Although we may not be able to get abroad this year, that doesn’t mean our dream of fun in the sun has to be cancelled.
There are plenty of things you can do to recreate your holiday, all you’ll need is yourself and some family members or friends to come along for the ride.
While your home town may not always feel like a holiday haven, it’s time to put on those rose tinted sunglasses and get out there.
With an open mind, recreating your longed-for break couldn’t be any simpler.
Here are some of the key elements you’ll need for a fabulous summer holiday in Southampton:
1. Fresh sea air
Dorset, Devon and Cornwall may have the monopoly on famous sandy shores, but here in Hampshire our coastline is just as beautiful. So avoid the A31 slow crawl over the Hampshire border and pack your beach bag for a day of sun, sea and possibly some seaweed.
Head to country parks including the River Hamble Country Park on the Hamble River, Royal Victoria Country Park at Netley Abbey and Lepe at Exbury.
You may also want to consider Calshot Spit with its brightly coloured beach huts. On a good day you can see across to the Isle of Wight, and the beach is popular with water sport enthusiasts.
2. Visit one of the town’s historical monuments
The iconic Bargate - image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
No holiday is complete without dragging yourself on a little sightseeing tour and this summer holiday doesn’t have to be any different - in for a penny, in for a pound?
The Bargate has been a symbol of Southampton since the 12th Century and the monument is steeped in history.
Don a pair of socks and sandals and you’ll really feel like a Brit abroad - and you'll find out something interesting about where you live.
3. Sample some local delicacies
One of the most exciting parts of a summer break for any food lover is sampling some of the weird and wonderful local delicacies.
Make sure you stop off at one of the brilliant butchers to pick up some New Forest bacon or ham, which is famous across the country for its distinctive flavour.
4. Go on a bike ride
A fun activity for all the family, especially if it ends with a picnic or pub lunch.
A benefit of holidaying at home means that if you have your own bikes you won’t need to hire one.
If you don’t own any bikes, fear not - The Hub Cycleworks bike hire is open Monday to Saturday in Shirley.
5. Get competitive with a round of mini golf
It’s time to get competitive and let the holiday feud begin, who will be mini-golf champion?
Might Adventures Craxy Golf on Upper Northam Road is open daily in Hedge End Golf Centre.
6. Book a slot at the New Forest Water Park
There’s nothing funnier than watching your friend or loved one fall off the back of a banana boat or off the edge of an inflatable.
To recreate one of the most memorable parts of a holiday you can get wet and wild at the New Forest Water Park.
The waterpark is open daily and costs £20 per person per hour, children from 6 years old are able to join in the fun on the inflatable aqua park.
7. Go souvenir shopping and pick up a postcard
Although we may not have hair braids and henna tattoos everyday in the town centre, we do have a few lovely gift shops.
Support your local businesses and pick up a magnet of Southampton to display in pride of place on the fridge to remind you of your favourite holiday forever more.
Whilst you’re out don’t forget to get a postcard to send to Gran!
8. Sample some of the finest Mediterranean food Southampton has to offer
Spaghetti courgette with king prawns chilli and garlic - La Tavernetta
If you were going to visit somewhere in the mesmerizing med then why not book a table at La Tavernetta.
With classic cuisine such as pizza, tapas and fresh fish on offer it will feel as if you had hopped on that plane after all.
9. Have cocktails at sundown
Lots of people’s favourite part of their trip involves picking out a special holiday outfit, having some Lays (Walkers in the UK) and heading out to a beach side cocktail bar.
Although we may not have seafront lounges, we do have some wonderful bars such as Mailroom, 1932 and Medbar.
Why not get your holiday crew together and head out for some sunset drinks this summer.
10. Holiday romance
Finally, no holiday is complete without a holiday romance, so if you're single be sure to spend some time on your favourite dating apps.
If we’ve missed anything off the list, comment below.
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