See Southampton Heritage Guides – Sightseeing tours, tour guides and accessible tours
2026-2027 Special Walks and Tours
See Southampton runs a number of themed walks and tours throughout the year, each one focusing on one of the amazing stories in Southampton’s history.
Our 2026-2027 Special Walks and Tours programme includes:
Jane Austen in Georgian Southampton Southampton’s American Story
Southampton’s Second World War Story High Vaultage – Definitive Tour of the City’s Vaults!
Ghastly, Grim and Gory The QE2 Mile Explorer (2027)
Titanic Monuments in Southampton (2027) Christmas in Southampton (with festive refreshment)
Southampton City Weekday Walking Tours 45-minute Southampton Old Town Walking Tour
See below for tour details.
Jane Austen in Georgian Southampton
Discover the world of one of Southampton’s most famous residents!
Famously of the write-what-you-know genre of authors, how much of Southampton is written into Jane Austen’s books? With Southampton an elegant and chic spa town, Jane partied, danced, entertained, walked, took pleasure boats and enjoyed the seaside air when living here 1806-1809. On our walking tour of the old city, visit the places Jane knew and loved, while exploring Georgian Southampton.
Meet at the West Gate, Westgate Street (what3words: letter.tribes.inch)
Southampton's American Story
2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Southampton has many American connections – from early exploration of the New World and the sailing of the Mayflower, to involvement in the American War of Independence and the American Civil War, the important role America played in Southampton in the First and Second world wars, in particular with regard to D-Day. Join our Heritage Guide for a two-hour walk exploring these stories and more, including those of the Titanic, Hollywood stars and sporting connections.
Meet at the West Gate, Westgate Street (what3words: letter.tribes.inch).
Southampton's Second World War Story
Walk the streets of the old town to discover Southampton’s vital WWII role.
Hear about the city as a military port, learn about the wartime industry – from building warships to the story of the iconic Spitfire fighter aeroplane – while discovering the devastating effects of the Blitz. Experience what life was like for those living in Southampton – including visits to some of the medieval vaults turned air raid shelter – while hearing about the arrival of the impact of the Americans to the city.
Meet at the West Gate, Westgate Street (what-three-words: letter.tribes.inch).
2026
Friday 8 May 14:00-15:30
Book via Eventbrite
Thursday 13 August 18:00-19:30
Book via Eventbrite
Tickets £12.50
Or pay on the day (cash/card)
45-minute Southampton Old Town Walking Tour
Especially created for our cruise ship visitors, but all welcome!
Hear the story of our port city, dating back to Roman times, and with its medieval city walls and towers. Hear about the famous ships connected to Southampton, such as the Pilgrim Fathers’ Mayflower in 1620, and the Titanic in 1912. Explore the stories of the elegant Georgian years of the city as a chic spa town, with novelist Jane Austen one of our most famous residents. A military port throughout the centuries, hear about the pivotal role Southampton played during WWII, the port in US hands, home to wartime industry, and a major target during the Blitz.
Meet at the Bargate, High Street (what3words: hosts.likes.lifts)
2026
Friday 15 May
10:30-11:15
12:00-12:45
14:00-14:45
Tickets £10.00
Book via Eventbrite
Or pay on the day (cash/card)
High Vaultage!
The definitive tour of Southampton’s vaults.
Don’t miss this opportunity to go where other Southampton walks fear to tread! A special fund raiser for See Southampton, whose volunteer team operate the Cruise Welcome Desk, give library talks, host visiting journalists, and have a vibrant Facebook page focusing on all things Southampton. Refreshments at the end of the tour at The Westgate, (tea/coffee and light bites) and an opportunity to view the Westgate Exhibition and meet members of the See Southampton team.
Meet at the Bargate, High Street (what3words: hosts.likes.lifts)
2026
Wednesday 20 May (18:00-20:30)
Wednesday 23 September (18:00-20:30)
Tickets Adults £18 (inc. refreshments)
Book via Eventbrite
Southampton City Weekday Walking Tours
Explore the hidden history of Southampton – a gentle fascinating stroll on a convenient weekday.
A two-hour walk in the city of medieval vaults, WWII history, Jane Austen, the Mayflower, Titanic and much more. Your guide specialises in telling stories to bring history alive, blending knowledge, entertainment and humour. If you’re a tourist, this tour will introduce you to this great city. If you’re a local, it will unlock hidden places you probably pass every day, with a special key to unlock secret vaults and towers. Prepare to be wowed! Book tickets on Eventbrite to avoid disappointment or walk up on the day.
Meet at the Bargate, High Street (what3words: hosts.likes.lifts)
2026
Wednesday 22 July (11:00-13:00)
Book via Eventbrite
Wednesday 26 August (11:00-13:00)
Book via Eventbrite
Wednesday 30 September (11:00-13:00)
Book via Eventbrite
Tickets Adults £15, Under 16s £5
Christmas in Southampton
A Christmas cracker of a walk!
90-minute guided walk followed by warming refreshments – mulled wine, sausage rolls and mince pies – in the Westgate. Join the See Southampton heritage guides on a walk through the city’s Christmas past. Explore the western walls and medieval vaults, recounting tales of yesteryear, referencing historical characters, events and songs and plenty of Christmas cracker jokes, and ending with refreshments at the Westgate.
Meet at the Bargate, High Street (what3words: hosts.likes.lifts)
2026
Wednesday 18:00-19:30
2 December
9 December
Tuesday 18:00-19:30
15 December
Tickets £16.50 (inc. refreshments)
Booking opening later in the year.
The QE2 Mile Explorer
Explore the famous route from The Titanic Memorial and Cenotaph to the Bargate and far end of the High Street, stopping to explore vaults along the way! Meet at The Titanic Engineers Memorial, 11am – 2pm.
2027
Wednesday 13 January
11:00-14:00
Tickets (Adults) £15.00
Booking opening later in the year.
Titanic Monuments in Southampton
Hear the tales behind Southampton’s Titanic Memorials. This guided walk will visit The Engineers Memorial; The Musician’s Memorial; Milvina Dean Memorial Garden; Civic Centre Memorial; Crew Memorial in Holy Rood Church; and Gatti’s Team memorial table in St. Joseph’s Church. Other Titanic related buildings in Southampton will also be highlighted. (Please note, there is no vaults entry with this walk.)
Meet at The Engineer’s Memorial, East (Andrews) Park (what3words: start.coach.wicked)
2027
Wednesday 14 April
10:30-12:45
Tickets (Adults) £16.00
Booking opening later in the year.
SEE Southampton – more history than you ever imagined!