Southampton travel and tourist information
Southampton, located on the south coast of England, is the biggest city in the county of Hampshire. It is situated only 100 km of London. It is an important port lying by the River Test, Rover Itchen and the River Hamble. The estimated population of Southampton is 234,600. One of the characteristic features of the city, as far as the population is concerned, is its ethnical diversity, with large Polish, Asian and Irish communities. Southampton was settled around AD 43, and the area itself seems to have been inhabited since the stone age and witnessed many historical events.
As a consequence of its longevity, in Southampton the tourists can find the longest surviving stretch of medieval walls in England. The most significant museums are Tudor House, and Southampton Maritime Museum. The city has also its annual Southampton Boat Show which in September attracts over 600 exhibitors. The city is famous for the tragic story of Royal Mail Ship Titanic that set off from Southampton on her maiden voyage. Mayflower Theatre, being the largest theatre in the city, hosted Welsh National Opera and English National Ballet. The modern art galleries include the Millais Gallery, the City Art Gallery, and the Art House. The Mayflower Theatre is also one of the two main live music venues, along with the Guildhall, with such performers as Pink Floyd, David Bowie, or Amy Winehouse.
One of the most significant football clubs in the UK comes from Southampton. They are called Southampton Football Club and play in the Football League One, at a modern St Mary's Stadium. The team’s nickname is “The Saints”. The highly esteemed Southampton Hockey Club, with over 50-year-long tradition, is one of the largest clubs in Hampshire. The city offers many possibilities to rugby players as well. A wide range of yachting and water sports facilities is a result of the city’s strong connection to the sea. In 2006, Southampton was considered “the fittest city in the UK”, by Men's Fitness magazine. There is also the world's oldest surviving bowling green in Southampton - the Southampton Old Bowling Green, which was used for the first time in 1299.
Southampton is linked with the rest of the country by many motorways. Most sections of the city are operated by the local train services. From the regional airport one can get to the UK and some near European destinations. Southampton Airport is connected to the city thanks to the efficient rail service. The local public transport is provided mainly by city buses. There used to be many ferry services in Southampton in the past, but now they are all out of use.
Southampton is sometimes referred to as the “Green City”, as parks and green spaces cover a considerable area of the city. To the north of the city centre is located the largest open space in Southampton, Southampton Common, with 326 hectares of parkland, wetlands, ponds, nature trails, a fishing lake, woodland, rough grassland, a paddling pool, a children's play area, or a model yachting pond.
