Day trips from Southampton could include going across the Channel to the continent, hitting the seas with a boat tour, or visiting inland to other wooded, equally historic areas of the UK.

North is Winchester, a stunning city of cathedrals just an hour’s drive from London. Home of ancient King Alfred the Great, this old capital city brings the past into the present in its architectural preservation and sense of heritage. Winchester Farmers Market is excellent.

Romsey , Andover , and Stockbridge are also to the north—market towns nestled in the English countryside. They are some of the quaintest towns the country has to offer. Here one can explore lush woodland.

West of Southampton is an enormous acreage of ancient forest, inappropriately named New Forest . Locals from Southampton go here to walk, or to have hiking and biking retreats. East is the Marwell Zoo as well as the Victorian Country Park .

The Hampshire County  containing Southampton is one of the more diverse but unpacked areas of the UK and it is definitely worth taking the time to do some extra exploration.