Solent Sky Museum (Hall of Aviation)
Soak up the interesting local history of aviation as you peruse the many aircrafts on display at the Solent Sky Museum. Britain's most famous fighter plane, The Spitfire, was designed by R J Mitchell and built in the heart of the city of Southampton, today, you can see this iconic aircraft at one of Southampton’s unique cultural gems.
Ideal for visitors of all ages, the Solent Sky Museum also offers the opportunity to learn about 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.
Admission costs £6.50 for adults and £4.50 for children. The museum is open Tuesday – Saturday 10am-5pm, opening midday-5pm on Sundays. Located next to the Ocean Village, Solent Sky is a leisurely walk from our Southampton hotels.
Southampton City Art Gallery
Southampton Art Gallery has the finest collection of 20th century art south of London and regularly holds major exhibitions. The gallery also runs a range of tours, workshops (for both children & adults), and talks with the artists, making this the perfect activity for culture vultures of all ages, whether learning a new skill or soaking up the artwork.
Southampton City Art Gallery is open 10am -3pm Monday- Friday, closing two hours later at 5pm on Saturdays. Admission is free, and the gallery is situated a short seven-minute walk from Leonardo Hotel Southampton.
Old Town
Old Town perfectly displays the city's prosperity during the medieval period, reflected in the town walls, towers, and historic buildings such as the Wool House, Tudor House Museum, and St Michaels Church. About half of the original one-mile circuit of town walls still survives, with 13 of the original 29 towers and six of the eight gates still standing, as well as over 90 listed building and 30 ancient monuments.
Explore Southampton’s heritage with the Old Town Walk, which begins with the Bargate, just a five-minute walk from our hotel on West Quay Road.
Medieval Merchant's House
Explore this restored mid-14th century house and place of business as you travel back in time for a glimpse of Southampton’s historic city life.
Medieval Merchant’s House admission costs £4 for adults and £2.40 for children, opening times can vary. The house is situated a leisurely five minute walk from Leonardo Royal Southampton Grand Harbour.
To learn more about the history of Southampton and the surrounding county, explore Hampshire History for periods, places, names, resources, and more.
