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Hampshire days out: a ride on Hythe Ferry and exploring Southampton on foot

Hampshire days out: a ride on Hythe Ferry and exploring Southampton on foot

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Last month we towed our caravan, Tin Box, to Blackfield on the edge of the New Forest in Hampshire. It’s a great location for exploring the National Park and for hopping on the Hythe Ferry to Southampton.

In all of the 30-odd years we lived in Hampshire this was something we’d never done. So it seemed like an excellent mini-adventure to kick off our break with Tin Box Nana, Grandad and the cousins.

Here’s what to expect during a ride on Hythe Ferry and what there is to see in Southampton on foot when you get there.

Helter skelter outside West Quay - Hampshire days out: a ride on Hythe Ferry and exploring Southampton on foot

Historic Hythe Ferry and Hythe Pier

There’s been a ferry route between Hythe and Southampton since the Middle Ages. The current Hythe Ferry was built in 1946 and it’s far to say it has seen better days.

You reach the ferry at the end of Hythe Pier – the UK’s seventh longest pier and a 640m walk into Southampton Water. It’s also home to the world’s oldest and longest pier train. 

King George VI was once a passenger. He rode in the front carriage as he went to deliver a message of support to the assembled troops before they set off for Operation Overlord in 1944.

There’s a drawing pin on the back of the seat where the King sat. A much grander plaque once marked the spot but this has been ‘misplaced’ over the years.

Hythe Ferry at Town Quay - Hampshire days out: a ride on Hythe Ferry and exploring Southampton on foot
Hither Pier train - Hampshire days out: a ride on Hythe Ferry and exploring Southampton on foot
Tin Box Tot and cousins on train - Hampshire days out: a ride on Hythe Ferry and exploring Southampton on foot

What to see during a ride on Hythe Ferry

The Hythe Ferry is a great way to see the comings and goings of Europe’s leading cruise port. You can see plenty of sights usually reserved for passengers onboard the luxury liners and Isle of Wight ferries.

You can ride the Hythe Ferry for a fraction of the price, albeit with a bit less glamour.

Speaking of cruise liners, P&O’s Britannia was busy welcoming a new set of passengers as we sailed by. They were off to the Mediterranean – yes, I did cast a lustful eye over the cruise itinerary from my iPhone.

This 143,730 tonne ship looked massive from our pea-green ferry boat. However it’s not the biggest liner to birth in Southampton. The world’s largest cruise ship, Harmony of the Seas, has  visited a number of times dominating the port’s skyline like a bobbing apartment block.

Southampton is also the place where most of the UK’s export cars are crammed onto container ships bound for foreign shores. We saw dozens of Minis and Range Rovers being driven onboard an enormous container vessel.

The mind boggles at the value of all those cars. Let alone the number of drivers who must have been involved in the complicated game of auto Tetris inside.

During our 20 minute crossing there was also time to wave at the Red Jet and Red Funnel ferries carrying holiday makers to the Isle of Wight, marvel at the tiny tug boats steaming out to greet new container ships wadding down Southampton Water, and pick out some familiar landmarks.

The mouth of the River Hamble, the Itchen Bridge and even the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth were all visable from the water.

MV Britannia in the Port of Southampton Hampshire days out: a ride on Hythe Ferry and exploring Southampton on foot
Red Jet - Hampshire days out: a ride on Hythe Ferry and exploring Southampton on foot

Things to do on foot in Southampton

After our short voyage we came alongside at Town Quay in Southampton. Mr Tin Box and I are no strangers to the city having been to University, lived and worked there. So it was refreshing to walk around as tourists.

I did a bit of retail therapy in West Quay (my excuse was I totally forgot to pack undies for our trip!) and marvelled at the new West Quay 2 leisure complex.

Meanwhile the girls and their cousins explored Southampton’s merchant trading past at the Tudor House and Garden.

All of these places are within walking distance of the Hythe Ferry.

We got to them via an indirect route wandering around some of Southampton’s medieval city walls and vaults. Another Southampton claim to fame is that it boasts the third longest stretch of unbroken medieval city walls in England.

Colourful event beside Southampton city walls - Hampshire days out: a ride on Hythe Ferry and exploring Southampton on foot
Wool House entrance and plaque - Hampshire days out: a ride on Hythe Ferry and exploring Southampton on foot
West Quay 2 - Hampshire days out: a ride on Hythe Ferry and exploring Southampton on foot

Things to do in Southampton with kids

If you have longer to explore Southampton with kids I can recommend a visit to Southampton Art Gallery and SeaCity Museum, which are a 20 minute walk from Town Quay.

The art gallery is free and holds regular children’s workshops, while SeaCity Museum tells the story of Southampton’s maritime history and local connections to the ill-fated RMS Titanic.

For more ideas on what to do in and around the city take a look at my guide to things to do in Southampton with kids.

Essential information about the Hythe Ferry

The prices below were correct at the time of publication. Check the Hythe Ferry website for up-to-date information.

  • A family ticket costs £19 and includes a ride on the world’s longest pier train to and from the ferry.
  • We parked in the long stay car park in Hythe which is within walking distance of the Pier. This cost us £3 for four hours.
  • If you’d prefer not to walk into the city centre, there’s a bus service, Quayconnect. This runs from the ferry terminal at least every 30 minutes. This costs £2 per person for unlimited day travel or it’s free if you’re a Red Funnel or National Rail customer that day.

Picture credit: Due to the unique nature of travelling with two pre-schoolers I didn’t get good shots of Hythe Pier and Ferry during our trip. These images are courtesy of Shutterstock.

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What you can expect during a ride on Hythe Ferry and the world's longest pier train. Plus what there is to see in Southampton on foot when you get there.
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Elizabeth (Wander Mum)

Wednesday 10th of May 2017

It's a shame the investment hasn't been there for the ferry and the King's plaque went missing on the train. Such an interesting history and experience to see a working port in action. Thanks for linking #citytripping

Lolo

Tuesday 9th of May 2017

Is that a red & white stripped kiddie slide!? How adorable! And I totallllly want to know more about that half-timbered house in your pin!! You should know better than to tease me like that! :) #CityTripping

Jo

Tuesday 9th of May 2017

I've spent lots of time in Hampshire but never done this ferry. Also I've somehow never been to the Isle of Wight so that is on my must do list at the moment and it seems that Southampton warrants an overnight stay and a closer investigation of everything on offer! Pinned for that day!#CityTripping

Jane @ Raincity Librarian

Tuesday 9th of May 2017

My dad is a ship FANATIC, so Southampton would absolutely be right up his alley. :) Being somewhat prone to seasickness, I don't know if that ferry would be right up my alley, though...! ;-)

Sol Solntze

Tuesday 9th of May 2017

Interesting to be able to see a working port in action - lots of variety in what's going on there. It's amazing what you never get round o doing when you live in a place. Cool you got on the ferry in the end!

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