Bargate Southampton
1 / 10

Bargate Southampton

4.4
·882 reviews·, United Kingdom

A magnificent Norman-era gatehouse, the Bargate is a key medieval landmark in Southampton, offering a glimpse into the city's rich history.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Friday & Saturday mornings

Lively market atmosphere

CrowdMedium
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Bargate Southampton

Bargate Southampton

Best Time

Friday & Saturday mornings

Lively market atmosphere

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A magnificent Norman-era gatehouse, the Bargate is a key medieval landmark in Southampton, offering a glimpse into the city's rich history.

4.4
(882 reviews)

"A striking reminder of the city’s medieval past, right in the heart of the modern shopping district."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Photo Opportunities

The Bargate is a fantastic backdrop for photos, especially with its historical architecture.

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Walls

Consider the 'walk the walls' tour to connect the Bargate with other parts of the old city walls.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Medieval Gatehouse

The Medieval Gatehouse

Heart of Southampton

A magnificent Norman-era gatehouse, once a key part of the city walls, now a striking historical landmark.

Weekly Street Market

Weekly Street Market

Adjacent to the Bargate

Vibrant market stalls offering street food and local goods, creating a lively atmosphere on Fridays and Saturdays.

Historical Context

Historical Context

Information boards around the Bargate

Learn about the Bargate's rich history as a former guildhall and prison through informative displays.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

The Bargate is a historical landmark, best enjoyed when the surrounding area is lively but not overwhelmingly crowded. Consider visiting during market days for a vibrant atmosphere, or early mornings for a more peaceful experience.

Exploring the Area

While the Bargate itself is a focal point, its charm extends to the surrounding streets. Plan to explore the nearby shops, cafes, and historical sites to get a full sense of Southampton's heritage.

Best Times

When
Friday & Saturday mornings
Why
Lively market atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Quieter, good for photos
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

yes even i eat cake sometimes… the restaurant we went to was amazing!!📍Soleto Bistro, 11 Commercial Rd, Southampton SO15 1GF #wieiad #whatieatinaday #fulldayofeating #healthyrecipes #wieiadrealistic
@og.eats04
44K likes • 330.4K views

📸 Photo Opportunities

The Bargate is a fantastic backdrop for photos, especially with its historical architecture. InstagramReddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Walls

Consider the 'walk the walls' tour to connect the Bargate with other parts of the old city walls. Reddit

Always nice to see the local talent around Southampton 📍🙌🏽 #shoereligion #streetwear #sneakers #viral #fashion
@shoereligionuk
27.7K likes • 410.2K views
🎉 Discover Southampton’s Traditional Weekly Street Market! 🛍️ Nestled by the historic Bargate, this vibrant market offers something for everyone. From delicious street food to unique local goods, it’s the perfect way to spend your Friday or Saturday. 🍴🛒 Join us every week and explore the heart of Southampton’s community! 📍 High Street, Southampton SO14 2DJ ⏰ Open: Friday & Saturday, 9am – 3pm #s...
southampton
0 likes • 8.2K views

🛍️ Market Delights

Don't miss the street food and local crafts at the market held near the Bargate on Fridays and Saturdays. Instagram+1

☕ Nearby Cafes

Grab a coffee or a bite at one of the many cafes and restaurants surrounding the Bargate. Instagram+1

We will not be intimidated by communist thugs. Join us in standing up to the far-left on the 25th of January at 1pm at the Bargate in Southampton. Together we will win. @tenco__talks
officialukip
189 likes • 2.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Photo Opportunities

The Bargate is a fantastic backdrop for photos, especially with its historical architecture. InstagramReddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Walls

Consider the 'walk the walls' tour to connect the Bargate with other parts of the old city walls. Reddit

🛍️ Market Delights

Don't miss the street food and local crafts at the market held near the Bargate on Fridays and Saturdays. Instagram+1

☕ Nearby Cafes

Grab a coffee or a bite at one of the many cafes and restaurants surrounding the Bargate. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.4
(882 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Bargate a fascinating piece of medieval history, appreciating its grand architecture and historical significance. It's praised as a great photo spot and a lively area, especially when the weekly market is active. While direct interior access is limited, its exterior presence and surrounding historical context make it a worthwhile visit for history enthusiasts and shoppers alike.

"I love to feed the pigeons here! There’s nice information around the place, and it’s good for shade. It probably has history which is incredible, but I go here for a good, quiet place to sit outside the shops."

Andy Townsend

"The Bargate in Southampton is a fascinating piece of medieval history nestled in the city's heart. The grand architecture and impressive stonework make it a unique landmark, offering a glimpse into Southampton's past. The surrounding area is lively, with shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it a great spot to explore on foot. The information boards provide interesting historical context, which adds depth to the experience. It’s a must-visit in Southampton, especially if you enjoy history and architecture. Perfect for some photos too!"

Eranda Janaka

"Bargate in Southampton is a striking reminder of the city’s medieval past, right in the heart of the modern shopping district. Built around 1180 as part of the old city walls, this impressive stone gateway once served as the main entrance to Southampton. Today, it stands as a well-preserved historical landmark surrounded by busy streets, shops, and cafes.

The structure itself is visually captivating, especially the twin towers and the upper chamber, which was once used as a guildhall and later a prison. Although you can’t currently go inside, it still makes for a great photo spot and a nice starting point for walking tours of the old town. The surrounding pavement markers show the original city wall layout, adding to the sense of history.

It’s a fascinating contrast—this ancient monument nestled among modern buildings. While there’s not a lot of signage or interactivity at the moment, Bargate is still well worth a visit for anyone interested in local history or architecture. It’s easy to reach, free to see, and surrounded by other points of interest like the medieval vaults, old city walls, and Westquay shopping centre. A quick visit, but a meaningful one."

Adam Evenden (YellowDuck)

What People Like

Impressive medieval architecture
Historical significance
Lively market atmosphere

What People Dislike

Limited interior access

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Bargate is centrally located in Southampton's city center, easily accessible by public transport. Numerous bus routes stop nearby, and it's a short walk from Southampton Central train station. Parking is available in nearby multi-story car parks like Westquay.

Yes, you can drive to the Bargate, but parking in the immediate vicinity can be challenging due to its central location. Several car parks are within a short walking distance, such as the Westquay Shopping Centre car park.

From Southampton Central Station, it's a pleasant 10-15 minute walk to the Bargate. Head east along Above Bar Street, and you'll find it in the heart of the city center.

Yes, many local bus routes serve the city center, with stops very close to the Bargate. Check local bus timetables for the most convenient routes from your starting point.

Cycling is a good option, with cycle racks available in various locations around the city center. The Bargate is easily reachable by bike.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, visiting and viewing the Bargate from the outside is free of charge. It's a public landmark integrated into the city. Reddit

Currently, public access inside the Bargate is limited. While it's a historical structure, it's primarily viewed from the exterior. Information boards provide historical context. Reddit

As an outdoor historical monument, the Bargate is accessible at all times. However, the surrounding market operates on specific days and hours. Instagram

There is no admission fee to see the Bargate itself. It's a free historical site for all to enjoy. Reddit

While there isn't a specific tour solely for the Bargate, it's often included in broader historical walking tours of Southampton. You can also explore the 'walk the walls' tour which connects it to the city's fortifications. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can admire the medieval architecture, read the historical information boards, and enjoy the lively street market held nearby on Fridays and Saturdays. It's also a great starting point for exploring the city's history. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! The Bargate's impressive structure and historical significance make it a prime spot for photography, especially with the surrounding city life. InstagramReddit

Yes, there are benches and public seating areas around the Bargate and in the adjacent market area, offering a good spot to rest and people-watch. Reddit

The Bargate is a significant medieval gatehouse, built around 1180 as part of Southampton's original town walls. It served as a primary entrance and later housed a guildhall and prison. InstagramReddit

While some visitors enjoy feeding the pigeons, it's generally discouraged in public spaces to maintain cleanliness and prevent nuisance. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the Bargate is surrounded by numerous dining options, from casual cafes and street food vendors at the market to more formal restaurants like Edo Asia. Instagram+2

The market typically offers a variety of street food, including delicious baked potatoes, sandwiches, and other local delicacies. Instagram+1

Heavenly Desserts, located just a short walk from the Bargate, offers a popular brunch menu alongside their sweet treats. Instagram

While specific mentions of pizza and sandwiches are more common in other Southampton locations (like Berardi Bros in TikTok T3, which is in Pennsylvania), the market and surrounding eateries offer diverse options. Instagram

While Burga in Portswood is mentioned as a top burger spot in Southampton, the immediate vicinity of the Bargate offers various dining experiences, including those with diverse menus. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The Bargate itself, with its imposing architecture, is the primary photo spot. Capturing it from different angles, especially with the market stalls or surrounding city life, offers great shots. InstagramReddit

Early mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the Bargate's details. Late afternoons can also provide beautiful light. Weekends during market hours offer a more dynamic, albeit busier, scene. Instagram

Drone usage in urban areas like Southampton is subject to strict regulations. It's essential to check current aviation authority guidelines and local bylaws before flying a drone. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the full scale of the Bargate and its surroundings. However, a standard lens will also work well for details and portraits. Instagram

Yes, the pavement markers indicating the original city wall layout and nearby medieval vaults offer additional historical elements for photography. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Bargate area offers a blend of historical interest and lively market activity that can appeal to families. While children might not grasp the full historical significance, the imposing structure of the Bargate can spark their imagination. The adjacent street market is often a hit, with its variety of food stalls providing tasty treats and a fun, bustling environment. Instagram

Consider making it a stop during a family walk around the city center. The information boards offer some context, and the open space around the Bargate allows for a bit of freedom. It's a good place to point out historical landmarks and discuss how cities have changed over time. Remember to check market days for the most engaging experience. Instagram

🚶 History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts

For those with a passion for history and architecture, the Bargate is a prime destination. As a well-preserved Norman gatehouse, it offers a direct link to Southampton's medieval past and its strategic importance as a fortified port. The impressive stonework and the sheer scale of the structure are captivating. InstagramReddit

Take time to read the information boards to understand its historical context, including its roles as a guildhall and prison. Exploring the surrounding area, particularly the pavement markers indicating the original city wall layout, will further enrich your understanding of the medieval city. Reddit

🛍️ Shoppers & Foodies

The Bargate's central location places it right in the heart of Southampton's shopping district. It's an excellent starting point for exploring the nearby shops, including the large Westquay shopping center. Furthermore, the weekly street market held next to the Bargate is a major draw for foodies, offering a diverse range of street food options and local produce. Instagram+2

Whether you're looking for a quick bite from a food truck or a more refined dining experience at a restaurant like Edo Asia, the area around the Bargate caters to various tastes. The market provides a vibrant atmosphere for sampling different cuisines and discovering local delicacies. Instagram+2

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of Bargate

The Bargate is a significant medieval monument in Southampton, dating back to around 1180. It was originally constructed as a key part of the town's defensive walls, serving as the main northern entrance to the walled city. Its imposing structure, featuring twin towers and an upper chamber, speaks to the importance of Southampton as a fortified port city during the Norman period. The upper chamber historically served multiple purposes, including as a guildhall for civic meetings and later as a prison, reflecting its evolving role in the city's administration and justice system. InstagramReddit

Today, the Bargate stands as a proud testament to Southampton's rich past, a striking contrast to the modern urban landscape that surrounds it. While direct access inside is currently limited, its exterior presence is a powerful reminder of the city's medieval heritage. The surrounding pavement markers, illustrating the original layout of the city walls, further enhance the historical narrative for visitors. It's a focal point for understanding Southampton's development from a medieval stronghold to a bustling modern city. Reddit

For those interested in local history and architecture, the Bargate is a must-see. It offers a tangible connection to centuries of history, providing a glimpse into the lives and defenses of medieval Southampton. Its enduring presence amidst contemporary life makes it a unique and compelling landmark. Reddit

The Southampton Market Experience

Adjacent to the historic Bargate, Southampton hosts a vibrant weekly street market, typically on Fridays and Saturdays. This market transforms the area into a lively hub, offering a diverse array of goods and culinary delights. Visitors can expect to find everything from fresh local produce and artisanal crafts to an enticing selection of street food. Instagram

The market is a fantastic opportunity to sample local flavors and discover unique items. Popular stalls often include those selling delicious baked potatoes, freshly made sandwiches, and other tempting treats, making it a great spot for a casual lunch or snack. The atmosphere is energetic, with vendors and shoppers creating a bustling community feel. Instagram+1

Experiencing the market alongside the Bargate provides a well-rounded visit, blending historical exploration with contemporary local culture. It’s a chance to engage with the community and enjoy the lively ambiance that the market brings to the heart of Southampton. Instagram

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