Southern England's most important cruise port, Southampton is a relatively compact city 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.

As a seafaring city, many of Southampton's attractions have a nautical theme; the most obvious of these sights is the excellent Maritime Museum, which 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 start.

Southampton is a delight to lovers of the sea and open spaces. The surrounding county of Hampshire is one of great natural beauty.

There are also other cities nearby worth a visit - a wealth of maritime history in the neighbouring naval city of Portsmouth, while Winchester, in central Hampshire, and Romsey to the south are also worth visiting.

Highlights
Maritime Museum
City Art Gallery
Historic Old Town
Medieval Merchant's House
Solent Sky Hall of Aviation
Beaulieu Motor Museum, Buckler's Hard
The New Forest

Southampton Tourist Board
9 Civic Centre Road, Southampton SO14 7FJ, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 23808 33333.
Website: www.visit-southampton.co.uk

The city's main shopping street, Above Bar, is home to major high street chains, and Old Northam Road is the city's thriving antiques quarter. Many visitors head for Ocean Village with its undercover shopping, marina and many restaurants. Alternatively, West Quay shopping centre with leading chain stores, is a good place to spend an afternoon shopping.

Local seafood is popular at the many Southampton pubs and restaurants in the city. General British specialities include shepherds' pie, steak and kidney pie, roast beef and Yorkshire pudding or fish and chips.

The climate is temperate and sheltered, with warm wet summers and cool wet winters. Weather varies from day to day and throughout the country as a whole. The south and southwest of England has the mildest climate overall.

United Kingdom

GMT.

Pound (£) = 100 pence.

English.

South coast of England, UK.

229,000.

Constitutional monarchy.

Christian, with Muslim, Jewish and Hindu minorities.

Handshaking is customary when introduced to someone for the first time. Normal social courtesies should be observed when visiting someone's home and a small present such as flowers or chocolates is appreciated. It is polite to wait until everyone has been served before eating.

Tipping: In hotels, a service charge of 10 to 12% is usual, which may be added to the bill. 10 to 15% is usual for restaurants; if this has already been added to the bill, a further tip is not required.