultural tapestry is woven with a diverse array of attractions. The city's energetic vibe is palpable in its lively entertainment scene, frequently hosting spectacular events.  When the sun sets over the water, the city transforms into a kaleidoscope of colors, offering a truly unforgettable experience. 

Nestled on the banks of the Solent, Southampton's story begins in Roman times with the establishment of Clausentum, a fortified settlement in what is now Bitterne.  By the 5th century, Anglo-Saxons shifted the town center to St. Mary's, laying the foundation for what would become a flourishing medieval port.  During the 8th and 9th centuries, Hamwic (modern-day Southampton) emerged as a thriving trading hub, bustling with merchants exchanging goods across Europe.

The Norman Conquest of 1066 marked a turning point for Southampton.  The construction of the iconic Bargate, the medieval gatehouse in the city center of Southampton, built around 1180, transformed the city into a fortified stronghold.  This grand gateway, adorned with intricate carvings, became the heart of medieval Southampton.  The city walls and vaults, some of which still stand today were built to protect its burgeoning trade in wool and wine.

Modern Southampton thrives as a lively cultural hub while cherishing its historic treasures. From walking along medieval walls to exploring museums or admiring the many memorials, the city provides an opportunity to be immersed in centuries of captivating stories. It's a story of transformation - an ever-evolving narrative of resilience and innovation.  We were excited to have an opportunity to visit this remarkable city.

Since there were only two tours offered today and both of them necessitated extensive walking, I made the decision to forego them and take the shuttle to town instead.  So, Bob went on tour alone.  Instead, I chose to take the ship's shuttle bus which drove us to the local shopping center. Here's how each of us spent our day.

Twila's Day:

After a leisurely breakfast I took the shuttle bus to the Harbour Parade shopping area in Southampton.  The Harbour Parade is a vibrant hub of activity, nestled alongside the bustling Westquay shopping center. It offers a dynamic retail experience which complement Westquay's extensive array of shops and dining options.  The area is alive with the hum of shoppers and diners, set against the backdrop of Southampton's rich maritime history.    

As I strolled through the wide array of stores and service centers, I noticed a chocolate store (for those of you who know me, you aren't at all surprised that my eyes and "spidey" senses would immediately lead me to a chocolate store)!  Let's just say that I contributed to the British economy in this store.  I was surprised at all of the fast food restaurants located in the shopping center.  I could certainly tell that we were back in the western world!  There were two McDonalds, KFC, and Burger King, etc.  There was also Marks and Spencer, John Lewis, Hollister, Hobbs, Garmin, and Fat Face, among many other retail stores.  I strolled through the shops, determined not to get lost in this maze of stores.  I had to remain very aware of my surroundings since this was a very large retail center, with many twists, turns and avenues.  It was quite a distance back to the shuttle so I wanted to make sure that I could find my way back to the shuttle and the ship.  After a very successful and enjoyable shopping trip, I returned to the ship just a short time before Bob returned from his tour.  Next, he'll share with you his exciting tour.  

Here's Bob: 

Winchester, a city where history whispers from every cobblestone, began as Venta Belgarum, a Roman settlement in 70 AD.  By the 9th century, Alfred the Great revived its grid-pattern streets, transforming it into the thriving capital of Wessex—a beacon of art, learning, and royal power. His statue dominates the edge of the town where we were dropped off for the beginning our three mile walking tour.  The Normans later reshaped the town, demolishing the Old Minster to erect Winchester Cathedral in 1079, a Gothic marvel that still dominates the skyline.

Winchester Cathedral stands majestically in the heart of Winchester, a testament to centuries of history and architectural splendor. This magnificent structure, begun in 1079, is the longest (front to back walls) medieval cathedral in Europe.  It stretches 558 feet into the sky. Its Perpendicular Gothic interior is a symphony of elegance, with vaulted ceilings adorned by over a thousand intricate carvings, known as roof bosses, depicting leaves, angels, and heraldic badges. The cathedral's walls, crafted from a variety of stones including Quarr limestone and Caen stone, tell a story of resilience and beauty. It is a treasure trove of art and history, housing the tombs of legendary figures like King Alfred the Great and Jane Austen. As sunlight filters through its stained glass windows, the cathedral transforms into a kaleidoscope of colors, a true marvel of medieval craftsmanship. It remains a vibrant cultural hub, hosting various events and services.

 

Within the massive cathedral is the tomb of Jane Austen and also the resting place of a famous medieval diver who spent five years diving into the sinking foundation and installing cement to firm up the foundation.  In the basement is the crypt, which is the oldest part of the cathedral--water is still visible in the crypt which sets below the nearby River Itchen.

• The Great Hall provides a journey into an Arthurian legend exhibit where Henry VIII’s replica of King Arthur's Round Table hangs—a whimsical nod to myth and monarchy. 

   

  
  The Round Table is a prominent feature of the hall and is often linked to the Arthurian legends. While the table itself was constructed in the 13th century, it is believed to have been repainted for Henry VIII, who also included the names of King Arthur's knights around the edge.

• Our group meandered along the River Itchen, a UNESCO-protected river, spotting occasional otters among serene meadows and medieval houses. 

   

  The 27 mile river has international importance and is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to it high quality habitats which support a range of protected species including the otter, salmon and white-clawed crayfish.

   

  

Today is Saturday so this is market day on the main walking street.  Winchester’s charm isn’t just in its past. The bustling High Street, lined with independent shops and Tudor facades, leads to the 15th-century Butter Cross, adorned with statues of King Alfred and saints. Along the several blocks, street musicians added ambiance to the experience with their beautiful musical renditions.

 

From Saxon kings to Jane Austen’s final days, Winchester is a living museum—where every corner tells a story, and the echoes of King Alfred’s reign still resonate. Whether you’re tracing the Pilgrims’ Way or sipping ale in a medieval hall, this city invites you to walk through time.

 

 Summary of our time in Southampton:

 

Although we have visited England many times in past years, and have even been to the port in Southampton, we had never disembarked and spent any time in this city.  This year we had the time, even though brief, to explore a bit of the nearby towns and countryside.  Southampton turned out to be an exciting blend of history, charm and modern architecture.  As evening approached and we looked out at our spectacular view, the city's lights danced across the water, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that made us appreciate the beauty of this South Coast gem.

 

We have been blessed over the years to have visited many spectacular places throughout the world.  Quite often, we have the opportunity to revisit places we have seen on  previous trips.  However, sometimes it's nice and quite refreshing to visit places in which we had not had the opportunity to spend time, which was the case in Southampton.  Although we only had a very brief, one-day visit it was very enjoyable to have some time to explore this interesting port.

Now, we are on our way back to France, where we will dock in Rouen for three days.  It will be a very special visit for those of us on the full world cruise, since we will be taken off the ship for a couple of days to have a private visit and dinner at the Palace of Versailles followed the next day by a visit to the spectacular city of Paris! This experience will definitely be the highlight of this year's world cruise.