Public Themed Tours
2026 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 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 ExplorerTitanic Monuments in Southampton Christmas in Southampton (with festive refreshment) See below for details of some of the tours – with more information to be added shortly. 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 (what-three-words: letter.tribes.inch) 2026 dates: Sunday 12 April (11:00-13:00) Sunday 2 August (11:00-13:00) Tickets £12.50 – book for 12 April via Eventbrite (2 August booking opening shortly) 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 (what-three-words: letter.tribes.inch). 2026 dates: TBC Tickets £12.50 – booking opening shortly 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. 2026 dates: Friday 8 May 14:00-15:30 Thursday 13 August 18:00-9:30 Tickets £12.50 – booking opening shortly SEE Southampton – more history than you ever imagined!