Explore Southhampton
Events In Southampton
Southampton is well-known for being home to a variety of different communities, from the Chinese and Bangladeshi people (insert any ethnic group here) to the citys large Polish contingent. Whilst locals have embraced this cultural diversity and it’s only natural that many have a multicultural family or are themselves born abroad, that doesn’t mean you want their faces staring back at you in your city’s central square, does it? In short, Southampton could really do with some more events to draw these international communities together and have a good old knees-up.
Organised by Southampton City Council and partners the Southampton Mela celebrates multiculturalism, bringing together many different cultures and communities into one unforgettable day, This Is Hampshire (thisishampshire.co.uk). From Bollywood and Bhangra music to Polish dancing and Flamenco theres plenty to enjoy, including a range of international foods. The festival will run from 12-7pm in West Quay Square, between Mayflower Park and John Lewis car park. The summer of 2012 is packed full of festivals and events. Whether you want to jump up and down to the beat of live music, watch a play, or dance through the streets, there are plenty of highlights to look forward to.
The Summer may be drawing to a close in October but as well as the Southampton Mela in July and August has quite a few other great events. Opportunities to experience the city's diverse cultural community don't end there; July sees the Southampton Mela, a celebration of the city's ethnic, cultural and faith-based communities. The Southampton Mela (Southampton Multi-Cultural Festival) is an annual free event with fun for all the family and a wide range of activities taking place at the Mayflower Theatre.
Hotels And Accommodation In Southampton
With so many cruise ports located in the UK, its easy to understand why Southampton is the home to many of them. The Southamptons Ocean Terminal has a great deal to offer cruisers, and with direct transfers from all major airports, cruisers will find it fairly easy to get to and from this cruise port. Southampton Ocean Terminals offersfor your journey before cruising. Why not have that broken watch repaired or purchase a new pair of shoes without the need to worry about weight restrictions.
Checkout our Southampton hotel guide for the best accommodation deals for your dream cruise. From budget hotels, to luxury hotels, Southamptonhas a whole host ofhotels that cater for all tastes,budget and party sizes. Whether youre looking for an overnight stay before a cruise,a weekend break to explore the citys rich history or a nights stay for ashopping trip, youll find the perfect hotel for your cruise holiday. Cabins on the QE2 or Spirit of Britain? Youre going to need a hotel room in Southampton.
There are some good hotels in Southampton that will be perfect for you and your family if youre taking a weekend break to visit the city before going on a cruise. And if theres anything else you might need a hotel for, well theyve got those too. Pay a visit to the Mayflower Hotel, nestled along the banks of the river and perfect if youre heading off on a cruise. For a luxury experience make sure you book a room at The Marriott Hotel Southamptonas its just 1.
Parks And Gardens In Southampton
As with many British cities, Southampton has its fair share of green spaces available to locals and visitors alike. Southampton Common is a Site of Specific Scientific Interest and is located just outside the city centre to the north. It covers acres of land – which is mostly covered by grassland. There are also 23 species of mammals, 126 species of birds and, listed here as special interest, two types of ant – Lasius neglectus and Myrmica ruginodis.
On the western edge of the common is Bevois Valley nature reserve – an area which was once part of Southampton Water but pre-dates Southampton Docks. It was once home to ships building docks. The site contains heathland, woodland, scrubland and meadows as. There are several small parks and many gardens in Southampton. Southampton Common is one of the largest parks, covering over 100 hectares. It’s located to the north of the historic city centre, and is a Site of Specific Scientific Interest, because of its wildlife population.
Green Lane Recreation Ground is another open space where children can play or have fun, which is also close to the town centre. For those who want something more formal, Southampton has a number of public gardens which you can visit including The Dell Garden well known for its roses and other flowers in bloom during spring time, as well as the nearby Millbrook Steam Railway. For a stunning view of Southampton take a walk up the hill at the Common, where you'll be rewarded with views across Southampton Water and towards the New Forest.
An information board provides well-written notes on the history, archaeology and topography of the area, which tell us a bit about how this part of the city has changed over time. Southampton has a wealth of parks and green spaces, with the people of Southampton treated to beautiful parks such as Southampton Common, which is a Site of Specific Scientific Interest, lying just outside the city centre to the north, and Bitterne Park Golf Course, which is located within Bitterne Park itself.
There are plenty of additional parks and gardens in Southampton which provide an escape from the rush of city life. If you feel like a trip to the seaside, try Ocean Village, which has a beautiful seafront promenade and plenty of attractions, restaurants and waterfront bars. There are also many parks, cemeteries and country gardens dotted all around Southampton. Over time, different green spaces have been created either by bequest or because of the need to provide green space, to address some of the issues facing city dwellers.
