Historic Properties & Places of Interest in Hampshire

Beaulieu offers a complete day out for all interests, with a National Motor Museum, Palace House and Abbey to visit. The National Motor Museum houses 250 varieties of vehicle. The 14th century family owned Palace is still lived in by the present Lord Montagu and house various family treasures, and the ancient Abbey was founded in 1204.

Magnificent manor house built in the 16th century and a family home to this day.  The house is set in large parkland overlooking the Avon Valley on the edge of the New Forest.  A collection of paintings, furniture, needlework and porcelain is on display to visitors in the house, and the museum shows what life was like in the village with a replica of a farm worker’s cottage, blacksmith’s shop, dairy, brewery, saddler’s and cobbler’s shop, and steam powered farm machinery.

Founded in the 14th century by Bishop William of Wykeham and Chancellor to Richard III, he also founded New College, Oxford.  Winchester College is thought to be the oldest continuously running school in England, with many original features still in place.  The original building has been added to and what you see today represents over six centuries of continuous development.   Guided tours lasting an hour run daily, unless otherwise stated.  The tours focus on the medieval heart of the college and include the Chamber Court, the 14th century Gothic Chapel, College Hall and the School, with views of paintings, sculpture, stained glass and tapestries.

The Hospital of St Cross is a medieval building dating back to 1132 when it was founded to support thirteen poor men, and to feed 100 men at the gates each day.  The thirteen men became the Brothers of St Cross and over 20 Brothers still reside at the Hospital today.   For over 850 years the Hospital has provided food and shelter to people in need. In terms of St Cross, the word “hospital” has the same origin as “hospitality”.  The Hospital is the oldest continuing almshouse in England, with a group of grade 1 listed medieval and Tudor buildings.

The 13th century Great Hall is the only surviving part of Winchester Castle, which was once a fine hall, centre of court and government life.  In the 17th century Oliver Cromwell ordered he demolition of the Castle, but the Great Hall was kept as a venue for assemblies and county assizes.  King Arthur’s Round Table has hung in the Hall for 700 years, although it is now thought the table was built during the 14th century and repainted the 18th century.

Portsmouth Dockyard combines history with our modern Royal Navy. On view are historic ships that have shaped British history, museums and exhibitions.  Alternatively, jump on board for a harbour tour lasting 45 minutes, and view from the water the Destroyers, Frigates and Mine Sweepers moored in the harbour.

Burns Night: Celebrate Burns Night with a traditional Burns Night supper and Celtic entertainment aboard HMS Warrior on the 23rd January. Call 023 92778604 for more information.

There is much to do within in the 1,000 acres of Staunton. For children there is the Ornamental Farm with a range of small and medium sized animals. In the garden, one of the largest glasshouses in the country can be seen with a diversity of tropical plants. Also to be seen in the gardens are the water features, maze, walled garden and puzzle garden.

Overlooking Southampton Water, the Royal Victoria Country park holds different events throughout the year including the Teddy Bears Ride, Easter specials and treasure hunt rides.  The miniature passenger railway travels one mile around the park.

Southsea Castle was part of a series of fortifications built in 1544 by Henry VIII, to protect the country from invaders.  The Castle has since had many uses including a military prison.  In the 19th century a lighthouse was built and is still used today by shipping.