The Alfred Arcade

Southampton's Alfred Arcade is one of those Victorian covered shopping passages that actually feels like stepping back in time, rather than a tourist trap pretending to. Built in the 1880s, it's a proper slice of period architecture - all wrought iron, glazed roof panels and the kind of narrow corridors that make you slow down whether you mean to or not.

What you're really here for is the independent gallery and craft shops tucked into the alcoves. Local artists and makers have set up in here, so you'll find ceramics, jewellery, prints and paintings alongside antique dealers and curiosity shops. It's the sort of place where you can actually have a conversation with the person selling their own work, rather than standing in front of a corporate display.

Walkers and creative types will get the most from a browse - reckon on 45 minutes to an hour if you stop to chat. Families with small children might find it a bit cramped. The arcade sits right in Southampton's historic quarter, which means you can easily loop in a visit while exploring the medieval walls or the Tudor House Museum nearby.

It's free to wander through, though obviously browsing and buying works rather differently. Opening hours do vary by shop, so check ahead if you're planning a specific visit. If you're staying at any of the nearby parks - Sunnydale Farm or Mercury Holiday Park are your closest options - it's easily worth a quick trip into town for. Nothing flashy, just genuinely interesting.