Representation of the Departure of the Pilgrim Father
from Southampton.

This walk will be of special interest to our North American visitors, many of whom will have heard that the Pilgrims left England for the New World from Plymouth, further along the south coast.  However, along with several other fascinating facts, participants will discover the fact that the actual final intended port of departure was Southampton.  As they will learn from our expert guide, a ‘last minute’ in-and-out visit to Plymouth had to be made because of  various unforeseen ‘on-board’  circumstances.  Hence New World landmarks, such as Plymouth Rock, could so easily (and rightly, as far as Sotonians are concerned) have been named Southampton Rock!

The Mayflower Memorial.

Our Southampton Tourist Guides Association guide will describe the circumstances that led to the Pilgrims (and others who sailed on the “Mayflower” and, initially the "Speedwell") to decide on Southampton as their departure point and their likely experiences during the 10 to 15 days spent among 1620s townsfolk.

Large sections of the town and many medieval buildings that the Pilgrims would have become familiar with, still remain and these are explored, in terms of their (then) likely usage and appearance.

If you’ve any questions or would like more information, please take a look at our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). Following which, if you’d like to follow in the footsteps of the Pilgrim Fathers, please complete our on-line Provisional Booking Form and we’ll do the rest.