Social Program
SeaCity Museum
Based at the heart of Southampton, the SeaCity Museum tells the story of the people of the city, their fascinating lives and historic connections with Titanic and the sea through three interactive exhibitions, with two permanent ones: one exhibition dedicated to Southampton's connection with the Titanic, and the other to the city's role as gateway to the world. The third space focuses on temporary exhibitions on new Southampton Stories.
As part of the conference, from 5-7pm on the 9th of August 2023, we will visit the SeaCity Museum (at no extra cost—entrance fee is already included in the conference fee).
More to see in Southampton
The city of Southampton plays host to over four million visitors a year and boasts an impressive cultural offering, from museums, music venues & art galleries, to fantastic shopping facilities. Sightseeing walks and tours in and around Southampton offer visitors great opportunities to explore the heritage, taking in medieval walls and vaults, Norman-era churches, Tudor house and Gardens, the QE2 Mile’ & the Titanic Trail.
Situated at the heart of Southampton’s cultural quarter, the SeaCity Museum focuses on the city and it’s connection with the sea, including the Titanic heritage and the stories of the people who have travelled in and out of Southampton through the ages.
Southampton’s Old Town has more hidden treasures than many other cities and has attracted famous residents and visitors including William The Conqueror, Henry V, William Shakespeare, the Pilgrim Fathers, among many others.
No area in England has played a greater part in British aviation than Southampton and the Solent. The Solent Sky Museum in the heart of the City, tells the story of the legendary & iconic WW2 Spitfire fighter plane – designed and built in Southampton.
It is also possible to get out on to Southampton Water. Either a fast paced treasure hunt on RIB’s or a more leisurely sail across to the Isle of Wight. Blue Funnel Cruises run short cruises lasting between one and three hours. These are a perfect opportunity to explore the city’s quays and the River Hamble.
City Centre Activities
Below is a selection of Southampton activities to choose from:
Mayflower Theatre
One of the biggest theatres outside of the West End, Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre holds over 2,270 people showing some of the biggest and best productions. Until 3rd September 2023 the theatre is showing the musical, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. More information and tickets can be found here.
Nearby destinations
There are numerous destinations a short distance from Southampton.
The New Forest
Proclaimed a royal forest by Willian the Conqueror, the New Forest covers southwest Hampshire and southeast Wiltshire. There are idyllic villages dotted throughout the forest and coastline.
-
Lymington
Originating in the Iron Age, this harbour town holds a weekly market established in the 1250’s.
-
Beaulieu
Home of the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu Abbey and Beaulieu Palace House.
-
Keyhaven
This small fishing village, lies at the base of Hurst Spit, which holds Hurst Castle, used briefly to detain Charles I.
Day Trips
-
Winchester
The historic Capital of England, it has developed from Iron Age and Roman occupation, and holds Europe’s longest Gothic cathedral.
-
Portsmouth
The only island based English city and a Naval base since Roman times. The Portsmouth Historic Dockyards holds famous ships such as The Mary Rose, HMS Victory & HMS Warrior.
-
Isle of Wight
England’s largest island, this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is famous for its maritime history and Queen Victoria’s favourite retreat Osbourne House.
-
Oxford
Easily accessible by train, this historic city holds the Ashmolean Museum, the oldest museum in the UK.
-
Blenheim Palace
The only non-royal, non-episcopal house to hold the title of Palace in England, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Fun Fact – birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.
-
Salisbury
Completed in 1258, Salisbury Cathedral holds one of four surviving copies of the Magna Carta.
-
Arundel Castle
Originating from 1067, this mirror of Windsor Castle has descended directly to the present day, seeing wars, sieges and royal visits.
-
Bath
Famous for its Roman baths, this World Heritage Site is famous for its Georgian architecture and sandstone buildings.
-
Stonehenge
One of the UK’s most famous landmarks, the Bronze Age World Heritage Site can be reached in an hour by car.
-
London
The UK’s capital and largest city, holding 4 World Heritage sites, as well as numerous renowned museums, galleries and theatres. Landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey can also be visited. Travel to the city in under 2 hours by direct train from Southampton to London Waterloo Station.
