North Hampshire

Heritage Attractions

Heritage

Castles, Historic Monuments, etc

Each summer, approximately 100-120 people from all walks of life participate in a project that aims to trace the development of one block of the town of Silchester from Roman times through the fifth century.


The Silchester Insula IX excavation, run by the University of Reading, is one of the largest archaeological projects in Britain, if not the largest. More...

Silchester - Photo: Rosalind Mitchell CCL

Cathedrals, Churches, etc

SANDHAM MEMORIAL CHAPEL

Harts Lane, Burghclere, nr Newbury, RG20 9JT
Tel: 01635 278394     Fax: 01635 278394
E-mail: sandham@nationaltrust.org.uk
Web: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Opening times: Wed - Sun: 11.00am - 3.00pm, March - Oct, Wed - Sun: 11.00am - 5.00pm April - Oct. Admission fee please contact to confirm, FREE entry for National Trust Members.

Chapel containing Stanley Spencer’s visionary paintings. This red-brick chapel was built in the 1920s to house paintings by the artist Stanley Spencer, inspired by his experiences in the First World War.

Influenced by Giotto’s Arena Chapel in Padua, Spencer took five years to complete what is arguably his finest achievement. The chapel is set amidst lawns and orchards with views across Watership Down.

For further details on Sandham Memorial Chapel, near Newbury, Hampshire see our website.

Stately Homes & Gardens, Country Houses, etc

GILBERT WHITE'S HOUSE & THE OATES MUSEUM

The Wakes, High Street, Selborne, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 3JH
Tel: 01420 511275     Fax: 01420 511040
E-mail: info@gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk
Web: www.gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk

Open: Tuesday to Sunday 11am - 5pm from 1st January 2007 - 23rd December. We also open on Mondays during June, July and August.

Gilbert White's House & the Oates Museum is a charming 18th Century House, home of the famous naturalist, the Rev. Gilbert White, the author of "The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne". Over 20 acres of garden and parkland restored to how it would have looked in Gilbert White's day. There is also an exhibition on Captain Lawrence Oates and his part in Scott's ill fated expedition to the South Pole in 1911. Facilities include a tea parlour serving some 18th Century fare such as Homity Pie and Toasted Wigs. Excellent Museum shop stocking unusual gifts.

Prices as from 1st January 2007

Adults: £6.50
Concessions: £5.50
Children: Free

JANE AUSTEN'S HOUSE & MUSEUM

Winchester Road, Chawton, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 1SD
Tel: 01420 83262
E-mail: enquiries@jahmusm.org.uk
Web: www.jane-austens-house-museum.org.uk

Jane Austen's House is a pleasant seventeenth century house in the pretty village of Chawton in Hampshire not far from her birthplace of Steventon. 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. In the drawing room is a fine Hepplewhite bureau-bookcase and chairs that belonged to Jane's father and came from the rectory at Steventon. The bookcase contains some of Jane's novels.

The pretty garden contains many varieties of plants and herbs common in the late 18th century and is still a peaceful spot. In the Old Bakehouse you will be able to see Jane's donkey carriage that she used when she was shopping. It has recently been refurbished and is used on special occasions.

There is a wide selection of tasteful souvenirs available in the museum as well as a good collection of new and secondhand books, DVDs, CDs and cassettes of readings and music connected with Jane. The DVDs include those of the series that have been shown on television. Mail order is possible.

For further details on Jane Austen's House & Museum near Alton, Hampshire see our website.

AVINGTON PARK

Avington, Winchester, Hampshire, SO21 1DB
Tel: 01962 779260    Fax: 01962 779202
E-mail: enquiries@avingtonpark.co.uk
Web: www.avingtonpark.co.uk

Avington Park is a magnificent Palladian mansion set in its own parkland, on a tributary of the River Itchen. The state rooms are beautifully painted and gilded, with unique trompe l' oeil and wonderful views.

The House and T bar are open on Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays, May to September and Mondays in August from 2.30pm until 5.30pm. Last tour at 5.00pm. Groups may visit at other times by arrangement. Also available for private parties, weddings, meetings, conferences and many other corporate or private events. *Sorry no access to the first floor.

For further details on Avington Park mansion and grounds near Winchester, Hampshire see our website.

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The Vyne - Photo: Crispin Purdye CCL

National Trust Property. Built in the early 16th century for Lord Sandys, Henry VIII's Lord Chamberlain, the house acquired a classical portico in the mid 17th century (the first of its kind in England) and contains a fascinating Tudor chapel with Renaissance glass, a Palladian staircase and a wealth of old panelling and fine furniture.

One of the great gardens of the 20th century.

A masterpiece of design by Ralph Dutton, 8th and last Lord Sherborne, uniting a formal layout with varied and informal plantings in pastel shades.

A garden of all-year-round interest with scented plants and magnificent vistas over the park and rolling Hampshire countryside.

The house, which is tenanted, contains Ralph Dutton’s fine collection of English furniture, Italian paintings and hard-stones.

Hinton Ampner House -
Photo: Martyn Pattison CCL

Uppark - Photo: Chris Shaw CCL

Late 17th-century house in an impressive setting.


The drama of the 1989 fire and restoration adds to the magic of this romantic house, which is set high on the South Downs with magnificent sweeping views to the sea.


The elegant Georgian interior houses a famous Grand Tour collection that includes paintings, furniture and ceramics.

An 18th-century dolls’ house with original contents is one of the highlights.

The complete servants’ quarters in the basement are shown as they were in Victorian days when H. G. Wells’ mother was housekeeper.

The beautiful and peaceful garden is now fully restored in the early 19th-century Picturesque style, in a downland and woodland setting.

View from Uppark -
Photo: Ben Gamble CCL

West Green House - Photo: Andrew Longton CCL

Celebrated garden with an intriguing collection of follies.



The delightful series of walled gardens, voted one of the UK’s top 50 gardens, surrounds a charming 18th-century house.



The largest features herbaceous beds with wonderful colour combinations and a superb ornamental kitchen garden.

The Nymphaeum is fully restored with water steps and Italianate planting.

Also the Lake Field and its follies and lake are now open but may, from time to time, be closed due to dampness.

Restoration work is ongoing and, at the discretion of the lessee, restrictions are frequently necessary for the development and protection of the garden.

Alliums at West Green -
Photo: Jonathan Billinger CCL

HOUGHTON LODGE GARDENS & HYDROPONICUM

Houghton Lodge, North Houghton, Stockbridge, Hampshire, SO20 6LQ
Tel: 01264 810912 or 01264 810502       Fax: 01264 810063
E-mail: info@houghtonlodge.co.uk
Web: www.houghtonlodge.co.uk
Free Admission for Children

Stroll and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the River Test bordering the spacious gardens of this 18th Century Cottage Ornee`. A popular film location, it has recently featured in BBC TV's "David Copperfield" and the film "Wilde".

There is a fully restored Walled Kitchen Garden, Topiary Peacock Garden, Topiary Dragon, Herbaceous Borders, Woodland and River Walks, a Hydroponic Greenhouse, and an Orchid Display House. Meet Tom & Dick our new Alpacas. Visitors' Centre and light refreshments available.