My Britain: SOUTHAMPTON

The port city of Southampton is perhaps best known as the departure point of the RMS Titanic, but can also lay claim to being the home of the Spitfire and many famous former residents, including Jane Austen, Benny Hill, Craig David and Ken Russell.

- Anna Walker

The city has had a significant role to play in the history of Britain-it was where troops left England for the Battle of Agincourt in 1415, was the major embarkment point for D-Day, and was heavily bombed during the Second World War. But there's more to this city than its fascinating history. Modern Southampton is a busy metropolis, with prosperous retail industry, two high-profile universities, and countless museums and galleries attracting visitors to its recently developed Cultural Quarter.

We spoke to two long-term residents of this bustling port city to get a flavour of life in one of Britain's southernmost points.

Nigel Philpott

Nigel Philpott, 57, is the Chairman of See Southampton and a volunteer on Southampton's heritage steamship, the SS Shieldhall. He has lived in Southampton for nearly 20 years.

I left Northampton in 2003 to manage the commercial side of Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway in the New Forest, a beautiful woodland garden. It is full of colour and scent, especially in the months of April and May when the Rothschild Collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, and camellias is at its peak. I'd say there is no finer garden in the world at this time!