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. Stephen's Church is one of the old churches in Bournemouth. Completed in 1898, the church is magnanimous to look at and is certainly striking. Intricately designed, the edifice stands tall dwarfing the surrounding structures and can be seen from a distance. The altar, and marble pulpit are the first things you notice when you enter the church. The marble pulpit is strikingly beautiful and three scenes from the New Testament are beautifully carved. The statue of St. Stephen is sure to capture your attention. Besides the stone architecture, the wooden Choir stalls are one of a kind. The carvings on the Choir stalls are detailed and intricate. The glass painted windows will completely fascinate you. St. Stephen's is must on your itinerary when in Bournemouth.
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.
St Clements Church is probably one of the most visited and very old holy places of worship in the city of Bournemouth. An architectural marvel, the church building resembles the ancient style and there is a huge compound outside the building in which the various organs of church are located. Prayer services are held regularly and cultural events are also conducted by the church community.
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.
God's House Tower is formed by the joining 13th Century gatehouse and 15th Century gallery and three-storey tower. This building has served the town with a dual purpose as it was the town gaol and the Museum of Archaeology (closed in September 2011). The architecture of this building is worth marveling which are embellished with arched gateways and beautiful windows. The interiors of the gateway have ruins and remains of a mural stairway connecting to a parapet.