Putting on a show
In Southampton's city centre you'll find the Mayflower, the largest theatre in the south of England. Built in 1928, the theatre stages ballets, star-studded pantomimes and major musicals, and by staying in a cheap Southampton hotel room you can take in a West End show away from London's hustle and bustle.
Rock out
Southampton has a reputation for brilliant nights out, with a huge range of bars, pubs and clubs to choose from. In particular, the city's live music scene is thriving, with everything from world music to jazz to be found at venues like Talking Heads and the Brook. The Joiners has a history of hosting up and coming bands, and the city's Guildhall is frequently visited by big-name acts. With many hotels in Southampton being right in the heart of the city, partying the night away couldn't be simpler.
Sporting Southampton
As you'd expect of a place named "the fittest city in the UK", Southampton takes its sport very seriously. Southampton FC, locally known as the Saints, has been an institution for more than a century and regularly features in the Premier League. Hampshire Cricket Club is also based in the city, playing at the Norman Foster-designed Rose Bowl (and the stadium also occasionally hosts performances by musical superstars, including Elton John and Oasis).
Ships and sculptures
Southampton's sense of history is on proud display, with the country's longest stretch of medieval wall running through the city. More recently, the city has gained fame for its connection to the tragic Titanic, a tale which is explored at the SeaCity Museum. Southampton City Art Gallery is also well worth a visit, displaying a collection that spans eight centuries.
Shopping with style
With a stay in a Southampton hotel you can shop 'til you drop. Centring on the 12th century Bargate, Southampton's shopping precinct is home to two shopping centres, Marlands and West Quay, where you'll find top high street brands like Apple, H&M and John Lewis.