This quaint Tudor-style museum contains a minstrel's gallery, creaky floorboards, old kitchens and one of Henry VIII's cannons, among thousands of other artifacts. 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.
Jane Austen's House Museum 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.
Known as the lungs of the city, Southampton Common is a site of special scientific interest. It is home to the great crested newt and species of orchid and also houses the Hawthorns Urban Wildlife Centre. Here you can learn more about the abundant wildlife in this area. The whole family will enjoy a trip to the Common, with children's play areas and a fun pool, as well as beautiful countryside with lakes, woods and heathland. Approximately 325 acres in area, it is connected to the city center by The Avenue.
The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu has a collection of old and unique vehicles unlike any other museum in the world. Whether you are visiting the museum for entertainment or for education, it is an interesting and fun experience either way! The National Motor Museum holds about 250 vehicles, from antique cars to speedy record breakers. To see everything in between, pay this spot a visit.
Portsmouth Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral church located in Portsmouth. This beautiful white stoned church has experienced the brutality of history on itself, it was destroyed several times in the past and rebuilt. So if you are in the city do not miss out on visiting this church.
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.
St Joseph's is the oldest church in Southampton, dating from the 1800s. It is a good place to discover the maritime history of the city as the parish it used to serve consisted mainly of sailors, dock workers and other seafaring trades. The church buildings once housed the Stella Maris club, a spiritual, social and welfare organization for mariners and their families. It was a well known drinking club and drop-in point for sailors from all over the world. The church itself has some interesting features, such as the altar and the Gothic vaulted ceiling. It also houses the Titanic Restaurant Memorial (The).
Bringing a bit of culture and art into your kids' lives is the Bournemouth Youth Theatre. This theater, which operates from the St. Michael's School, organizes various programs and courses in performing arts that center around kids and, prominently, around their communication and performance skills. The courses, designed keeping kids in mind, delve into the nuances and other aspects of acting, dancing and singing. It is a great way to commence your child's aesthetic and cultural growth. For further information please see the website.
Gone are days when going to the library and wasting hours in finding the right book, head to the Castlepoint Library, where you have easy access to books and other study materials. You are no longer hassled with barcodes scanning. It also has computers, PlayStation and Self-issue machines. You can also rent DVDs and CDs. For further details, check the website or call ahead.
An extension of the St Andrews Parish Church, the St Andrews Parish Centre is a famous function hall in the city. Available on hire for wide scale events as well as private gatherings, the hall is well furbished and well equipped. Maintained by the church community, a lot of church related events are also conducted here. Being one of the most sorted after venues, the hall's bookings go on for months in advance. Call for further details.
Located right across the Parish Church of St Albans, the St Albans Church Hall is a service extended by the church community. A function hall available on hire, the place is equivalent to any concert hall or an opera house. With a decent seating capacity, the place plays host to ample of events ranging from concerts to operas. Besides, the hall is available for private hire as well. Call for booking details and further information.
Located in the Charminster suburbs of Bournemouth city, the St Alban’s Parish Church is one of the oldest Christian institutions of religious importance. With a historic origin, the church is believed to have a mention in the holy Gospel. A place of worship for around 500 people, the church is extremely popular among locals as well. The St Alban Church Hall is also the most sort after event venue in the city. Call for further information.