Southampton - England's City of the Sea

Southampton has traditionally been the most important commercial port in the UK, and to this day is one of the most popular cruise ship stops anywhere in Europe. The home base of a number of major cruise lines including the legendary Cunard and White Star Lines, Southampton was traditionally the place from which the elegant Atlantic Liners set sail from during the golden age of ocean travel. It was the base from which the ill fated Titanic set off on its maiden voyage, and to this day you will often see the larger liners sitting at the quayside ready to head off on their voyages.

Southampton is very much a city that lives with the sea, and many of the attractions that the city offers are related in some way to the ocean. There are a number of maritime museums along the sea front in Southampton including one that is dedicated to the aforementioned Titanic, and which contains many of the artifacts that have been recovered from the wreck of the ship where it lies several miles beneath the North Atlantic waters.

For many visitors to Southampton, simply seeing the vast modern ocean liners and cruise ships moored up alongside the harbor is a great experience, but many visitors will want to take to the waves themselves, and there are a number of ways in which to do just that.

Sailing is very popular in Southampton, and no visitor to the city should miss out on the chance to take to the waves in a small boat. The harbor is well protected from the currents of the English Channel, and offers the perfect environment in which novice sailors will be able to thrive. Despite the presence of larger boats and liners, there is plenty of space for everyone from jet-ski riders through to wind surfers to enjoy the water, and a number of safety precautions in place to protect people.

For those who do not want to sail themselves, there is a vast selection of small cruises available on both motorboats and also sailing ships. You can simply turn up and board one of the boats and enjoy the views of the city from the sea or alternatively head over to the Isle of Wight, which is just across the Solent.

Attractions that you may want to see during your stay in Southampton include the various naval museums in Portsmouth along the coast, and the resort town of Brighton which is close by. The Isle of Wight offers a taste of a bygone age thanks to its peaceful villages and clean air, and it is a great place to spend a few days relaxing and unwinding.