New Forest

Museums & Galleries

Art Galleries & Museums

ROCKBOURNE ROMAN VILLA

Rockbourne, Fordingbridge, Hampshire, SP6 3PG
Tel: 01725 518541       

Rockbourne Roman Villa is located near Fordingbridge in a picturesque and peaceful part of Hampshire close to the New Forest. The villa once stood in the centre of a large farming estate, and is the largest known Roman villa in the area. It's history spans the period from the Iron Age through to the 5th century AD.

Today you can walk around the remains of the villa and visit the site museum which displays many of the fascinating objects found on the site and shows what life was like for the Roman Britons who lived here over 1600 years ago. Rockbourne Villa was discovered in 1942 by a farmer digging out a ferret who found oyster shells and tiles. Local antiquarian, the late A T Morley Hewitt recognised its significance and devoted the next 30 years to unearthing the villa. The villa site includes bath houses, living quarters, farm buildings and workshops. Visitors can see the best mosaics, part of the underfloor heating system and the outline of the Villa's forty rooms. Children's activity sheets and Teachers Resource information is available.

BUCKLERS HARD MARITIME MUSEUM

Bucklers Hard, Beaulieu, Brockenhurst, Hampshire, SO42 7XB
Tel: 01590 616203
E-mail: info@bucklershard.co.uk
Web site: www.bucklershard.co.uk

On the banks of the Beaulieu River, in the heart of the New Forest, you'll find the unique and picturesque village of Buckler's Hard where time has almost stood still. Here warships were built for almost a century including Nelson's favourite H.M.S. Agamemnon. The Museum reflects this ship-building tradition and tells the Buckler's Hard story - from its origins as a port for importing sugar cane from the West Indies in the 18th century. Particular features include: Models of ships that were built for Lord Nelson; A reconstruction of the New Inn; The story of Henry Adams - the master shipbuilder of the village; Models of yachts which were used by Sir Francis Chichester, the first round the world lone yachtsman; A video presentation of the Beaulieu River during the Second World War; A historic cottage which portrays authentic 18th century life.

You can also enjoy the beauty and wildlife of the Beaulieu River by taking a river cruise on 'Swiftsure'. Or you could take a delightful riverside walk through woodland to the village of Beaulieu. Buckler's Hard is a place for relaxation as well as exploration. Refreshments are at hand at the Captain's Cabin Café which offers light refreshments and drinks between Easter and October. The Master Builder's House Hotel, overlooking the River, offers buffet and public bars and an exquisite restaurant. Children are welcome except in the public bar. Further information on this New Forest maritime museum see our website.

NATIONAL MOTOR MUSEUM

Beaulieu, Brockenhurst, Hampshire, SO4 27ZN
Tel: 01590 612345       
Web site: www.beaulieu.co.uk

Come to Beaulieu and look forward to a classic day out that everyone can enjoy. A great day out that's fun for everyone. There's lots to discover and enjoy including Palace House and Gardens set on the banks of the Beaulieu River in the incomparable New Forest scenery. The peaceful beauty of Beaulieu Abbey where you can sense the tranquillity and discover how the Cistercian monks lived in the 13th Century.

The National Motor Museum with its priceless collection of over 250 oldest, newest, slowest and fastest motorcars and motorcycles from British Motoring history - plus some rare oddities. You can experience a whole host of Rides and Drives available to all visitors. There are Free and Unlimited Rides and Drives on the mile-long high-level Monorail or replica 1912 open top London Bus. Younger visitors will find the Free Mini Bikes and Miniature Veteran Cars great fun. Many more extra fun features are available at good value charges including Miniature Motors and Fast Trax, the best in virtual racing simulation. Open Times: Open daily 10am - 5pm or later in high season. Closed Christmas Day. Further information on the National Motor Museum in the New Forest see our website.

RED HOUSE MUSEUM & GARDENS

Quay Road, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1BU
Tel: 01202 482860       

A charming Georgian building filled with a rich variety of displays and objects, all with a local theme.

Herb garden. Gift shop. Coffee shop.

BREAMORE HOUSE & MUSEUM

Breamore House Breamore, Fordingbridge, Hampshire, SP6 2DF
Tel: 01725 512468       Fax: 01725 512858
Web site: www.breamorehouse.com

Take yourself back in time and enjoy the country experience by visiting the Elizabethan Breamore House and its surrounding Tudor village. The Manor House was completed in 1583 by the Dodington family, five years prior to the Spanish Armada. It houses a fine collection of paintings, tapestries, porcelain, period furniture crafted from oak, walnut and mahogany, and many other interesting items of historical, national and family interest.

The surrounding 17th century village of Breamore is largely unspoilt with many old thatched cottages, an extensive 'common' and a great deal of history. Life in the village can be relived in the Breamore Countryside Museum, which provides a fascinating insight into the days when the village was self-sufficient. Visitors can see full-size replicas of: a farm worker's cottage before the advent of electricity; a blacksmith's shop; a dairy; a brewery; a wheelwright's shop; a saddler's shop and a cobbler's shed. The village shop, school, cooperage, bakers, laundry, garage and clock-maker represent more recent developments. The museum boasts one of the finest collections of steam powered farm machinery, tractors, barn machinery and historical tools.