10 Historic Sites in Hampshire That You Shouldn't Miss

Please note the rooftop walkway is now closed. As a £5.4m roof project draws to a close, young adventurers can enjoy a number of family trails through the grounds of this former Tudor palace. Amble past a six-hundred-year-old oak tree, tiptoe inside a 17th century summerhouse and stride across our north lawn. Out in Morgaston Woods, intrepid explorers can try their hand at den building, orienteering and geocaching. The ancient woodlands reveal traces of history if you know where to look. See if you can spot the remains of medieval fish ponds and a Second World War munitions storage site. For a chance to glimpse wetland wildlife, you can visit the purpose-built bird hide. Inside the house, visitors of all ages can be transported back to 1535 when Henry VIII visited with Anne Boleyn. Head to the chapel to hear a Tudor mass soundscape or venture into the Saloon to discover a Victorian owner who replaced The Vyne’s roof from 1842.

Designed by Sir Charles Barry, architect of the Houses of Parliament, this is considered to be one of the finest Victorian homes still in existence, which houses fine furniture and works of art. Today, the Castle is the home of the 8th Earl and Countess of Carnarvon and is known around the world as the real home of 'Downton Abbey'.

Winchester Cathedral is one of the finest medieval cathedrals in Europe, nestled at the heart of historic Winchester. It has been a place of worship and welcome for over 900 years and is one of the most historically significant buildings in Britain. Step inside to marvel at the longest medieval Nave in Europe, admire stunning architecture and encounter priceless treasures including the 12th-century Winchester Bible. Winchester Cathedral is the resting place of Saxon royalty and Jane Austen, the much-loved English novelist. Don't miss the new exhibition Kings and Scribes: The Birth of a Nation which takes visitors through 1,000 years of history from the Anglo-Saxon period to the present day. One of the best ways to explore is with a guided tour, available from 10am - 3pm Monday to Saturday. After your visit, take time to enjoy delicious home-cooked food in the Cathedral Refectory with its medieval walled garden or browse the Cathedral Shop for souvenirs and exclusive gifts.

Located within the New Forest National Park, Hurst Castle is situated on the seaward end of the shingle spit that extends 1.5 miles from Milford-on-Sea, Hampshire. Built by Henry VIII as a chain of fortresses to protect the Solent in 1544, this is the site where Charles I was imprisoned in 1648 before being taken to his trial and execution in London. The castle was modernised during the Napoleonic wars and again in the 1870s when the enormous armoured wings were added, making it the largest coastal fort in the world. Two of the huge 38-ton guns installed in the 1870s can be viewed in their casemates together with other weapons developed through 412 years of military use. During World War II, Hurst was manned with coastal gun batteries and searchlights. You can get to Hurst Castle by ferry from Keyhaven Quay (sat nav postcode: SO41 0TP) or you can walk along the shingle Hurst Spit. The castle is currently closed, however refreshments are available from outside the castle.

A romantic house and gallery set in beautiful riverside gardens, managed by the National Trust. Ancient trees, bubbling brooks and rolling lawns frame this lovely old house. Crafted from a medieval priory, it is full of surprises, with art that intrigues and delights. Come back throughout the year to see different exhibitions in the gallery. Carpets of spring bulbs, a stunning walled rose garden, rich autumn leaves and a colourful winter garden make Mottisfont a feast for the senses all year round. There's space to run, jump and play, and always something for families to do. Free entry for National Trust members, Art Fund members and under 5s.

Consecrated in 1843, this is one of England's earliest municipal cemeteries, and is a well-established stop on the graveyard "hunters" trail.

Tudor House gives a unique and atmospheric insight into the lives and times of both its residents through the years, and of Southampton itself. It appeals to visitors of all ages and interests, who find the family-friendly activities, interactive technology and fascinating displays a winning combination.

The Great Hall is one of the finest surviving medieval aisled halls of the 13th century and is all that remains of Winchester Castle. The Great Hall is open daily to the public offering a unique historical experience and the chance to see the greatest symbol of medieval mythology: King Arthur's Round Table. Visitors can also see Queen Eleanor's garden, a recreation of an enclosed medieval garden, providing an injection of nature. Entry charges apply, please visit our website for further details.

Step back in time to 1816 and follow in Jane Austen's footsteps. Jane Austen's House in Chawton is the beautiful Hampshire cottage where Jane Austen lived and wrote. It is the most treasured Austen site in the world. It was in this house that Jane's genius flourished and where she wrote, revised and had published all six of her beloved novels, including the timeless Pride and Prejudice.

Stratfield Saye House has been the elegant, but intimate home to the Dukes of Wellington since 1817. The house and gardens offer an intriguing and informative insight into the life of the 1st Duke of Wellington. OUR OPENING TIMES FOR 2019 Easter – Thursday, 18 – Monday, 22 April 2019 Summer – Thursday, 1 – Monday 26 August 2019 STRATFIELD SAYE HOUSE AND GROUNDS Access to Stratfield Saye House is by guided tour only Monday to Friday – gates open at 11.30am Weekends and Bank Holidays – gates open at 10.30am *Please note that last admissions are at 3.30pm and the grounds close at 5pm