A decade of big hair, bold fashion, and, for Sotonians, truly unforgettable summer holidays.
Before the age of endless screens and instant digital gratification, long school breaks in Southampton were filled with adventures that sparked the imagination and created cherished memories.
From thrilling excursions to simple, sun-drenched pleasures, our city offered a unique playground for youngsters eager to make the most of those precious weeks.
Join us on a nostalgic journey as we dust off the photo albums and revisit 12 beloved activities that defined summer holidays in Southampton during the fabulous eighties!
Get ready to remember the laughter, the freedom, and perhaps, a few forgotten gems from a golden era.
We watched Southampton Carnival procession
The Southampton Carnival of the 1980s was an absolutely unforgettable experience: a truly grand, noisy, and wonderfully colourful explosion of fun!
It was a highlight of the year, bringing the city alive with an incredible procession featuring over 100 vibrant entrants winding through the streets.
Long before the first float appeared, enthusiastic crowds would line the entire two-mile route for hours, eagerly securing their prime viewing spots.
Beyond the magnificent floats, the highly anticipated fancy dress competition always stole the show, showcasing boundless creativity and adding to the joyous atmosphere.
This cherished annual event was more than just a parade; it was a spectacular display of community spirit and pure, unadulterated revelry that left lasting, cherished memories for all Sotonians.
We went ice skating
For a significant part of the 1980s, the Southampton ice rink was a beloved hub where Sotonians reveled in the joy of skating.
Laughter and the occasional tumble filled the air as residents glided and twirled across the ice.
This iconic venue, originally opened in 1931 next to Banister Stadium, tragically succumbed to a Luftwaffe air raid in 1940.
However, the spirit of skating endured!
A new Sportsdrome emerged in 1952, promising to revive the town’s icy entertainment.
Despite later ownership changes and threats of redevelopment, community efforts and a determined original owner, Charles Knott, ensured the rink’s survival for many years.
Sadly, after a refurbishment largely carried out by dedicated locals, the rink finally closed its doors in 1988, making way for housing and leaving behind a treasure trove of frosty memories.
We watched Saints at The Dell
Long before the modern era of St Mary’s Stadium, Southampton Football Club found its heart and soul at the far more intimate The Dell.
For generations of Sotonians, particularly throughout the 1980s, this compact stadium was where dreams were forged and fervent cheers erupted.
Opened in 1898, The Dell witnessed countless legendary matches, from its first glorious 4-1 victory to hosting a record crowd of 31,044. It even endured a wartime bomb.
Despite plans for new stadiums, The Dell remained Saints’ beloved home.
Its atmosphere, often described as intimidating for opposing teams, was truly unique.
The final, poignant match at The Dell took place on May 26, 2001, a 1-0 victory against Brighton, with Uwe Rosler scoring the last goal.
Saints then moved to St Mary’s, leaving behind a legacy.
Today, the site is housing, but a preserved green space marks the former centre circle, a touching tribute to a truly iconic football ground.
We gave coins to birds
For decades, Andrews Park in Southampton was home to a truly unmissable landmark – the Aviary.
You couldn’t ignore it, even if you tried, thanks to the constant, lively chorus of squawking and cawing birds! Amidst the feathered hubbub, some of the more charismatic residents would even “talk,” much to the delight of visitors.
One particularly clever bird was famous for playfully taking coins from enchanted children through the fence – an interaction that always brought smiles.
But these collected coins weren’t just for show; dedicated keepers gathered them to donate to charity, turning a fun moment into a good deed.
Originally located near Upper Prospect Place, the Aviary found its long-term home in the north-west corner of the park, near Above Bar Street, from 1934.
Housing around 90 different birds, it was a community attraction until its demolition in 1992, leaving behind fond, noisy memories for generations of Sotonians.
We played on concrete hippos
For decades, the concrete hippos outside Sainsbury’s in Lordshill were an absolutely marvellous fixture, bringing joy to Sotonians of every age.
These immutable creatures were an instant magnet for youngsters, who would happily spend what felt like hours clambering and playing all over them.
Parents, in turn, could enjoy a moment of peace, knowing their children were thoroughly entertained and safely amused.
The hippos varied in size, creating a natural hierarchy of popularity.
The biggest hippo was always the most coveted, a true triumph for any child who managed to conquer its sturdy back.
Even those little ones not quite big enough to scale its heights would gaze up with determination, dreaming of the day they too could claim their spot on the largest, most magnificent hippo in Lordshill.
They truly were a simple, yet iconic, source of community fun.
We watched chimps smoke
For many Sotonians, memories of Southampton Zoo are a complex mix of childhood wonder and later-day regret.
In the 1980s, it wasn’t uncommon for the tranquility of a picnic on Southampton Common to be dramatically interrupted by the mighty roar of a lion or the resonant trumpeting of an elephant – a surprising soundtrack for a city park!
Opened in 1961, this small but once-popular attraction, part of Jimmy Chipperfield’s legacy, housed a surprising array of creatures, from tigers and bears to Happy the giraffe and Albert the alligator.
Generations recall Ben the Chimp playfully taking cigarettes from visitors, a shocking sight by today’s standards. However, as the animal rights movement gained momentum, growing concerns about the animals’ cramped conditions, vocally condemned by figures like Joanna Lumley and Virginia McKenna, led to intense protests.
The zoo, once a source of fascination, closed its doors in 1985, a poignant reminder of evolving animal welfare standards.
We shot one another at Quasar
Remember the thrill when Quasar burst onto the scene in the late 1980s?
Southampton had truly never witnessed anything quite like this futuristic, high-octane laser tag phenomenon.
Stepping into the arena felt like entering a science fiction movie, with its vibrant neon packs, UV lights, and strobes creating an electrifying, otherworldly atmosphere.
The immersive experience was undeniable; your pack would rumble with a satisfying buzz each time you were “shot,” momentarily putting you out of the game and evoking a playful pang of shame.
Yet, beneath the initial awe, there were often constant glitches.
The high-tech packs frequently malfunctioned, and the chipboard scenery, once gleaming, quickly became a bit tatty.
Despite these quirks, Quasar remains a vivid, fun memory for many Sotonians, a pioneering leap into interactive entertainment.
We swam at Centre 2000
For decades, Southampton Central Swimming Baths held a special place in the hearts of Sotonians.
It was more than just a pool; it was a hub where hundreds of thousands enjoyed a refreshing dip.
Opened in 1962, this £500,000 marvel boasted a truly unique feature: seven robust glass windows that offered a captivating underwater view of swimmers from the entrance hall, creating an enchanting aquarium effect for eager visitors.
This Olympic-sized pool was a source of immense civic pride, large enough to host international events.
By the late 1980s, facing financial challenges, the baths underwent a dramatic transformation, emerging as Centre 2000.
The star attraction of this revamp was a thrilling water slide, an investment that paid off handsomely as attendance soared.
The fun continued until 1999, when a new chapter began with the £10 million Quays – The Eddie Read Swimming and Diving Complex, offering state-of-the-art facilities for a new generation of swimmers.
We caught buses from Hampshire and Dorset Bus Station
For generations of Sotonians, the Southampton Bus Station, opened on January 23, 1933, by Sir Reginald Ford, was more than just a transport hub – it was a part of daily life.
Located gracefully on Civic Centre Road and West Marlands Terrace, it was a constant flurry of activity, a gateway to journeys both short and long.
Many residents hold especially fond memories of those pre-trip rituals: perhaps grabbing a delicious Plested pie from the nearby shop, the savory aroma a perfect companion to the anticipation of a bus journey.
This landmark served the community faithfully until its closure in 1987.
Today, where buses once rumbled and passengers gathered, stands the modern Marlands shopping centre.
We ate pick and mix at Woolworths
Oh, the glorious pick-and-mix of the 1980s!
It’s a sweet tradition that, sadly, just isn’t the same today.
Back then, every local corner shop boasted an irresistible array of loose, sugary perfection.
Imagine rows of colourful treats, invitingly displayed, with paper bags at the ready and gleaming scoops or tongs waiting to gather your personalised haul of delight.
But the true paradise for any child was, without a doubt, Woolworths.
Their pick-and-mix section was legendary, overflowing with every imaginable confection.
Coupled with aisles brimming with toys, it was a sensory wonderland – a place where dreams were made of sugar and fun.
While modern sweets might be “healthier” or less available loose, nothing quite captures the pure, unadulterated joy of those classic 1980s pick-and-mix moments.
We went for a paddle at Mayflower Park
For decades, Mayflower Park paddling pool was a true summer sanctuary for Southampton’s children.
Opening its gates in the 1960s, this unique pool, shaped like three joining hexagons, became an instant hit, drawing giggles and splashes throughout the warmer months.
Even into the vibrant 1980s, it remained incredibly popular, a cherished spot where youngsters could cool off and play to their hearts’ content.
However, as the years passed, its sparkle began to fade.
By the early 2000s, the once-gleaming floor had become slippery and concerns over hygiene grew, leading to its unfortunate decline in popularity.
Sadly, in 2009, this beloved piece of Southampton’s childhood landscape was completely removed.
Yet, for many Sotonians, the memory of sun-drenched days and joyful splashes at Mayflower Park’s unique paddling pool remains as clear as the summer sky.
We drank from fountains
Many Sotonians will fondly recall those rather strange-looking drinking fountains that were once dotted across the city, providing a quick refreshment on a sunny day.
You’d find a particularly high concentration of them in busy spots like Southampton Precinct and Southampton Sports Centre, always a welcome sight when you were parched.
Youngsters, with their boundless enthusiasm, could often be seen naively clamping their mouths directly over the spout – a sight that, in retrospect, certainly raises a few questions about hygiene!
Yet, despite any cleanliness concerns we might have now, these unique contraptions were undeniably a great way to “whet your whistle” and rehydrate during a hot day outdoors.
They remain a quirky, memorable piece of Southampton’s past.
