US CONNECTIONS

It was in Southampton that the Mayflower pilgrims first joined together to embark on their journey. The group spent two weeks here, topping up supplies and waiting for sister ship the Speedwell from Leiden. As religious Separatists, some of the group chose to worship in the Parish Church of St Michael the Archangel during that time. The Pilgrim Fathers Memorial marks their point of departure in 1620. Topped with a replica of the May ower, it’s inscribed with plaques dedicated to pilgrim descendants and family societies, as well as one that tells the pilgrims’ story.

Step back in time and take a guided walk of the city's old walls by the Southampton Tourist Guides to really appreciate the city, and head to the newly refurbished timber-framed Tudor House and Gardens in the Old Town, with over 800 years of history.

Don't miss the fabulous new Sea City Museum which houses a permanent exhibition of Southampton's Titanic story, as the famous ship left Southampton Docks for the start of its ill-fated voyage.

And a short drive away, Solent Sky depicts the history of aviation in the Solent area and tells the story of the legendary Spitfire designed in Southampton.

Southampton's cultural offerings include the magnificent award-winning City Art Gallery and Southampton Guildhall, as well as a superb choice of fine theatres, galleries and international events such as the annual Boat Show.

With the magnificent WestQuay, Southampton has added to its extensive portfolio a state of the art shopping facility with almost a hundred shops, whilst close by are three further excellent shopping centres as well as the traditional specialist shops making Southampton one of the top shopping destination in the South of England.

Southampton's exciting nightlife is renowned in the region with its historic pubs, funky bars and music venues.