SOUTHAMPTON HEN WEEKEND INFORMATION
Southampton is the largest city in Hampshire, located on the South coast of England! The city has very strong Maritime links – and we all know sailors like a drink or two! Combine this with a large student population… It’s not surprising that there will be some fabulous nightlife on your hen weekend! The city itself has a varied mix of old and new from links to the Titanic and the iconic Spitfire, combined with a modern city centre – Making it a great place to visit and explore. An array of activities and nightlife combined with comfortable accommodation means you’re on to a winner with a Southampton hen do…
Population: 236,700
Language: English
Average Summer Temperature: 19 C
Average Winter Temperature: 4 C
Average Price Of A Glass Of Wine (175ml): £3.20
Getting Around Southampton
Southampton runs a comprehensive network of buses linking the city centre to the surrounding areas. The buses run regularly throughout the day and night and are a cost effective way to get around on your hen do in Southampton! Taxis can both be hailed on the street or pre-booked. Although Southampton, as a city, is quite spread out, it is relatively easy to walk around especially as much of the city centre has been pedestrianised. Driving around Southampton is fairly straightforward, but, as with any other city, avoid travelling through rush hour. The sign posting is the city is good making it easy to navigate around - However if your sense of direction isn't that great... Maximise recommend taking a sat nav along!
Southampton Nightlife
In its region Southampton is renowned for it’s nightlife and people travel from all across Hampshire every weekend to experience the cities buzzing nightlife. There is a mix of both historic and traditional pubs that offer a relaxed atmosphere and lively and funky city centre bars that create an atmosphere that appeals to all! West Quay road houses Oceana, an ever popular chain nightclub that has two clubs, 5 bars and countless other rooms within it. It plays all the mainstream music and is a hit with most clubbers. The length and breadth of the city’s main High Street is littered with vibrant watering holes all vying for your custom! And with the student population, there are some good deals to be had! The Polygon area is arguably the best drinking area in Southampton, popular with students and home to some great bars including Vodka Revs, The Orange Rooms and Varsity. Whatever you’re looking for on your hen weekend in Southampton, you won’t be disappointed!
Eating Out In Southampton
This historic city offers a wide range of the best in international cuisine. You’ll find every imaginable food in this city from; American diners, Thai restaurants, Italian bistros, Indian eateries and everything else in between. Bugle Street, situated in the heart of the old town offers an array of traditional public houses serving hearty English meals that will satisfy any hen group!! Close to the high street is Oxford Street, this is where you will find all the trendy cafes and cosmopolitan Bistros for when you want to get a bite to eat in the afternoon. If you get a bit peckish after a night of dancing and celebrating with your friends, have no fear.... there are all the usual suspects in the from of fast food chains, kebabs and pizzas that are open late into the night. Whatever your preferences and budget on your Southampton hen weekend… your guaranteed to be spoilt for choice…
Getting to Southampton
By Air – Southampton is home to its very own airport, located approximately 4 miles from the city centre, making it easy for you to travel to and from your hen weekend. It accommodates both domestic and international flights so whether you are coming from England or abroad it couldn’t be easier to reach this lively city. Outside there is always a taxi or a bus waiting to take you to your city centre accommodation. A pre booked taxi from the airport to the city centre will cost around £20 per car or £35 for an 8 seater mini bus, alternatively bus 14 and Unilink U1 runs directly from the airport to the city centre.
By Train – Southampton has great train facilities at it’s central railway station with trains running hourly to major cities across the UK including; Reading, Oxford, Birmingham, Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, Hove (Brighton) and Bournemouth, meaning that Southampton is accessible from whichever part of the UK you are from! From London Waterloo it takes around 75 minutes to reach the city of Southampton.
By Road – Southampton is just 75 miles away from London so it is a great destination for a hen do if you’re looking for somewhere not too far away! From the North and London the quickest and most direct route is the M3, on to the M27 and finally the A34. If travelling from the west, such as Bristol or Cardiff the major route is the A36. From central London to Southampton will you take approximately 1 hour 45 minutes.
Shopping In Southampton
The shopping scene in Southampton is a good one! With lots of choice for you and the girls on your hen weekend... Whether your looking for something to wear that evening or just fancy a spot of window shopping you won't be disappointed with what's on offer to you! The main shopping districts are centred around Above Bar Street, London Road, High Street and East Street. The west Quay shopping centre opened in 2000 and houses around 100 shops including; Zara, Schuh, Hollister and apple, among numerous other high street favourites. This impressive shopping centre in situated in the heart of the city, close to the docks and is the most popular shopping destination in the city! The Bargate Centre focuses on a collection of unique stores, ranging from gadgets to alternative fashion... So why not head down there and see what you can find! The Mall Southampton, formerly known as Marlands has an array of different high street names on offer to you and the girls so your sure to find a little jem! When it comes to the shopping in Southampton, they have surpassed themselves - It really is a premier shopping destination...
Things To Do And See In Southampton
Southampton Maritime Museum – Located on the dock and a great activity for you and the girls. Southampton has strong links to the sea and sailing so it stands to reason the city would have a museum dedicated to all things naval.
The Red Lion – The Red Lion public house is the oldest pub in Southampton and claims to be one of the oldest in England too! The pub is steeped in tradition and is even rumoured to have it’s own ghost…
Museum Of Aviation (Solent Sky) – Southampton has strong links to the production and manufacture of the Spitfire, so make sure you visit this iconic part of Britain on you hen weekend in Southampton.
The Isle Of White – Hop on board a ferry to the isle of white on your hen weekend. Ferries run regularly and it doesn’t take long! See the sights or find a nice little pub for a bit of lunch before heading back for a vibrant night of celebrating your friends last weekend of singledom!
Paulton’s Park – Make time for a trip to Paulton’s Park on your hen do, this theme park has rides, mini golf and a wildlife centre… a great day out for any group of girls!
The QE2 Mile – This famous route encompasses all things Southampton. The pedestrianised route runs through the heart of the city from the Cenotaph down to the Waterfront at Town Quay. It is the most visited part of the city and has many historical features from the Titanic memorial, Holy Rood church and Bargate. It also features modern additions such as the shopping streets, the city park and the cultural quarter!
Some Of Southampton’s Famous Sons And Daughters
Matt Cardle, Matthew le Tissier, Jame Austin, Will Champion, Craig David, Suzie Templeton, Scott Mills, Iwan Thomas, Wally Masur, Ken Russell, Captain E J Smith, David Payne, King Canute, Reginald Joseph Mithchell, Roy Chadwick, William Thackery and Howard Jones to name a few…