2 days pre-Southampton with teens-need help!

[momof2ky]

We are arriving in Heathrow on a Thrusday morning and will be going on a cruise with our two sons ages 18 and 19 on Saturday afternoon. Both boys have already seen London. I need help entertaining them. They don't really like museums. I have 2 possibilities so far:

 

1) Go from Heathrow to Oxford and stay in the Malmaison hotel ( converted from an old prison). Eat at the Brasserie at the hotel and walk around Oxford for the day. Then get up the next day and go to Southampton and stay at the Blue Keys which is #1 on tripadvisor. Walk around there or go to Portsmouth to see the ships, or go to Winchester, or the Isle of Wright.

 

2) The second idea is just to go straight to Southampton and stay at the Blue Keys. We would do the above things but just at a more relaxed pace. I am just afraid my sons will be bored.

 

Does anyone have any advice? Are there any towns around there like Florence where there is a cool Piazzo to sit and have a drink? Does anyone know about Blue Keys and where it is located? Are there any "fun" things to do in the area? We are game for anything!

[elphin]

Portsmouth is a good call with its historic harbour and naval base. Also Gun Wharf has lots of eating/shopping options.

 

Southampton itself has a large downtown with lots of bars and night clubs. I'm sure your sons will have lots of fun going out in the evenings there!

[momof2ky]

Thanks. Would you go to Oxford for the first night, or just stay in Southampton both nights?

[Globaliser]

Personally, I would either stay both nights in Oxford, or both nights in Southampton. There are pros and cons to both ideas, but both are perfectly feasible.

[sandancer]

The nearest thing to a Piazza you will find is at Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth. You can take a train from Southampton Central. You can go to the top of the Spinnaker Tower and see right over to the Isle of Wight. There is a cinema (movie theatre) and a small bowling alley. Lovely shops as well. You could also take a hovercraft trip to the Isle of Wight for lunch - the Seaview Hotel is rated one of the best restaurants in the South of England. Unfortunately I know nothing about the Blue Keys Hotel but I agree with Globaliser. Would not split the 2 nights. Hope you have a good time whatever you choose to do.

[momof2ky]

Thanks for the replies. I like the sound of Portsmouth. Someone else suggested we go to New Forest for the day and have lunch at Le Poussin ( a Michelin rated restaurant) and then drive around. Any thoughts?

[goldencup]

Well put it this way - my teens would definitely prefer Portsmouth.

[momof2ky]

Perfect. I think I will pass on New Forest then and go to Portsmouth. What kinds of shops are there? What else is there to do on the Isle of Wight for the teens?

[terry99]

The Blue Keys is in a mainly residential area, just north of the city centre. The shopping centre is walkable (20 minutes), but I would get a cab. You will need a cab to get to the cruise terminal (around two miles).

 

My recommendation for day trips would also be Portsmouth.

Here are a few links to give you a flavor:

http://www.historicdockyard.co.uk/

http://www.portsmouth-guide.co.uk/local/old-port.htm

http://www.gunwharf-quays.com/

http://www.spinnakertower.co.uk/visiting.htm

There is a frequent train service between Southampton and Portsmouth. Portsmouth Harbour station is right next to Gunwharf and also the Historic Dockyard.

 

Apart from the hovercraft to the Isle of Wight, which departs from Southsea, there is a catamaran service running from the quay adjacent to the Harbour railway station. This link will give you some idea of the Island. It is mainly a summer resort area, and is very quiet during the Winter.

http://www.wightstay.co.uk/context/ryde.html

 

If you need to consider other local destinations for a daytrip then this website gives a few ideas:

http://www.hants.gov.uk/discover/

 

Have a great time!!

[momof2ky]

What great information and advice. I have checked everything out and decided that we will go to both Oxford and Southampton. We will visit Portsmouth for a short time. One last thing, does anyone know of a great restaurant for lunch in Portsmouth or dinner in Southampton?

[terry99]

There are many places to eat at Gunwharf (Portsmouth). Best ones (IMO) are Strada (Italian), Frankie & Benny's, and Waterfront Brasserie. All are easy to find - there is more info on the Gunwharf website.

If you fancy a walk around to Old Portsmouth, (about half an hour walk from Gunwharf) there are several old pubs overlooking the harbour. My favourite here is the 'Still & West'. They have well kept draught beer and a range of food.

 

I'm not so familiar with Southampton, so will leave recommendations to others!

[sandancer]

If you visit Portsmouth and take a stroll to Old Portsmouth you really need to go to the Sallyport Tearooms for a typical afternoon tea. It is an old fashioned, really English cafe. The home-made cakes and scones are worth the walk from the railway station. Find the cathederal and walk towards the sea, turn right and walk a few hundred yeards and there you are. I must also mention that there are 2 railway stations in Portsmouth and the one you need for Gunwharf is Portsmouth Harbour. Just stay on the train until the end of the line. Don't get off at Portsmouth and Southsea station. Can't help with Southampton restaurants for dinner, sorry.

[KarenR_UK]

I can't see if you say anywhere when you go, but there are major works scheduled for the Portsmouth line in the next few months

details here

http://www.southwesttrains.co.uk/SWTrains/Timetablesearch/EngineeringWorks/_AdvanceWarningPortsmouth.htm

 

general engineering works

http://www.southwesttrains.co.uk/SWTrains/Timetablesearch/EngineeringWorks/

 

main website (get times etc)

http://www.southwesttrains.co.uk/SWTrains

 

Re restaurants in Southampton - can't give any personal recommendations, but generally the Oxford Street area is considered the 'best' area for restaurants

See http://www.visit-southampton.co.uk/

(There are also maps of the central southampton area)

and

http://www.oxfordstreetsouthampton.co.uk/

 

hope this helps

 

Karen

[bconley351]

We stayed in Portsmouth for 2 days pre-cruise last year and loved it. We bought passes for the Historic dockyards that included a harbor tour. My husband loves all military ships, no matter the country or era, so this was a 'must see' place. We ate dinner one night at an Italian restaurant at the mall, and the 2nd night at a pub (can't remember the name, but can pull out my picture if you want it) overlooking the harbor that had great food.

[MrandMrsBeee]

Gun Wharf is full of restaurants , none of them up to a Michelin star if that is the quality you are looking for but lots are fine for lunch. I personally like Loch Fine which is a fish restaurant.

 

The Historic ships are also wonderful to see, Nelson's Victory and The Mary Rose, Henry Eighth's warship (what is left of it).

 

In Gun Wharf you can take a Harbour Tour that includes looking at the British Navy Warships in their home of HMS Neslon (only looking from the Harbour not actually going into HMS Neslon)

 

Winchester is also a lovely historic city, it has a lovely Cathedral and even King Arthurs round table!(or so they say) it does have a Michelin star restaurant called The Old Rectory in Chesil Street. You would have to take a short taxi ride to Lainston House from Winchester but it would be worth the trip to a wonderful Country House Hotel for lunch http://www.lainstonhouse.com

it really is lovely there.

 

I would agree that the best place to eat in Southampton would be Oxford Street, Oxfords is great