Sign in with Facebook"Southampton: Gateway to the World" Top 5 Page for this destination Southampton by iwys
Southampton Travel Guide: 70 reviews and 173 photos
This is the place where King Canute tried to turn back the waves and where he defeated Ethelred the Unready. It is the port from which Richard the Lionheart set sail for the Crusades, King Henry V and his troops embarked for the Battle of Agincourt, the Pilgrim Fathers set off for America aboard the Mayflower and from which the Titanic departed. It is also the city where the Spitfire was designed, built and flown and from which the Battle of Britain was won. As a consequence it faced relentless attacks from German bombers, during which much of the old city, including my grandparents' house, was burnt to the ground.
It is still the main port in England for ocean-going cruise ships and an annual international boat show is held in the marina. It has several shopping malls, including West Quay, which opened as the biggest city-centre shopping mall in Europe.
Famous residents have included the First World War commander of the British fleet, Admiral Jellicoe, the writer, Jane Austen, the painter, Millais, the film director, Ken Russell and the pop singer, Craig David. Sotonians, as Southampton people are known, are renowned for their sense of humour and two of the country's greatest comedians, Tommy Cooper and Benny Hill were also residents of the city.
Southampton has the world's oldest bowling green and many other fine sports facilities, including St Mary's football stadium and the Rose Bowl cricket stadium, both of which have hosted England international matches. In 1618 King James called Southampton "one of the healthiest towns in the kingdom". It seems that little has changed, as in 2006 it was named "the fittest city in the UK" by Mens Fitness magazine, based on various criteria, including the incidence of heart disease and the level of gym membership.
For the ancestors of millions of Americans, Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders and South Africans, this was their last sight of England. At one time more than half of all people travelling in and out of Britain, passed through the city, earning it the nickname "Gateway to the World".
Click here for a virtual tour of the city
Reviews (31)
Outstanding pub grub
Restaurants
(4)
The Red Lion at Southwick is a great place to eat typical English pub food. It is housed in a whitewashed, eighteenth... more travel advice
Authentic Chinese
Restaurants
(4)
Pearl Harbour is my favourite Chinese restaurant in Southampton. It serves really authentic food and looks like a... more travel advice
Dolphin Hotel
Things to Do
(17)
The Dolphin hotel is the most historic hotel in Southampton. Originally a 13th century coaching inn, guests here have... more travel advice
Holy Rood Church
Things to Do
(17)
Holy Rood Church was the last church the Crusaders prayed in before setting sail for the Holy Lands. In 1554 Philip of... more travel advice
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Comments (11)
Loved the look of your home town...such history! Maybe worth a visit...thanks
This is my husband's home town and he's shown me a lot of the places you mention. Excellent tips, thank you :-)
A 14-0 victory against France! Brazil would be proud of that! Southampton are the best team I've seen at Hillsborough this season (despite only drawing 3-3, with a last gasp equaliser by our 'keeper!). Good luck in the play offs.
Argh!! I'm so bummed that I missed the Titanic Memorial. That really sucks.
Looks like a very nice town. would love to visit there someday. :) -Motoko-
Hey Ian! stayed at the your home town recently? nice city and page! Kim.
I was a chiorboy too.LOL 2/6 for weddings and funerals. Did u every see Pompey play the Red Devils at home? I went once when Mike Shannon played for them.Yonks ago. Who was the celeb in the pub u got the autography of?? Tim
Nice tips!! I like harbour cities but have not yet made it to Southampton. Once drove very closely past on a southern route to Cornwall. Looks like I may have to do a course correction next time!
That's why the Brazilians are one of the better sides in the game today!!! HAHAHA!!! Interesting facts and names from Southampton!!!
never thought that
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