The historic waterfront city of Southampton regularly hosts domestic and international conferences and business meetings of all shapes and sizes – and it’s easy to see why the destination is such a favourite with travel and event organisers.
First on the agenda is connectivity, and here Southampton excels. Located at the junction of two major motorways, there’s also a direct rail link from London with a 75-minute journey time, plus Southampton International Airport offering scheduled air services from key departure points across the UK and Europe.
Next up, accommodation and event spaces. Southampton has more than 3,000 hotel bedrooms, with the Southampton Region Hoteliers’ Association encompassing major brands such as Hilton, Holiday Inn, Leonardo and Moxy as well as many independent properties.All offer up-to-the-minute meetings facilities, as do the city’s two universities - Southampton and Solent – while Southampton’s largest venue can seat up to 2,300 delegates theatre-style. But for event organisers, what sets Southampton apart is its range of event venues, If you’re seeking a memorable location to inspire delegates and keep creativity on fire, check out the city’s unique heritage venues. God’s House Tower is a late 13th century gatehouse bristling within the medieval walls of old town, this former prison is now an award-winning arts hub and offers ancient beamed meeting rooms, gallery space and exclusive use of the rooftop with stunning views across the harbour and passing cruise ships.
Alternatively let your team experience the golden age of steam and book a business event on the Steamship Shieldhall, the largest working steamship in Britain; book a private cruise along the Solent and stage an event in a living time-capsule.
State-of-the-art facilities with access to the football tunnel and side-of-thepitch photo opportunities are on offer at St Mary’s Stadium, home of Southampton Football Club.
Whether a sports stadium, on-board a ship or in a medieval gatehouse – an event here promises memory-making quality.
And when the work is done, Southampton still has lots to offer, with more than 200 bars and restaurants, a cultural quarter” close to the historic city walls, two theatres, two major art galleries, more than 2,400 acres of parks (many with outdoor event spaces), and fantastic shopping at Westquay Retail Park.
The city is also the ideal base from which to explore Hampshire’s beautiful New Forest National Park, the resort towns of Bournemouth and Weymouth, Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, plus – just a short ferry crossing away – the Isle of Wight.
Any other business? If so, Southampton is more than ready to welcome you!
