Museums in Hampshire, England

Beaulieu has a bit of something for everyone; an informal, homely mansion built upon the ruins of a medieval abbey, and the world famous National Motor Museum. Beaulieu Palace has intriguingly transformed the 14th century Great Gatehouse of Beaulieu Abbey into a comfortable family home beside the River Beaulieu. The major architect of the Victorian Gothic house you see today was Sir Arthur Blomfield, who transformed the earlier medieval building for Lord Henry Scott.
Museum: Beaullieu Abbey was founded by the Cistercian order of monks in 1204, on land granted by King John.Most of the Abbey was destroyed in the Dissolution of the Monasteries, but the Domus, once the lay brother's refectory, has been largely preserved, and now houses exhibits that tell the story of the abbey and the daily life of the monks who lived there.
Beaulieu, Hampshire, England, SO42 7ZN

Attraction Type: Historic House
Location: 3 m SW Hythe on B3054
Website: Beaulieu
Email: info@beaulieu.co.uk
Phone: 01590 612 345
Fax: 01590 612 624
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OS Grid SU385027
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A Tudor manor house on the edge of the New Forest, Breamore was built in 1583 for the Dodington family. It was later the home of Edward Hulse, doctor to Queen Anne, George I, and George II. The house boasts a collection of 17th and 18th century portraits, period furniture, porcelain, and fine art. In the grounds is the Mizmaze, a turf maze of medieval origin.
Museum: The Breamore Countryside Museum provides a fascinating look at village life in times past. See restored worker's cottages, shops, and an early garage. There is a large collection of early steam-powered farm vehicles. Even earlier is the four-train turret clock of Bavarian design. This clock dates to the late 16th century and is twice the size of the oldest clock in Britain at Salisbury Cathedral.
Breamore, Fordingbridge, Hampshire, England, SP6 2DF

Attraction Type: Historic House
Location: off A338
Website: Breamore House
Email: breamore@btinternet.com
Phone: 01725 512 468
Fax: 01725 512 233
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OS Grid SU153 191
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18th century naturalist Rev Gilbert White can claim to be one of the pioneers of ecological study. He lived at The Wakes in the lovely Hampshire village of Selborne and it was here that he wrote the fabulously popular 'Natural History of Selborne'. The Wakes has been restored as a museum dedicated to White's life and works. The original manuscript of his 'Natural History' can be viewed. In addition, there are displays relating to the expeditions of Victorian explorer Frank Oates and polar explorer Captain Lawrence Oates.
The Wakes, High Street Selborne, Alton, Hampshire, England, GU34 3JH

Attraction Type: Museum
Location: on B3006, 4 m NE of A3
Website: Gilbert White's House and Oates Museum
Phone: 01420 511 275
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OS Grid SU741336
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The gallery occupies space in the refurbished 19th century Guildhall, above the Tourist Office. It offers local artists and artisans a place to exhibit their work through a series of regularly changing displays. more...
Guildhall, The Broadway Winchester, Hampshire, England, SO23 9LJ

Attraction Type: Museum
Location: above the TIC in the Guildhall
Website: Guildhall Gallery
Email: museums@winchester.gov.uk
Phone: 01962 848 269
Fax: 01962 848 299
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OS Grid SU483293
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The museum is located in the comfortable 17th century house where Austen worked and wrote some of her most enduring novels, including Pride and Prejudice. See the table that she wrote at, and numerous artefacts associate with her and her family. In the Old Bakehouse see the donkey cart in which Austen rode when she became to ill to walk. Several first editions of the novelist's works are on display. Chawton is located just a few miles from Austen's birthplace at Steventon.
Chawton, Alton, Hampshire, England, GU34 1SD

Attraction Type: Museum
Location: 1 m SW Alton
Website: Jane Austen's House
Phone: 01420 83262
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OS Grid SU708 376
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Three historic buildings set in one of the best preserved parts of old Romsey. King John's House is an early medieval half-timbered building dating to the 13th century. Many of the original architectural details can still be seen, including an unusual bone floor. Next door Tudor Cottage is a late Tudor or early Jacobean building which has been restored onm the upper floor to its original condition.The final building in this 'time capsule' of historic properties in a Victorian and Edwardian museum, showcasing life in Romsey in that period. The upper floor has been restored as the gunshop it once was, using original fittings and display items..
Church Street, Romsey, Hampshire, England, SO51 8BT

Attraction Type: Museum
Location: opposite Romsey Abbey
Website: King John's House and Heritage Centre
Email: info@kingjohnshouse.org.uk
Phone: 01794 512 200
Fax: 01794 512 200
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OS Grid SU351213
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The Mary Rose was a powerful warship, built on the orders of King Henry VIII between 1509 and 1511. The vessel was probably named for Henry's favourite sister, Mary. The ship went down off Portsmouth in 1545, but was later raised and is preserved in Portsmouth harbour.
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Visitor Centre Portsmouth, Hampshire, England, PO1 3LJ

Attraction Type: Museum
Location: Located at the Royal Naval Dockyards. Plenty of parking available on site.
Website: Mary Rose
Location map
OS Grid SU630003
Heritage Highlight: One of history's great mysteries is why Henry VIII's favourite ship sank.
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In 1989 Queen Elizabeth II, as Commanding Officer of the regiment, opened this museum at the upper end of High Street in Winchester. Here you will find displays outlining the proud history of the regiments that make up the modern Green Jackets, including historic artifacts, uniforms, and photographs. Some of the most memorable items on display include the writing case used by General Wolfe at Quebec, and clothing worn by the Duke of Wellington.
Peninsula Barracks, Romsey Road Winchester, Hampshire, England, SO23 8TS

Attraction Type: Museum
Website: Royal Green Jackets (Rifles) Museum
Phone: 01962 828549
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OS Grid SU4773029470
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A very unusual painted chapel dating to the 1920s. Sandham is profusely decorated with wall paintings by Stanley Spencer, who was inspired by his experiences in WWI. Sandham Chapel is set in wide lawns with views over Watership Down.
Harts Lane, Burghclere, Nwebury, Hampshire, England, RG20 9JT

Attraction Type: Museum
Location: 4 m S Newbury, on A34
Website: Sandham Memorial Chapel
Email: sandham@nationaltrust.org.uk
Phone: 01635 278 394
Fax: 01635 278 394
National Trust
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OS Grid SU462607
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A working medieval water mill in the very centre of historic Winchester. Owned by the National Trust, the mill sits on the River Itchen. Regular flour milling demonstrations are given, and there are exhibits detailing the history of the mill and showing how milling works.
Bridge Street, Winchester, Hampshire, England, SO23 8EJ

Attraction Type: Museum
Location: M3 Junctions 9 and 10
Website: Winchester City Mill
Email: winchestercitymill@nationaltrust.org.uk
Phone: 01962 870 057
Fax: 01962 870 057
National Trust
Location map
OS Grid SU478296
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
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