Southampton, Ferries and Ferry Crossings

Welcome to the Southampton (UK) section of FerryCrossings.org, the site for information about major UK and continental ports and the ferries between them. Our site includes an introduction to a number of ports and feature pages about the various crossing ways, lanes and routes and companies operating between them to help you plan your journey and discover interesting travel destinations along the way. You can even compare prices and save money on your ferry tickets with ads from selected major ferry lines.

Port of Southampton

Southampton has been, and still is, a a major English port dating back to the years following the Norman Conquest. It is the largest city in the county of Hampshire and the closest to the New Forest. It lies at the head of Southampton Water where the the River Test and River Itchen meet the water together with, to the south, the River Hamble. The castle at Southampton was built in the 12th century and, in the centuries that followed, the city was an important and wealthy trading port for merchants from overseas. Evidence of this can be seen in the remains of some early merchant's houses in the city. The city boasts impressive mediaeval defensive walls of which a great deal still remain. On the wall is 'God's House Tower', dating back to 1417. It has had many uses over the centuries but, today, houses the Museum of Archaeology.

Shipbuilding became an important factor in the city's development and it was in Southhampton's boatyard that King Henry Vlll''s warship 'Grace Dieu' was built. It was from Southampton that the iconic ship, 'Mayflower', with the Pilgrim Fathers, set sail from England's shores in 1620 to escape persecution and to found a colony at Plymouth, Massachusetts. Amongst Southampton's many other claims to fame is that it was the home of the Supermarine Spitfire, the fighter aircraft whose brave pilots in the Battle of Britain captured the public's imagination in so many films made after the Second World War.

During the war, because of its strategic importance, Southampton suffered badly in enemy bombing raids but, despite this, the surviving mediaeval walls are still the longest in the British Isles and, with the impressive mediaeval town gate, the Bargate, shouldn't be missed. If you plan to sail from Southampton there are numerous attractions to visit and places to explore whilst you wait for your ferry. Visit the Tudor House Museum, the Maritime Museum and the Solent Sky museum which concentarates on the history of aviation.One of the highlights of Southampton's calendar is the week-long annual Boat Show in September.

The city has a vibrant nightlife attracting famous musicians to its concert venues, and West End Shows to its theatres. Back to the water and one of the most famous names associated with Southampton is that of Cunard and its liner the Queen Elizabeth ll. If markets take your fancy then the pedestrianised area round the Bargate Monument is a must-visit. It's here that you'll find, on a regular basis, Friday markets selling fresh local fruit and veg., meat, bread and confectionery together with European foods, olives and cheeses. Also weekly is a World Market offering foods from every corner of Europe and beyond. Once a month there is a craft and art market offering orignal and vintage work. Also once a month is an antiques and collectible market with something for every collector's pocket. Twice a month there are producers and growers markets offering shoppers the opportunity to buy fresh food and drink from independent suppliers.