Southampton ~ SO1

Southampton is just 75 miles from London and 21 miles from the Channel ports. From the North, London and the Home Counties, the M3, M27 and A34 have direct road links into the centre of the city. From the West Country, Bristol and Wales it can be reached by the A36. Once home to the Romans and Saxons whose history together with medieval residents can be seen in the Museum of Archaeology at God's House Tower. Following the Battle of Hastings in 1066 William the Conqueror founded his capital in Winchester and Southampton became an important link by sea for the Norman kings across the Channel. Over the centuries, the port of Southampton has seen every kind of sea craft and all manner of seafaring. From 1620 when the Mayflower took the Pilgrims to the New World, to 2004 when the 'Queen Mary 2' set sail on her maiden voyage. The Titanic set sail from her company's home port of Southampton on her maiden voyage on the 10 April 1912. Five days later the magnificent liner sank after striking an iceberg. With the overwhelming loss of life the disaster made headlines across the world. Most of the crew lived in Southampton and over 500 homes lost at least one family member. This had a devastating effect on the whole town.

Places of Interest

• The National Motor Museum is on the Beaulieu Estate seat of Lord Montagu where British motoring from 1895 up to the present day can be seen.
• Marwell Zoological Gardens is only 12 miles from Southampton with exciting events for all the family to enjoy the animals all year round.
• The Maritime Museum houses lively displays relating to Southampton's history as a trading and passenger port. There is an exhibition of items relating to the Titanic disaster. The museum is in the medieval building known as the Wool House.

Living in Southampton - Education, Shopping and Travel Link

The Local Education Authority has 24 Infant Schools, 21 Primary Schools and 18 Junior Schools. There are 14 Secondary and 6 Special Needs Schools.

Public Schools both Preparatory and Senior are also within the catchments area. Adult and Community education is funded by Southampton City Council with learning opportunities from cookery to computers. The city also has a modern University with excellent records for graduate career success.

Southampton has several shopping areas which are located in the heart of the city. West Quay is where you'll find the high street and designer brands, Bargate Quarter is home to a combination of old and new. The Marlands Shopping Centre offers a mix of clothing and lifestyle retailers. Southampton City Council's museums display items from outstanding archaeology, local and maritime collections.. There is also a varied programme of exhibitions in the Art Gallery.

Southampton has a main Railway Station with services from Waterloo, Basingstoke, Bournemouth, Winchester and Portsmouth There are bus services throughout the town. There is also the ferry link to the Isle of Wight.

Estate and Letting Agents for Southampton SO1