Mayflower - Southampton's untold story. A guided walking tour

Schedule

Sat, 26 Sep, 2026 at 02:00 pm

UTC+01:00
Location

The Bargate | Southampton, EN

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Step back to 1620 and discover the remarkable story of the Mayflower in the very city where its historic voyage began.
Most people know about Plymouth, but few realise that Southampton was where the final preparations for the voyage took place. It was here that passengers gathered, supplies were loaded, repairs were made to the Speedwell, and life-changing decisions were taken before the ships finally set sail for the New World.
Join us on this fascinating 2-hour guided walking tour as we uncover the places where history happened.
📍 Visit the church where many of the passengers are believed to have worshipped before departure
⚓ Stand at the site from which the Mayflower and Speedwell sailed from West Quay
🍺 Discover the inn where members of the crew spent their evenings
🏰 Finish with entry to the fascinating Mayflower Exhibition inside Southampton's historic Westgate Tower
Along the way you'll meet some of the extraordinary people behind the voyage, including Southampton's own John Alden, Hampshire's Stephen Hopkins and the men and women whose courage helped shape the future of what would become the United States.
You'll also hear the dramatic story of the Speedwell's repeated delays, disagreements over money, the writing of a crucial letter to the expedition's financial backers, and how these events may have influenced the creation of the Mayflower Compact - considered by many historians to be one of the foundations of modern democratic government.
Whether you're fascinated by history, have family connections to the Mayflower story, or simply want to discover a hidden chapter of Southampton's past, this walk offers a unique insight into one of the world's most influential voyages.
📅 Duration: Approximately 2 hours
📍 Meeting Point: The Bargate, Southampton
🏁 Finishes: Westgate Tower
🎟️ Tickets: From £15 per person
Spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended.
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Where is it happening?

The Bargate, Bargate, West Bargate, Southampton, SO14 2, United Kingdom

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