Arlene L.United States
Our guide Michelle was absolutely fantastic, extremely personable and very knowledgeable about Southampton history as well as with currently related information. Highly recommend Michelle for touring!
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Private tour in Southampton Lillian C
Southampton Highlights Private Tour
5.0
(15) reviews
-
5 hours
30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
5 hours
30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
Lillian C.
5.0
Guide rating
39
Reviews
Tours delivered
5 hrs
Avg. response time
I am a historian and published author with a passion for making history and culture a fun and relatable journey for everyone. My academic investigations engage with the impact of popular culture on our society. I also advocate for the control and ownership the public has over historical narratives and our engagement with the past away from the watchful academic eye. I am a native-born explorer of the world. I am very privileged because I come from a beautiful part of the world called Cantabria (Spain) which is overlooked yet full of fascinating history. My first trip abroad was at the early age of 2. My family took me to Paris on the train and I had a blast! I am incredibly lucky to have a family with a passion for having adventures and discovering new exciting places, so I just embraced it with my whole being. I love jumping on a plane and going somewhere new, in the same way, that I enjoy a proper road trip somewhere local to rediscover things that perhaps I took for granted. There is something special and worth exploring everywhere, you just need to look out for it. My passion for tour guiding started in 2010 in Winchester (UK) where I learned the ropes to being a cathedral tower tour guide. Operating at other local sites, I developed my knowledge of the touring industry by engaging with tour operators, cruise ships, summer schools, and the general public. With my academic knowledge of history and culture and my love for traveling, I have taken my tour guiding passion beyond the UK, taking individuals and small groups around Europe, going as far as organising travel, bookings, and selecting the best experiences for the trip and the individual needs. I am a natural storyteller and I want everyone to join in my tours to share these stories and experiences with them because I believe they are worth living, creating endearing memories in the process. The things I want to show you should not just be kept inside dusty history books! PhD in history Associate Fellow of Higher Education
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Lillian C.
Discover the city from where the Titanic & Mayflower departed, current cruise capital #1
Overview of your Southampton tour
Do you want to know how this city went from a tiny medieval village to becoming the cruise capital #1 in the Europe and most of the world? Then join this tour with Dr Lillian Cespedes Gonzalez. She is a local tour guide and historian (PhD). Throughout this journey You will dive into the history of the city that is deeply buried under trauma, tragedies and war. We will learn about local heroes and important figures, see monuments and memorials dedicated to WW1, WW2 and the Titanic. You will also walk along one of the best preserved sections of medieval town wall in the country, and discover beautiful hidden gems such as Tudor House: an original 15th century Tudor building with original wooden traceries. The tour will also take us through the city centre so you will learn about the best paces to eat and shop, and will feature the Marina which is a much quieter space yet full of luxuries and amenities.
Recent Reviews
Lisa Z.United Kingdom
Lillian was a fantastic guide who is super friendly and full of amazing historic facts of Southampton. We loved every minute of this tour and enjoyed our time in Southampton. Can't wait to book Lillian for another tour on our next visit, thanks again for a wonderful tour Lillian! All the best for 2026.
Michelle D.United States
Wow! If you are visiting Southampton I highly recommend booking a tour with Lillian. What a privilege it was to walk around this amazing city with a PhD historian sharing her knowledge and passion. We definitely hope to see her again. Highest recommendation!!
Joe T.United States
The best experience during our visit to Southampton was the tour with Lillian! Her passion for history and the city made the time pass so quickly. We would highly recommend Lillian to anyone spending time in the city wanting to know more of the history as well as the people and the culture of the community.
Jana O.Slovakia
Perfect, excellent, couldn´t be better... These are the words of my clients, a family, after the Southampton walking tour with Tours by Locals guide Lillian C. I am very happy to have organized this introduction to Southampton by your company and your outstanding guide Lillian, who addapted the tour to our needs, so that we have seen all important points for us, enjoyed the tour and have got a lot of interesting and useful information. THANK YOU!
Charles J.United States
Lillian was: friendly, knowledgeable snd passionate about Southampton’s history, energetic and fun. We learned a lot from her.
Your Southampton tour itinerary
10:30 AM - Meeting at the Guildhall Square for our private walking tour 11:00 AM - Walk through the parks in the city centre of Southampton where we will also see war memorials and monuments to local heroes. 12:00 PM - Lunch break 13:00 PM - walk the Southampton Medieval Walls, including stops at Tudor House and Mayflower & Pilgrims Memorial 14:00 PM - walk to Ocean Village to see Southampton Marina 15:00 PM - walk to Holyrood Church & see exterior of most haunted building in Southampton 16:00 PM - Tour Ends at the city centre **contact me for custom tour of Southampton to include Netley Abbey/St Mary's Stadium
Want to customize this tour?
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
Transport details
Type: Walking
This is a walking tour
What's included
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses.
Public Transportation
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location
335 Lower Brownhill Road, England, England, SO16 9LJ, United Kingdom
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: The tour starts from the Guildhall Square. Closest bus stop is: Southampton Art Gallery. Points of Reference: Turtle Bay restaurant, MAAST Theatre, Southampton 02 Guildhall (SO14 7LP)
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
History
Architecture
City Highlights
Tour reference number
929617
Languages
Spanish
EnglishActivity level
Minimal
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Wheelchair Accessible
Traveller reviews
5.0
FAQs
Who is this private tour in Southampton best suited for?
This private tour in Southampton is perfect for history enthusiasts and those interested in the maritime heritage of the city. It's also ideal for travellers who want to connect with a local expert, as Lillian C., a historian with a PhD, will guide you through the city's rich past. Families, including those with children, and individuals with mobility concerns will find this tour accessible and engaging.
What should I bring or wear?
Can this private tour in Southampton be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?
How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?
Where does the tour start and end?
How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?
What languages is this tour offered in?
What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?
Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?
AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide
-
5 hours
30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
5 hours
30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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Book with a deposit
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
How it works
- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
- 30 days before your tour date, the remaining balance is automatically charged.