Southampton is a relatively compact city that is flanked on two sides by the rivers Test and Itchen that run in a ‘V' shape down and into Southampton Water on the southern coast.

It is very much a city that's associated with the ocean and many of Southampton's attractions have a nautical theme; the most obvious of these sights is the excellent Maritime Museum that charts the port's distinguished history, including a good exhibition about the Titanic.

Much of the old city walls (rebuilt after a devastating attack by the French in 1338) are still intact and the city's Museum of Archaeology is a great place to begin a tour of historical Southampton.

Southampton also has a lot to offer in terms of art and culture, with notable art galleries and theatres in the city centre. For those who want to stay abreast of the latest fashions, an ever-growing number of shops have helped to earn Southampton a deserved reputation as something of a shopping Mecca amongst young urbanites.

Surrounded by public parks, there are plenty of green spaces where visitors can get away from hustle and bustle and enjoy a walk within easy reach of the city.

Southampton Tourist Information Centre
9 Civic Centre Road
Tel: (023) 8083 3333.
Website: www.visit-southampton.co.uk

The city's tourist office is centrally located opposite the Civic Centre. The helpful staff offer advice on local attractions and events as well provide a selection of free and saleable maps and guides. The tourist office also provides an accommodation-booking service and sells bus tickets.

Destination Southampton (tel: (023) 8023 5211; website: www.destinationsouthampton.co.uk) is a conference and venue booking company. They offer a free booking service and can help visitors with group bookings, hotel reservations and booking conference venues.

There are currently no tourist passes in Southampton as most public museums and galleries are free.