Southampton Leisure
If you are the kind of person who likes to stay in shape while holidaying or to take part in some kind of physical activity, then its probably important that your vacation destination offers facilities that cater to these needs.
Southampton is well-equipped with a variety of both public and private sporting amenities as well as natural open spaces that are ideal for the pursuit of outdoor activities. For visitors who prefer to sit back, relax and watch someone else break out into a sweat, there are opportunities for watching local sports teams in action.
Spectator sports
Wherever you go in the world, football fans seem to be well taken care of and Southampton is no exception, offering visitors the pleasures of watching the Championship league games of Southampton Football Club, The Saints. They play their matches at the relatively new St Mary's Stadium. The Saints have a sketchy history; their last FA Cup Final title was achieved against Manchester United in 1976. However, local support for the team is enthusiastic and games are well attended. Tickets can be purchased directly from the stadium.
Lower down the table, Sunday league teams, City of Southampton Sunday Football League and the Southampton and District Sunday Football League both attract keen followings. Cricket fans meanwhile can catch games by the Hampshire County team at the Rose Bowl during the summer season.
Participant sports
Southampton has its fair share of public leisure centres where visitors will find facilities such as swimming pools, squash and badminton courts, ping-pong tables, five-a-side football pitches and classes in disciplines such as yoga, pilates, aerobics and tai chi.
Those visitors staying in reputable hotels will invariably find on-site fitness centres that are free for guests. The city also has a good selection of parks, and these green open spaces lend themselves to the pursuit of outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, jogging and playing football. When the weather is good, the beach at Southsea is an ideal place for swimming, playing Frisbee or participating in other popular beach activities.