As one of Britain’s major ports, Southampton has always been a place of commercial bustle with a lively cultural scene. Its heritage includes Roman remains, medieval walls, and fame as the point of embarkation by the Pilgrim Fathers on the Mayflower. More recently, it has been the home port for some of the world’s most glamorous ships including the QE2 and the Oriana.
The city continually updates itself as a centre of cosmopolitan life, with new developments including a marina, the spectacular West Quay complex and the Above Bar pedestrianised area of fashionable shops. Like every affluent modern city, Southampton also boasts a great choice of restaurants, bars, pubs, clubs, theatres and cinemas; and for culture enthusiasts, some highly regarded galleries and museums.