Southampton

SOUTHAMPTON
A vibrant modern City, the centuries old port of Southampton is amongst the most fascinating settlements on the UK’s South Coast. As one would imagine the city’s focal point is the fabulous harbour, which offers an eclectic mix of old and new facilities that cover virtually every aspect of nautical activity and interest. It is homeport to some of the most famous ocean liners in the world including QE2, Oriana and Arcadia. Along with first-class marinas with their copious moorings and services for pleasure craft the harbour offers visitors a wealth of other attractions. The incredible Leisure World takes pride of place complex. There you will find a multi-screen cinema, a casino, sports bar, bowling alley and choice of restaurants.

In town there is even more on offer with countless heritage sites, theatres, fine dining and a pub scene you would be hard pushed to match anywhere else in the country. Southampton’s shopping is legendary and has long been ranked in the UK’s top ten retail destinations earning the nickname ‘Emporium of the South’. Highlight of the shopping week is the General Market, which is home to over 90 stalls offering a mind-boggling array of wares and produce.

Culture vultures will be drawn to the splendid Old town, which dates back to medieval times. There you can stroll by myriad architectural wonders once visited by the likes of William the Conqueror, Henry V, William Shakespeare and Jane Austin to name just a few. Night owls will also be very impressed with the city after dark. Not only are there more bars than you can visit in a week, Southampton also boasts some of the best nightclubs in the country making it almost too easy to dance every night away completely. There’s also a happening music scene – you can fall out of a rock bar and a few doors down the road fall into a jazz lounge or funk club.

Whatever you are looking for from a break, Southampton will have something to satisfy your tastes. It is a truly exciting modern city with an ancient heartbeat that leaves you breathless and often inspired. A city that really has to be seen to be believed and a city that simply has to be seen full stop.