Tudor House and Garden
Step back 800 years at Tudor House and Garden, exploring a 15th-century home and 12th-century palace remains.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Tudor House and Garden
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back 800 years at Tudor House and Garden, exploring a 15th-century home and 12th-century palace remains.
"A fascinating glimpse into Southampton's past, with a beautiful garden and welcoming staff."
🎯 Year-Long Ticket Value
Your ticket grants access for a full year – great value for repeat visits! :ticket:
🚶♀️ Explore St. Michael's Square
Don't miss St. Michael's Church across the street for added historical charm. :church:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
15th Century Tudor House
Interior
Step back in time within the beautifully restored timber-framed house, showcasing centuries of Southampton life.
Historic Garden Oasis
Garden
A peaceful escape with plants and layouts reflecting historical periods, perfect for a quiet stroll.
King John's Palace Remains
Exterior/Grounds
Explore the remnants of a 12th-century Norman home, offering a glimpse into even earlier Southampton history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Peaceful Visit
Tickets & Year-Long Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Year-Long Ticket Value
Your ticket grants access for a full year – great value for repeat visits! :ticket:
🚶♀️ Explore St. Michael's Square
Don't miss St. Michael's Church across the street for added historical charm. :church:
🗺️ Ask Staff for Guidance
The house layout can be confusing; staff can offer helpful direction. :man_teacher:
📸 Capture the Details
Admire the intricate oil paintings and original wall markings. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Year-Long Ticket Value
Your ticket grants access for a full year – great value for repeat visits! :ticket:
🚶♀️ Explore St. Michael's Square
Don't miss St. Michael's Church across the street for added historical charm. :church:
🗺️ Ask Staff for Guidance
The house layout can be confusing; staff can offer helpful direction. :man_teacher:
📸 Capture the Details
Admire the intricate oil paintings and original wall markings. :camerawithflash:
☕ Relax at the Cafe
Enjoy a break at the charming cafe within the garden. :coffee:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Tudor House and Garden for its fascinating historical insights and beautifully preserved interiors, with many highlighting the charming garden as a peaceful escape. The staff's friendliness and the year-long ticket validity are also frequently mentioned positives. Some find the house's layout a bit confusing, suggesting more guidance would be beneficial.
"This museum was so cool. It was so interesting seeing how Southampton used to be way back when compared to now. My brain is struggling to comprehend it all. It’s just fascinating.
Absolutely loved the ghostly interaction in the banquet hall. That was so cool. I’ve never experienced anything like that in a museum before.
The house (interior, items, original markings on the walls) was just so cool.
So glad this house has been restored and preserved as an interactive museum with a cafe and gardens. Southampton has a lot of history but doesn’t seem to preserve it as museums or sight-seeing opportunities. So this was such a great stumble when we were wandering the Southampton streets.
And the staff are so incredibly lovely and accommodating. Very kind people who made us feel very welcome."
Charlotte J.
"I recently visited Tudor House in Southampton for the first time, and I really enjoyed the experience. I was pleasantly surprised to receive a student discount, which brought the entry fee down to just £8—a reasonable price for a historic site like this. You can also use the ticket for an entire year which I think is great in this economy!
The house itself is full of character. It’s very old and creaky, which added a slightly eerie atmosphere while walking through, but it also felt authentic and charming. The interior is well maintained, and the garden, in particular, is beautifully kept and adds a peaceful touch to the visit.
One thing I did find a bit challenging was navigating the house. It can be quite confusing at times, and I think having staff inside to guide visitors or offer a bit more direction would improve the experience. You can easily explore the whole site in about 15–20 minutes, so it's a great stop if you're short on time but want to enjoy some local history. One of my favorite parts was the collection of paintings—especially the oil paintings. The detail and intricacy were absolutely stunning and made the visit even more memorable.
I also want to highlight how friendly and welcoming the staff were. They really helped set a positive tone from the moment I arrived.
Bonus tip: St Michael’s Church is right across from Tudor House, and it’s definitely worth a visit too. It adds nicely to the historical atmosphere of the area."
Ashley Waters
"We arrived at 10 a.m. on a Monday and enjoyed an uncrowded visit to the house. A tour guide gave us some very detailed explanations of the garden and city walls, and the indoor exhibits did a nice job of explaining how this house was used as the city around it evolved. It should be on everyone's "don't miss" list when visiting Southampton for the first time."
Jeff Phillips
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tudor House and Garden is conveniently located in the heart of Southampton's Old Town at St Michael's Square.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk from the cruise terminal, taking about 10 minutes, making it a great pre- or post-cruise stop.
The area around Tudor House, including St. Michael's Square and nearby streets like Winkle Street, is rich in history and perfect for wandering.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry fees are reasonable, with student discounts available. A significant perk is that your ticket is valid for an entire year, offering excellent value for multiple visits.
Opening hours can vary, so it's always best to check the official website before your visit. Arriving early on weekdays is recommended to avoid crowds.
Absolutely! Your admission ticket is valid for a full year, allowing you to return and explore the house and garden again at your leisure.
Yes, discounts such as student rates are often available, making the visit even more affordable.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore a beautifully restored 15th-century Tudor house, the remains of a 12th-century Norman home (King John's Palace), and a charming historic garden.
Yes, it's a great spot for family fun, offering a glimpse into history that can be engaging for all ages.
A visit can take around 15-20 minutes if you're short on time, but you could easily spend an hour if you take your time reading the signage and exploring thoroughly.
Some visitors have reported experiencing 'ghostly interactions' in the banquet hall, adding a unique, eerie element to the visit.
The garden is beautifully kept and offers a peaceful retreat. Staff can provide detailed explanations about the plants and their historical uses.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe located within the garden, offering a pleasant spot to relax and enjoy refreshments during your visit.
The Old Town area around Tudor House has various cafes and restaurants. For local favorites, exploring St. Michael's Square and nearby streets is recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed, but it's always good practice to check for any specific restrictions inside the house. The garden and exterior offer great photo opportunities.
The historic interiors, the charming garden, and the exterior of the timber-framed house are all picturesque. Don't forget to capture details like the original wall markings and the collection of paintings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The house itself, with its old-world charm and potential for 'ghostly interactions',While the house's layout might require some supervision, the overall experience is enriching. It's a great opportunity to discuss how people lived centuries ago, making history come alive. Consider arriving early on a weekday to ensure a less crowded and more manageable visit for younger children.
🚶 Day-Trippers & Cruise Passengers
The fact that a visit can be completed in as little as 15-20 minutes Plus, with tickets valid for a whole year,
❤️ History Buffs & Culture Seekers
+1 The detailed interiors, original features, and the well-curated exhibits provide a rich understanding of domestic life through the centuries.Engage with the knowledgeable staff who are eager to share insights about the architecture, the people who lived there, and the city's evolution.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through 800 Years of History
However, the site's historical depth extends even further, incorporating the remains of King John's Palace, which dates back to 1180. This juxtaposition of medieval and Tudor architecture provides a unique perspective on how the city and its inhabitants lived through different eras.Visitors often express awe at the preserved interiors, noting the original markings on the walls and the authentic feel of the house.
Beyond the house itself, the garden serves as a tranquil counterpoint, designed to reflect historical periods. It’s a place where you can imagine past residents finding solace or tending to their herbs. The combination of the house's rich narrative and the garden's peaceful ambiance makes Tudor House and Garden a compelling historical destination.
Navigating the Historic Interiors
However, some visitors have noted that navigating the house can be challenging, suggesting that more guidance from staff might improve the experience.
Despite potential navigation quirks, the house's historical significance and the effort put into its preservation are widely appreciated. The 'ghostly interactions' reported in the banquet hall add an unexpected and memorable element for those interested in the supernatural.
The Tranquil Tudor Garden
Visitors find the garden to be a lovely addition to the overall experience, providing a serene environment to wander through. It’s a perfect spot to pause, reflect on the history you've just absorbed, and enjoy a moment of calm. The garden's charm is often highlighted as a key reason for the visit's enjoyment.
Combined with the small cafe situated within the garden, it creates a complete experience, allowing you to enjoy both the historical insights and a moment of relaxation in a picturesque setting.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit