History, football, and the arts: The best things about Southampton

Though it may come as a surprise to some – with a vast array of cities scattered across all four corners of the UK – steeped in history, relevance, and wider appeal – Southampton ranked as the eighth-best in the UK.

As a life-long Southampton resident, here are seven of the best things about Southampton in my view.

History

Southampton is a city steeped in history, and for all the modernisation there’s been since the turn of the 21st century, much of the city’s heritage is still intact and visible today.

The Bargate is a Grade I-listed medieval gatehouse which dominates the skyline in the city centre and was constructed in Norman times – forming part of the historic town walls.

Tudor House and St Michael’s Church are also impressive for their architecture – not to mention the ghostly figures that are said to haunt the area.

Southampton will forever be associated with the Titanic, as the cruise liner set sail for the United States from the city on April 10, 1912, before infamously sinking after colliding with an iceberg in the North Atlantic.

Location

Southampton is ideally placed in the South East of England, nicely nestled on the coastline.

With the picturesque New Forest in one direction and the boat havens of Warsash and Hamble in the other, there’s something for everyone who lives in the city.

A 90-minute train ride away from London, the country’s capital is also easily accessible alongside a host of other destinations across Hampshire and Dorset than can be reached in a relatively short space of time.

READ MORE: Saints anthem is Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's favourite song

Football

One of the city’s most prominent tourist hot spots is St Mary’s Stadium, the home of Southampton Football Club.

Having a Premier League team on your doorstep is nothing to take for granted – as fans of Portsmouth will know – with the Saints gaining promotion back to the Premier League last month.

Though generations of people have come and gone in the last century, the football club has remained a constant in the make-up of the city, with the most diverse of citizens finding a common bond in supporting Southampton Football Club.

Westquay

Though a shopping centre might not be an obvious choice for a bucket list of things to shout about, the size and depth of Westquay sees people travel from far and wide to visit.

Whether it’s an unlimited amount of shops, an endless variety of restaurants, bars, clubs, or even a premium 10-screen cinema with reclining seats, Westquay has everything anyone would need all in one place.

Arts

Southampton is a hub of activity when it comes to the arts.

With two theatres – Mayflower Theatre and MAST Mayflower Theatre – the best shows straight from London’s West End are available on our doorstep, not to mention the country’s leading stand-up comedians and musical artists.

For the latter, Southampton Guildhall is a prominent venue, not to mention St Mary’s Stadium hosting the likes of Take That, Robbie Williams, and The Killers.

Parks

Southampton may have a bustling city centre but it also has an array of green spaces.

Southampton Common, Royal Victoria Country Park, and even Riverside Park are popular hotspots for families and friends to ditch the car and go on a long walk amongst nature and the outdoors, with The New Forest only a stone’s throw away, with a thriving wildlife.

Southampton Airport

For anyone wanting a holiday, there’s no need for stressful travel further afield when Southampton has its very own airport.

Planes jet off to the likes of Spain and France for those wanting a holiday in the sun, but cultural destinations like Edinburgh and the escapism of the Channel Islands are also within easy reach for anyone needing a break.