Southampton

Southampton will always be associated with the ill-fated liner, RMS Titanic, which set sail from shore in 1912. You can take a guided tour with Tourist Guides Association and explore various memorials and other related points of interest of this tragic story. A self-guided booklet may be purchased at the Tourist Information Centre.

SeaCity Museum is located at the heart of Southampton, and tells the story of the city's past and its connection to the sea. Here you will hear stories of the Titanic, and experience the sights and sounds of Southampton in 1912.

The Southampton Hall of Aviation (Solent Sky) depicts the history of aviation in the Solent area with a collection of authentic aircrafts dating back primarily to the 20th century. It houses a Spitfire and a Sandringham Flying Boat, among others. Many exhibits were produced locally.

The magnificent City Art Gallery has over 5000 works of art covering six centuries of European culture from the Italian Renaissance to French Impressionism. Its core collection of 20th century British art is internationally renowned. Entry is free of charge.

A 12 minute river crossing from Southampton brings you to the picturesque harbour town of Hythe from where your choice of bike can be collected. You are then free to explore the New Forest with its beautiful scenery, historic castles and famous sea views. Hythe Ferry +44 23 8084 0722 Prospect Place, Hythe, Southampton Cyclexperience +44 23 8084 0765 Suite 4a South Street Centre, 16 South Street, Hythe, Southampton cyclexhytheltd@gmail.com

Southampton is probably the greenest city in Southern England. Close to the Old Town are seven Grade II listed formal parks, which have been fully restored to their former Victorian glory and have their traditional bandstand, rose gardens, elaborate fountains and imposing sculptures which evoke the city’s history and civic pride. There are plenty of activities to do here such as mini-golf course, basketball court, a skate park and cricket pitches. There are also guided walks and regular music sessions in the bandstand.

Built in 1290, as the home of a Southampton man who made his fortune trading with Bordeaux, and is one of the earliest surviving merchant’s houses in England. It has been restored to its mid-14th century appearance and replica furnishings provide an insight into medieval life.

Sightseeing walks and tours in and around Southampton is a great way to explore the city. Many guided walks on a variety of themes are arranged by See Southampton and Southampton Tourist Guides Association. They provide both public and private walking tours. Consult the web sites for more info.

The huge 326 acre Common park, just a short walk from the city centre, is a haven for flora and fauna and has been designated as UNESCO site of special scientific interest. The Hawthorns Urban Wildlife Centre gives visitors the opportunity to learn about the local ecology and wildlife.

Southampton offers a wide range of sports facilities including golf (The Municipal Golf Course), Tennis (David Lloyd Tennis Club), sailing, canoeing/kayaking, swimming and diving, and general leisure centre activities. Southampton Golf Club Golf Course Road Bassett Southampton www.southamptongolfclub.co.uk David Lloyd Leisure Off Brownhill Way Frogmore Lane Southampton Hampshire www.davidlloyd.co.uk Woodmill Outdoor Activities Centre www.activenation.org.uk/outdoor_venue/woodmill +44 300 0200 135

If you like football then you should head over to St Mary's Stadium which is the home of Southampton F.C. The stadium has undergone some constructions between December 1999 and July 2001 at a total cost of £32 million. Besides watching football you can take a stadium tour where you get the chance to see the players' dressing rooms, warm-up room, tunnel entrance and the tactics board where the players gather round for pep talk. The tour lasts for one and a half hours.