We had only been one back week from Isle of Wight , when we headed off to Southampton. Neither Hubby nor I had ever been. We were not sure what to expect. He had booked our accommodation as perusal via Airbnb before leaving for IOW. I said ‘YES’ because the accommodation had a hot tub. I didn’t realise how much I needed it until I got there. Our last week on Isle of Wight was damped bit due to my knee pain and the UK riots. My anxiety level was high. Putting on a brave face for my kids and to some extent Hubby, made the anxiety that more intense. I was experiencing tension headaches and an increased heart rate. What would we return to? How I would feel going out and about. Those questions swirled in my head. Our hot tub staycation in Southampton was balm for the soul.
Hot Tub Staycation Location
We stayed in a cottage near the River Hamble, on Swanick Shore, which we round via Airbnb. It was a two bed one-bathroom, separate dining and living room space with a hot tub in the garden. It was a dream. Once out the front door you have full view of the boats and paddle boarders which is the eastern side of the River Hamble. The public foot path takes you on a glorious gravelled walk along the river.
The area of Swanick Shore was designated a conservation area in 1994. Our rented cottage Bay Tree Cottage is a listed along with Hard Cottage and Victory Cottages, as places of architectural and historical interest. They date back to the 18 centuries.
Inside the cottage there are references to area’s heritage. A handrail from the famous historic yacht, The Gypsy Moth will support you decent from the upper bedrooms. Exposed beams and a vaulted ceiling in the kitchen gives character to the cottage.
TIP Nearby Attractions: The Swanwick Lakes Nature Reserve, The Brickworks Museum with Deacons Marina less than 10 mins drive away.
When We Weren’t In The Hot Tub
We spent one morning in Southampton city centre and it was jumping! As it was the August Bank Holiday Saturday, there was a Pride Carnival in full swing. Then on the High Street in front of Westquay shopping centre a summer beach club was set up. There was live music and Instagrammable spots to capture memories. We had a grab and go lunch from Greggs, retail therapy in Primark, window shopped in IKEA finished up with a coffees and cakes at Merricks, Westquays.
Later in the evening, we dinned two nights at Kam’s Palace, the Chinese restaurant local to our accommodation. Service wand ambience was great. It’s very family friendly, one there were two birthday gatherings. The food was so yummy, we ever tried new hotpots. It was a new pleasure to return home to a soothing hot tub experience.
The Sunday before we left, I took a walk along the River Hamble. I felt at peace. It was just what I needed, a reassurance that the world had not totally gone mad, there are still plenty of good people and nature will always recentre you and put things into perspective.
Places To Visit Near Southampton
From where we stayed Winchester was roughly 40 minutes’ drive. Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth was a mere 26 minutes’ drive. We visited both while in Southampton. Rain or shine Winchester is a beautiful city. On the day we visited we had both rain and sun. During the wet time we strolled through Winchester Cathedral. She is a regal beauty. We popped into a couple charity shops and finished off with coffee and cakes at the Coffee Lab Academy.
Late afternoon we drove to Gunwharf Quays Designer Outlet, Portsmouth for retail therapy. along with fashion and lifestyle shopping Gunwharf Quays has a variety of restaurants. We dinned at Slim Chicken. Think freshly fried crispy chicken with a variety in-house made dips in a flavours like Mango Habanero and Korean BBQ. Oh yeah, it was GOOD! We had a grand time!
Sometimes you don’t always know what you need, until you’ve had it. Our trip to Southampton was very much what I needed. As a black expat, depending where you are based you will stand out. Living in a country with racial tension towards immigrants is scary when riots flare up. However, this was the place I chose as home for myself and my children. Having access to a hot tub took the staycation to another level. It was so relaxing to end our days out in the warm swiriling water. The jets massaged the tension away. Seriously, a hot tub weekender by the river! This is what slow living dreams are made off.
Looking for more staycation ideas, CLICK HERE. If you have got suggestions of places we should visit, list them in the comment box below.
