Dynamic, bold, and full of character, Southampton in Hampshire has plenty to inspire. You might know it for its maritime fame, but there's so much more to discover. While undoubtedly proud of its heritage, this is a forward-looking city with a youthful buzz and sense of optimism.
In this blog, we'll share why Southampton holds a special place in our hearts and why 250,000 people love living, working and running businesses here.
At Arena Offices, we’ve created a workspace that reflects the city’s energy, ambition, and strong business community. Threefield House offers stylish, fully serviced offices with high-spec amenities, collaborative breakout areas, and private meeting rooms — all just a short stroll from the city’s best restaurants, shops and waterfront attractions. Whether you're scaling up or starting out, Arena is the ideal place to thrive. Contact us now to book a tour.
1. City of historical importance
Southampton is alive with history, which has shaped the city we know and love today. There has been a settlement in the Southampton area since the Stone Age. A few thousand years later, the Romans founded the fortress of Clausentum in the area, at the location of the present-day suburb of Bitterne.
The Saxons developed a settlement on the other side of the river (in the present-day St Mary’s area), hundreds of years after the Roman Invasion had ended. They named it ‘Hamwic’ – which later became known as ‘Hampton’, from which the name Southampton, and indeed, Hampshire are derived.
By the late Middle Ages, Southampton had become a very important centre for shipbuilding, international trading, and a transport hub for the army. King Henry V marched his troops through the Westgate (which still stands today) to sail for France and the battle of Agincourt. Wealthy merchants also left their mark during this period, which can still be glimpsed at Tudor House, one of Southampton’s oldest buildings.
Although the town suffered several centuries of decline after the 16th century, it still witnessed several important historical events, including the launch of the Mayflower in 1620, which took British settlers to the New World in America.
By the 19th century, the city had rallied and regained prosperity. The Titanic famously set sail from Southampton in 1912, whilst the Spitfire took its maiden flight from what has now become Southampton Airport.
The town played a huge role in both the First and Second World Wars, moving millions of troops and equipment across Europe. It suffered heavy bombing during the Blitz, particularly across the old town and Woolston, with significant destruction to homes and infrastructure. The post-war years were focused on the recovery of the docks, commercial centres, and transport links.
The University of Southampton was established by Royal Charter in 1952, and the town was awarded city status in 1964. In the decades that followed, Southampton underwent major regeneration to become the thriving commercial hub it is today.
2. Surrounding areas of natural beauty
The residents of Southampton are never far away from greenery - the city centre itself boasts five lovely parks, considered its 'green lungs'. Then there is the 365-acre Southampton Common, as well as plenty of green spaces to explore along the banks of the Itchen, such as Riverside Park. Venture a tiny bit further, and you find yourself in the rural idyll that is the New Forest.
New Forest
Surprisingly close to the busy city centre is the New Forest, 219 square miles of stunning countryside that was awarded National Park status in 2005. There are hundreds of forest trails and a host of beautiful villages to explore, including Lyndhurst, Beaulieu and Brockenhurst. The forest is also home to over three thousand New Forest ponies, who can be found roaming freely around the countryside.
3. Well-connected
Southampton is exceptionally well connected, with direct trains to London, a major international airport, and easy access to the M3 and M27 motorways. Its busy ferry terminals and commercial port offer sea links across the Channel and to the Isle of Wight. Just a 20-minute ferry ride across the Solent, the island has 57 miles of picturesque coastline and is also home to the iconic 'Needles’ - one of the most photographed rock formations in the world.
4. Leisure & culture
Retail therapy
A shopaholic’s dream, Southampton is home to Westquay – one of the largest retail developments in the UK. Over 100 shops are operational within the shopping centre, offering a broad selection of retail options to cater for every interest. Beyond Westquay, you can find a host of independent retailers along the high street.
Theatre, music and events
The Mayflower Theatre is one of the South Coast’s leading venues, offering a packed programme of West End-scale shows. Its sister venue, Mast Mayflower Studios, champions new writing, local artists, and smaller-scale touring productions.
The O2 Guildhall attracts high-profile music and comedy acts, while independent venues like The Joiners, a legendary venue that helped launch the careers of Oasis and Coldplay, stage more intimate gigs.
The Esplanade is an inspiring, flexible open-air event space set against the backdrop of Southampton's medieval walls. It hosts outdoor cinema screenings, live sports matches, pop-up markets and family-friendly activities, creating a real buzz in the heart of the city.
Southampton City Art Gallery
Southampton City Art Gallery holds an impressive collection of over 5,000 works. From Renaissance masterpieces to contemporary British art, its rotating exhibitions and free entry make it a must-visit destination.
SeaCity museum
SeaCity Museum brings Southampton’s maritime story to life with engaging, interactive exhibitions that explore the city’s Titanic connection, port history, and global trade. It offers a fascinating insight into how Southampton was shaped by the sea.
Sport
From football at St Mary’s stadium to international cricket at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton is ideal for sports fans. Its coastal location makes it a hub for watersports, with sailing, paddleboarding, and kayaking all popular on the Solent. Each September, the city hosts the Southampton International Boat Show, one of Europe’s largest, attracting enthusiasts from around the world.
5. City of economic success & innovation
Over the last decade, Southampton has undergone extensive regeneration, which is set to continue with the 2025 launch of the Southampton Renaissance Vision. This plan aims to further revitalise the city centre with a focus on connection, sustainability, neighbourhoods, and the waterfront.
Over 7,400 businesses operate in the city – among them the household names of Cunard, P&O Cruises, Ordnance Survey, Garmin and B&Q. The city's economy has experienced significant growth since the pandemic and was valued at £10 billion in 2022. This marked a 13.2% increase since the pre-pandemic baseline in 2019, outpacing the national average.
The Port of Southampton remains a cornerstone of the city's economy and has become Northern Europe's leading cruise turnaround port. In 2024, it handled 8.829 million tonnes of freight and welcomed a record-breaking three million cruise passengers, contributing over £1 billion to the local and regional economy.
Find the perfect base for your Southampton business
Inspired by what Southampton has to offer? Make it your business home. Arena Southampton puts you at the centre of it all — with the many restaurants and bars of Oxford Street, Westquay and the Cultural Quarter all within easy reach. If you're looking for an out of city hub close to Southampton, then perhaps consider Arena Offices in Poole to the east and Fareham to the west.
Whether you need two desks or an entire floor, our flexible workspace is designed to adapt to your business. With dedicated on-site support, beautifully designed interiors, and high-speed connectivity as standard, Arena provides the perfect place to focus, grow, and succeed.
Our team would be delighted to show you around. Get in touch today to book a tour.