Historic places to visit in Hampshire

Little Woodham Lane, Howe Road, Rowner
Gosport PO12 2HH

littlewoodham.org.uk

A unique pattern woven in the fabric of time. Within the Parish of Rowner, surrounded by woodland, the village of Little Woodham exists to educate both children and adults about 17th century rural life in the South of England. In the April of 1642 the King of England, Charles Stuart and his Parliament stood on the eve of Civil War. Using extensively researched local events and people the villagers link their families and their lives to national and international events. During your tour you will meet 'villagers', interpreters dressed in period costume. Little Woodham's living history interpreters involve you and your children in their daily lives.

HM Naval Base
Portsmouth PO1 3LJ

historicdockyard.co.uk

Action Stations is a hi-tech visitor attraction that offers visitors of all ages an insight into the modern day Royal Navy. As well as two climbing exhibits, a laser weapons range, a Merlin Flight Simulator and a 6-axis motion simulator, Action Stations also boasts a 275 seat auditorium for the daily showings of 'Command Approved' (Cert PG.)

FREE car park address, Barton's Lane, Old Basing, Basingstoke
Basingstoke RG24 8AE

basinghouse.org.uk

Visited by Henry VIII, besieged by Cromwell... Discover the many stories of Basing House, a nationally important historical site that has undergone re-development. See the new Visitor Centre, the Great Barn with audio/ visual presentation, audio guide, refreshments, museum and an exciting events programme.

Bishop's Waltham SO32 1DH

goo.gl

The ruins of a medieval palace (together with later additions) used by the Bishops and senior clergy of Winchester as they travelled through their diocese. Winchester was the richest diocese in England, and its properties were grandiose and extravagantly appointed. Much of what can be seen today is the work of William Wykeham, who was bishop from 1367. The ground floor of the farmhouse is occupied by the Bishop's Waltham Town Museum. Other palaces of the Bishops of Winchester include Farnham Castle Keep and Wolvesey Castle (Old Bishop's Palace).

Beaulieu
Brockenhurst SO42 7XB

bucklershard.co.uk

Buckler's Hard is a picturesque 18th century village on the banks of the Beaulieu River in the heart of the New Forest. Historically, it is famed as the place where some of the ships of Nelson's fleet were built, but whether your interest is as a visitor - as an individual, family, group or educational party - or as a sailor wishing to moor in the River, the things to see and enjoy are as varied as the history of the area itself. Collections: There is the Buckler's Hard Story and cottage displays to be seen. Visitors can stay in the village at the Master Builders House Hotel, or you can just enjoy the natural beauty of this historic village.

Swanwick Lane, Swanwick
Southampton SO31 7HB

bursledonbrickworks.org.uk

The only remaining steam driven brickworks in the country, we show how brick making made the leap from small scale production to 20 million bricks a year. Collections: Bursledon Brickworks Conservation Centre contains exhibitions and displays covering the history of the brickworks, traditional building materials and conservation practice.

Windmill Lane, Bursledon
Southampton SO31 8BG

hants.gov.uk

Visit this restored 'tower' mill and discover how the windmill works. Explore the other buildings on the site: Chineham Barn, rescued from demolition, houses the ticket office and other visitor facilities. Hiltingbury granary, stores the grain.

Chalton Lane, Chalton
Waterlooville PO8 0BG

butserancientfarm.co.uk

An experimental archaeological site of worldwide standing, open seven days a week (most of the year) to the public and schools. Displaying on-going constructions of buildings based on real sites, crops from prehistory, and rare breeds of animals. Exploring ancient technologies, and allowing 'hands on' activities for visitors.

Portsmouth PO4 9LD

English Heritage's Centre for Archaeology at Fort Cumberland, near Portsmouth, was established in 1999 by bringing together the Central Archaeology Service, already based in Portsmouth, and the Ancient Monuments Laboratory, relocated from London. CfA was set up with the aim of becoming a national centre of excellence in archaeological practice, integrating work in the field, stratigraphic analysis, finds studies and work in the laboratory; it provides a resource for English archaeology, working in partnership with units, universities and amateur groups, and a source of help and advice on policy and casework for colleagues within English Heritage.

393 Old Commercial Road
Portsmouth PO1 4QL

charlesdickensbirthplace.co.uk

The famous writer Charles Dickens was born in this modest house in Portsmouth, England in 1812. The house has miraculously survived and is now preserved as a museum furnished in the style of 1809 which is when John and Elizabeth Dickens set up the first home of their married life there. Collections: The furniture, ceramics, glass, household objects and decorations faithfully re-create the Regency style which Charles's parents would have favoured, although their actual possessions have long since been dispersed. There are three furnished rooms: the parlour, the dining room and the bedroom where Charles was born.

Chawton
Alton GU34 1SJ

chawtonhouse.org

Chawton House Library is a charity with a unique collection of books focusing on women's writing in English from 1600 to 1830. This specialist collection, set in the home and working estate of Jane Austen's brother, provides the opportunity to study and savour the texts in their original setting and inspires passion in readers of all ages. The Library's mission is to promote study and research in early English women's writing; to protect and preserve Chawton House, an English manor house dating from the Elizabethan period; and to maintain a rural English working manor farm of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, for the benefit of everyone.

Wicor Farm, Cranleigh Road
Portchester PO16 9DR

facebook.com

CPPTD is one of three separate and operationally independent bus preservation projects in Hampshire and West Sussex that are administered by the Working Omnibus Museum Project Ltd - the others are the Medstead Depot Omnibus Group and the Stedham Garage Group.

Henderson Road, Eastney
Portsmouth PO4 9JF

portsmouthmuseums.co.uk

Come, see and feel the powerful and majestic 'James Watt' Beam Engines in full steam. These engines are still housed in their original High-Victorian engine house.

The Tollbridge, Totton
Southampton SO40 9HF

elingtidemill.org.uk

Eling Tide Mill is a water mill that harnesses the power of the tide to grind wheat into wholemeal flour. Situated on the edge of Southampton Water beside the renowned New Forest, there has been a mill on the site for over 900 years, although it has had to be rebuilt several times, with the current building being some 230 years old. Tide mills were once an important part of the economy of many countries, such as Great Britain and the United States of America - the latter having many hundreds of tide mills on the eastern coast from the 17th to 19th centuries.

Heritage Way, Priddy's Hard
Gosport PO12 4LE

explosion.org.uk

Explosion., The museum of Naval Firepower is a multi-million pound interactive museum set in the historic former Royal Navy armaments depot at Priddy's Hard, on the Gosport side of Portsmouth Harbour. Telling the story of naval firepower from the days of gunpowder to modern missiles with an unique collection which includes the Red Beard atom bomb, the Exocet missile and the Schwartzkopff torpedo.

Gunners Way, Elson
Gosport PO12 4DS

english-heritage.org.uk

Fort Brockhurst is one of five forts known as the Gosport Advanced Lines, built to defend Portsmouth Harbour from a flanking attack by the French. Collections: Holds archaeological, architectural and historical objects from English Heritage sites in the south of England.

Portsmouth PO4 9LD

Perhaps England's most impressive piece of 18th-century defensive architecture, Fort Cumberland was reconstructed in pentagonal form by the Duke of Cumberland between 1785 and 1810, and designed to protect Langstone Harbour. Southsea beach is nearby.

The Great Hall, The Castle
Winchester SO23 8PJ

hants.gov.uk

The first and finest of all 13th century halls, with the greatest symbol of medieval mythology, 'The Round Table of King Arthur'. Winchester Castle dates from the reign of William the Conqueror (1066-1087). Although now known to have been constructed in the 14th century, and repainted in its present form for King Henry VIII, the table has for centuries been venerated by generations of tourists.

Gosport Library, High Street
Gosport PO12 1BT

Hampshire Naval Collection at Gosport Discovery Centre covers the Royal Navy and all aspects of British naval history including the Merchant Navy when there is an involvement in warfare. A substantial amount of material reflects the strong links between Hampshire, particularly Gosport, and the Navy.

Hinton Ampner, Bramdean
nr Alresford SO24 0LA

nationaltrust.org.uk

Hinton Ampner is one of the great gardens of the 20th century and is a masterpiece of design by Ralph Dutton, 8th and last Lord Sherborne. The 5ha (12 acre) garden unites a formal layout with varied and informal plantings in pastel shades. The house contains a fine collection of Regency furniture, Italian paintings and hardstone items.

HM Naval Base
Portsmouth PO1 3NH

historicdockyard.co.uk

HMS Victory is the Royal Navy's most famous warship. Best known for her role in the Battle of Trafalgar, the Victory currently has a dual role as the Flagship of the First Sea Lord and as a living museum to the Georgian Navy.

HM Naval Base
Portsmouth PO1 3LJ

historicdockyard.co.uk

As you arrive at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, the stunning sleek, black lines of Britain's first iron-hulled, armoured battleship, take your breath away. The pride of Queen Victoria, Warrior revolutionised warship construction.

Iron Hill, Midhurst Road
Liphook GU30 7LP

hollycombe.co.uk

Steam powered fairground, railways, traction engines, sawmill and farm set in beautiful woodland gardens. Experience the fun of an Edwardian fair, ride on the railways and behind traction engines. A great day out for all the family with a wide variety of attractions to enjoy without the queues usually experienced at more modern theme parks. The collection is of national importance and a registered charity.

Argus Gate, Chark Lane
Lee-on-Solent PO13 9NY

hovercraft-museum.org

The Hovercraft Museum, based in Lee-on-the-Solent, has the only collection in the world of historic hovercraft. There are 60 hovercraft within several hangars on the Daedalus site. Every year we have a major Hovershow event when you can experience the thrill of hovercraft trips, displays of modern and historic craft and see many more on display.

Chawton
Alton GU34 1SD

jane-austens-house-museum.org.uk

Jane Austen's House Museum in the village of Chawton in Hampshire is where Jane spent the last eight years of her life. It is of international importance as the place where she did the majority of her mature writing, but at the same time retains the charm of a village home. Collections: The museum houses an attractive collection of items connected with Jane and her family including the table that she used to write her novels. There is some of her jewellery, and examples of her needlework skill.

Room W1/95, National Oceanography Centre, Empress Dock
Southampton SO14 3ZH

maritimearchaeologytrust.org

Maritime Archaeology Trust promotes interest, research and knowledge of maritime archaeology and heritage in Great Britain with core activities concentrated in the counties of Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and the adjacent South Coast areas. The Trust run a programme of research led fieldwork involving professional archaeologists, volunteers and students. The results of this work are widely disseminated through our programme of educational initiatives including lectures, seminars and publications. Collections: Shipwrecks: Artefacts from protected wreck sites in the region such as Pomone and Santa Lucia. Submerged Solent: Artefacts and stratigraphy from Bouldnor Cliff the only submerged mesolithic landscape of its kind in Britain. Large collection of flint tools from lost Stone Age sites beneath the sea.

HM Naval Base
Portsmouth PO1 3LJ

historicdockyard.co.uk

The Mary Rose was one of the earliest ships to carry heavy guns. She was a favourite of King Henry VIII and sank off Portsmouth in 1545 during an engagement with a French invasion fleet, in full view of the King, the screams of the men onboard, ringing in his ears. Collections: The Mary Rose is the only recovered 16th century warship and is of international significance in maritime archaeology and beyond. Weighing some 300 tons, and standing as high as a four-storey building, the hull is revolutionary in design and provides vital evidence of shipbuilding techniques for a period when ship-plans do not survive.

58 French Street
Southampton SO1 0AT

goo.gl

The Medieval Merchant's House is tucked away within walking distance from the busy city centre. Escape from city life and take in the history of Southampton's 'old town'. A residence and place of business, it stood on one of the busiest streets in medieval Southampton. Now restored to its mid-14th century appearance by the removal of later additions, it is equipped with replica period furnishings. It stands near the medieval town wall, built to defend Southampton against seaborne attacks.

The Watercress Line, The Railway Station
Alresford SO24 9JG

watercressline.co.uk

Formerly part of Britain's national rail network between the towns of Alton and Alresford in Hampshire, this preserved heritage steam railway line is now operated by dedicated volunteers for the enjoyment of all. The railway runs 10 miles from Alresford to Alton, on the way visiting Ropley and Medstead & Four Marks.

Leisure Park, Churchill Way West
Basingstoke RG22 6PG

hants.gov.uk

Step back in time to the late Victorian period and experience Hampshire during the Industrial Revolution. Explore an authentically recreated network of streets, houses and factories, and discover a host of fascinating objects and vehicles from the Victorian era to the 1940s.

Mottisfont
nr Romsey SO51 0LP

nationaltrust.org.uk

Set amidst glorious countryside along the River Test, this 12th century Augustinian priory was converted into a private house after the Dissolution of the Monasteries and still retains the spring or 'font' from which its name is derived. The key attraction is the grounds with magnificent trees, walled gardens and the National Collection of Old-fashioned Roses, at their best in mid-June. Collections: Drawing room decorated by Rex Whistler and Derek Hill's 20th century picture collection.

Middle Wallop
Stockbridge SO20 8DY

armyflying.com

Historic helicopters, aeroplanes, kites, gliders, dioramas, exhibits, displays, all telling the story of 'soldiers in the air' from 19th century balloons to the present day and attack helicopters. Plus 2 flight simulators, rifle simulators, play park, 1940s house, childrens centre, gift shop, cinema, licensed cafe with airfield views, picnic area and plenty of parking. A343 between Andover and Salisbury; next to busy working airfield.

Beaulieu
Brockenhurst SO42 7ZN

nationalmotormuseum.org.uk

The world renowned National Motor Museum at Beaulieu has over 250 vehicles from every motoring era. Exhibits include some of the earliest examples of motoring to legendary World Record Breakers like Bluebird, 'TV Star' cars like Del Boy's Reliant Regal and rare oddities like the giant orange on wheels.

HM Naval Base
Portsmouth PO1 3NH

historicdockyard.co.uk

The National Museum of the Royal Navy, in Portsmouth's Historic Dockyard, is one of Britain's oldest maritime museums. The museum's mission is to preserve and present the history of the 'Fleet' - the ships and the men and women who manned them.

Portchester PO16 9QW

english-heritage.org.uk

One of a series of forts from the Solent to the Wash built in the late third century by the Romans to defend against Saxon pirates - a castle was built on the site in 1120. From then on, Portchester became a convenient place of embarkation for successive kings of England departing on journeys or military expeditions abroad.

St Thomas's Street, Old Portsmouth
Portsmouth PO1 2HA

portsmouthcathedral.org.uk

Portsmouth Cathedral welcomes visitors for services, tours or simply a wander around.

Visitor Centre, Victory Gate, HM Naval Base
Portsmouth PO1 3LJ

historicdockyard.co.uk

Featuring the Mary Rose Museum and world famous ships HMS Victory and HMS Warrior 1860, plus HMS Alliance, the only remaining WW2 era British ocean going submarine. Also including the National Museum Royal Navy Portsmouth, Action Stations and Harbour Tours, there's plenty to see and do.

Rockbourne
Fordingbridge SP6 3PG

hants.gov.uk

The villa once stood in the centre of a large farming estate, and is the largest known Roman villa in the area. Its history spans the period from the Iron Age through to the 5th century AD. Today you can walk around the remains of the villa and visit the site museum which displays many of the fascinating objects found on the site and shows what life was like for the Roman Britons who lived here over 1600 years ago. The villa site includes bath houses, living quarters, farm buildings and workshops.

Broad Street
Portsmouth PO1 2JD

portsmouthmuseums.co.uk

One of Portsmouth's oldest permanent fortifications. The Round Tower was built in around 1418 to defend the entrance to Portsmouth Harbour and prevent raids on the city by French ships.

Portsdown Hill Road
Fareham PO17 6AN

armouries.org.uk

This imposing Victorian fort is home to the Royal Armouries national collection of artillery - The Big Guns. Strategically positioned atop Portsdown Hill, with panoramic views across the Meon Valley and Portsmouth Harbour, Fort Nelson is an historic monument, restored to how it would have been in the 1890s. Visitors can access most areas of the fortifications and see how the Fort would have operated. The museum's displays trace the development of artillery from pre-gunpowder siege machines to modern-day super guns. Collections: Fort Nelson also houses the world-renowned Royal Armouries collection of historic big guns and cannon, part of the National Museum of Arms and Armour. See the infamous Iraqi Supergun and its ancestor the Great Turkish Bombard of 1464.

Haslar Jetty Road
Gosport PO12 2AS

submarine-museum.co.uk

Walk through HMS Alliance, the UK's only surviving British WW2 submarine, become a pirate and feel the force in our interactive gallery. Meet the crew, dive into games and discover tales of true heroes of the Submarine Service.

Harts Lane, Burghclere
nr Newbury RG20 9JT

nationaltrust.org.uk

Chapel containing Stanley Spencer's visionary paintings: * Unique 1920s decorated chapel * Filled with Stanley Spencer's murals inspired by the experience of First World War * Internationally recognised monument of British art * Orchard carpeted with wild flowers, with views of Watership Down * Stanley Spencer educational resources.

Clarence Esplanade, Southsea
Portsmouth PO5 3PA

southseacastle.co.uk

Built in 1544, Southsea Castle was part of a series of fortifications constructed by Henry VIII around England's coasts to protect the country from invaders. Barely was the work completed when Henry VIII's flagship, the Mary Rose, tragically sank in front of the castle.

Broad Street
Portsmouth PO1 2JE

squaretower.co.uk

The Square Tower is one of the oldest surviving parts of Portsmouth's fortifications, built to defend the city and the harbour. Built in 1494, it was originally a fortified residence for the governor of Portsmouth.

St Barbe Museum, New Street
Lymington SO41 9BH

stbarbe-museum.org.uk

St Barbe Museum & Art Gallery tells the story of the coastal strip between the New Forest and The Solent and hosts a changing programme of high quality exhibitions. The area has seen a thriving salt industry, smugglers landing their illegal cargoes on the coast, and has a long tradition of innovative boat building. The museum's aim is to capture the unique flavour of life in the district and to bring first class art exhibitions into the town.

Standsted Park Foundation
Rowlands Castle PO9 6DX

stanstedpark.co.uk

Stansted Park, in the South Downs National Park, is a beautiful Edwardian 'Upstairs-Downstairs' house with an ancient private chapel. Set in the middle of a forest, with spectacular views south over the Solent, enjoy walks through the arboretum and picnics in the grounds.

Bugle Street
Southampton SO14 2AD

tudorhouseandgarden.com

TSouthampton's most important historic building, Tudor House reveals over 800 years of history in one fascinating location at the heart of the Old Town. The timber-framed building facing St Michael's Square was built in the late 15th Century, with King John's Palace, an adjacent Norman house accessible from Tudor House Garden, dating back a further 300 years. Tudor House gives a unique and atmospheric insight into the lives and times of both its residents through the years, and of Southampton itself.

Twyford Waterworks, Hazely Road
Twyford SO21 1QA

hants.org.uk

Twyford Waterworks is a preserved Edwardian water pumping station which provides the complete story of water pumping and supply in the area. It is still also an operational site and the two original wells are in regular use by Southern Water Services to produce some five million gallons of water per day, to supply parts of Eastleigh, Fairoak, Bitterne, West End and Botley. Exhibits include a variety of engines including steam, diesel, petrol gas and water plus the story of water supply.

Sherborne St John
Basingstoke RG24 9HL

nationaltrust.org.uk

Built in the early 16th century for Lord Sandys, Henry VIII's Lord Chamberlain, the house acquired a classical portico (the first of its kind) in the mid 17th century and contains a fascinating Tudor chapel with Renaissance glass, a Palladian staircase and a wealth of old panelling and fine furniture. Attractive grounds feature herbaceous borders and a wild garden with lawns, lakes and woodland walks.

28 Winchester Street
Whitchurch RG28 7AL

whitchurchsilkmill.org.uk

Whitchurch Silk Mill was built on the River Test in Hampshire in 1800, during the reign of King George III. Silk has been woven here since the 1820/1830s. Collections: Includes Victorian winding, warping and weaving machinery; a working water wheel.

1 The Close
Winchester SO23 9LS

winchester-cathedral.org.uk

Explore more than 1000 years of history in Europe's longest medieval Cathedral. Discover the beautiful illuminated Winchester Bible, Morley Library, 12th-century wall paintings, medieval carvings, contemporary art and the awe and wonder of this magnificent building.

Bridge Street
Winchester SO23 0EJ

nationaltrust.org.uk

This water-powered corn mill was first recorded in the Domesday survey of 1086. Rebuilt in 1744, it remained in use until the turn of the last century and has now been restored to full working order.

College Street
Winchester SO23 9NA

winchestercollege.co.uk

Winchester College is unusual in having its own museum, known as Treasury. It houses the Duberly Collection of Chinese art and the College collection of Greek vases.