We will be taking an 11-day British Isles cruise. We are arriving in town two days early. We wanted to find the ideal place/town to stay between Gatwick and Southampton for a little sightseeing, shopping, etc. before we leave. Not looking for a huge city area. Maybe something quainter. Would love some input.
Posted by
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
4117 posts
We stayed in Lewes for a couple of days which may fit your description. It's got some castle and abbey ruins and is a quick and easy train ride from Gatwick. I'm not sure of the train situation to get to Southampton though.
Another idea may be the Portsmouth Harbour area which gets you close to Southampton. The Portsmouth Dockyards is good for a day of wandering and also an outdoormall beside the dockyards. I loved the Mary Rose Museum.
Posted by
Royaume-Uni nul points, pas plus
2512 posts
Winchester or Chichester
Posted by
Lake District, England
5837 posts
Lewes is a great idea (as is Brighton or Eastbourne), but it's a long old train ride from Lewes to Southampton on the coastway railway- not hard, just long- where via London is probably quicker. I would favour places like Winchester, Salisbury, Portsmouth etc which are more clearly on the line of route and in easy reach of Southampton on embarkation day.
Posted by
London
358 posts
Brighton, Worthing, Chichester, lots more towns.
Personally I would head into London, as much for the better connections
Posted by
96 posts
I would look at Arundel as certainly is small and on the rail lines. It has a castle and cathedral and has a direct train to Gatwick and is an easy change from Southampton. It is too small for much shopping but you could do your shopping in Southampton before you leave.
Petworth is close by, is a centre for antiques and has a large National Trust property.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thanks so much for the tips. These look like all good options.