The different sides of Southampton

Southampton is best-known for its busy port, and millions of cargo containers come and go each year. Weston Shore, just by the Royal Victoria Country Park, is a perfect spot for picnics and watching the impressive cruise liners pull in.

Sticking with the watery theme, there are also lots of marinas around town giving you access to watersports, diving and other ocean-going fun. Every September, there’s the Southampton Boat Show, which draws huge crowds. And of course you've got beaches. One of our favourites is Calshot, just a short drive away with Insta-worthy views of the city.

If you're a history buff, Southampton is steeped in the stuff. It's the site of what some claim is the oldest medieval walls in the country and you can walk along the remains of those today. Or head to St Michael’s Square where there's a fascinating Tudor house and gardens: a beautiful, relaxing place to study.

Prefer a more physical adrenaline hit? Head to the snow sports centre or take a shot at paintballing.

And if you want a change of scene, Bournemouth, aka one of the most famous seaside towns in the country, is just a 30-minute train ride away. It's got beautiful sandy beaches, a pier full of fun attractions and a great shopping centre.