Southampton

As one of the UK’s premier ports Southampton is famous the world over. This south coast city overlooks the Solent and is a regular stop for some of the world’s biggest cruise liners, and the history of the town is firmly biased towards the seagoing traditions of this part of the country.

Southampton has been a port since at least Roman times and many believe beyond, and while it is this that brings to the town its economic sustenance there is much more for the tourist to see.

 

Easily accessible by road, rail and – of course – sea, the city offers much in the way of ancient buildings, including a stretch of medieval wall that is believed to be the longest remaining in existence. Southampton is also home to a famous annual boat show, one of the biggest of its kind in the world, and has strong roots in the arts with many well known theatres and art galleries around the city, too.

Southampton Art Gallery
Located in the Civic Centre is this gallery that displays popular works of British 20th century artists. (023 8083 2277)

Southampton Maritime Museum
The museum is housed in a 14th century stone warehouse. A small exhibit here is on the famous ship the Titanic as part of this great ship was built here. Most of the museum though looks at the ports history and boating and shipping artefacts.
(023 8063 5904)

West Quay Retail Park
A huge development in this area has seen the Southampton esplanade become a hub of shops, restaurants and entertainment venues.

Broadlands
Located 8 miles northeast of Southampton is the home of one of Britain’s much loved Earls, Earl Mountbatten of Burma. He was assassinated in 1979 and the home now belongs to his grandson, Lord Romsey. The house tells the history of the famous Earl and the gardens are beautiful to walk through. (01794  505 010)

The New Forest
Covering over 37 hectares, this forest was created by William the Conqueror as a hunting preserve. Located 10miles from Southampton.