Located on the south coast of England, Southampton Airport is an ideal departure point for those living in and around the Hampshire area. Flying to more than 50 destinations worldwide, the airport offers various options for holiday-makers and features departures to popular tourist destinations. Travelling in and out of Southampton Airport also offers the chance to explore the glorious local countryside and tour the attractive coastline of the region.
WHSmith at Southampton Airport sells last-minute essentials and a good choice of books, magazines, games and travel-related goods, whilst World Duty Free stocks a selection of wines and spirits, tobacco, fragrances and sunglasses, all at great tax-free prices. Customers can take advantage of the convenient Shop and Collect service, which allows them to pick up their purchases on their return.
There are places to grab a bite both before and after security at Southampton Airport, with Costa Coffee offering hot drinks, pastries and snacks, and Mitchell's Kitchen and Bar serving a varied menu with a selection of hot and cold food. WHSmith also offers a choice of drinks, sandwiches and snacks.
Whilst waiting for a flight, passengers can work or surf the net thanks to wireless internet access, or use various pc's that are located throughout the terminal. Southampton Airport also has a Flybe Executive Lounge for all their Economy Plus passengers use - a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the departure lounge.
The airport is situated on the M27, and offers good links into Southampton and London by train and coach, as well as destinations such as Bournemouth, Portsmouth, Winchester and Oxford. Buses regularly depart for the city centre.
Southampton itself is a thriving city, with a rich maritime history and a wealth of sights and attractions. The port is the heart of the city, home to many ferries and cruise liners, with the charming Old Town boasting a medieval heritage, full of historic buildings and bustling weekly markets. There's a good choice of art galleries and theatres to visit, with shopping in WestQuay, considered one of the best retail centres on the south coast, as well as a varied dining and entertainment scene.
One of the most popular things to do in Southampton is follow the QE2 Mile, a pedestrian route which runs through the historic centre down to the waterfront. There's also the local Hampshire countryside to explore, with rolling green hills, quaint English villages and the New Forest to tour, as well as the attractive coastline with its charming fishing and boating towns.
Whilst travelling from Southampton, sights to see in and around the area include Winchester Cathedral, Paultons Park, Netley Abbey, the stately home of Beaulieu, Marwell Zoo and the maritime centres of Gosport and Portsmouth. Ferries to the Isle of Wight are also available from the port.