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Museums in Southampton

Museum of Archaeology

The superb collection of the Museum of Archaeology is an ideal place to start your own tour of historical Southampton. Once part of the city's defences this superb museum is now home to one of the most outstanding archaeology collections in England and traces the history of the city from its origins as a Roman town to the age of empire under Victoria.

The finds from the ancient settlements of Roman Clausentum and Saxon Hamwic, which grew up in the wake of the Roman collapse and later gave its name to the county of Hampshire, are among the best in the country: ceramics, jewellery and coins all attest to the rich cultural and economic links the Southampton area had with continental Europe. Please note entry fees apply.

Maritime Museum

Near the waterfront, the Wool House was built in the 14th century as a warehouse for the wool trade, and it has an impressive roof made of Spanish chestnut in which French prisoners carved their names during the Napoleonic war. Now the home of the Maritime Museum, a series of special exhibits on the great liners will help you discover the history of the docks. There is a magnificent docks model built by Southern Railway for the 1939 New York World's fair, and the Titanic Voices exhibition showing the impact of Titanic's fated maiden voyage on the people of Southampton. Please note entry fees apply.

Medieval Merchants House

This was built in 1290 as the home of a Southampton man who made his fortune trading with Bordeaux, and is one of the earliest surviving merchant's houses in England.

It has been restored to its mid-14th century appearance and replica furnishings provide an insight into medieval life. In 2008, The Medieval Merchant's House will be open from 12 noon to 5pm on Sundays only between 21 March and 30 September. Entrance is £3.70 adult, £1.90 child and £3 concessions.

Tudor House Museum and Garden

Built in 1495 for Sir John Dawtry, the Controller of Customs in Southampton. The Tudor House and the Tudor Garden are currently closed while long term refurbishment takes place to the House.

Solent Sky (Hall of Aviation)

This museum located near Ocean Village, is dedicated to telling the incredible story of aviation in the Solent area. At the museum many of the planes that made Southampton famous are on display. You can see the streamlined seaplane that competed in the 1929 Schneider Trophy, go on board one of the great Sandringham Flying Boats, or sit at the controls of a jet fighter which held the air speed record. The Spitfire, Britain's most famous fighter plane was designed by R J Mitchell and built locally, and you can see one of the last and fastest, along with many other aircraft of local interest. Please note entry fees apply. From 1 June 2008 these are: Adult £6, OAP, Concessions £5, Child £4