Southampton is a port; the first docks were built in 1838 and since then many great transatlantic liners, such as RMS Queen Mary, Aquitania, and Queen Elizabeth, have had Southampton as their home port. Today Southampton is home to the Southampton Boat Show and is the country's main cruise port with more luxury ships arriving and departing than from the rest of the UK put together. The most famous cruise liner to leave Southampton was the Titanic, on 10 April 1912. Five days later, in the early hours of 15 April, she sank after striking an iceberg. The disaster had a devastating effect on the people of Southampton. Most of the crew lived in the town and over 500 households lost at least one family member.

Southampton Maritime Museum shows the importance of the sea in Southampton's past and its development as a port in the 19th century. Since 1912 Southampton Maritime Museum has been gifted or acquired a large number of items relating to the Titanic disaster. These include Captain Smiths Royal Naval Reserve Sword presented by his widow. There are also letters, telegrams, keys and other personal belongings of crew members are on display.

Southampton City Art Gallery has 2,700 works of art, ranging over six centuries from v Old Masters to contemporary British art. It is the most outstanding gallery in the South of England. Free admission.

The Medieval Merchants House is one of the earliest surviving merchants houses in England. Admission is approx. £3.00

Southampton City Council Museum of Archaeology has Archaeology collections which tell the story of Southampton from the Stone Age to the present day. The museum is in God’s House Tower which is a fascinating and historic building consisting of a 13th century gatehouse.

Southampton Castle and City Walls Half of the 14th century town walls remain, along with the 4 towers. The main entrance to the town, the Bargate (left), still stands

West Quay Shopping Centre has more than 100 stores including John Lewis, Marks & Spencer and 50 fashion boutiques. It is open 7 days a week and is also has a floor of restaurants and cafes.

For details of opening times and admission prices, please ask the Social Organiser.