A Very Respectable Company – Jane Austen and Her Southampton Circle Jane Austen’s social circle featured a fascinating mix of individuals, including her next-door neighbour, Ann Newell, an absentee landowner with plantations in Jamaica; Charlotte Fitzhugh, who married into a prominent East India Company family and was a devoted fan of Austen’s favourite actress, Sarah Siddons; and Ann Morse Middleton, a mixed-race plantation heiress born in Jamaica, married in India, whose personal life made headlines in national newspapers. These women could easily have inspired the characters found in Austen’s novels such as Mansfield Park, Emma, and Sanditon. The exhibition will showcase loaned items from the archives of their descendants, offering new and rarely seen materials connected to Austen and her social circle, including the Austen Family Household Book. Photo credit: Southampton Culture & Tourism

Join a guide and ascend the Civic Centre’s iconic clock tower. Climb all 215 steps via a spiral staircase and discover the incredible story of its construction as well as gaining unparalleled views of the city. Please arrive ten minutes before the tour is due to start. Portions of the tour will be outside so please wear suitable clothing and footwear. The tour is suitable for people over 12yrs old and will last approximately 60 minutes. This tour is not recommended for people who have a fear of heights and is unsuitable for people with mobility concerns. 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.

Join Ukranian artist and tutor Viktoria Bezugla for a creative summer workshop. You will paint a beautiful sailing scene using watercolor and ink and learn how to create soft watercolor washes for the sky and sea, add expressive details with ink, and capture the movement of the waves and sails. This workshop is perfect for beginners and experienced artists who want to explore a fresh and dynamic painting technique! 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.

‘Hands On History’ sessions are just that – chances to discover amazing history in a fun, interactive way! You’ll discover stories, investigate artefacts and find out amazing facts. You pay for the young people and join them for the ride! Join a member of the SeaCity team for a 90 minute activity and story workshop to discover more about the RMS Titanic. Try your hand at Morse Code, handle objects from ocean liners, sink the Titanic and see how an iceberg floats! You’ll also be taken on a mini-tour of our Titanic exhibition! CANCELLATIONS In the unlikely event that we 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.