From the funky seaside of Brighton, we make our way to the last leg of our short South England-tour. In Southampton we will board the brand new Norwegian Escape. First, however, we use this opportunity to tick something off our bucket list. Only an hour’s drive from Southampton is Stonehenge. Already from the A303, you have a good view of the prehistoric monument.

We booked our ticket at a specific time for this day via the English Heritage homepage. Admission costs 17.50 pounds per person, because we are there out of season, parking is free. You can also borrow free audio guides at the visitor center; they take you across the extensive grounds. Shuttle buses take visitors to the famous stone circle. As the weather is once again on our side, we go by foot and enjoy the green hill landscape on a 30-minute walk.

Until a few years ago you could still walk between the stones. Now the stone circle is cordoned off and on a trail, can be observed from any angle.

On the site, next to the rock formation, with trenches and Avenue there are also barrows to be discovered. At the visitor center you will find an exhibition, the replica Neolithic huts and a shop with a café.

Southampton

Our last night in England we spend at the hotel The White Star in Southampton. Centrally located, we can almost see our ship at the Cruise Terminal from here. The hotel rooms are above a pub and so on our last day we get that British feeling once more. On a football night like this, it can also sometimes get a bit loud. A staircase leads to the hotel room. The room is decorated in a noble, maritime theme. In the modern bathroom a large rain shower awaits.

The next morning, breakfast is served in the restaurant. With Eggs Benedict, we get a taste of the excellent cuisine of the White Star Tavern.

Now we also still meet the typical British dreary weather. Despite the rain, we take a little walk. In a few paces we reach the old town with the city wall and the Holyrood Church. We walk along the High Street, which then becomes the shopping street, Above Bar Street. Here you can find the department store WestQuay. Following the street further, you reach the cultural district with museums and theaters.

For us it is time to say farewell England, drop off the rental car and board the Norwegian Escape. In 10 days, at sea, we will cross the Atlantic and reach Miami, where a 4-week Florida round trip awaits us.

Conclusion
Southampton is a good starting point for a Stonehenge visit. You just have to have seen it! Our hotel was wonderful for a preliminary night before a cruise. Due to its central location you can easily explore Southampton by foot. With a pub and restaurant, you have a full dose of Great Britain directly outside your door. Also, if it had not rained buckets, we would have walked from the hotel to the Cruise Terminal.

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This article was orginally posted in German on www.neverseenbefore.de.
Many thanks to Kim for the translation.