South Hampshire

Heritage Attractions

Heritage

Castles, Historic Monuments, etc

BUTSER ANCIENT FARM

Chalton Lane, Chalton, Waterlooville, Hampshire, PO8 0BG
Tel: 023 9259 8838
Web: www.butserancientfarm.co.uk

Butser Ancient Farm is a presentation of an Iron Age farm settlement providing the focus for an internationally-renowned research project which, since 1972, has been working towards a greater understanding of prehistoric buildings and architecture. The experimental research project at Butser Ancient Farm interprets archaeological evidence and then attempts to recreate some of the building and agricultural processes of 2,000 years ago.

The earthworks, the roundhouses, the Roman villa, the fences and fields, the iron age crops and livestock are all part of the open-air laboratory which continues to add a new dimension to world archaeology. Butser Ancient Farm runs the largest prehistoric crop trial programme in Europe, keeps rare breed cattle, sheep, goat and fowl, and most impressively the largest roundhouse ever rebuilt. The ancient farm provides a unique opportunity to not only understand be involved with experimental archaeology, but also to experience and savour the everyday lives of the Celts and Romans. In addition to walking around the buildings, the crop fields and animal paddocks, visitors are encouraged to try their hand at any of the activities that may be going on, such as spinning, making clay pots, grinding corn, and feeding the livestock.

For further details on Butser Ancient Farm near Waterlooville, Hampshire see our website.

STAUNTON COUNTRY PARK

Middle Park Way, Havant, Hampshire, PO9 5HB
Tel: 023 9245 3405
E-mail: staunton.park@hants.gov.uk
Web: www.hants.gov.uk

1000 acres of landscaped parkland with ornamental lake, woodland & follies. Further attractions include: The Victorian Coach House - This was once part of the Gothic Mansion and has been fully restored, and is now a hub for all things active.

The Beacon - A small ionic temple built in 1830 from materials from the demolished Purbrook House.

Shell House - Built in 1828 of finely patterned flint, Shell House was based on the design of the Chichester Cross.

The Chinese Bridge - Constructed in 1831, the bridge with three arches originally had Chinese gateways at either end.

For further information on this country park in Havant, Hampshire see our website.

SOUTHSEA CASTLE

Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, PO5 3PA
Tel: 023 9282 7261     Fax: 023 9287 5276
E-mail: david.evans@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
Web: www.southseacastle.co.uk

Southsea Castle was one in a series of forts constructed for King Henry VIII, in what was the most ambitious scheme of coastal defence since Roman times.   The castle was built in great haste in 1544, prompted by Henry VIII's fears of a French attack on Portsmouth.   It was not long finished when on 18 July 1545, a French invasion fleet did approach Portsmouth and landed on the Isle of White. Henry VIII was at Southsea Castle when the Mary Rose sank next day.

 
The castle was to be an active military base for over 400 years. Not until 1960 was the castle finally withdrawn from active service and purchased by Portsmouth City Council.

D-DAY MUSEUM and Overlord Embroidery

Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, Hants. PO5 3NT
Tel: 023 9282 7261     Fax: 023 9287 5276
E-mail: david.evans@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
Web: www.ddaymuseum.co.uk

The D-Day Museum was opened in 1984 to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of D-Day.   Its centrepiece is the magnificent Overlord Embroidery commissioned as a tribute to the sacrifice and heroism of those men and women who took part in Operation Overlord.   The embroidery measures 272 feet and is the largest work of its kind in the world.

Visit to Normandy by King George VI Winston Churchill, General Eisenhower, General Montgomery and Field Marshal Brooke.

 
In the Museum's other displays, visitors experience the sights and sounds of Britain at War - the air raid warden's living room in the Blitz, the factory resounding to the strains of 'Music while you work', and troops preparing for D-Day in their forest camp.

The climax of the displays is a dawn to dusk reconstruction of the Allied landings by sea and air on D-Day itself - World War II's 'longest day'.

Cathedrals, Churches, etc

Stately Homes & Gardens, Country Houses, etc

MOTTISFONT ABBEY GARDEN, HOUSE & ESTATE

Mottisfont, nr Romsey, SO51 0LP
Tel: 01794 340757    Fax: 01794 341492
E-mail: mottisfontabbey@nationaltrust.org.uk
Web: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

The abbey contains a drawing room decorated by Rex Whistler and Derek Hill’s 20th-century picture collection, but the key attraction is the grounds with magnificent trees, walled gardens and National Collection of Old-fashioned Roses. The estate includes Mottisfont village and surrounding farmland and woods.

CHARLES DICKENS BIRTHPLACE

393 Old Commercial Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 4QL
Tel: 023 9282 7261     Fax: 023 9287 5276
E-mail: david.evans@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
Web: www.charlesdickensbirthplace.co.uk

The famous Victorian writer Charles Dickens, was born in this modest house in 1812 during the time of the Napoleonic Wars. The house has miraculously survived and is now preserved as a museum dedicated to the life of this important literary figure. It is furnished in the style of 1809 which is when his parents set up the first home of their married life there.

Palace House Beaulieu - Photo: Darren Hill CCL

Forests can be uncannily beautiful places and England's New Forest is no exception.

A little over two hour's drive south from London and a few miles before reaching the coast, it's one of the oldest woodland areas in the country.

For over 900 years the forest has been treasured and was formerly the hunting ground of kings.

Hardly surprising then, that like all good forests, it's full of unexpected things. More...