Southampton

The city of Southampton in the county of Hampshire lies on the picturesque south coast and is a major port at the point where the River Test meets the Rivers Itchen and Hamble. As one of the largest commercial ports in Europe, Southampton is a cosmopolitan place, thriving with commerce and rich with maritime heritage. Since at least the time of the Roman invasion, when the fortress settlement of Clausentum was established, this was an important trading port and defensive outpost. The settlement continued to grow and after the Norman invasion continued to be a major port, with Southampton Castle built by the Normans around the 12^th century. Southampton flourished with the trade in French wine and English cloth and wool in the 13^th century and was tragically the place where the ‘Black Death’ came to England aboard merchant vessels in 1348.

Southampton today continues to be a maritime centre, welcoming cruise ships and cargo to its busy docks. There is plenty to see, do and enjoy here with lots of shopping, a great choice of restaurants, bars and pubs as well as visitor, cultural and historic attractions. The longest surviving stretch of medieval walls in England is here and the museums of Southampton tell the story of its rich past, including the Tudor House Museum, Southampton Maritime Museum and Solent Sky. The maritime heritage is celebrated each September with the Southampton Boat Show that brings visitors to enjoy the exhibits and entertainment at Mayflower Park on the city's waterfront.

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