Top Rated Attracties in Southampton

This quaint Tudor-style museum contains a minstrel's gallery, creaky floorboards, old kitchens and one of Henry VIII's cannons, among thousands of other artifacts. It also allegedly contains the ghost of Anne Boleyn, who stayed here with Henry when the house was owned by Sir Richard Lyster, Lord Chief Justice of England. There is a replica Tudor-style garden at the back featuring a mulberry tree planted by Huguenots in 1570 that drips with fruit in the summer. On sunny days the garden is full of scented herbs and flowers, making it perfect for some quiet contemplation.

Jane Austen's House Museum is a must-see for literary buffs. Jane Austen moved here from Southampton in 1809 and began writing again, revising Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice and Mansfield Park. You can see where Jane wrote, sewed, made wine and enjoyed gardening. Her music book, a dress she wore, a quilt she stitched and the work table where she wrote her books are all on display. You can also see her donkey carriage - the door still creaks out a warning, as it did when Jane hastily hid her writing from visitors.

The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu has a collection of old and unique vehicles unlike any other museum in the world. Whether you are visiting the museum for entertainment or for education, it is an interesting and fun experience either way! The National Motor Museum holds about 250 vehicles, from antique cars to speedy record breakers. To see everything in between, pay this spot a visit.

This gallery is one of the finest in the south of England and is a European Award Winner. Its collection spans six centuries from Old Masters to Modern British. The Main Hall celebrates 20th-century British art, with changing displays in the side galleries. Each year a fantastic variety of temporary exhibitions are hosted, ranging from Michelangelo and Da Vinci to contemporary artwork. You can take a lovely cool float through interlocking halls, refresh yourself at Fountains Cafe and then browse through the gift shop for cards and prints.

Located at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, The Mary Rose Museum was established in 1984 in honor of legendary naval warship 'Mary Rose' that served King Henry VIII for 33 years. The primary exhibit of the museum, it was built in 1510 and was the biggest vessel of its kind at the time, weighing about 500-tons in its prime. Primarily used only during wars, the ship sank in 1545 only to be only discovered 426 years later in 1971.

Regarded as one of the tallest edifices of the United Kingdom, the Spinnaker Tower soars at a height of 170 meters (560 feet)! Offering views from its three decks, the tower offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the Portsmouth harbor, the Isle of Wight and the South Coast. During the day, you can stand amazed at the glittering views of the sea. As dawn sets in, the Spinnaker Tower offers spectacular views of sparkling lights. Besides offering breathtaking views of the sea, the Spinnaker Tower also serves as an event space for private functions, corporate events, and concerts.