About Southampton

Southampton is the largest city in Hampshire, located on the south coast of England. It has a population of around 245,000 and is a major port and trading centre. It is also home to the University of Southampton and Southampton Solent University. 

The city's transport links include Southampton Central Station, which provides frequent rail services to London (lying 79 miles northeast) and Brighton (63 miles east); Portsmouth Harbour Ferry Terminal; and Southampton International Airport. In addition, Southampton's history can be seen all around the city, from Green Street in the city centre to Southampton Water and other landmarks that stand as testaments to Southampton's past.

The Southampton Community

The high street shopping area is largely pedestrianised, and you can find high-end shopping areas located on Above Bar Street, while the Bevois Valley area is famous for pubs and restaurants. Many markets are held in the city centre on Wednesdays and Saturdays and include an antique market run by local auctioneers Woolley & Wallis, attracting visitors from across Europe.

The local community is made up of a mix of young professionals, families with children, retirees and students, with plenty of clubs and societies to make new friends and enjoy annual events such as the Fringe Festival (the largest arts festival outside London). The city's cultural venues include Southampton City Art Gallery, the oldest municipal art gallery in Britain, Southampton Museum and The National Marine Aquarium.