With arguable the best climate in the country and an excellent transport infrastructure getting around the many attractions the glorious south coast has to offer is simple, and around an hours journey from Southampton could find you in London, on the Isle of Wight, basking in the sun on the Blue flag beaches of Bournemouth or walking through the unspoilt beauty of the New Forest National Park.



Located on the mouth of the Solent, one of the busiest water highways in the world. Southampton enjoys a real maritime culture as you will experience, watching the many yachts criss-crossing Solent water will give you a good idea of how busy it is.

This location also means that Southampton has an excellent maritime history and why it is the chosen home berth of many of the finest cruise ships the world has ever seen. Southampton maritime heritage goes back centuries principally due to its location.

Most of Southampton's maritime events take place between April to around September each year and the maritime year is highlighted by the arrival of the Southampton Boat show which literally takes over a swathe of the waterfront, as well as the building of a special pontoon to berth the many latest yachts and motor vessels both large and small which are exhibited at the event.

Southampton's heritage gives it a legacy of historical buildings and the area is steeped with archaeological finds depicting the history of the area and how it must have been to live all those years ago.

One of the finest examples has to be the medieval town gate called Bargate which is one of the best examples in the UK. Bargate also forms the cities logo.

Many of the cities visitors will undoubtedly want to explore the history of the city both ancient and more modern a little more. The best places to do this will be the Merchants house which depicts the 14th century way of life, and the Museum of Archaeology where you can trace the origins of the city back to its very roots.

If you prefer the art and crafts as opposed to the archaeological aspects of the city then Southampton boasts a number of fine galleries that you can visit including the Hansard, the Millais and of course the City gallery.

Southampton also has a thriving music and arts program throughout the year with cultural music events taking place throughout the city and many live music venues. Which are popular with both the young and older city revellers?

If you prefer classical or jazz then perhaps the Turner Sims concert hall will be more to your liking as it features many classics renditions as well as local and international performers.

The shopaholics amongst you will not be disappointed in the cities offerings as it has one of the finest centres in the country.

The West Quay shopping centre is very impressive and in addition you also have the Marlands centre and the Bargate centre to choose from. There is also a collection of independent retailers to be found in nearby East Street.

Whether you are simply going to use Southampton as a base for your vacation or are planning to stay a little longer there will be plenty to keep you entertained in this vibrant city.