Tel: 0118 971 4700
Beaulieu
Hampshire
SO42 7ZN
United Kingdom
Tel: 01590 612 345
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 612 345
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.
Marwell Wildlife
Thompsons Lane
Colden Common
Hampshire
SO21 1JH
United Kingdom
Tel: 01962 777 511
Marwell Wildlife, still commonly known by its original name, Marwell Zoo, is located a few miles outside of Winchester. Opened in 1972, it changed its name in 2009 to more accurately reflect its broader role as a leading international conservation charity. The zoo was was one of the first in Europe to place a heavy emphasis on conservation as opposed to mere exhibition. It has become a major captive breeding centre for many endagered species, including the snow leopard, Siberian tiger and the Mongolian wild horse, sadly already extinct the wild.
The zoo is set in the grounds of Marwell Hall, a grade 1 listed building and once the home of Sir Henry Semour, brother of Henry VIII's third wife. The beautiful, countryside setting provides a picturesque setting for visitors as they marvel at animals from across the world.
Thompsons Lane
Colden Common
Hampshire
SO21 1JH
United Kingdom
Tel: 01962 777 511
Marwell Wildlife, still commonly known by its original name, Marwell Zoo, is located a few miles outside of Winchester. Opened in 1972, it changed its name in 2009 to more accurately reflect its broader role as a leading international conservation charity. The zoo was was one of the first in Europe to place a heavy emphasis on conservation as opposed to mere exhibition. It has become a major captive breeding centre for many endagered species, including the snow leopard, Siberian tiger and the Mongolian wild horse, sadly already extinct the wild.
The zoo is set in the grounds of Marwell Hall, a grade 1 listed building and once the home of Sir Henry Semour, brother of Henry VIII's third wife. The beautiful, countryside setting provides a picturesque setting for visitors as they marvel at animals from across the world.
The New Forest
The New Forest is a national park covering the south-west of Hampshire and 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 and 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.
Winchester Cathedral
1 The Close
Winchester
Hampshire
SO23 9LS
United Kingdom
Tel: 01962 857 200
Winchester Cathedral is a stunning example of European cathedrals in the Gothic style. One of the largest cathedrals in England, it holds the record for the longest Gothic cathedral in Europe. The first Winchester Cathedral was founded in 642 on an adjacent site. Work on the current cathedral commenced in 1079, with monastic life moving to the new cathedral in 1093. The cathedral evolved over time as a result of expansion and repairs, with periods of intermittent construction continuing to as late as the 16th century.
As well as the impressive architecture, visitors to the cathedral can view the 12th-century wall paintings, medieval carvings and a exquisite illuminated manuscript, the Winchester Bible. The Cathedral Café, featuring open-air dining in the cathedral's grounds, offers a delightful location for a quick snack, light lunch or delicious cream tea.
1 The Close
Winchester
Hampshire
SO23 9LS
United Kingdom
Tel: 01962 857 200
Winchester Cathedral is a stunning example of European cathedrals in the Gothic style. One of the largest cathedrals in England, it holds the record for the longest Gothic cathedral in Europe. The first Winchester Cathedral was founded in 642 on an adjacent site. Work on the current cathedral commenced in 1079, with monastic life moving to the new cathedral in 1093. The cathedral evolved over time as a result of expansion and repairs, with periods of intermittent construction continuing to as late as the 16th century.
As well as the impressive architecture, visitors to the cathedral can view the 12th-century wall paintings, medieval carvings and a exquisite illuminated manuscript, the Winchester Bible. The Cathedral Café, featuring open-air dining in the cathedral's grounds, offers a delightful location for a quick snack, light lunch or delicious cream tea.
Winchester City Mill
Bridge Street
Winchester
Hampshire
SO23 8EJ
United Kingdom
Tel: 01962 870 057
The site of the Winchester City Mill on the River Itchen has been in use since at least the early part of the last millennium. The Domesday Book, written in 1086, refers to the existence of a mill on the same site. The mill was rebuilt several times, the building now found there dating from 1744.
Following a 12 year restoration program ending in 2004 the mill was returned to a working state, with the first flour ground after a break of over 90 years. Today, the mill offers visitors the chance to discover exactly how an 18th century water mill operates. Regular demonstrations of flour grinding are held, but it is best to check in advance if you are keen on seeing these. For keen bakers it is possible to buy bags of the mill's flour at the gift shop, offering a chance to recall the visit in cake form.
Bridge Street
Winchester
Hampshire
SO23 8EJ
United Kingdom
Tel: 01962 870 057
The site of the Winchester City Mill on the River Itchen has been in use since at least the early part of the last millennium. The Domesday Book, written in 1086, refers to the existence of a mill on the same site. The mill was rebuilt several times, the building now found there dating from 1744.
Following a 12 year restoration program ending in 2004 the mill was returned to a working state, with the first flour ground after a break of over 90 years. Today, the mill offers visitors the chance to discover exactly how an 18th century water mill operates. Regular demonstrations of flour grinding are held, but it is best to check in advance if you are keen on seeing these. For keen bakers it is possible to buy bags of the mill's flour at the gift shop, offering a chance to recall the visit in cake form.
Winchester Great Hall
Castle Avenue
Winchester
Hampshire
SO23 8PJ
United Kingdom
Tel: 01962 846 476
At one time Winchester was the site of a 12th century castle, but little of it has surivived until the present day. One part that has remained is the Great Hall, still an impressive building in and of itself.
The hall's most striking feature is a recreation of King Arthur's Round Table. The table, now hung from the wall, was dates from the end of the 13th century. It was probably created for a “Round Table” festival. These were popular across Europe at the time, evoking the chilvaric spirit of Arthurian legend. Originally the table was plain, the design it now sports was painted on the orders of Henry VIII. Never one for subtelty, Henry himself is portrayed in the role of Arthur, with the table crowned in the centre by a Tudor Rose.
The hall also boasts stained-glass windows, a judges' gallery, and a set of decorative steel gates, installed in celebration of the marriage of Prince Charles and Lady Diana in 1983.
Castle Avenue
Winchester
Hampshire
SO23 8PJ
United Kingdom
Tel: 01962 846 476
At one time Winchester was the site of a 12th century castle, but little of it has surivived until the present day. One part that has remained is the Great Hall, still an impressive building in and of itself.
The hall's most striking feature is a recreation of King Arthur's Round Table. The table, now hung from the wall, was dates from the end of the 13th century. It was probably created for a “Round Table” festival. These were popular across Europe at the time, evoking the chilvaric spirit of Arthurian legend. Originally the table was plain, the design it now sports was painted on the orders of Henry VIII. Never one for subtelty, Henry himself is portrayed in the role of Arthur, with the table crowned in the centre by a Tudor Rose.
The hall also boasts stained-glass windows, a judges' gallery, and a set of decorative steel gates, installed in celebration of the marriage of Prince Charles and Lady Diana in 1983.
Winchester Military Museums
Peninsula Barracks
Romsey Road
Winchester
Hampshire
SO23 8TS
United Kingdom
Tel: 01962 877 826
The Winchester Military Museums cover various aspects of British military history. Clustered around the historic Peninsula Barracks, each of the museums is independently operated.
HorsePower is the regimental musem of The King's Royal Hussars, a cavalry regiment. The Royal Hampshire Regiment Museum recounts the hustory of the regiment from 1702, through World War II to the present day in Afghanistan. The Royal Green Jackets (Rifles) Museum tells the tales of one of the British Army's most famous infantry regiments. The Gurkha Museum is dedicated to the brave Nepalese soliders who have loyally supported the British army for over 200 years. Finally, there is The Guardroom Museum, exploring a less visible branch of the army, the Adjutant General's Corps.
Peninsula Barracks
Romsey Road
Winchester
Hampshire
SO23 8TS
United Kingdom
Tel: 01962 877 826
The Winchester Military Museums cover various aspects of British military history. Clustered around the historic Peninsula Barracks, each of the museums is independently operated.
HorsePower is the regimental musem of The King's Royal Hussars, a cavalry regiment. The Royal Hampshire Regiment Museum recounts the hustory of the regiment from 1702, through World War II to the present day in Afghanistan. The Royal Green Jackets (Rifles) Museum tells the tales of one of the British Army's most famous infantry regiments. The Gurkha Museum is dedicated to the brave Nepalese soliders who have loyally supported the British army for over 200 years. Finally, there is The Guardroom Museum, exploring a less visible branch of the army, the Adjutant General's Corps.