SO THAT is it – the weekend is over once again.

No matter how much you enjoy your job, there is always that element of stress and sadness on a Monday morning.

These are the best places in Southampton to get rid of that stress, and they are bound to put a smile on your face.

1st Base

Blow off some steam and try your hand at one of the most popular sports in the US.

1st Base in East Street boasts the city's only baseball simulator.

Pitch or bat, and take breaks with a beer in your hand.

The 1st Base website reads: "In simple terms, we are an indoor batting cage that’s absolutely packed with the latest in hybrid sport/entertainment technology (and the first of its kind in the UK).

"An ideal choice for a date night, birthday party, work night-out, or just if you fancy getting out and trying something new."

Taunton Muskets baseball ; Scott Morse.

Taunton Muskets baseball ; Scott Morse.

Houdini's Escape Rooms

Admittedly, this one may cause a different kind of stress – but it's all for a good evening out.

Choose your theme and get solving. Based in Onslow Road, in2019 it was voted the best escape room in the world.

The website says: "Houdini’s Escape Room Experience are based in multiple cities around the UK and are real-life escape game experiences based on the Japanese online game, Takagism. "Players are locked inside a themed room, and need to work as a team to solve a series of puzzles, riddles and hints in order to escape within the 60 or 90 minute time limits."

Houdinis Escape Room in Southampton

Houdini's Escape Room in Southampton

Harbour Lights Picturehouse

Sometimes all you fancy after a busy day is to watch a film.

Why not make a night of it and head to Harbour Lights Picturehouse in Ocean Village?

It shows arthouse and mainstream films, plus live satellite screenings by the harbourside with a bar and cafe.

Harbour Lights Picturehouse

Harbour Lights Picturehouse

High Score Arcade

This East Street arcade is bound to get rid of that stress.

From shooting games to retro classics - it has it all.

The website says: "High Score is a free-play amusement centre, packed with over 60 games to either reminisce or play for the first time.

"From old school classics including Space Invaders and PAC-man to pinball, sports games and the newest arcade fun, there’s something for everyone to enjoy."

High Score Arcade.

High Score Arcade.

A walk along Southampton Common

The Common is the largest of the city's open spaces and is the perfect place for a stroll.

It is 365 acres of woodland, rough grassland, ponds, wetlands, lakes and parkland.

Bring the furry friend and unwind – you certainly won't be the only one doing so.

Southampton Common, stock image; photo credit, Bahaa-Eddine Karoui

Southampton Common, stock image; photo credit, Bahaa-Eddine Karoui