SOME of Southampton’s most famous monuments will be on the itinerary when a new tour guiding operation launches today.

With a regular programme of guided city walks throughout the year See Southampton has arranged for guides to show the city’s many visitors the highlights of the city.

People will be able to step inside some of Southampton’s most historic places, including Catchcold Tower and Castle Vault, along with other sites that have made a huge contribution to the city’s heritage.

The 90- minute tours – which start on Wednesday, April 1 – will also be timed to coincide with the arrivals of the many cruise ships which come into port, giving tourists the chance to discover the city.

Civic chiefs hope that by combining the walks with vouchers for some of the city’s museums, visitors will boost the city’s economy by staying longer.

The guides have funded the start-up costs themselves and the walks will cost £5 per adult.

Godfrey Collyer, See Southampton chairman, said: “We know how popular the Southampton Walls and Vaults Walk is and the opportunity to step inside Catchcold Tower, Castle Vault and the Undercroft is not to be missed.

“Southampton has a great collection of vaults underneath our feet and few residents and visitors know they exist.

“We want to open people’s eyes to our fascinating history in a lively and entertaining style.”

The talks leave the Lions at the Bargate at 5.30pm on weekdays and 10.30am and 1.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays. An extra 5.30pm walk departs on Saturdays.

Each month See Southampton will offer a specialist-interest walk on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 5.30pm starting with The Titanic in April.

Visitors will have an opportunity to hear the tales of many of the crew who boarded its maiden voyage never to return and the buildings associated with them.

Anyone buying a fullpriced ticket for the walks will receive a voucher booklet for a variety of offers taking in the best of Southampton’s museums, including SeaCity, Tudor House Museum, Solent Sky, the Hythe Ferry and Steamship Shieldhall.

Godfrey added that the tours will be spoken in a variety of European languages, not just English.

He said: “Whereas Southampton used to be bypassed in favour of attractions such as Stonehenge and London we are now finding that by offering tours in visitors’ home languages that many are choosing to stay in the City and explore the walls and vaults.”