The Port
There are four cruise terminals, two of which – Ocean Terminal and QEII Terminal – are on the Eastern docks, while the other two – Mayflower Terminal and City Terminal – are on the Western docks. All four of them are within a 5 minute drive from Central Station.
Southampton is a business center and a university city. One of the best ways of getting to London and other major cities is by train.
The port hosts around 400 cruise ships every year.
Things to do
o Maritime Museum has an impressive exhibition about Titanic. The collection includes personal belongings of Titanic’s passengers and objects recovered after the tragedy.
o Museum of Archaeology is a must for history fans. The city has a number of ancient buildings, which were first built in wood and later replaced with stone. The medieval belongings of the city include 13 towers.
o Medieval Merchant’s House dates back to 1290 and displays the architecture and interior design of the time.
o The City Art Gallery owns a great and modern collection of 3500 art pieces that were created in the last 6 years.
o Solent Sky Museum features around 18 airplanes that have reigned over Southampton sky.
Southampton, England
About the city
Southampton is the cruise capital in the UK. The population of the city is 239,400 (as of 2012). The city takes the 19th rank in the index of Top Shopping Destinations of the UK compiled by VENUSCORE.
Besides being a shopping and cruise center, the city hosts a number of events that attract not only foreign travelers, but locals as well. Here’s the list of annual and exclusive events; it was comprised by the City Council.
Internet Access
Southampton is soon to attain Wi-Fi coverage in the busiest spots of the city. Internet connection will be available free of charge for 30 minutes, after which paid service will start. The aim of this program is to make the visits and stay of tourists easier in Southampton.
Bargate Internet Cafe and Blue Star have internet access, where you can check your email or find directions.
Shopping
Marland shopping center, West Quay Mall and Bargate Shopping Center are the main targets for shopping travelers. West Quay is the most modern mall, where the top brands have shops and boutiques. There is a CityLink bus that departs every 15 minutes from Central Station to the mall.
Climate
Winters are very mild and have the wettest months, December and January.The temperature in winter never goes below -2°C. The weather is always mild or very humid year round. The summer temperature is never higher than 26°C.
Where to stay
Southampton is one of Europe's busiest cruise ports. Many cruise lines start/finish their cruises here. One of the closest hotels to the port is the Southampton Holliday Inn. Just across the road from the cruise terminal. Click on the image to check availability.
Southampton Airport
Southampton International Airport is only a 7-minute drive from the City Station. A little more to the port. The trains from and to London Waterloo make a stop at the airport. 15 airlines and tour operators are available in the airport with more than 40 destinations all over UK and Europe.
You can leave your bag in the airport for £6 a day to explore the city.
Transportation
Buses - There are a few bus operators that connect the city center to the suburbs and other towns. The free CityLink bus departs every 10 minutes (every 30 minutes in the evenings) and connects Central Station, Red Funnel Ferry Terminal to West Quay shopping mall.
Free City Loop buses connect the northern and eastern parts of the city center and depart every 20 minutes (excluding Sundays).
Night buses depart after midnight and connect Southampton to other towns like Shirley, Winchester, Thornhill, and so on. A bus ride from Southampton Central Station to London takes around 2,5 hours.
Trains - The train to London takes an hour or 90 minutes, depending on the train stops. The railway connects Central Station to Southampton Airport, Totton, Romsey, Chandlers Ford, and Eastleigh, Birmingham, Manchester, Bath, Bristol, and so on. The train station at the airport is less than 100 steps away from the terminal.
Taxis – Taxis always cruise around the city, and it’s easy to catch one. You can pre-book one that will take you from the terminal. Southampton Airport Taxi provides trips from the airport to any destination.
Ferries – Red Funnel Ferries transport passengers, bicycles, and vehicles. The ferries connect Town Quay to the Isle of Wight, which is home for the house of Queen Victoria. Town Quay is also a departing point for ferries running to Hythe. These transport passengers and bicycles every half an hour.
You can also take a ferry to France or Channel Islands from the nearby port of Portsmouth.
Southampton Airport
Southampton International Airport is only a 7-minute drive from the City Station. A little more to the port. The trains from and to London Waterloo make a stop at the airport. 15 airlines and tour operators are available in the airport with more than 40 destinations all over UK and Europe.
You can leave your bag in the airport for £6 a day to explore the city.
Eating and Drinking
While the city is rich with history, the cuisine is very modern and international. Local cafes and bars offer sandwiches, canapes, fish and chips, salmon, chicken, pizza, and so on. Indian, Chinese, Mexican and other cuisines are available. Tipping the waiters is not common, but you can leave a few pounds if you are very satisfied with the service.
High Street has the best bars and pubs, where you can get a drink or have a delicious meal. The oldest pub here is the Red Lion, which dates back to the 15th century.
While in England, don’t miss the chance to drink true English tea. Wine is also an option, as the local market of wine-making is developing slowly but steadily.
History
The town was first established by Romans in 70 AD, who built stone houses and fortified them. Saxons succeeded the Romans and built a new town near the Roman one and called it Hamtun. It was later conquered by Normans, who turned the city into an important center for commerce. Unfortunately, a lot of its historic heritage was destroyed during World War II.
The port has always been a crucial spot for the British Empire. Today it’s one of the most important ports in Britain and in Europe. In fact, the port has been a departing point for two of the most legendary ships. First, Mayflower left from this port with the Pilgrims in 1620. There is even a Mayflower park, where the port is well visible from. Second, Southampton was the starting point of the unfinished voyage of Titanic.
Jane Austen lived here from 1807 to 1809.