Southampton girl born and bred! (Southampton in General)

Member Name: icklepickle

Product:	Southampton in General
Date:	12/09/09 (152 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Historical, near the sea, i was born here!

Disadvantages: Rubbish night life

SOUTHAMPTON

****** WHERE IS SOUTHAMPTON? ******

Southampton is the largest city found in the county of Hampshire. It is a major port found on the South coast of England. It is roughly 62 miles South-west of London.

****** SOME FACTS *******

- The city's name is sometimes abbreviated to Soton.

- A resident of Southampton is known as a Sotonian.

- The estimated population of Southampton is 231,200 people.

- Southampton is known as being the home of the Titanic.

- It is one of the largest commercial ports in Europe.

- Southampton's local authority is Southampton city council.

****** SURROUNDING CITIES/AREAS ******

Portsmouth, Winchester, The new forest, Fareham, Eastleigh and across the water the Isle of Wight.

******* MY HISTORY IN SOUTHAMPTON *******

I was born in the Princess Anne hospital, Southampton in 1982. I have lived in Southampton for all of my life apart from one year that i spent in Scotland.

Even though i do sometimes slate Southampton for being a bit rubbish with facilities and night life, i do still love the area and adore being close to the sea.

In this review i will talk about the most popular places and facilities Southampton has to offer and try to give my honest opinion and facts on each.

****** SOUTHAMPTON UNIVERSITY ******

University of Southampton
University Road
Southampton SO17 1BJ
www.soton.ac.uk

-What they say-

The University of Southampton combines academic excellence with an innovative and entrepreneurial approach to research, supporting a culture that engages and challenges students and staff in their pursuit of learning.

- Facts and my opinion -

Southampton university was founded in 1862 and has over 24,000 students every year.

I have never personally been to the university as a student but i have been shown around many of the campus's in the past and i can say it is a very smart university.

Many of my friends have left the uni with a fantastic degree and gone on to do wonderful jobs.

The university is spread out a fair bit over 5 campus sections all across Southampton rather than being in one set place. It depends on what courses you are doing as to which campus you will work from the most.

The campus's are:

The Highfield campus opened on 20th June 1914.
The Avenue campus opened in December 1993.
The Boldrewood campus opened in April 2006.
The National Oceanography Centre opened in 1996 by Prince Philip.
Southampton general hospital which started teaching around 1971.

In 1998 the Uni-Link bus service was created which is open to students and the general public too.

In 1995 a fire destroyed the School of Electronics and Computer Science and the Optoelectronic Research Centre. Luckily no one was hurt and it did take them a fair while to re build this building.

There are a number of halls of residence buildings dotted all over Southampton and surrounding areas. These are open to first year and international students who require accommodation. The main areas are: Glen Eyre Halls Complex, Wessex Lane Halls Complex and Archers Road.

Apart from these halls of residence the main areas where local students tend to live is Portswood and Shirley as these are two of the cheapest places to live in Southampton. Portswood is home to a lot of local student pubs such as the Hobitt.

Southampton university always has excellent results and i can imagine it will always go on to do so for many years.

****** SOUTHAMPTON GENERAL HOSPITAL ******

Tremona Rd
Southampton, SO16
www.suht.nhs.uk

- What they say -

Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust (SUHT) provides local hospital services to some 500,000 people living in Southampton and south Hampshire and specialist services such as neurosciences, cardiac services and children's intensive care to more than 3 million people in central southern England and the Channel Islands.

The Trust is also a major centre for teaching and research in association with the University of Southampton and partners including the Medical Research Council and Welcome Trust.

- Facts and my opinion -

This hospital is one of the largest teaching hospitals in Europe, it is run by Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust.

The hospital was also the set for the documentary program The general which was hosted by Nick Knowles and others.

The hospital was founded in the 1900 when it started out as a small infirmary and has gone on to grow and expand into other sites also.

Being an accident prone child i was there a fair bit when i was younger, and also have a few on going health problems now too so i am a regular visitor to the hospital.

I have always found this hospital to be very well organised and have some fantastic staff. The hospital is so big and has so many departments i have never found myself waiting more than a few months for any surgery i have needed.

The only thing i will slate the main hospital for is the parking facilities! It is ridiculous! It is in the form of a multi story on a one way access road and when 3pm comes around for visiting hours you have no chance. I have often queue for over an hour to get into the car park. I really think they should try to do something about it.

Currently the main hospital is undergoing a lot of refurbishment at the moment and it is looking fantastic. The grounds are always smart and tidy and the hospital is always very clean.

******* SOUTHAMPTON AIRPORT *******

Southampton Airport
SO18 2NL
www.southamptonairport.com

- What they say -

We aim to be the local airport you can breeze through, linking the South Coast with more than 40 destinations in Britain and Europe. Whether you're travelling for business or pleasure, rediscover the joy of flying at Southampton Airport.

- Facts and my opinion -

Southampton airport is the 20th largest airport in the UK. It is not the biggest airport ever but it is a great place for shorter flights. The airport handled 1,945,993 passengers during 2008 so i guess it is well used.

It is actually located in the Borough of Eastleigh, but literally right on the edge of Southampton so it is classed as Southampton airport.

I think in my whole life i have only actually used this airport 3 times, mostly because you cant fly anywhere particularly interesting from here.

I have flown to Scotland twice and once to Dublin.

The airport itself is quite small inside and only had a limited number of facilities.

But the staff are all very friendly and during a delay everyone is very helpful.

****** WEST QUAY SHOPPING CENTRE ******

8-10 Portland Terrace
Southampton
Hampshire
SO14 7EG
www.west-quay.co.uk

- What they say -

West Quay, located in the heart of Southampton city centre, boasts over 90 stores spread over three shopping levels.

- Facts and my opinions -

West quay shopping centre opened on the 28th September 2000 and is 800,000 square feet of pure shopping and restaurants.

Some of its biggest names are Marks and Spencers, John Lewis, Apple, Zara and Gap.

It is also home to the Southampton F.C Shop.

There are 2 floors of fashion stores offering over 90 shops.

On the top two floors there are a number of fast food chains such as mcdonalds, Kentucky etc. Also some top name restaurants such as Pizza Hut, Nandos and Harry Ramsdens.

West quay has its good and bad points.

When it was first built i didn't think much of it to be honest, it cost a lot of money and took a long time to build and compared to somewhere like Bluewater i wasn't too impressed.

Don't get me wrong its great to have most of the main shops in one buiding, but the actual design of West quay is a bit annoying. You seem to have to walk round the entire shopping centre to use an esculator.

But over the years the place has defintely grown on me, and after visiting other cities and seeing how rubbish their choice of shopping is i have changed my mind slowly. I think we all just get a bit bored of going to the same place all of the time so its always nice for a change.

The choice of stores is fantastic and the centre is always very clean, plenty of facilities and very modern.

******* AROUND THE WEST QUAY AREA******

Outside of the shopping centre there are also a lot of larger stores such as Argos, Halfords, Staples, Ikea and also a TGI Fridays.

The area around west quay is getting bigger and we are currently waiting for a new leisure complex with ice skating rink to be approved (i will believe it when i see it)

****** LEISURE WORLD ******

Leisure World,
West Quay Road,
Southampton.
SO15 1RE

Leisure world is Southampton's biggest leisure complex.

It offers: Odeon Cinema, Frankie and Bennies, Oceana night club and the casino.

When this complex was first built it really was the place to be, but nowadays it is a little run down and could do with some work.

Oceana night club came to leisure world last year and has brought a lot more custom but generally the place is a little boring!

****** THE QUAYS SWIMMING AND DIVING COMPLEX ******

27 Harbour Parade
Southampton
SO15 1BA
www.southampton.gov.uk/leisure/leisure-centres/th equays/default.asp

- What they say -

The Quays 'Eddie Read' Swimming and Diving Complex is located in the heart of the city centre. The venue offers top-class swimming, diving and fitness facilities. Whether you want to improve your lifestyle, health or general wellbeing, learn to swim or dive or be active with your family, The Quays has something for everyone!

- Facts and my opinion -

There are 3 pools in the complex.

Pool 1: Is a 25 metre national short course championship pool is divided into 4 lanes and a recreational swimming area.

Pool 2: Is a large world class diving pool often used for competitions and olympic divers.

Pool 3: Is a leisure pool for children and adults, which also has a flume and whirl pool.

The complex is also home to The Quays fitness suite and also offers children's activities and lessons throughout the year.

The complex is very smart, clean and reasonably priced.
I visit the quays twice a week for my regular swim and have never had any problems.

The changing facilities are excellent. There is ladies, mens and a family changing area. There is always plenty of free lockers, cubicles for changing and i have to highly praise the showers. They are powerful and very clean.

I have also been to watch several diving competitions which have always been well organised by all.

****** OCEAN VILLAGE ******

Ocean Village Marina,
2 Channel Way,
SOUTHAMPTON,
Hampshire,
SO14 3TG
www.mdlmarinas.co.uk

- What they say -

Situated in the shelter of Southampton Water, and right in the heart of Southampton, Ocean Village is more than a marina. Surrounded by a wealth of shops, restaurants, cinemas and bars, it offers outstanding recreational facilities. Overlooking the marina is The Royal Southampton Yacht Club which, although a members club, offers berth holders and visitors a warm and friendly welcome.

- Facts and my opinion -

Ocean village is a 450 berth marina which has changed so many times in the last 20 years i lose track of what is actually going on down there now!

When i was younger it used to be a small shopping centre with restaurants and bars etc. Now it is mostly full of flats and houses! There are still a number of bars down there, also a chiquitos and recently built a Wetherspoons.
It is also home to Southampton's smaller cinema Cineworld.

****** SOUTHAMPTON FOOTBALL CLUB AND ST MARYS STADIUM ******

St. Marys Stadium
Britannia Rd, Southampton,
SO14 5FP
www.saintsfc.co.uk

Oh dear oh dear what can i say about my home team who i have loved and supported over the years!!
What on earth has happened to them...
I used to blame it on a bad run of luck but well i don't think its that any more i am starting to think they are just a waste of space!!
The team itself may not be upto much but St marys stadium is pretty good.

Found in the Northam area of Southampton, opened in 2001 and has a capacity of 32,689. I go there every few months to attempt at supporting the team.. The staff are great, facilities not bad and the pitch is always looking good! (Probably due to lack of playing)

****** THE BOAT SHOW ******

www.southamptonboatshow.com/

Tickets from: £13.00

- What they say -

From 11-20 September at Mayflower Park, the PSP Southampton Boat Show in association with ITV Meridian is a fantastic experience for everyone with an interest in water - whether you've come to check out all the latest boating fashions, discover a new leisure pursuit or see the very best in state of the art marine design and technology.

This record breaking year will see over 120,000 people enjoy a fantastic day out, whether they are already into boating or just dipping a toe in to see what it's like.

- Facts and my opinion -

Southampton boat show is one of the biggest water based shows in the world and has been arranged every year since 1969. It always takes place in Mayflower park in the month of September.

With with thousands of visitors every year the show is always extremely successful. The show consists of boat owners and builders and usually consists of over 600 exhibitors.

What can i say about the boat show? I went once, it was a nightmare, it was too busy, you couldn't move and it causes havoc in Southampton!

Yes okay it is great for the city, bringing in the tourists and the money etc. But for the locals we can't get reservations in restaurants and everywhere is packed.

****** MAYFLOWER THEATRE ******

The Mayflower
Commercial Road
Southampton
SO15 1GE
www.mayflower.org.uk

Tickets vary depending on the show but they start generally from £10.

- What they say -

The largest theatre in the South offers you magical evenings with the most spectacular touring musicals - many direct from the West End - plus opera, ballet, and some of the biggest names in popular music and comedy.

- Facts and my opinion -

The Mayflower theatre is a grade 2 listed building with the capacity of 2300. The theatre originally opened in 1928.

The theatre isn't the biggest in the country but it does get most of the latest west end shows.

I love this theatre, it is really authentic and has some fantastic characteristics.

I first went there when i was 5 to say Jason Donovon (sad eh) and since then have been a number of times a year to see various shows, comedians and ballets.

The facilities are fantastic, prices are reasonable and the bar is always a good plus!

****** THE SOUTHAMPTON GUILDHALL ******

West Marlands Road
Civic Centre, Southampton
SO14 7LP
www.livenation.co.uk

- What they say -

* 2D Seating Chart

Southampton Guildhall is the South's largest multipurpose entertainment venue. Hosting some of the biggest names in music from Pink Floyd & David Bowie in the 70's to present day bands such as Hard Fi, Manic Street Preachers, The Killers, The Kaiser Chiefs & Amy Winehouse. With a capacity of 1,749 and in the heart of the city centre 10 minutes from the railway station, amidst cafes, restaurants and shops it's the place to be!

Whether you are organizing a major exhibition, conference, banquet, dinner dance, concert or wedding reception the Guildhall through its experience and expertise can effectively host your event.

- Facts and my opinion -

It is described on its website as the South's largest multi-purpose entertainment venue. Well i don't know if that is true or not but it certainly isn't the most classiest.

The guildhall is based right in the centre of Southampton next to the civic offices. It is roughly a 5-10 minute walk from the central train station. It has a capacity of 1749 and hosts a number of relatively famous artists every year. But no one ever big really plays there because it is not really up to the standards of something like the bic in Bournemouth.

The last refit of the guildhall was done in roughly 1989 and it is in desperate need of another one.

The stage is small, the seating is very uncomfortable and the carpet is held together with carpet has most definitely seen better days as its held together mostly by carpet tape!

We went to see a night with queen last year, which is a tribute band ran by the chap who won stars in their eyes a few years back as Freddie mercury. The band were fantastic, but we could barely hear a thing and there just felt like there was no atmosphere.

I really wish they would change it, i think if they made the venue better it would bring some biggest artists down our way and everyone would benefit from the people coming into the city to see them. More money for everyone all round!

****** SOUTHAMPTON DAILY ECHO ******

The Southern Daily Echo
Newspaper House
Test Lane
Redbridge
Southampton
SO16 9JX
www.dailyecho.co.uk

Price: 40p

- Facts and my opinion -

The first Southern daily echo was published in August 1888. The main office's of the newspaper are in Redbridge area of Southampton. But years ago the main echo office was actually based where the above bar entrance to the shopping centre west quay is.

The echo is published mon - sat and usually appears in the shops between 10am and lunchtime.

The current editor is Ian Murray.

I have been reading this newspaper since i was a lot younger.

I always find this newspaper very useful for a number of things.. reading the local announcements i.e deaths, birthdays etc. My family always use this for coming of age announcements. I have had many a photo in there.

Its also great for buying local items, cars, renting properties etc and finding a job on job days which are Thursday and Saturday.

The news articles are always very interesting to read, although a little depressing sometimes, but that comes with any newspaper. When do we ever get good news?

****** SOUTHAMPTON COMMON ******

Southampton Common
Hill Lane
Southampton
www.southampton.gov.uk/leisure/parksgreenspaces/t hecommon/default.asp

- What they say -

The Common is a much loved and well used green space and in 2007 the Common received a Green Flag Award for the first time, recognising its excellent standards of green space maintenance and management. As a Site of Special Scientific Interest it is unique and requires specialist management to ensure that its status and biodiversity is maintained.

The Green Flag also covers the Old Cemetery and the Friends of Southampton Old Cemetery (FoSOC) hold many walks, talks and tasks where you can find out more about this historical site.

- Facts and my opinions -

The Southampton common is the biggest park in Southampton. It has 326 acres altogether and includes woodland, parkland, rough grassland, ponds, wetlands, nature trails, a paddling pool, a children's play area, a model yachting pond, and a fishing lake.

The Southampton common has always been home to large events such as Power in the park, The Southampton baloon festival and Race for life. Most half terms and bank holidays there is also a huge fair and market.

The common is extremely well kept and is also home to one of Southamptons most popular pubs, the Cowherds.

I have always loved the common, i remember when my mum used to take me there on a hot day to go in the very old paddling pool. This has now been updated and is fenced in too. Also the old wooden playground is now a lot more modern.

****** OTHER TOURIST ATTRACTIONS ******

- Southampton city are gallery - Free entry
Southampton City Art Gallery, Civic Centre, Commercial Road

- Hall of Aviation - Solent Sky - Adults £6 children £4
Albert road, Southampton

- Medieval Merchant's House - Adult £3.80 Children £1.90
58 French Street, Southampton

- The Maritime Museum - Adults £2.50 Children £1.50
Tower House, Town Quay Road, Southampton

- Tudor House Museum and Garden - Adults £2.50 Children £1.50
Tudor House Museum, St. Michaels Sq, Southampton

******* MY TOP RESTAURANT ******

Pilgrim House:
Canute Rd, Southampton, SO14 3FJ
023 80338008

The prices seem to change all of the time but roughly:

£14 for an adult buffet (higher on back hols)
They also offer a lunch time buffet but it is limited.

A fantastic Chinese restaurant in the heart of Southampton.
The place is extremely tasteful, very modern with cream leather seats etc. The staff are all very friendly, helpful and efficient.

The restaurant is an "eat as much as your like" buffet style restaurant.
You are given a menu when you come in to choose as many starters and main courses as you can eat and they are all brought to you freshly cooked instead of sitting on a buffet all evening stewing.

The food is excellent and we always visit on special occasions.

Reservations are almost impossible over the weekends without booking well in advance.

****** MY TOP HOTEL ******

Jurys Inn Southampton

Charlotte Pl
Southampton, SO14
023 8037 1111

http://southamptonhotels.jurysinns.com

If i was coming to Southampton for night life or business i would definitely stay at the Jurys Inn Southampton.

It is in an excellent location and for the price it is an excellent building.

The rooms are perfectly equipped and decorated and it has a lovely bar and restaurant.

****** SOME DISTRICTS OF SOUTHAMPTON ******

- Bassett -

Home of a lot of university students and some of the university campus.

- Bitterne -

Not far from the centre of Southampton city. Offers a small shopping area, leisure centre with swimming pool, bowling alley and pubs.
Lots of housing in the area.

- Chilworth -

One of the posher areas of Southampton.. home to the University of Southampton Science Park, the popular Chilworth manor hotel (where i got married) and a wonderful pub called The Chilworth Arms.

Notable Chilworth residents have included circus impressario Jimmy Chipperfield, Southampton football star Matthew Le Tissier and Craig Davids mum (apparently).

- Freemantle -

Right next to Southampton city centre, lots of housing not much else going on apart from a school and a church.

- Highfield -

Lots of housing and known for housing the University and halls of residence.

- Lordshill and Lordswood -

Lots of housing, a secondary school and a large Sainsburys supermarket.

- Millbrook -

Large council housing area.

Home to the Western hospital, a large tesco and a big bowling alley.

- Northam -

On the west bank of the river Itchen, large council area and home to St Marys stadium.

- Portswood -

North east of the city, population of 14,384 and largely a student area.
It offers a reasonable sized shopping area with a large Blockbuster and Waitrose.

- Shirley -

Shirley has the biggest shopping area next to West quay in Southampton. Many cheap shops like Poundland and charity shops. Also a large Sainsburys.

Lots of residential especially council areas.

- Sholing -

Large residential area, has a massive playing green with skate park.

- St Denys -

Lots of residential and council housing. Some students and a large train station.

- St Marys -

A very large council area, admittedly this is Southamptons roughest areas! Home to the "red light" area!! I wouldn't walk around here on my own at night lets put it that way!!

Home to South hants hospital, a large storage company, fire station and a few gay bars.

Its a shame it has a bad reputation.

- Swaythling -

Home to a lot of students and Mcdonalds wooo lol.

- Thornhill -

Very large residential area, a lot of council housing. Some shops.

- Woolston -

Home to the Itchen bridge which is a toll bridge going over the river itchen built in the 1970s.

It is right on the water and home to what used to be Vosper Thorneycroft.

Large residential, some council.

Has a shopping area but lately seems to be coming a bit of a ghost town!

- Weston -

A residential area which has a lot of council and new builds.

Weston is right on Southamptons borders and has a shingle beach.

When i was little i spent a lot of time at Weston beach but nowadays it is not particularly pleasant. You get a lot of youths hanging around down there and the water is not for bathing in. (i wouldn't anyway).

It is also home to the boat yard and very close by is Netley Abbey and Victoria country park.

****** MY FINAL THOUGHTS ******

Southampton is typical of most cities, it has some great areas and it has some very dodgy ones.

As i said before it is fantastic being on the water, the docks and marinas bring a lot of jobs to Southampton and it also makes it great for going on a cruise!

I would recommend anyone to come to Southampton for historical factors but for night life i definitely wouldn't bother. There are better cities who have a lot more clubs and pubs to offer.

I hope you enjoyed my review/guide to Southampton. I may add to this later on! But right now my fingers are dropping off.

Some facts and information taken from websites and wiki

Summary: All in all southampton is a great place, just wish we had more choice in the nightlife area!