85th Anniversary Southampton Blitz Walking Tour with Andy Skinner

Event Information

30th November 2025 marks the 85th anniversary of one of the worst bombing raids on Southampton during the Second World War. Southampton was devastated by enemy bombing during the Second World War and many of the distinctive pre-war landmarks disappeared overnight. During the anniversary period of the worst bombing raids, join historian and guide Andy Skinner for a special guided tour of Southampton’s Old Town with a specific focus on the story of the Southampton Blitz by spotting areas above ground that can be seen and exploring some of the medieval vaults that were used as air-raid shelters during the war.

Please meet 10 minutes before the tour start time in St Michael’s Square. The tour will last approximately 90 minutes and finish in St Michael’s Square. Regrettably it is unsuitable for wheelchair users and those with mobility concerns.

Please bring a torch and wear suitable footwear. Please be aware that in adverse weather the tour may be cancelled or postponed at short notice.

Book Launch

In addition to the walking tour, copies of the brand new book Bloody but Unbowed – The Forgotten Victims of Southampton’s Blitz by Dr Andy Russel, Dr Richard Henry, Andy Skinner and Joanne Smith will be available for purchase at a discounted rate of £10. If you would like to purchase a copy of the book please add this to your shopping basket below.

20% Off Tudor House Admission Voucher On Day of Tour

As a ‘thank you’ for booking on the tour, if you would like to visit Tudor House on the day of the tour you can have a 20% reduction on your entrance fee. This includes annual passes. Simply inform the front of house team that you are booked onto the tour and they will pass on the discount.

Cancellations

In the unlikely event of our having to cancel a session, we will offer a full refund. Unfortunately tickets are otherwise non-refundable. Please contact us if you wish to transfer your ticket to a friend if you cannot attend for any reason.

If you have any questions about the event please contact us at museums@southampton.gov.uk or give us a ring at 023 8083 4536 (emails and phones are staffed weekdays 9am-5pm).