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southampton bargate
The historic Bargate of Southampton looks very different around Christmas.
21/12/2025
finland
This week I am in beautiful Finland. Watch this space for further details.
14/12/2025
carlton place christmas
Carlton Place is getting ready for Christmas.
Loving the entrance decoration this year.
30/11/2025
halloween in southampton
Southampton is getting ready for Halloween.
Guidhall Square and Mayflower Park will have lots of fun activities.
26/10/2025
depeche mode’s new release
I bought my ticket and am super excited about the release of
DEPECHE MODE: M, a cinematic journey into the heart of Mexican culture’s relationship with death, framed by the iconic performances of Depeche Mode during their 2023 Memento Mori tour.
12/10/2025
tina turner musical display
Until 15.09, costumes from The Tina Turner musical are on display in John Lewis, Southampton.
Check out this beautiful collaboration with Mayflower Theatre ahead of the October show.
21/09/2025
cosmic clay workshop
My owl from the Cosmic Owl Clay Workshop I wrote about is finally back with me after being fired. I found something very therapeutic and enjoyable in colouring it. Creativity brings mindfulness.
14/09/2025
Weymouth beach
I am using the last moments of summer and enjoying being in the sea.
This weekend I was exploring the beautiful sandy beach of Weymouth.
The sea was lovely and warm.
07/09/2025
autumn.
One can smell autumn now, my favourite time of the year.
This Saturday, I had a fantastic time with my friends at Mottisfont, a National Trust property.
A romantic house and gallery set in beautiful riverside gardens.
31/08/2025
Craig david’s new album
What an amazing vibe it was at the 1865 Vinillo outstore event celebrating the new album of the Southampton-born Craig David.
Commitment is Craig David’s ninth full-length record, and this is what I am listening to this week. Check it out
23/08/2025
Cowes Week of Sailing
What a great buzz it was at the Isle of Wight on Saturday for the Cowes Sailing Week.
I learnt that this yearly event is the longest-running regatta in the world, with 40 daily sailing races, around 500 boats, and 2500 competitors ranging from Olympic and world-class professionals to weekend sailors.
08/03/2025
Uncomplicated Happiness
“Words are very unnecessary; they can only do harm”
By the one and only Depeche Mode
27/07/2025
The joy of the Circus
I love the Circus. There is something magical, naive, and Peter Pan-like about it. No gimmicks, just raw talent, great music and mindless fun. The feeling of going back to a very happy childhood.
Check to see if there are any circus performances near you.
20/07/2025
What to do in Southampton
When asked what it’s like to live in Southampton, I always reply with one word – Interesting.
There is always so much going on in this amazing City—and in all possible areas—cultural, gastronomic, musical, sports, and community. Southampton is beautifully vibrant. And this photo is the proof.
13/07/2025
Friday Night Special
On Friday night, I returned to Flo’s Flea Market for their summer special.
What an amazing evening. Not only a great vintage shopping experience as always, but this time there was so much more.
I’m talking about very popular tarot card readings, fantastic dance music, and a bar with a great selection of cocktails. Fun, fun, fun!
Flo, everything you do is just amazing!
https://www.instagram.com/flos_vintage/
With Love As Always,
Yana De Lilac
08/07/2025
Cunard Spritz
I am usually not a fan of cocktails; I am a purist regarding drinks.
But I was first intrigued by this one on a Queen Mary 2 cruise a couple of weeks ago, and then I was pleasantly surprised by it.
Sharing the exact recipe:
Gin (Cunard Edition but can be substituted)
Aperol
Akashi-Tai Yuzushu (I learnt that it is sake)
Tonic Water
Cheers!
22/06/2025
Uncomplicated happiness.
Southampton is a big city, but it is very green.
Even in the centre, you can always find a corner of nature and beauty.
Watts Park wildflowers display.
25/05/2025
white star dock
I often hear visitors to Southampton asking where the place of departure for the Titanic is.
The RMS Titanic sailed from Southampton on her maiden voyage on April 10, 1912. The ship departed from Berth 43 of the White Star Dock, now known as the Ocean Dock.⠀ Prior to 1907, the White Star Line primarily operated out of Liverpool, but it established a service from Southampton due to its proximity to London and its location on the south coast, which allowed ships to cross the English Channel easily.I found this place.
18/05/2025
my Favourite place in southampton
Uncomplicated happiness.
My favourite place in Southampton – Wisteria Lane, East Park.
Just beautiful.
11/05/2025
Southampton’s Guildhall Square
This June, Southampton’s Guildhall Square will once again come alive with the return of Southampton Summer Sessions. The square will transform into a vibrant live music hub, hosting incredible artists from around the globe for the much-anticipated TK Maxx Presents Southampton Summer Sessions.
Southampton’s very own music legend will take to the stage at Summer Sessions, bringing his high-energy TS5 vibes to the city. Expect an electrifying mix of R&B, garage, and club anthems as Craig delivers an unforgettable live set in his hometown.
I am really looking forward!
04/05/2025
Celebrate 80 years since VE Day in Southampton
11th May
Head to Carlton Place for a lively afternoon marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day, packed with entertainment and vintage charm.
See a full-size Spitfire, explore military and vintage vehicles, browse food and craft stalls, and soak up the atmosphere at traditional street party tables. Dress to impress for the 1940s fancy dress competition and enjoy performances from:
🎶 The Charlalas
🎶 City of Southampton (Albion) Band
🎶 Solent University Musical Theatre
…and much more!
With a welcome from the Lord Mayor and a pop-up Military Heritage Museum, this free event promises a fantastic day out for all ages.
27/04/2025
easter in southampton
Over the Easter holidays, get ready for an egg-citing adventure in Southampton’s Cultural Quarter with brand-new, free family trail.Check it out https://visitsouthampton.co.uk/events/southamptons-easter-trail-adventure
Wishing all my readers Happy Easter holiday and New beginnings!
13/04/2025
We won!
I am so excited and honoured to be part of the Southampton Saints Volunteering team. It is amazing to be the winner of the Visit England Tourism Superstar Award 2025!
Thank you to everyone who voted for us!
But first of all my congratulations to Southampton, the City that I love and call home. This award is dedicated to YOU. ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
30/03/2025
Visiting the House of Commons
Once again I quote the most loved philosophers in my life – Depeche Mode, “Words are very unnecessary. They can only harm.” So just sharing my invitation with no further comments :)
English Tourism Week 2025
Parliamentary Reception
Dear Yana De Lilac
The Tourism Alliance and the Family Holiday Charity warmly invite you to the Annual Parliamentary Reception to celebrate English Tourism Week, hosted by Christopher Bloore MP.
House of Commons
Terrace Pavilion
Tuesday 18th March 2025
3 pm-5 pm
23/03/2025
My Experience as a Cruise Terminal Volunteer on BBC Radio Solent
It was so exciting but a little bit scary too to be a guest on the BBC Radio Solent programme this week.
I was sharing my experience of being a volunteer at the cruise terminal in Southampton as part of the welcome team. It is a scheme organised by the talented team of https://www.gosouthampton.co.uk/
We meet and greet passengers arriving in the City by cruise, try to share our love for Southampton, and help direct them to the best places to visit.
It was an honour to be invited to talk about this on the local BBC radio.
09/03/2025
Vinilo record store
There is something special and decadent about holding and playing vinyls. It is a special experience and the quality of the sound.
I love spending time at the record stores.
That’s why I was pleasantly surprised stumbling across Vinilo Record Store in Southampton https://vinilo.co.uk/
There are 2 of them. One selling second-hand vinyls, the second – new records. They are most amazing with a great vibe, good music and very friendly people working there.
They also do events and I am curious to learn more.
Check it out! You won’t be disappointed.
23/02/2025
Southampton City Art Gallery
There is still time to see From the Renaissance to the Present Day exhibition. It is an amazing collection of paintings and sculptures ranging from 14th century to contemporary art.
From 22 February Gallery will be closed temporarily for refurbishment and will re-open in April in the West Wing.
Don’t miss the chance to see this fabulous exhibition https://southamptoncityartgallery.com/whats-on/from-the-renaissance-to-the-present-day/
16/02/2025
celebrating year of the snake
In spite of the rainy day, Southampton is celebrating 2025 Year of the Snake.
It was fun with performances and complimentary Fortune cookies :)
Mine totally made sense!
It was also great to see my friends from Go! Southampton https://www.gosouthampton.co.uk/
09/02/2025
year of the snake
We are approaching the 29th of January, Chinese New Year, and it is a year of the Snake.
In the Chinese zodiac, the snake is associated with wisdom, charm, elegance, and transformation. So I wish all my readers a year full of beautiful transformations, amazing opportunities, and many stylish experiences.
To celebrate this occasion, check out the list of many exciting activities in the City: https://visitsouthampton.co.uk/chinese-new-year.
With love as always,
Yana De Lilac
25/01/2025
west quay street art
I love any type of art.
This street art by the West Quay is just awesome and I am very curious to learn more about it.
Check it out while in the City.
17/01/2025
rotterdam’s amazing architecture
I loved Rotterdam for the very quirky architecture and funky vibe.
Totally loved this Market Hall building for its unusual design and all the food stalls inside.
Check this out!
11.01.2025
my highlight: Moules-Frites
As gorgeous as Bruges is, my highlight is the Moules-Frites.
It is just pefect with rose wine.
Cheers!
11.01.2025
A Stylish European Adventure!
Guess what I am doing over next 7 days? Southampton to Hamburg, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Bruges and back to Southampton in the most stylish way on travelling 😀 Any ideas?
03/01/2025
paddington at the west quay
This weekend not only I enjoyed “Paddington in Peru” movie but I also met a real Paddington with his marmalade sandwich at the West Quay.
Just adorable!
21/12/2024
bulgaria 2025
I am very much looking forward to exploring more of Bulgaria in 2025.
But for now, I am collaborating with a young and talented photographer and video producer based in Sofia, Anastasia.
She is sharing favourite places in her city.
19/12/2024
Southampton christmas market
Check out Southampton Christmas Market on Above Bar Street and Bargate until 5th January 2025. The only thing that is missing for me is Snow! :)
11/12/2024
gods house tower exhibitions
Jane Austen’s travelling writing desk is at the heart of a year-long celebration of Jane Austen’s 250th birthday in Southampton, and across the world. This item is on loan from the British Library,
You can see it at God’s House Tower until February 2025 https://godshousetower.org.uk/exhibitions/
10/12/2024
Mauries sandwiches
If you are like me a fan of the sitcom Friends, you know how important sandwiches are to Joe.
I was never a massive fan of sandwiches, simply because I could never find one that was good enough for my taste.
Then I discovered Maurie’s
Check out their Christmas special. It is just amazing!
05.12.2024
Southampton’s snow windows trail
Explore Southampton’s Snow Windows Trail.
29thNovember-31st December
Amazing and free family activity and children can receive a free prize too!
Pick up your map from Marland’s Shopping Centre.
03.12.2024
Celebrating National Tree Week!
I have always been a nemophilist (do you know the meaning of this word?) 😊
It is a person with strong affection for trees and nature.
Take time this week to go for a walk and hug an amazing tree.
01.12.2024
City gallery exhibition
Being the captains daughter myself, this painting with the same title by James Tissot in the City Gallery really spoke to me.
30.11.2024
Something new to check out!
Do you remember Night in the Museum movie with Ben Stiller?
Last week I experienced a night of yoga in the SeaCity Museum organized by The Yoga Coffee Club.
It felt very special to be in this stunning location after hours with dimmed lights, relaxing music, and gentle stretching.
27.11.2024
Christmas in Southampton
I never used to have Christmas vibe but Southampton changed this for me :)
Totally feeling it this year !
25.11.2024
Hello,
I’m Yana De Lilac
Welcome to the Walking in My Shoes site. Here I will share with you what inspires me: from luxury cruise ship holidays to culinary experiences and things to do in Southampton. Let me be your guide through the jungle of sights and activities, sharing hands-on tips on solo travelling. This is a non-commercial blog based entirely on my real personal experience. Thank you for joining me on this journey. Happy reading!
Have any questions or thoughts to share? Let’s Connect! Your input is valuable to me.
What would you like me to write about? Please share with me the topics that interest you most!
Walking in My Shoes 