Top Museums in Southampton, England

Offering and showcasing the international importance of aviation’s history within the Southampton area is the Solent Sky Museum. Local aircraft manufacturers produced an incredible variety of flying machines, including the Imperial Airways flying boat – Southampton is also the birthplace of the Spitfire! The Solent Sky Museum boasts 20 different air frames displaying the Spitfire, the Supekrmarine S.6 and many other greats from the Golden Age of Aviation (1910–1960). Take a guided tour, explore the superb exhibitions including the 1914–1918 war, flying training, the early days of flying and flying boats. You can also hire out the meeting rooms for your own events, or expand your knowledge with Solent Sky!

Located at the heart of the Old Town, and known as Southampton’s most historically important building, Tudor House reveals over 800 years’ worth of history. The Tudor House and Gardens regularly host tours, exhibitions and many exciting activities throughout the calendar year. If it’s a piece of local history you’re after, Tudor House offers us a real insight into the lives and times of both its residents through the years and of Southampton itself.

Founded in 1897 by the Ashby Family, partners in Hooper & Ashby, successful builders merchants in Southampton. The Bursledon Brickworks Industrial Museum turned into a fully functioning museum in 2012. Authentic sights, sounds and smells greet you as you head back to the Victorian era at the special ‘Steam-up Sundays’, held once a month between April and December, where you can see the machinery in full working order. The museum hosts a great variety of workshops including Build a Bug Hotel, Fabulous Fossils and the Clay Transformers, which are always popular with the local schools, offering a unique learning environment.

Based in the heart of Southampton, SeaCity Museum dives into the historic past of Southampton’s people, their heritage and historic connections with the sea – in particular, the Titanic. The interactive experiences are on offer for all, and are a really helpful addition to the museum, allowing you to uncover the truth and harsh realities of being alive during this era. Alongside their interactive exhibits, SeaCity Museum offers a varied selection of learning opportunities for schools, colleges and groups alike. Taking place in one of the two purpose-built education rooms, dedicated and very knowledgeable members of the team are on-hand to deliver fantastic lessons, tours and workshops to your group.