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 Ruins of a Norman castle and Tudor palace |
Redbridge Lane Basing Southampton, Hampshire RG24 7HB United Kingdom +44 1256 46 7294 |
This was once the largest private house in the country. Originally a Norman Castle, it was home of William Paulet, Marquess of Winchester, a rich servant of the Tudor sovereigns. Sadly, the palace was destroyed during the English Civil War when after withstanding the longest siege of the war, thanks to fortifications designed by Inigo Jones, it fell to Oliver Cromwell. The ruins of both the great Tudor palace and the original Norman castle remain today, enabling visitors to revel in a mass of wells and walls, cellars and towers. There is a spectacular barn, a riverside walk and a recently re-created 17th century period garden, together with exhibitions, guided tours and demonstrations. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Adrian Pink |
 Photo: ginger.wine |
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Bishop of Winchester's residence |
Station Road Bishops Waltham Southampton, Hampshire SO32 1DH United Kingdom +44 1489 89 2460 |
This grand medieval palace is the residence of the Bishop of Winchester and stands in beautiful grounds. You can visit the ruins of a Great Hall, as well as a three-storey tower and a moat that once enclosed the palace. The Dowar House is furnished as a 19th century farmhouse, with an exhibition on the Bishop of Winchester on the first floor. There is also a shop and picnics are welcome. Special events occur throughout the year, including evening performances of the Merry Wives of Windsor, please ring for details. Disabled access on the ground floor only. Admission: adults £2, children £1. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Magnificent stately home |
Broadlands Park Romsey Southampton, Hampshire SO51 9ZD United Kingdom +44 1794 505010 |
This magnificent stately home is set on one of the most scenic estates in the country. Opened to the public by Lord Mountbatten of Burma, it houses an exhibition and audio-visual show depicting his highly eventful career. Beautifully situated on the River Test, the house contains some very elegant and notable furniture, family portraits and Wedgwood china. The gardens were landscaped by Capability Brown and salmon and trout fishing is available on the grounds. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Tudor castle |
Calshot Spit Fawley Southampton, Hampshire SO45 1BR United Kingdom +44 2380 89 2023 |
This Tudor castle is prominently located at the entrance to Southampton Water. Coastguards, seaplanes, coastal artillery and anti-aircraft guns are all housed here. Calshot was also an RAF flying boat base from 1913 to 1961 and the site of the first Royal Naval Air Station in the UK. A heritage trail is now open that leads you on a tour around the castle. Admission: adults £2, children £1, family ticket £5. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: itslefty |
 Photo: grey salem |
 Photo: Tom Goldstein |
 Photo: Wendy McGill |
 Photo: Chalto |
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Historic prison of Charles I |
Carisbrooke Newport Southampton, Hampshire PO30 1XY United Kingdom +44 1983 52 2107 |
If you are visiting the Isle of Wight, a trip to this famous castle is a must. It was here during the English Civil War that King Charles 1 was imprisoned under the orders of Oliver Cromwell, after Charles made a failed attempt to escape from his captors on the mainland. The whole story is told in the Isle of Wight museum, which is situated inside the remnants of the castle's Great Hall. Also worth seeing is the well-house, where a donkey works a 16th century wheel to draw water from a well, 161-feet deep. The castle is surrounded by seven acres of grounds and the main walls and keep are Norman. By climbing the battlements you can enjoy sweeping views in every direction. Refreshments are available during the summer and there is also a gift shop. Picnics are welcome. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Jane Austen's home |
One mile south of Alton off the A31 Southampton, Hampshire GU34 1SD United Kingdom +44 1420 83 262 |
This famous house is a must-see for literary buffs. Jane Austen moved here from Southampton in 1809 and began writing again, revising Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice and Mansfield Park. You can see where Jane wrote, sewed, made wine and enjoyed gardening. Her music book, a dress she wore, a quilt she stitched and the work table where she wrote her books are all on display. You can also see her donkey carriage - the door still creaks out a warning, as it did when Jane hastily hid her writing from visitors. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jane Skudder |
 Photo: M Winkler |
 Photo: Patricia Osses |
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19th century fort |
Gunners Way Gosport Southampton, Hampshire PO12 4DS United Kingdom +44 2392 58 1059 |
This fascinating fortification once made Portsmouth one of the most strongly defended places in the world and it is still almost entirely intact. It was built in the mid 19th century to counter the threat of invasion from Napoleon III's France. One of several defenses protecting Portsmouth Harbour and Gosport, it was used for military purposes right up until the Second World War. The fort is surrounded by a huge parade ground, gun ramps and a moated circular keep and is virtually in the same state as when it was built. An exhibition in a late Victorian Army building in the centre of the parade ground tells the story of how Portsmouth's defenses evolved. Disabled access to grounds and ground floor only. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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One of Henry VIII's coastal defences |
Keyhaven Milford on Sea Southampton, Hampshire SO41 0QU United Kingdom +44 1590 64 2344 |
This castle was once the pride of England's coastal defenses. Originally a Tudor fortress built by Henry VIII to guard against French and Spanish attack, it was converted in Victorian times into the fortress you can explore today. It houses formidable fire-power, including two 38 ton Victorian guns mounted in their original position. The castle can be approached by ferry from Keyhaven. However, there is no access for the disabled across pebble spit. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Gavin Park |
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Home of the Marquess of Bath |
The Estate Office Longleat Southampton, Wiltshire BA12 7NW United Kingdom +44 1985 84 4400 http://www.longleat.co.uk |
A magnificent example of Elizabethan architecture and home of the Marquess of Bath, Longleat House was the first stately house to open its doors to the public, over forty years ago. It is a treasure trove of priceless paintings, valuable antiques and unique family mementoes. It also boasts a fine private library, while the grounds were landscaped by Capability Brown between 1757 and 1762. Queen Elizabeth I visited the builder of the house, Sir John Thynne, in 1574 and the present Queen joined the current Marquess for a celebration of the house's 400th anniversary. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Steve Lewis |
 Photo: Matt Jenner |
 Photo: Lee Bennett |
 Photo: Jack Pearce |
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Beautifully restored, dating from 1290 |
58 French Street Southampton, Hampshire SO14 2AT United Kingdom +44 2380 22 1503 |
This fascinating ancient house was originally built in 1290 and has been beautifully restored to its original condition. It has two first-floor bed chambers connected by a gallery and fine exposed roof timbers, reflecting the social standing of its first owner. Specially designed hangings cover the walls and replica medieval pottery adorns the rooms. The merchant in question was the very prosperous John Fortin, who imported cellar-fulls of wine from Bordeaux. The house is said to be the most haunted building in Southampton. Ask the staff about the curly wurly footprints in the cellars and the ghost of Ruth Dill. Admission: Adults £2, Children £1.50. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Historic ruined abbey |
Abbey Hill Netley Southampton, Hampshire SO31 United Kingdom |
On the sites of most historic landmarks visitors are faced with a barrage of information, reconstructions and souvenirs, but at Netley Abbey there is nothing except you, your imagination and some atmospheric ruins. The Abbey was originally built in the 13th century, but bits have been added down the ages so there is a variety of building styles and materials. It is set in a park-like rolling lawn, dotted with huge and ancient trees. There are no facilities, but the village of Netley is only a few yards away and can cover most needs. Keep you eyes peeled as you drive along Abbey Hill as the entrance can be hard to spot. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Martin Cartwright |
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Queen Victoria's retreat |
East Cowes Southampton, Hampshire PO32 6JY United Kingdom +44 1983 20 0022 |
This house was Queen Victoria's favorite country retreat. Built between 1845 and 1851, under the personal direction of Prince Albert, it was given to the nation shortly after the Queen's death. A tour of the house reveals royal apartments, state rooms and a royal nursery suite, brimming with fine paintings and furniture plus some very touching and precious royal mementos. If you visit the terrace you can enjoy splendid views of the house and grounds, while a short walk or a ride in a horse-drawn carriage will lead you to Swiss Cottage, which was a haven for the royal children. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Historic castle |
Off A27 Porchester Southampton, Hampshire PO3 5LY United Kingdom +44 2392 37 8291 |
This castle is one of the most interesting historical sites in Britain. It consists of a huge square outer bailey originally built as a fort by the Romans. Centuries later the Normans built a small castle in one corner and two more storeys were then added to the keep, along with a barbican. Further domestic buildings were constructed in the 14th century. In one corner of the outer bailey sits the remains of an Augustine priory. All the buildings are still standing and inside the keep there are various displays including an interactive exhibition and wall paintings. There is also a worksheet for children. An audio tour is included within the price of admission. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Dmitry Shakin |
 Photo: Andy Jarrett |
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Tallest spire in England |
33 The Close Southampton, Wiltshire SP1 2EJ United Kingdom +44 1722 55 5121 |
This stunning cathedral was built between 1220 and 1258 and is the only medieval cathedral in the country to have been designed entirely in an early English style. Its elegant 404 foot spire is the tallest in England and the Magna Carta can be viewed in the Chapter House (daily except in December). Tours of the cathedral take place Monday to Friday between March and October. A donation is expected. The cathedral close is also worth investigating: it houses the Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum and Wardrobe (The) Museum, a regimental museum. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Richard Fish |
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16th century fort |
Clarence Esplanade Southsea Southampton, Hampshire PO5 3PA United Kingdom +44 2392 82 7261 |
This 16th century fort in Southsea was built by Henry VIII in 1545 to protect Portsmouth from invading armadas. Today it houses an exhibition on the military history of the town of Portsmouth. Visitors to the castle enjoy an audio-visual show and static reconstructed scenes that give an idea of how life in the castle was during the 16th century. There are also displays of artillery, plus underground tunnels to explore. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Oldest building in town |
St Michael's Square Southampton, Hampshire SO14 2AD United Kingdom |
This church is the oldest building in Southampton. It was named after the patron Saint of Normandy and its central tower dates from 1070. Isaac Watts' parents and sister are buried here and the Old Tournai Font (1170), chained Bibles, a Book of Martyrs, a rescued 14th century Holy Rood lectern and Philip of Spain's treasure chest can all be viewed inside. The church is also renowned for having survived the blitz during World War II because its spire was used by the Germans as a landmark and their pilots were ordered not to hit it. Open daily to visitors throughout the summer, courtesy of the Friends of St Michael's. Informative leaflets in most languages are available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: John Coleman |
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Cannons, a minstrel's gallery and Anne Boleyn's ghost |
St Michael's Square Bugle Street Southampton, Hampshire SO14 2AD United Kingdom +44 2380 33 2513 |
This quaint Tudor-style museum contains a minstrel's gallery, creaky floorboards, old kitchens and one of Henry VIII's cannons. It also allegedly contains the ghost of Anne Boleyn, who stayed here with Henry when the house was owned by Sir Richard Lyster, Lord Chief Justice of England. There is a replica Tudor-style garden at the back featuring a mulberry tree planted by Huguenots in 1570 that drips with fruit in the summer. On sunny days the garden is full of scented herbs and flowers, making it perfect for some quiet contemplation. Admission is free. The ground floor and garden have wheelchair access. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Stephen Humby |
 Photo: Sarah Shreeves |
 Photo: Katheryn D. |
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Historical landmark |
Western Esplanade Southampton, Hampshire SO15 1AG United Kingdom +44 2380 83 3333 |
This is probably the most historical landmark in Southampton, as out through this gate went Henry V and his entire army to Agincourt, the Pilgrim Fathers to the New World and thousands of servicemen to World War II. Located on the western walls, it was built after the French Raid of 1338, when pirates stormed into the town and pilfered the town's rich stock of silver. King Edward III was furious and ordered the town to defend itself by constructing the Westgate. If you stand underneath and look up you will see the holes through which enemies could be shot or stoned. A double portcullis could also be dropped down to trap them like rats in a cage (look for the resulting grooves). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: farmerytwang |
 Photo: Jim Lee |
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Working water silk mill |
28 Winchester Street Southampton, Hampshire RG28 7AL United Kingdom +44 1256 89 2065 http://www.whitchurchsilkmill.... |
Built on the River Test nearly 200 years ago, this mill has been weaving silk since the 1820s. It is now a fully operational working museum producing high quality silk using Victorian machinery. The mill stands on an island where you can watch trout swimming or feed the ducks. The grounds also contain a shop, together with scenic gardens. There is wheelchair access to the ground floor. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Franklin McKee |
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Remains of a Norman castle |
Castle Avenue Southampton, Hampshire SO23 8PJ United Kingdom +44 1962 84 6476 |
This famous castle in Winchester was built by the Normans, shortly after their conquest of England in 1066. Henry III and Henry VIII's elder brother, Arthur, were born here, but the castle was seized by the roundheads during the English Civil War and was destroyed on the orders of Oliver Cromwell in 1651. All that remains today is the Great Hall, which has become a hugely popular tourist attraction. This is due to the Round Table which hangs on the wall. It has been linked with the mythical round table of King Arthur legend and does have the names of Arthur's knights written around the edge in Gothic script. However, it is actually thought to originate from the early 14th century. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Nicola J. Spooner |
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Remains of a great medieval building |
College Street Southampton, Hampshire SO23 8NB United Kingdom +44 1962 854766 |
This castle was once the chief residence of the Bishop of Winchester and was one of the greatest medieval buildings in England. It was frequently visited by medieval and Tudor monarchs and was the scene of Philip of Spain and Mary Tudor's wedding feast in 1554. Today only ruins remain, but such is its historical significance a visit is highly recommended. The castle is situated in Winchester, near the town centre. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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