Southampton, Hampshire is a vibrant seaside city surrounded by fantastic views and scenery.  From beaches, forests and greenery to shops, restaurants and bars, Southampton has something to offer everyone.  There is always a lively spirit in the city with traditional pubs to modern bars, music venues and night-clubs as well as having plenty of eateries – British and international.

Southampton has been a popular resort for many centuries, boasting visits from Henry V, Jane Austen and William Shakespeare – just to name a few – and with what’s on offer, from the old to the new, it is not surprising that this city is so enticing.  There are many buildings and walls showing evidence of the city’s past including the Grade 2 listed parks (close to the Old Town) which have been restored and include their traditional bandstand plus rose gardens, sculptures and water-fountains.  Furthermore, there is The Bargate which is another historical wonder and many say that it is one of the country’s finest medieval gates.

Due to the location of Southampton, the city has strong links with the sea and this is crystal clear through the main ferries and cruise ships that pass through Southampton’s port.  However, these are not the only sea-faring vessels as it is also popular with leisure yachts and power-boats.  With over 280 cruise ship movements a year and a top-class commercial dockyard, it is easy to recognise that Southampton has a world-class port.  This point is further emphasised with the popular Southampton Boat Show which will be celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2008.

There is much on offer in and around Southampton all within an easy drive.  Just West of the city is the ancient New Forest where the wild horses have been residents for many hundreds of years.  The forest consists of 145 square miles of open heath and woodland which gives the area its attraction for bike rides, walking, horse riding and camping.  In the opposite direction is Marwell Zoo, a great animal park consisting of 200 species in a 100 acre site. Along the Southampton Water, just four miles away are the Netley Abbey ruins - which were founded in 1239 - where many a trip has been taken by painters to capture the abbeys essence.

Southampton prides itself on its three art galleries and two outstanding theatres.  The cultural quarter is based at the Northern edge of the city centre where the City Art Gallery (containing over 3,500 pieces of art) and the Millais Gallery can be found.  For something a little more quirky, The Art House Gallery Café  is the place to be.  Also on offer is The Mayflower which happens to be the largest theatre in Southern England where ballets, musicals and operatic productions are on show.  For those looking for a shoe tapping and finger clicking evening, The Turner Sims Concert Hall features internationally renowned artists playing classical and jazz music.  Alternatively, there is the city’s Guildhall which transforms into a multi-purpose complex for concerts in many different genres and even transforms into a comedy club.

A plan to boost the city higher up the chain of the top ten retail destinations is underway to help the already popular shopping venue.  An excellent mix of high quality shopping centres ( West Quay , Bargate , The Mall) and independent and traditional shops and boutiques have given Southampton an enviable reputation.  For those in search of a good bargain, the Bargate Markets are open every Friday & Saturday offering different products depending on the week (Artists market, Producers & Growers market, Continental market).

Other attractions in Southampton:
• Leisure World – multi-purpose entertainment centre with cinemas, bowling, bars & restaurants plus the Grosvenor Casino
• Tudor Merchants Hall
•  The Nuffield Theatre
•  Beaulieu – New Forest
•  National Motor Museum
•  Paultons Park