One of the oldest and strategically important cities in England is Southampton, known since Roman times.In the Middle Ages, this small settlement turned into the main southern port of the kingdom - the main flow of goods to France passed through it.Experiencing prosperity and decline, by the 20th century Southampton had finally established itself as a fulcrum of the southern borders of England.It was from Southampton that the famous "Titanic" set off on its tragically ended voyage.Currently, it is one of the largest English ports and industrial centers.
There are not many historical monuments here, but those that have survived, as well as numerous theaters, museums, shopping centers and pubs, annually attract "their" tourists to Southampton.
HOW TO GET
Southampton has its own airport, but it is so small that it accepts flights only from other cities of the United Kingdom and a very limited number of European countries.Therefore, the most convenient option will be a flight to one of the London airports.There are trains and buses from Heathrow (approx. 96 km) and Gatwick (approx. 130 km) to Southampton.As for renting a car, the advice for all English cities is the same: if you plan to travel a lot around the country, you should think about it, but if Southampton is the main place of stay, then it is better to give up the car.
If you go directly from London, then the best option will be a bus - 1.5 hours from the main bus station of London - "Victoria", and 7-10 GBP one way.
TRANSPORT
The city center is best explored on foot.At first glance, it is not easy to determine where it begins and where it ends, but if you go from Bedford Place (it is in the northern part of the center) towards the coast, then you will definitely not get lost and will have a lot of pleasure from the walk.
If walking is difficult, you can get around on the road by bicycle.In Southampton, there are several cycling routes that can be found on the Internet and at special stands.They are not particularly well connected, but almost all of them lead to the center, so it is difficult to get lost.The terrain here is mostly flat, although there are hills in the Hampshire area.
For those who do not want to burden themselves, there is a developed network of bus routes, most of which start from the city center.Buses usually run no more than 10 minutes apart.
ENTERTAINMENT AND SIGHTS
Walking through the busy center of Southampton between modern buildings, you suddenly come across a building clearly from past centuries - this is Bargate. It was once the northern boundary of the city and the Bargate was the main gate through which trade caravans passed daily to the port. Bargate is one of the few surviving parts of the city wall. Today, this medieval building has been restored and turned into a modern art gallery.
In general, Southampton has a good selection of art galleries.In addition to the already mentioned Bargate gallery, there is also the Millais gallery - it hosts temporary exhibitions of modern artists and designers.John Hansard Gallery - was opened in 1980 at the local university and combines modern painting and photography.The city art gallery exhibits more than 3,500 works of art created over the past 6 centuries.
The medieval trading house is one of the few surviving buildings of its kind, its setting has been completely recreated and conveys the spirit of the mid-14th century.The so-called Tudor House was built in 1495 for Sir John Daughtry, Master of the Southampton Customs House.Now it is under restoration, but tours are still conducted there.
Museums
Tourists are no less interested in various thematic museums.The Museum of Archeology will clearly show the development of the city from the time of Roman subjugation to Victorian times.The museum building itself is not inferior in historical value to the exhibits exhibited in it - God's House Tower is the first artillery fort in England.
The Maritime Museum will tell the story of the local docks and their importance to the United Kingdom in the past and today.Solent Sky is a large museum that tells the story of the development of English aviation.
Active recreation
For lovers of active recreation, Southampton also has something to offer.As in many ports, there are sailing schools.The express course, which includes 2 days on the high seas, costs from GBP 200, but they say it's a fair price for the whirlwind of emotions you get.
For less active fans of sports and beautiful sights, once a year in Southampton there is a sailing show and much more often - football matches with the participation of the local club of the same name as the city at St. Mary's Stadium.
