Overview:
Although much of Southampton’s infrastructure has been destroyed during the Second World War, the city has grown rapidly to recover. Today, Southampton which is situated on the southeast coast of England, has bounced back fully, delivering a modern and urbanized cityscape for those who graced her lands. This port city presents a wide variety of options for a stag weekend. It offers a less overcrowded atmosphere than some of the larger cities in the area, while still possessing a fun and exciting atmosphere.
Getting Around:
The city of Southampton is fairly spacious and spread out, but you will still find it easy, and frequently convenient to simply walk from one location to another during your stag weekend in Southampton. Also, it contains few steep hills so riding a bicycle is also a popular method of transportation. Of course, for the less adventurous, the bus system is always an option since you will never be far from a stop.
Must See/Must Do:
• The QE2 mile will take you past most of Southampton's major sites (the Titanic monument, etc.)
• Time your stag weekend for the Southampton's yearly boat show for a unique experience!
• The bargate medieval gatehouse is always a site worth visiting
• Titanic buffs will love visiting the exhibit at the Maritime Museum
• For another unique stag do option, you could consider taking a "Start Sailing" course over the weekend
• New Forest provides a great chance to get in touch with nature during your stag weekend
• The artistically-minded definitely will not want to miss the City Art Gallery
• Bedford Place and the Oceana Super Club are great options for more traditional stag party activities
History and Culture:
Southampton has traditionally been known for its port and shipbuilding industries (it was the city that built the Titanic). During World War II, it expanded into the production of fighter planes; due to its industrial importance, the city was frequently bombed by the Nazis during World War II. That means that much of the city's architecture has been built since the war, which (in addition to Southampton's two universities) gives it a much younger, more modern feel than some of the surrounding cities. Shipbuilding operations in Southampton have transitioned more into the construction of cruise ships in recent decades.
Nightlife:
Between the student body and the sailors ashore at night, you will find plenty of demand for the chic bars and traditional pubs in Southampton, and many such venues for you to choose from. The Oceana Super Club is the most famous and luxurious of such locations, but there are plenty of terrific smaller locations to choose from as well. The Hobbit, the Portswood and the Bedford are all popular destinations for the local students. The Marina contains a variety of nice upscale bars, or the Platform Tavern on the harbour offers a great mix of live music and local beverages. Your Southampton stag party will never be thirsty, that is certain!
Eating & Drinking:
You will find a wide variety of restaurants specializing in all kinds of ethnic foods, from Mexican to Indian and everything in between. If you're looking for a particular price range, the simplest way to decide is the Bedford Street options for quality at a good price or the Oxford Street restaurants for the ritzier, swankier options. However, if you are the type of guy who dreads long dinner, go for the eateries that offer takeaways – any one of them will do because they are all economical and tasty. Food, drink, and entertainment options to your heart's content are waiting for you at your Southampton stag weekend!