Weekday Wonderings: In the Shadow of the Spitfires Guided Walk with Alan Matlock

Event Information

Please note that this tour will be taking place from Woolston Millennium Garden in Woolston and not by one of our usual venues.

Weekday Wonderings is a weekday initiative from Southampton City Council Cultural Services, exploring the rich history and heritage of the town. Each session is different, but it could be a talk, tour or something entirely different! Look out for exciting activities on different weekdays!

Southampton was the home of the Supermarine Spitfire, one of the most important aircraft of the Second World War. Designed by R.J. Mitchell and built at Woolston until the factory’s destruction in September 1940, the Spitfire protected the skies above Britain against the attacks of the Nazi German air force.

On this walking tour, Spitfire historian and founder of the Southampton-based Spitfire Makers Charitable Trust, Alan Matlock, will guide us round the sites of the Woolston and Itchen Works. With tales of tragedy, and triumph over adversity you will see what remains of where the iconic Spitfire was built and hear how production continued in secret after the bombing.

Please note that this walk is not accessible for people with mobility concerns.

This walk will commence at Woolston Millennium Garden (What3Words: ///whips.crazy.lined; on the corner of Oakbank Road and Bridge Road) underneath the feather sculpture.