When planning a weekend away in the UK, it’s easy to return to the same familiar destinations.

London, York, Edinburgh, Bath and Oxford all attract huge numbers of short-break visitors, and with good reason. But sometimes the most enjoyable weekends come from choosing somewhere you haven’t already visited several times.

Southampton deserves to be considered.

Known internationally for its cruise port, the Hampshire city is often treated as somewhere people travel through rather than somewhere they travel to. Look beyond the terminals, however, and you’ll find a destination combining centuries of history, excellent shopping, restaurants, entertainment and easy access to the countryside.

For a two or three-night UK break, that combination has plenty to offer.

Southampton Is More Than Its Port

Southampton’s relationship with the sea is impossible to separate from the city’s identity.

It remains one of the world’s most important cruise destinations, with huge passenger ships regularly arriving … READ MORE -->