Southampton's ultimate bucket list - all the city's must dos

It's easy to take your home town for granted, but it's a place with a great deal to be proud of.

Here we list some of the absolute city must dos. 

1) Walk the walls 

You can easily find yourself in any one of a number of periods in British history around the city centre. The medieval town walls, including the Bargate, the Norman-era St Michael's Church, Tudor House, and the Mayflower monument give a taste of what Southampton was like in previous centuries.

Revered novelist Jane Austen lived in the Old Town of Southampton in the early 1800s.

The Titanic set sail from Southampton in 1912 and the city has a great maritime history, which you can learn about at the SeaCity Museum.

A two-mile circular walk will take you around the historic walls of the city.

2) See a liner depart 

It's not called the gateway to the world for nothing.

The world's biggest and best cruise liners depart from Southampton on a daily basis and, even if you're not onboard, you can still dare to dream.

Great vantage points include Mayflower Park, Weston Shore, Royal Victoria Country Park or Calshot Spit. 

3) See a show at Mayflower Theatre

Mayflower Theatre, and its little sister MAST, attract some top West End shows, as well as dance, opera, drama, ballet and comedy.

Lucky audiences have enjoyed everything from The Lion King to Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and from War Horse to Mary Poppins in recent years.

And the likes of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Wizard of Oz and Shrek are coming up.

Your first Mayflower panto is a rite of passage for all Southampton youngsters.

4) Take a ferry 'cross Southampton Water

The Hythe Ferry sails daily between Hythe and Town Quay providing a car free, carefree, and fun trip and the chance to enjoy the sights and sounds of the bustling port of Southampton.

Sailing from the end of Hythe’s historic Pier, one of the ten longest piers in the British Isles, and with the World's Oldest Pier Train, the trip offers some of the best views of the cruise liners in port as it sails right past the berth of Queen Victoria, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth, when at home.

There's also easy car and foot passenger options to the Isle of Wight from Town Quay.

5) Have a Sprinkles

If you haven't indulged in a Sprinkles, you've barely lived. 

Sprinkles Gelato is a Southampton icon and the place to go for ice cream or a sweet treat.

Created by three Southampton brothers, the first Sprinkles dessert parlour in Portswood opened its doors in 2012.

Business has boomed and demand has led to a total of 11 shops across the UK, including three in its home city. 

Do not miss the Mischievously Melting cookie dough with Reese's peanut butter cups.

6) Run over the Itchen Bridge

This killer of a workout has now been incorporated in the Southampton Marathon route, but it's long been a test of stamina for runners from the city. 

The length and elevation is tough on even the fittest of folk, particularly on the way back, but you are rewarded with glorious views of the city, the river and beyond. 

7) Enjoy a pint in the park

There is little better in life than sitting outside in the sunshine enjoying a cold pint and watching the world go by. 

The Cowherds and The View are set at the edge of two of the city's best open spaces - The Common and Southampton Outdoor Sports Centre respectively. 

They're the perfect pitstop for a pint and a spot of people watching following a wander, a play or a spot of sport.

8) Support the Saints at St Mary's 

So there might not have been too much to sing about lately, but heading to St Mary's, home of the Saints since 2001, is still a rite of passage for Southampton youngsters. 

See the side take on Premier League icons like Manchester City or Liverpool before it's too late. 

And keep singing for your local side from the Northam, Itchen, Kingsland and Chapel stands, no matter what happens. 

9) Dive, slide or swim at The Quays

It's not quite as easy to access the 10 metre board as it was in the previous incarnations of this pool.

The lucky (brave) few will take the plunge after a little more training that used to be considered acceptable back in the day.

But, whether or not you're ready to be the city's next Pete Waterfield and dive for Team GB at The Olympics, there's still fun to be had at The Quays. 

Swim for fitness in the lanes or enjoy a fun session in the leisure pool. There's also inflatables sessions and aqua aerobics. 

10) Enjoy sundowners at the marina

These days it's more likely to involve HarBar or one of the fantastic selection of waterfront restaurants, rather than much missed city institution Los Marinos, but what a view for a sunset drink.

Watch the goings on below deck on some of the Sunseekers moored at Ocean Village marina or see who's staying at the luxury five star Southampton Harbour Hotel & Spa.

Whether it's for fajitas and a bottle of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc at Banana Wharf or to sit in one of the igloos at The Jetty, it's the only place to head when the sun's shining. 

11) See your house from the sky 

It's not every day you get a bird's eye view of your neighbourhood - the local park, the kids school or even your garden shed. 

With an international airport on hand, Southampton residents can take off right over their property and see the tiny cars on the M27 and miniscule boats pootling down the Hamble River.

The short commute home and tiny baggage reclaim make it a great option too! 

12) Walk through the wisteria 

Southampton is consistently named one of the best spots for city dwellers who love parks.

Here, you're surrounded by 54 beautiful green spaces including Southampton Common, the various city centre parks, St James’ Park in Shirley, and Riverside Park in Bitterne Park.

And when East Park is lined with wisteria, Palmerston Park is in full bloom, or the Rose Garden is delighting, there's no better place to be.

13) Have an ice cream at Mayflower Park

If there's just one guarantee in this world, then the summertime ice cream van at Mayflower Park is it.

Take your pick from the delicious array of sweet treats from a Mr Whippy with sauce and a Flake to Fabs and Zooms while you look out over the water, shoot some hoops or play in the playground.

Even if by some weird twist of fate, the ice cream van is not around, you have the lovely little kiosk by the park to fall back on.

14) Dance on the table at the Frog and Frigate 

It's the iconic city pub which began life as a wharf building in the mid 1800’s, and is now one of the last left standing in Canute Road, opposite Southampton’s old docks.

It's had a long and colourful lifetime, no more so than in its two incarnations as a legendary spit ’n’ sawdust, live music pub.

Revellers take every chance they can get to leap onto the tables for a dance. It's an experience not to be missed. 

15) Climb up the Civic Centre clock tower 

Climb all 215 steps and discover the incredible story of the tower's construction as well as gaining unparalleled views of the city and be close to the bell chamber when it rings out the midday rendition of 'O God, Our Help in Ages Past'.

Regular clock tower tours take place with members of SeaCity's learning team who joins visitors to ascend the Civic Centre's iconic clock tower.

16) Eat at George's 

Celebrating an incredible 83 years, this is one of the oldest privately owned family restaurants around. 

George's Restaurant, on St Michael's Street, offers quality Greek foods and specialities in the heart of the city. 

The list of rich and famous to have graced the tables of George's Restaurant is as long as it is distinguished, including former Prime Minister Edward Heath, entertainer Tommy Steele and Saints legends including Matt Le Tissier and Alan Ball. 

17) Ride or row through Riverside Park 

Riverside Park is home to a couple of real hidden gems of leisure activities. 

Whether you fancy a paddle on the river, or you want to test your limits on an adrenaline-filled high ropes course, adventure awaits at Woodmill.

There are so many land and water based experiences available, my personal favourite being hiring a kayak and taking a paddle through the park.

Each and every Sunday in the summer months, take a ride on the delightful little Riverside Park Railway

Owned and maintained by the Southampton Society of Model Engineers, it's a real treat for train geeks young and old. 

18) Complete the Southampton Marathon

The two lap course offers a spectacular route, including green parks, shoreline and riverside views, beginning and ending at Southampton Guildhall.

This inspiring route begins in the city centre before running past Southampton docks, over the famous Itchen Bridge with its glorious views.

Following a section by the shoreline at Weston Shore, the route takes you inside St Mary's Stadium. 

Passing over Northam Bridge with riverside views once again, you will run through Riverside Park before crossing into Portswood and running through Southampton Common, home to the UK’s second largest parkrun.

Then, it’s time for the second lap! It's not for the faint-hearted.

19) Blow the whistle on the SS Shieldhall 

The traditional sounding of the horn and then a whistle salute as you pass some of the giant cruise ships sends a shiver down the spine. 

This historic little steamship spends the summer cruising up and down the river operated by a devoted crew of volunteers.

The largest working steamship in Britain and a member of the National Historic Fleet, she serves as a sea going tribute to Britain’s maritime heritage.

20) Take a spin at the Children's Pleasure Park 

If you're after some retro fun, this is the place for you.

Based at Southampton Outdoor Sports Centre, The Pleasure Park is a great value mini fun fair.

There are 20 attractions in this relaxed family-friendly park, which has been in the same family for generations.

Enjoy trampolines, merry go rounds and the cresta run.

There’s no entry fee, just turn up, pay for the rides you use and have fun! …

21) Enjoy a home-brewed pint at the Dancing Man Brewery

This fabulous brewpub, with a 110-seater restaurant serving delicious pies and two well stocked bars, lies in a historic wool house opposite the Isle of Wight Ferry terminal. 

The independent team are proud to be part of England’s micro-brewery boom and it is their mission to bring quality, craft ale to their home town.

The brewers don’t miss a trick and are constantly tinkering to bring you another, thirst-quenching and delicious ale.

22) Pose with the Masterchef trophy at Lakaz Maman

Southampton is home to our very own Masterchef winner and her rather fabulous restaurant. 

Lakaz Maman on Bedford Place is the Mauritian street food eatery owned by Shelina Permalloo, who wowed the TV judges in 2012.

Tuck into delights like King Prawn Rougaille or Island Style Mauritian Cari, pose with the Masterchef trophy and snap up one of Shelina's cookbooks or spicy sauces. 

23) See a gig at The Joiners

Everyone has a Joiners story. 

If the entire crowd who claimed to be there the night Oasis performed actually had a ticket, they could have filled Wembley stadium. 

But this is a tiny, sweaty venue which punches above its weight and has attracted the likes of Radiohead, Green Day and Manic Street Preachers. 

It's atmospheric and brilliant for backing the best up and coming bands.