The last leg of our European road trip was Southampton, UK. Southampton is where our ride back to the US, the Queen Mary II departs from for the Transatlantic crossing. Our last visit was mid January and the cold, rain, and exhaustion from our NYC > UK crossing kept us from exploring much that trip.
Our first stop after check in was an authentic taste of British hospitality at the Canute Pub, a short stroll from our hotel. Craving that genuine pub vibe, we were delighted to find that our furry friends were more than welcome—complete with their very own water bowl! I indulged in what might just be the best fish and chips of my life, while Daniel enjoyed bangers and mash. It was the perfect first UK meal, blending hearty food with warm, down-to-earth service.
We arrived in Southampton with plenty of time to explore before boarding the Queen Mary II. The city greeted us with a vibrant mix of modern buzz and historical charm. Strolling along High Street, we dove into the local scene at the Bargate Markets. Amid medieval architecture and a history steeped in stories of ancient gateways, lively market stalls offered everything from fresh produce to handmade leather goods. The market’s atmosphere was an eclectic blend of old and new, much like the city itself.
Our wanderings led us past notable landmarks such as Holyrood Church—a resilient remnant of Southampton’s deep past. Despite the scars of wartime, its enduring structure stands as a quiet testament to the city’s layered history. Alongside these historical excursions, we found ourselves immersed in contemporary local life: from an impromptu festival at Hoglands Park featuring mouthwatering Arabic-inspired treats to a leisurely evening dining on the patios of Oxford Street’s bustling restaurants, including a memorable meal at the Grape House. Its mix of modern cosmopolitan flair and historic maritime connections made for a unique dining experience.
For a slice of everyday calm, our regular pup walks took us to Queens Park—a delightful green haven right outside our hotel. This charming park, lined with majestic London plane trees and dotted with thoughtful memorials, offered us a peaceful retreat. It’s easy to imagine families and visitors of generations past enjoying the same serene atmosphere, all while the park quietly witnessed Southampton’s evolving story.
Southampton isn’t just any port city. Once the departure point for the ill-fated RMS Titanic and now the launching pad for the Queen Mary II, its maritime legacy is as vibrant as ever. With memorials honoring Titanic’s engineers and nods to literary legends like Jane Austen, whose local ties added a dash of romance and intrigue to the city’s narrative, every corner of Southampton whispers tales of yesteryear—even as modern life buzzes around it.
Timing was impeccable: being in the UK during the summer solstice meant a day trip to Avebury was simply unmissable. We’d toyed with the idea of visiting Stonehenge, but the restrictions (and our pups’ inability to join in) nudged us towards Avebury instead. Roaming among the ancient stone circles, we marveled at the vast, rolling hills that provided a stunning backdrop. The local pub, with its possibly record-breaking fish and chips (I still debate that point), was the perfect pit stop. A highlight of the day was sharing a table with Andy—a local who kept our spirits high with his delightful stories and infectious laugh.
Our day at Avebury offered more than natural beauty; it was a dive into the depths of Britain’s prehistoric past. The site’s expansive henge and multiple stone circles speak of rituals and ceremonies from the New Stone Age, and despite the passage of millennia, the atmosphere remains both mystical and inviting. Managed by the National Trust and celebrated as a World Heritage Site, Avebury continues to inspire a sense of wonder and connection to our ancient past.
Our UK adventure was a delightful mosaic of culinary delights, historical explorations, and unexpected encounters. Whether it was savoring hearty pub classics, wandering among ancient stones, or simply enjoying a leisurely walk in a centuries-old park, every moment was infused with a sense of discovery and the gentle humor of life on the road. We returned home not only with souvenirs and snapshots but with memories that will surely inspire many more exploration to come.
Until the next adventure, keep exploring and stay curious!
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