Quick Overview:

The “International Maritime City” of Southampton is a vibrant south coast locale fit for any stag party gathering. Bristling with a diverse local population and tourists from all over England as well as many other countries, Southampton has a lot to offer in terms of interesting daytime activities, good food and exciting nightlife. As England’s major cruise ship hub, and home port to the QE2, Southampton’s economy is inseparable from tourism which makes the city a great place to visit.

Getting Around:
As with most sizeable English cities, Southampton has an efficient bus system to transport your stag do to activities throughout the city. The City Centre is somewhat spread out but is still walkable. A mostly flat terrain makes Southampton great for cycling as well. Consider also the city’s taxi services - drivers also tend to have great “local” knowledge for sights to see, food to eat and club’s to visit. Getting around on a stag party in Southampton is not a problem.

Must See/Must Do:
• The QE2 Mile - This pedestrian route winds through the city from the Cenotaph to the waterfront at Town Quay. The QE2 Mile is the most visited part of the city and is the heart of the economy with more businesses than anywhere else in Southampton.
• Get Your Game On - Southampton offers a variety of sporting opportunities that range from badminton to climbing and volleyball. On the northern outskirts of the city, the Southampton Municipal Golf Course offers picturesque surroundings and links to satisfy the beginner through expert.
• The Hawthorns Urban Wildlife Centre - Based on the Commons - a 326 acre nature preserve that is a short walk from the city centre - gives a glimpse into the local ecology and wildlife. The rest of the property is home to an abandoned race course and the site of the gallows, a Victorian lake and England’s deepest artisan well.
• Maritime Museum - a great place for a stag party to take a break and learn the history of Southampton’s docks including the city’s ties to the ill-fated Titanic. Housed in a 14th Century warehouse with roof of Spanish chestnut, the museum has an impressive model of the docks that was constructed for the 1939 World’s Fair.

History:
The area is believed by archaeologists to have been inhabited since the Stone Age. During much of Southampton’s early history, the populace was over come many times by marauding invaders that included the Romans, Vikings and Normans. The city was bombed extensively during World War II and hundreds of people lost their lives and thousands of buildings were destroyed. Southampton has a long history as a major port and has been home to historic ships including the Mayflower and Titanic.

Nightlife:
Southampton’s combination of a port city and college town is the perfect mix for a stag do. Pubs populate many of the city’s streets and run the gambit from old-style traditional to new-age modern. A must-visit is Leisure World on the West Quay Road - a massive entertainment center that houses a cinema, casino, nightclub, bars and restaurants. Several places, including The Shooting Star and The Hobbit - offer live music. For local flavor, have your stag party in Southampton try The Crown on High Street.

Eating:
The Platform Tavern in Town Quay and many other traditional establishments offer great pub grub in Southampton. Buy there is also a decidedly international flavor in the port city. Try Poppadom Express, a traditional colonial Indian restaurant with superb table service. Oxford Street has cafe bars and restaurants serving the best of contemporary British and Continental cuisine – perfect choices on a stag party in Southampton.