The mild climate and wealth of countryside and proximity to the coast makes Southampton one of the best places in the UK to live and work.
For those who love the outdoor life, The New Forest, just a short drive from Southampton, provides excellent walking, cycling, horse riding and camping experiences. The south�s magnificent coast line and beaches are within easy reach providing walking and safe bathing along with exhilarating watersports such as windsurfing, sailing and power boat racing.
Southampton has five art galleries and the City Art Gallery is recognised as one of the best in the country. Southampton has two theatres � The Mayflower stages top West End shows, musicals and ballet and The Nuffield Theatre frequently previews plays destined for London�s West End � along with cinemas, nightclubs and good quality restaurants and bars.
The 32,000 seat Friends Provident St Mary�s Football Stadium is home to �The Saints� and Hampshire Cricket Club�s new ground The Rose Bowl is located on the edge of the city. Southampton and the surrounding area provides excellent golf courses and the city�s public golf course has been voted one of the top five in the UK.
Southampton�s Old Town has the longest stretch (1.5km) of mediaeval walls in England. The City also boats seven city centre parks situated close to the vibrant shopping centre. Just outside the city centre is Southampton�s 148 hectare common, which is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Southampton�s schools and colleges are continually improving and Southampton University is a centre for academic excellence and scientific research. The percentage of Year 11 students from mainstream schools continuing in full time education has remained stable over the past few years at around 70%
Travel to other parts of the UK and Europe is made easy by the excellent road and train and ferry connections and Southampton Airport.