Southampton

Understand

Southampton has been a settlement since Roman and Saxon times. In Saxon times the town was known as Hamwic. The Roman ruins are situated in a suburb called Bitterne Manor - which was known as Clausentum in Roman times. Its privileged position on England's south coast made it Britain's premier trading post. The town became walled in the medieval era, and some remnants of these defences remain throughout the city, most notably the Bargate in the middle of the city centre. Southampton was devastated by bombing during the Second World War, meaning that much of the city and its heritage was destroyed. As such the town and its architecture has quite a modern feel to it.

Southampton has grown rapidly and is the largest city in Hampshire. The two universities (Solent University and the University of Southampton) mean that there is a large student population.

Get around

My Journey is a website funded by the Department of Transport as a hub for travel information in and around Southampton.

See

thumb | 300px | The Bargate, built 1180 , established in the 19th century, form a line through mid-city. South to north these are Hoglands Park, Houndwell Park, Pamerston Park, East Park and Watts Park. At the top end of East Park near the Guildhall and Art Gallery, note the two memorials to those lost aboard Titanic: one for the engineers and one for the musicians.

Do

For up to the minute information on what to do in Southampton, visit the city's Events & What's On calendar. Visit one of the many Theatres. Odeon Cinema at Leisureworld Cineworld Cinema at Ocean Village has a wide choice of films. The Harbour Lights Picture House overlooking the Ocean Village Marina, which shows independent and European films. Live music is at "The Brook", "The 1865" and "The Joiners". thumb | 300px | Old town walls and Catchcold Tower Walk the Old Town Walls - follow the signposted original course (pdf) of the historic old town walls, gatehouses and towers, which are among the most complete in England; as around half of the original one-mile circuit still survives, including the famous Bargate at Bargate Street and High Street. Take a ride on the Hythe Ferry from Town Quay to Hythe Pier, viewing the shipping in the docks. There are a large number of sailing schools based in and around Southampton, particularly on The Hamble. Most if not all offer courses based around the Royal Yachting Association's certificates. A start sailing weekend costs in the region of £200 for two nights and two days sailing. Football: Cricket: is home to Hampshire County Cricket Club, one of the 18 "First Class Counties", the top tier of English cricket. County matches normally last 3-4 days. The Ageas Bowl (formerly called the Rose Bowl) also frequently hosts international or "Test Matches", lasting up to five days. Also here are Southern Brave men's and women's teams playing T…

Buy

thumb|Westquay South with L'Osteria Southampton sells itself as the shopping capital of the South Coast and the Westquay Shopping Centre does nothing to dispel you of that opinion.

Above Bar Street is the main pedestrian thoroughfare joining the shopping centres to each other with even more retailers, large and small. You won't be surprised to find that the same stores as are on most British high streets such as TK Maxx, HMV, Topshop and Primark have made this their home. Above Bar Street is also the home of special shopping events. The German Market runs in December, and the area around the Bargate has the Farmer's Market on the second Saturday of each month.

A short walk to the north of Southampton's main city centre are Bedford Place and London Road. By day and night, the bars, coffee shops, pubs and restaurants are a hive of activity.

Southeast of the city centre, Oxford Street hosts independent boutiques, salons, bars and restaurants and maintains a more historic feel.

Eat

There are two main areas for eating out in Southampton; the first is Oxford Street (towards Ocean Village) and the second is around Bedford Place (just north of the city).

The choice in Bedford Place is rather more varied; ranging from Moroccan and Mexican at the southern end of the road through student style curry houses and a Chinese to some late night kebab and chip shops. In terms of value for money the Pride of India is one of the best Indians in the city, but most of the restaurants are good value, if not exactly awe-inspiring taste-wise.

Walking distance from Bedford Place is the area of town that used to be known as Hungry Hill; Commercial Road where the existence of the Mayflower Theatre has meant a thriving trade for various restaurants in pre- and post-theatre eating. Again the choice is varied although generally the quality to cost ratio is not as high as it might otherwise be; although Buon Gusto (Italian) and Cafe Pattaya (Thai) are particularly recommended.

Drink

As is to be expected of a large port with two universities, there are a lot of places to drink in Southampton. The city centre features two pubs dating from Tudor times, the Red Lion in High Street in particular is steeped in history.

Portswood is the drinking area of choice for students at the university, so keep away from places like The Hobbit, ("Jesters"), and if you want to avoid students. While The can be studenty, it is definitely worth a look as it is a quirky pub with a massive beer garden and live music every night of the week. The Shooting Star (previously known as Kolebka) is a relaxed jazz bar with live music every Friday night. Further up on Porstwood Road, The Brook is a dedicated venue for bands.

The Polygon (also referred to as "Bedford Place") is where most of the clubs and bars in the city lie, such as (a club/bar with a wider variety of music) and (a retro-themed nightclub).

The Marina area has a good (albeit expensive) selection of seafront bars.

The For those looking for something more lively, The nearby on the waterfront is an excellent bet as it features live jazz and blues music and a superb selection of local real ales.

, next to one of the central parks, is an excellent 'local' type pub in the city centre featuring a free drinks quiz and friendly landlord.

The city centre also has the usual spattering of chain pubs, including and four Wetherspoon's. For those looking for a more alternative atmosphere, there is also Nightclub, with cheap d…

Sleep

The Hilton Southampton provides 4-star luxury in a pleasant environment, you can expect comfortable and stylish guestrooms.

3-star hotels are much easier to come by, the sits in the middle of a city centre roundabout, the , , Holiday Inn and are all perfectly adequate for providing a night's sleep.

If you feel the need for a less generic hotel experience, Mercure hotel and are both on the High Street in traditional coaching inn buildings and will make you feel less like you're just a commodity.

Tourist Information will almost certainly be able to find you somewhere to stay if you're stuck ().

Stay safe

Levels of crime in Southampton are fairly similar to other UK cities; serious crimes are uncommon, but alcohol-related crimes and muggings can happen. There is a strong police presence in the city centre at night time, especially around the clubs and pubs. A night bus service is available to allow people to get home safely. Pollution levels can get rather high particularly when one of the larger cruise ships is in harbor.

Go next

The New Forest is perfect for a walk in the countryside and is one of the nicest rural retreats in England. Salisbury is a historic city and its cathedral boasts the tallest spire in England. Winchester is a nearby ancient cathedral city and the former capital of England, with lots to see. Portsmouth is Hampshire's second most populous city and has a proud naval heritage, and the £21-million Spinnaker Tower, offering great views of the South Coast. Bournemouth in the neighbouring county of Dorset, is famous for its golden sandy beach and is perfect for a seaside getaway, shopping and the nightlife. The Isle of Wight has many beaches and attractions to visit. The Borough of Eastleigh has many small villages and hamlets.