SOUTHAMPTON boasts a wide variety of things to see and do.
From walking the city's historical walls, perusing the art galleries or going for a spot of shopping, there is plenty for residents and visitors to enjoy.
A recent video on the social media platform TikTok went viral for saying the best 'hidden gem' in Southampton is a transport route out of the city.
In the video, user @creggggy (‘Craig’) tells people to ‘walk into the train station’ and ‘buy a ticket to somewhere that isn’t a complete sh**hole.’
READ MORE: TikTok video slamming Southampton goes viral - but is it too harsh?
However, we know lots of people are unaware of the hidden treasures that lie within the city - and that's where we come in.
The below five places are worth seeking out and spending time in, so read on to find out more.
Bring & Mix
Set in the prohibition period of 1920s America, Bring & Mix gives locals the chance to bring in bottles of their favourite spirit(s) in exchange for a unique cocktail experience, whereby a mixologist creatively blossoms the ingredients given into a cocktail or mocktail creation.
Each creation is completely individual, with no menu being used as a point of reference, allowing for a new experience on each visit to the bar - a must-try for those visiting the surrounding area.
The Stage Door
Run by a former student of Solent University, The Stage Door is an up-and-coming fringe theatre, which serves itself as a "diverse and inclusive cultural hub for artists and emerging talent in the city".
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The organisation was one of the founders of Southampton Pride and played a pivotal role in campaigning for Southampton's bid for City of Culture 2025.
From hosting Drag Brunches to nights encompassing Soul and Motown music, there is a good variety of performances for all ages and tastes, which ensures that there is a show for everybody at any point in the year.
Tudor House Gardens
Serving as one of Southampton's most important historical monuments, Tudor House is home to over 800 years' worth of history at the heart of the old town.
The museum itself provides insight into the lives of those within the city throughout the years within the historical period, in addition to fun hands-on activities catered for children, which makes it a must-see for families and history lovers alike.
University Botanical Gardens
Developed after World War Two, the botanical gardens can be found behind the sports hall that lies on the University of Southampton's Highfield campus.
Despite falling into decline during the 1990s due to financial difficulties, a ten-year plan has secured its future, with restoration underway to enlarge the area and add to its already-impressive collection of rare trees and variety of plants and habitats.
Making up 1.2 hectares of land, there is no shortage of vibrant greenery to explore right on the doorstep of the city.
Ocean Village Book Exchange
Situated in the Ocean Village area of Southampton, a book exchange in the form of a blue telephone box provides an opportunity for residents to input their preloved books in exchange for someone else's.
The scheme excellently ensures that all have access to literature, whilst curating a positive means of recycling - one that is also replicated in various other cities within the UK.
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