Explore the medieval sites that survived the Southampton Blitz at the bottom of the High Street.

Following repairs to the ruins of Canute’s Palace, one of Southampton oldest buildings, can you spot the features that archaeologists have used to date the building and learn how it acquired such a grand name?

Two neighbouring medieval wine vaults that are rarely open to the public will be accessible over 2 days - Quilters Vault and the 88 High Street Vault. Quilters, which opens on to the High Street, is named after Eliza Quilter who owned the ancient vault, and the Royal George Hotel above it, in the late 1800s. Excavations have revealed that the vault dates back to the 1270s when the wine trade was flourishing in Southampton. The 14th century vault formerly under 88 High Street can be reached from Town Quay Park. It has been used to store stone from several structures around the town, including the original Victorian pedestal for the Mayor Andrews statue that is still in Andrews Park, also known as East Park.

Timings & Tours 

Friday 12 September: 10am – 3pm (last entry at 2:30pm)

Location & directions 

Contact on day: Southampton City Council Culture and Tourism Service

Telephone number: +442380834688

Accessibility Details

There are steep steps down into all three buildings but information will be available about them in the Park.

Additional information

Many other venues are taking part in Heritage Open Days 2025. Check out the Bargate, God's House Tower, St Julians Church, and much more around Southampton. You can also explore other monuments and vaults including Quilters Vault and God's House Tower as part of Music in the City 2025 on the 13th and 14th of September, for full details go to https://musicinthecity.org/

Booking information 

Pre-booking requirement: Pre-booking not required.