Southampton is the largest city in the county of Hampshire. It has a rich history which has included playing an important part in both world wars. The city’s population is around 240,000. Here are some of the things that might be of interest to visitors.

If you’re looking for history why not take a walk around the city walls. It was built for protection after an attack by France in 1338 to close the city in and prevent the likelihood of further attacks. Much of the walls still exist as do some of the towers and gates, including the famous Bargate, which almost serves as an entrance to the main shopping area. Some of what is England’s second longest stretch of medieval wall can be walked on. The walls are a great way of finding your way around the city.

If art is your thing the Southampton City Art Gallery should be of interest. The gallery is free to enter and has a variety of interesting exhibitions. Another museum is the Southampton Maritime Museum, which is naturally located on the docks. Amongst other things the museum includes items relating to the world famous Titanic.

Since the West Quay Shopping Centre was build, Southampton has had the area’s best shopping. It was opened in 2000 and covers 800,000 square feet. It is located right in the centre of the city.

For sports fans, watching Southampton Football Club might excite you. They are currently in the Championship, the second division in English football, and play their home games at St. Mary’s Stadium which was completed in 2001. The England football team played one match at the stadium while Wembley Stadium was being rebuilt. The Rose Bowl Cricket Ground is the other main sporting ground in Southampton, and Hampshire regularly play there.

For those who enjoy the outdoor life, there are many parks within a short walking distance of the city centre. These include Andrews Park, Watts Park, Palmerston Park, Houndwell Park and Hoglands Park.

If you want to venture outside Southampton, the New Forest is nearby. This is a large area of 150 square miles of forest and heathland. This is heaven for walkers and cyclists, and millions visit the New Forest every year.

There is lots to do in Southampton. If you want some more information about the city, below are some interesting fact about Southampton.

The Pilgrim Fathers originally wanted to use Southampton to depart for the United States, or the New World as it was then known. In the end they had to depart from Plymouth due to problems when attempting to depart from Southampton.

On 10th April 1912 the Titanic left Southampton for its ill-fated maiden (and only) voyage to New York.

Southampton is home of the Spitfire Aircraft that was instrumental during World War 2, and in particular in the Battle of Britain. Over 20,000 were built in the city between 1936 and the end of the War.

The Cenotaph War Memorial in London was modelled on a similar structure in Southampton.

The railway tunnel that runs underneath the city into its main train station was initially a tunnel for a canal that was never built.

Isaac Watts was born in Southampton.

Jane Austen lived in the city for three years in the early 1800’s.

In 1955 it was the first town in Great Britain to sample Fish Fingers.

Andrew Marshall (c)