Tel: 0118 971 4700
Beaulieu
Hampshire
SO42 7ZN
United Kingdom
Tel: 01590 612345
Beaulieu is a small village on the edge of the New Forest, famous for the estate of Lord Montagu. The Montagu estate is home to several tourist attractions, including the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu Abbey and Beaulieu Palace House. Opened in 1952 with a display of just five cars, the museum now contains over 250 cars from all eras. Record breakers such as Bluebird can be found alongside famous cars from film and television, with special exhibits dedicated to Top Gear and the James Bond films.
Beaulieu Abbey was founded by Cistercian monks in 1204. Large sections of the abbey were destroyed by Henry VIII, but much survives. Visitors can explore the cloisters and herb garden while learning about the lives of the monks. Palace House was originally the great gatehouse to the abbey, since modified with Victorian additions, and has been home to the Montagu family since 1538.
All of the attractions at Beaulieu are covered by a single admission charge. With so much on offer it may be hard to see everything in a single visit. Fortunately, the ticket also covers a single re-admission to the park within six days.
Hampshire
SO42 7ZN
United Kingdom
Tel: 01590 612345
Beaulieu is a small village on the edge of the New Forest, famous for the estate of Lord Montagu. The Montagu estate is home to several tourist attractions, including the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu Abbey and Beaulieu Palace House. Opened in 1952 with a display of just five cars, the museum now contains over 250 cars from all eras. Record breakers such as Bluebird can be found alongside famous cars from film and television, with special exhibits dedicated to Top Gear and the James Bond films.
Beaulieu Abbey was founded by Cistercian monks in 1204. Large sections of the abbey were destroyed by Henry VIII, but much survives. Visitors can explore the cloisters and herb garden while learning about the lives of the monks. Palace House was originally the great gatehouse to the abbey, since modified with Victorian additions, and has been home to the Montagu family since 1538.
All of the attractions at Beaulieu are covered by a single admission charge. With so much on offer it may be hard to see everything in a single visit. Fortunately, the ticket also covers a single re-admission to the park within six days.
Calshot Castle
Calshot
Hampshire
SO4 1BR
United Kingdom
Tel: 023 8089 2077
Constructed between 1539 and 1540, Calshot Castle is one of Henry VIII's Device Forts, designed to protect the south coast of England against invasion. Built on Calshot Spit, a one-mile long shingle and sand bank, the castle stands watch over the entrance of Southampton Harbour. One wouldn't expect a Tudor castle being used in relatively modern combat, but its location made it the ideal location for a coastal battery. Eventually becoming part of R.A.F. Calshot, the castle was used as a battery as late as World War 2, and continued to serve as a seaplane base until 1961. The seaplanes of Calshot made an important contribution to the evacuation of Dunkirk, successfully returning 500 men to safety.
In 1985, Calshot Castle was restored by the Department of Environment and is now owned by English Heritage. Open to the public over the summer months, visitors can explore the rooms and learn more about the history of this imposing structure.
Calshot
Hampshire
SO4 1BR
United Kingdom
Tel: 023 8089 2077
Constructed between 1539 and 1540, Calshot Castle is one of Henry VIII's Device Forts, designed to protect the south coast of England against invasion. Built on Calshot Spit, a one-mile long shingle and sand bank, the castle stands watch over the entrance of Southampton Harbour. One wouldn't expect a Tudor castle being used in relatively modern combat, but its location made it the ideal location for a coastal battery. Eventually becoming part of R.A.F. Calshot, the castle was used as a battery as late as World War 2, and continued to serve as a seaplane base until 1961. The seaplanes of Calshot made an important contribution to the evacuation of Dunkirk, successfully returning 500 men to safety.
In 1985, Calshot Castle was restored by the Department of Environment and is now owned by English Heritage. Open to the public over the summer months, visitors can explore the rooms and learn more about the history of this imposing structure.
God's House Tower
Winkle Street
Southampton
Hampshire
SO14 2NY
United Kingdom
Tel: 023 8083 3000
God's House Tower was erected in 1471, part of the city walls built to protect the city of Southampton. The tower holds a special place in military history as the first purpose-built artillery fortification in England. Today, the tower is open to the public, and as well as being an attraction in and of itself, houses Southampton's archaeology museum.
Naturally, the museum has a heavy focus on the history of Southampton, tracing its development from the stone age, through the Roman town of Clausentum, and on to the present day. A wealth of artifacts from the prehistoric, Roman, Saxon and medieval eras of Southampton tell the history of the city in fascinating detail. Additionally, the museum also houses collections of objects from around the world, including several from ancient Egypt.
Winkle Street
Southampton
Hampshire
SO14 2NY
United Kingdom
Tel: 023 8083 3000
God's House Tower was erected in 1471, part of the city walls built to protect the city of Southampton. The tower holds a special place in military history as the first purpose-built artillery fortification in England. Today, the tower is open to the public, and as well as being an attraction in and of itself, houses Southampton's archaeology museum.
Naturally, the museum has a heavy focus on the history of Southampton, tracing its development from the stone age, through the Roman town of Clausentum, and on to the present day. A wealth of artifacts from the prehistoric, Roman, Saxon and medieval eras of Southampton tell the history of the city in fascinating detail. Additionally, the museum also houses collections of objects from around the world, including several from ancient Egypt.
Netley Abbey
Netley
Hampshire
United Kingdom
Tel: 023 9237 8291
Situated a few miles outside of Southampton, Netley Abbey was a Cistercian monastery dating from 1239. The abbey was in use until 1536 when it was closed under the orders of Henry VIII following the break with Rome. Subsequently, the abbey was converted in to a mansion and remained in use a country house until the early 18th century when it was abandoned. The house soon fell into disrepair, with the walls being robbed for local construction projects. Ultimately, the ruins became a tourist attraction and inspiration for the romantic artists and poets.
Very little of the mansion has survived, in part due to an early, well-intentioned, but perhaps misguided, attempt to restore the site to its medieval state. However, substantial sections of the abbey have survived. Visitors will find the shell of both the monastic buildings and the main church, with the majority of walls still standing at their original height. Additionally, some of the vaults under the buildings have remained intact over the intervening centuries.
Netley
Hampshire
United Kingdom
Tel: 023 9237 8291
Situated a few miles outside of Southampton, Netley Abbey was a Cistercian monastery dating from 1239. The abbey was in use until 1536 when it was closed under the orders of Henry VIII following the break with Rome. Subsequently, the abbey was converted in to a mansion and remained in use a country house until the early 18th century when it was abandoned. The house soon fell into disrepair, with the walls being robbed for local construction projects. Ultimately, the ruins became a tourist attraction and inspiration for the romantic artists and poets.
Very little of the mansion has survived, in part due to an early, well-intentioned, but perhaps misguided, attempt to restore the site to its medieval state. However, substantial sections of the abbey have survived. Visitors will find the shell of both the monastic buildings and the main church, with the majority of walls still standing at their original height. Additionally, some of the vaults under the buildings have remained intact over the intervening centuries.
The New Forest
The New Forest is a national park covering the south-west of Hampshire, extending in to the south-east tip of Wiltshire. The forest as it exists today was created for private hunting by William I towards the end of the 11th century. It was recorded in the Domesday Book as “Nova Foresta”, from which the modern name derives.
Although a royal hunting ground, historical rights of common were respected and are still in force today. Horses, cattle, and for 60 days each year, pigs, are free to roam the forest for grazing. It is not uncommon to find ponies wandering the streets of the many delightful villages located in the forest, nonchalantly delaying traffic as they amble along. The animals do more than just provide rustic charm, they play a vital role in the natural management of the forest.
The New Forest is a national park covering the south-west of Hampshire, extending in to the south-east tip of Wiltshire. The forest as it exists today was created for private hunting by William I towards the end of the 11th century. It was recorded in the Domesday Book as “Nova Foresta”, from which the modern name derives.
Although a royal hunting ground, historical rights of common were respected and are still in force today. Horses, cattle, and for 60 days each year, pigs, are free to roam the forest for grazing. It is not uncommon to find ponies wandering the streets of the many delightful villages located in the forest, nonchalantly delaying traffic as they amble along. The animals do more than just provide rustic charm, they play a vital role in the natural management of the forest.
Solent Sky Aviation Museum
Albert Road South
Southampton
Hampshire
SO14 3FR
United Kingdom
Tel: 023 8063 5830
Although most people will instinctively think of Southampton as a city associated with the sea, the area also has a surprisingly strong connection to aviation. Due to the presence of nearby Eastleigh Aerodrome, one of the earliest airfields in the United Kingdom, aircraft manufacturers were drawn to the area in large numbers. The company most commonly linked to Southampton was Supermarine, thanks to its iconic World War 2 fighter, the Spitfire. In addition to Supermarine, 25 other aircraft companies have been based in the area over the years.
The museum vividly brings to life the history of both the companies and their planes. Exhibits feature detailed models of the craft, as well as many examples of real planes, including a fine example of a Spitfire. Visitors to the museum may also board a Sandringham Flying Boat for a chance to travel back to a time when air travel still held a certain glamour.
Albert Road South
Southampton
Hampshire
SO14 3FR
United Kingdom
Tel: 023 8063 5830
Although most people will instinctively think of Southampton as a city associated with the sea, the area also has a surprisingly strong connection to aviation. Due to the presence of nearby Eastleigh Aerodrome, one of the earliest airfields in the United Kingdom, aircraft manufacturers were drawn to the area in large numbers. The company most commonly linked to Southampton was Supermarine, thanks to its iconic World War 2 fighter, the Spitfire. In addition to Supermarine, 25 other aircraft companies have been based in the area over the years.
The museum vividly brings to life the history of both the companies and their planes. Exhibits feature detailed models of the craft, as well as many examples of real planes, including a fine example of a Spitfire. Visitors to the museum may also board a Sandringham Flying Boat for a chance to travel back to a time when air travel still held a certain glamour.
Southampton Maritime Museum
Town Quay
Southampton
Hampshire
SO14 2AR
United Kingdom
Tel: 023 8063 5904
Southampton's Wool House was originally built as a warehouse for the wool trade with Europe. In light of its history, it is only fitting that the building now houses the Southampton Maritime Museum.
The museum's permanent exhibition, the Titanic Voices Exhibition, tells the story of the ill-fate liner. Illustrated with original artifacts, the exhibition takes full advantage of the ship's connection with Southampton, telling the tale from a local perspective through the testimony of the many local people affected by the disaster.
While the significance of the Titanic cannot be overlooked, it is only one small aspect of Southampton's sea-faring history. Visitors to the museum will also learn how Southampton evolved from a small harbour to the bustling port it is today.
Town Quay
Southampton
Hampshire
SO14 2AR
United Kingdom
Tel: 023 8063 5904
Southampton's Wool House was originally built as a warehouse for the wool trade with Europe. In light of its history, it is only fitting that the building now houses the Southampton Maritime Museum.
The museum's permanent exhibition, the Titanic Voices Exhibition, tells the story of the ill-fate liner. Illustrated with original artifacts, the exhibition takes full advantage of the ship's connection with Southampton, telling the tale from a local perspective through the testimony of the many local people affected by the disaster.
While the significance of the Titanic cannot be overlooked, it is only one small aspect of Southampton's sea-faring history. Visitors to the museum will also learn how Southampton evolved from a small harbour to the bustling port it is today.
Tudor House Museum and Garden
Bugle Street
Southampton
Hampshire
SO14 2AD
United Kingdom
Tel: 023 8063 5904
Built in the late 15th century for Sir John Dawtry, controller of customs in Southampton, the Tudor House Museum is an impressive building in the typical Tudor style. The house has recently undergone a significant process of repair and restoration, ensuring that the museum remains one of Southampton's most popular attractions for years to come.
The museum also features an extensive garden, carefully recreating a typical formal garden of the period. The garden features period plants, heraldic beasts and hives for honey bees. In summer months the gardens offer a beautiful location to enjoy a traditional English cream tea.
Bugle Street
Southampton
Hampshire
SO14 2AD
United Kingdom
Tel: 023 8063 5904
Built in the late 15th century for Sir John Dawtry, controller of customs in Southampton, the Tudor House Museum is an impressive building in the typical Tudor style. The house has recently undergone a significant process of repair and restoration, ensuring that the museum remains one of Southampton's most popular attractions for years to come.
The museum also features an extensive garden, carefully recreating a typical formal garden of the period. The garden features period plants, heraldic beasts and hives for honey bees. In summer months the gardens offer a beautiful location to enjoy a traditional English cream tea.