The town of Southampton is the largest city in the county of Hampshire. Located along the southern coast of England, Southampton is a major port. Settled back in the Stone Age there is evidence of settlement by the Romans, Vikings and Normans. There are many areas of interest for visitors to enjoy.

Since Southampton is a major port on the coast of England a popular stop is the Southampton Maritime Museum. Located in the Wool House the Maritime Museum documents the maritime history of the Southampton area. It covers the history base for several famous ocean liners including the area's connection to the ill-fated RMS Titanic. The building that the museum is located in was built in the 1400s and has been used for lots of different uses from wool storage to housing Napoleonic French Prisoners of war. It became the maritime museum in 1966.

While it's not opened yet, visitors to the area in 2012 will get to enjoy a new museum, the Titanic museum. This museum is being built because of the ties of the area to the ship; the ship set sail from Southampton on April 10, 1912. It is set to open for the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the ship on its maiden voyage. The Titanic and its disastrous first voyage interest many, making this museum and its opening highly anticipated.

While the port and history of maritime is a large part of Southampton, it's not the only thing for visitors to enjoy. The Mayflower Theater is a great place to catch a show. Those interested in the stage can see a variety of different types of shows here. With plays such as Les Miserables, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and The Rocky Horror Show to the theater's credit, there is truly something for everyone who wishes to take in a show. The theater, which seats approximately 2,300 people, was opened originally in 1928. While it did suffer some set-backs with the introduction of "talkies" or motion pictures, the theater is still going strong. It was briefly closed in the late 1980's for renovations but re-opened shortly thereafter with Peter Pan. The theater has also been the home of many concerts such as Bill Haley and the Comets and the ever popular Beatles.

Sports buffs will have no shortage of games to enjoy. When it comes to football, hockey, or lawn bowling Southampton is a popular place when it comes to sports. Southampton is home of the oldest surviving lawn bowling green, it was first used in 1299. It is also home to several male and female amateur rugby teams.

Southampton, is a place of maritime history.

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