Out and about

Southampton is a great city for finding things to get up to. There are countless bars, pubs, clubs, shops, and parks. We have museums, cinemas, theatres, restaurants and cafes and even the Common (a large area of parkland and trees, where you can go for walks in the winter and have barbecues and games in the summer). But, after four years living in the same city, you can find yourself getting stuck in a rut – going to the same places and doing the same things. That’s when it’s time to think outside the city boundaries.

There is so much to do in the area surrounding Southampton, and all are easy to do if you have access to a car or to the train and bus services. Here are some of the places that I have visited in my time here, all of which I highly recommend!

1. Winchester

Winchester is one of my favourite places to go if I fancy a change from Southampton. Our university has a close connection with the city anyway thanks to the Winchester School of Art campus, and if that’s not enough then the fact that it’s a beautiful area to visit should persuade you! It’s just the right place to take your visiting parents and its history means that you’re never short of stuff to do. There’s the Cathedral, King Arthur’s Round Table, the walls and the stunning buildings in the city centre. There are countless pubs to choose from too and, at Christmas, there’s the market which is bound to get you in the spirit of things. You don’t even need a car to get there, as it’s just over £3 for a return by train (with student travel card), and taxis and buses also run regularly.

Winchester Cathedral in the wintertime

2. Portsmouth

Portsmouth is sometimes seen as our ‘rival’ university, who we compete against in sports. However, visiting the city makes a nice change if you fancy one. Gunwharf Quays is a great place for outlet shopping and has many shops that are unavailable in West Quay – there are also countless restaurants on the seafront (La Tasca and Jamie’s Italian being favourites of mine!). Having not been to Portsmouth very much, I have only really seen the shopping area, but it’s also got a great beach that would be lovely in the summer – something that I hope to do when the weather warms up! It takes more time to get to by train than Winchester, and costs a little more, but if you can travel by car it doesn’t take long at all.

The view from La Tasca restaurant at Gunwharf Quays

3. Isle of Wight

I visited the Isle of Wight at the end of my third year with a group of friends. We all clambered into a people carrier, took the ferry and spent the day acting like big kids at Blackgang Chine, an old amusement park, followed by a couple of hours at the beach. Fortunately we had amazing weather. The Isle is a great place for a quick getaway, and can make a really good day trip too. The ferry is frequent, and you can use it either by car or on foot. A great place to go for a change and a little adventure!

Me being a big kid at Blackgang Chine amusement park in June 2012!

The view of the Isle of Wight coast from Blackgang Chine

4. Bournemouth

Bournemouth is another place that makes a change from being in Southampton – and it also has a sandy beach! Perfect for a summer getaway on the train or by car. Unfortunately the only time I’ve ever been was in June last year. It was pouring with rain and we experienced gale force winds before heading home a few hours early soaked to the skin. We still had fun though – just make sure the forecast is good!

A very wet and windy Bournemouth beach, June 2012

Messing about on the beach to brighten up our day!

5. Chichester

I recently headed to Chichester to try something new, after just choosing a random spot on Google maps! It’s further than Portsmouth and actually lies in West Sussex so it really does feel like you’re taking a bit of a road trip! The city is lovely, with lots of shops, bakeries and cafes. The cathedral is also nice and free to get in, and some way away from the city centre is the harbour (though I didn’t go). It reminded me of Winchester a little, and I’ll probably head back one day to go into a cute little bakery I spotted but never tried out.

Inside the beautiful Chichester Cathedral, January 2013

6. New Forest

The New Forest is something completely different. There are little towns to visit, but also huge expanses of open space and woodland. I recently visited Lymington, which once again had many shops, but mostly small local businesses which is nice. I had lunch in a lovely little café, and wandered down to the harbour, before heading out into the wild for a (very muddy) walk. The weather was true to January; grey and drizzly, but it was brisk, refreshing and was perfect for a post-deadline walk. The local wild ponies even came to say hello – but wellies were definitely necessary in the winter. There are trains and buses to the area, but I travelled by car.

A drizzly walk in the New Forest, January 2013

Walking with my parents in the New Forest

7. Milford on Sea

Milford on Sea is a favourite of my parents, and we have visited a number of times just to enjoy the quiet seaside town. It’s quaint and tiny – not the place for shopping, though there are a few little stores. The main attraction is a long wander along the seafront, an ice cream, and then a hot chocolate watching the sun set. It’s perfect it you want somewhere small and quiet, and old fashioned.

The sunset from Milford on Sea

I hope you enjoy visiting the places above, and discover some of your own!

Joanne