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The best times to visit weather-wise are late spring to early autumn, with peak tourist season falling on the month of August. To avoid the crowds, plan your trip for June or July.

Southampton has its own international airport, serving approximately 50 destinations courtesy of around 12 airlines. It has the closest plane-to-train link of any European airport with frequent services to the city centre (8 minute journey time). Booking in advance can save you up to 43%. You can book your ticket online. www.thetrainline.com There are multiple bus services that operate between the city centre and the airport. The journey time from the city centre and the airport is approximately 30 - 40 minutes. The Uni-Link bus service operates between the airport, Southampton city centre and waterfront. www.unilinkbus.co.uk Velvet Bus runs to Hedge End and Eastleigh (stop located outside train station). The First Group run hourly buses between the airport and city centre. www.firstgroup.com Wheelers Connect line operates on weekdays, and runs between Airport Parkway, Eastleigh Bus Station, Boyatt Wood, Chestnut Avenue, RSH Hospital and the city centre of Southampton. Southampton Airport is easily accessible by car from the M27 and the M3, which is connected to the M25, so to the whole country. There are over 200 taxi companies serving Southampton airport and the surrounding areas, many of which specialise in airport taxis and can offer great rates.

Southampton has a wealth of public transport links to help you get around the city and further afield. However, keep in mind that transport tickets purchased for use of a particular line cannot be used on others. Most buses stop at the central train station. Regular inter-urban services link to and from Southampton operated by: First Group www.firstgroup.com Bluestar www.bluestarbus.co.uk Velvet www.velvetbus.co.uk Wilts & Dorset buses www.morebus.co.uk Uni-Link www.unilinkbus.co.uk

There are direct local rail services that run from Southampton Central to Totton, Romsey, Chandlers Ford, Eastleigh and Southampton Airport. You can also catch the train from 7 local stations (Redbridge, Millbrook, Swaythling, St. Denys, Bitterne, Woolston and Sholing) to Southampton Central or other destinations.

All medication is readily available, either over the counter or on prescription. Boots the Chemist have 2 stores in the city centre: WestQuay Retail Park Open 8.30am-8pm Mon-Fri (7.30pm Thurs), 8am-6pm Sat and 11am-5pm Sun 19 - 29 Above Bar Street Open 8.30am-6.15pm Mon-Sat, 10.30am-4.30pm Sun Southampton is home to some of the best healthcare in the country with excellent hospitals and clinics, highly skilled staff and groundbreaking research. Southampton City Primary Trust is the organisation responsible for ensuring you get the NHS care you need. List of local Doctors: www.southamptonhealth.nhs.uk/gplist If you need 24 hour urgent medical care, telephone NHS Direct (Tel: 111). They can give you free medical advice and direct you to the nearest hospital with 24 hour accident and emergency department.

Country code: +44 Area code: 023

230/240V AC, 50Hz. Plugs have three square pins.