Why fly to Southampton?
If you’ve never been to Southampton, you’re missing out: this lively port city is packed with culture, art, and music.
Worldy, stylish, free-spirited: if Southampton was a person you’d want her to be your bestie. Anything goes in this port town – it’s got terrific theatre and music, excellent cuisine, and is home to loads of outdoor sports.
Get your bearings at Bargate, a medieval gatehouse right in the middle of the high street area. You can see Southampton’s proud of its history: ancient wine vaults, churches, and Georgian towers stand beside modern shops, all hemmed in by perfectly preserved medieval walls.
Southampton’s centre is easy to explore on foot – and, happily, there are plenty of easy-to-follow trails set up for visitors. The pedestrian friendly QE2 Mile takes travellers from the Cenotaph, through the old town, across parks, past galleries, and over to the water at Town Quay. The cultural quarter en-route is worth exploring – the City Art Gallery houses Renaissance and contemporary British art, as well as a series of ever-changing exhibitions. Nearby, the Stage Door offers fringe comedy and theatre, and live gigs.
The city’s charms don’t end at the port. Thanks to a multi-million pound transformation, the harbour is as lively as ever. There are plenty of dining options at Shamrock Quay Marina, where yachts and boats bob along the River Itchen.
Anyone looking to spend some time on the water can enroll in one of the weekend sailing courses, or go stand up paddleboarding and rowing at the Southampton Water Activities Centre. There are daily cruises up the River Hamble, and excellent rambling options, too – the idyllic New Forest is a short drive away, home to hiking trails, ponies, and wildlife.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a week, Southampton has something for everyone.
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