Hampshire Guest Guide 2019

FREE

WINCHESTER, SOUTHAMPTON, PORTSMOUTH, TEST VALLEY

AN EXCLUSIVE VISITOR MAGAZINE

FOR GUESTS STAYING IN HAMPSHIRE Become a cultural tourist, delve into history and explore to your heart’s content.

CURATED BY:

www.themarketing-collective.com

DISCOVER THE

ISLE OF WIGHT. AWARD-WINNING...

BEACHES

ATTRACTIONS

FESTIVALS & EVENTS

FOOD AND DRINK

ACCOMMODATION

Get there in less than an hour with Red Funnel*

redfunnel.co.uk 0844 844 9988† *25 mins Southampton to West Cowes via Redjet / 55 mins via Vehicle Ferry † Calls to this number cost 7 pence per minute plus your service provider’s access charge.

Please note that a £5 handling fee applies to telephone bookings.

CONTENTS

WELCOME

Discover Hampshires Top Attractions SeaCity Museum

Welcome to the Hampshire Guest Guide, your guide to discovering what one of the most picturesque counties in England has to offer.

From the vibrant colours of the lush countryside, to the fresh sea air of Hampshire’s coastline, there’s an abundance of things to do and places to visit during your stay in Hampshire. If you are looking for history and culture you have come to the right place. Hampshire offers the perfect short break providing an insight into the past with fascinating museums and historic architecture along with contemporary spaces, art galleries and cultural events.

For those looking for adventure, the abundance of attractions and activities throughout Hampshire will fill your visit with excitement and memories.

From zoos to high ropes courses, gin distilleries to climbing centres, there’s an experience to suit all tastes. You’ll even find one of the UK’s top theme parks; Paultons Park, home of Peppa Pig World!

6 10

Island adventures - Red Funnel

11

Tudor House and Garden

12

Southampton City Art Gallery

13

Eling Tide Mill Experience

14

SS Shieldhall

15

Royal Victoria Country Park

16

Beaulieu National Motor Museum

17

New Forest Activities

18

Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway

20

Longdown Activity Farm

20

When it comes to exploring, Hampshire has everything, from three of the souths largest cities with impressive shopping centres and outlet malls, to quaint little market towns and picturesque villages where you’ll discover independent shops and unique boutiques.

Buckler’s Hard

21

New Forest Wildlife

21

After working up an appetite you are spoilt for choice when dining and eating out. Hampshire is a food lovers county with local produce and provenance featuring on menus, from independent cafes and tea rooms, traditional English pubs or fine dining at one of Hampshire’s top Michelin Star restaurants; there’s a gastronomic experience to match all tastes and budgets.

Winchester Cathedral

24

Marwell Zoo

25

Stardust Years Vintage Fashioon

26

So whether you are staying for just a day or visiting for longer, Hampshire has so much to offer you’ll be planning your next visit before you leave!

Winchester your way

27

Winchester Science Centre

28

Rick Steins

29

Chawton House

31

Victorious Festival

32

Gilbert Whites

32

Thruxton Motorsports Centre

33

TEST VALLEY & NORTH HAMPSHIRE

Bombay Sapphire Distillery

34

Sir Harold Hillier Gardens

35

Chalk streams and countryside.

Hovercraft Museum

37

P.30

Home of the Big Guns

38

Salisbury Cathedral

39

Chichester Festival Theatre

39

SOUTHAMPTON

NEW FOREST

Out and about from this port city.

Making the most of the forest.

P.08

P.18

PORTSMOUTH

WINCHESTER

Seaside fun and high class shopping.

Beautiful compact city, with year round festivals.

P.36

P.22

The Hampshire Guest Guide is published by The Marketing Collective Ltd. Telephone 023 80001655 www.themarketing-collective.com Information correct at the time of publication. The Marketing Collective Ltd. do not endorse any of the products and service presented in the Guide, and cannot be held responsible for any loss, damage or inconvenience incurred as a result of changes to advertised information. Always check details before making arrangements. With thanks to: Southampton City Council, Southampton Hoteliers Association, Visit Winchester and Visit Hampshire. Printed by Zenith Printers. Editor & Creative Jo Andrews | Feature Editor Laura Bean | Sales & Claire Glorney-Wilson. ©2019 © Portmouth 2016

Hampshire Guest Guide

5

Hampshire Guest Guide

Visit www.ham p discount vouche shireattractions.co.uk for rs to attractions, offers and events

DISCOVER AND EXPLORE Museum of Army Flying

INCLU

Whether you’re visiting for a short break or enjoying a little longer, Hampshire is home to lots of great attractions, and makes the perfect gateway for reaching other top attractions in the county.

From theme parks to gardens, adventurous activities to cultural exploits, there is something to suit the whole family.

A day of exploration Getting to and from your day out can be just as exciting as the day out itself! Take your car across to the Isle of Wight from Portsmouth or Lymington with Wightlink ferries. Or, choose between the passenger Red Jet and car ferry service at Red Funnel leaving from Southampton.

Sometimes there’s nothing better than packing up at picnic and heading to a picturesque country park, luckily Hampshire has some great ones to choose from

6

T F WIGH O E L S I E DES TH

including Staunton Country Park with 1,000 acres for you to explore.

40 historic aircraft at the Museum Army of Flying.

Explore the world of experimental archaeology at Butser Ancient Farm. Here you will find a timeline of ancient homes from times gone by, set in a beautiful tranquil location within the Southdowns National Park near Petersfield.

Step back in time at Chawton House as you visit Jane Austen’s ‘Great House’, owned by her brother Edward. This romantic 400-year-old manor house is a short walk from the cottage where Jane Austen lived.

A whole lot of history

In 1545, The Mary Rose sank outside Portsmouth Harbour defending England from invasion.

In 1982, The Mary Rose made a spectacular return to the surface.

This year, experience The Mary Rose as never before. Explore the remains of Henry VIII’s favourite ship, recovered from the seabed in one of the most challenging archaeological excavations of all time.

You can make your day out interesting and cultural with a visit to Mottisfont with its changing exhibitions, a feast for the senses all year round.

Winchester Cathedral is one of the largest cathedrals in England and well worth a visit, with crypt and Cathedral tours available it offers a wealth of beauty, from its outstanding architecture to the deep emotions stirred by its choral music.

Manor Farm is a working historic farm with lots to see and interact with. Five centuries of history are brought to life at The Vyne - a former Tudor palace turned 17th-century family home, set in 1500 acres of gardens, woodland and wetlands and offer a truly memorable day out for families.

For some more history explore historic warships including Nelson’s HMS Victory at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Another fascinating part of history is that of the military. You can see over

The Vyne National Trust

www.hampshireattractions.co.uk

@HampshireTopAttractions

settings of Exbury Gardens & Steam railway and Sir Harold Hillier Gardens. Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway in the New Forest is renowned for its large collections of rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias. At Sir Harold Hillier Gardens in Romsey, you’ll find a 180-acre garden paradise with a magnificent collection of more than 42,000 plants and it boasts one of the largest Winter Gardens of its kind in Europe.

tigers to frilled lizards, curious meerkats to pygmy hippos – home to an incredible range of exotic and endangered species, in beautiful, landscaped surroundings.

For animal lovers get up-close to your favourite animals at Marwell Zoo. From ring-tailed coatis to majestic giraffes, endangered

@HantsTopDaysOut

Overlooking the stunning South coast of the Isle of Wight, Blackgang Chine – the oldest theme park in the country and one of the most iconic attractions too – offers an enchanting experience like no other. Let your imagination run wild as you venture on a journey of discovery.

A full day of adventure If it’s adventure you’re after then a visit to Paultons Park is a must, with over 60 rides and attractions, it’s also home to the popular Peppa Pig World, which is perfect for those little ones.

@hantstopdaysout

An experience to REMEMBER

If you’re a bit of a monkey yourself, then Go Ape (Itchen Valley Country Park, Moors Valley Country Park or Alice Holt) promises you fun and adventure in the trees, and you can dive to the depths without getting wet at the Blue Reef Aquarium in Southsea.

Enjoy hands-on, interactive science and technology at the Winchester Science Centre and learn whilst having fun. For those brave enough, try walking over the glass floor platform at Emirates Spinnaker Tower! Experience the fastest race circuit in the UK. Thruxton Motorsport Centre has something for every petrolhead and is a must when looking for family days out in Hampshire.

There is so much on offer in Hampshire. If you need any help planning your visit to one of Hampshire’s Top Attractions visit www.hampshireattractions.co.uk or pick up a leaflet from reception for discount vouchers and special offers.

Fill the day with enjoyment at National Motor Museum, Beaulieu.

It’s a great place to spend the day enjoying over 250 automobiles and motorcycles, as well as Palace House and gardens, the Secret Army Exhibition and the World of Top Gear.

For even more ideas on where to visit when in Hampshire visit www.visit-hampshire.co.uk or if you are exploring the Isle of Wight, please visit www.visitisleofwight.co.uk

A great way to spend the day out in the open is at the picturesque

Gunwarf Quay

Hampshire Guest Guide

7

Hampshire Guest Guide

SOUTHAMPTON Whether you are visiting for business or pleasure, visiting with family or friends, there’s plenty of reasons to #visitsouthampton.

Southampton Centre - The area for shopping and dining!

Well known for its maritime history and being the Cruise Capital of Europe, Southampton has also become rich in culture, the arts and entertainment with numerous galleries, museums, music venues and theatres.

The centre of Southampton is a hub of excitement and offers a wealth of things to do. From a bustling shopping experience, to the quiet city centre parks, and an abundance of bars and restaurants to keep you well fuelled and well entertained.

At the heart of the city centre you’ll find a shopaholics dream with Westquay Shopping Centre, The Marlands Shopping Centre, a high street packed with your favourite stores and East Street where independent boutiques are plentiful. Southampton Centre is also home to Southampton’s markets on a Friday and Saturday from 9am-5pm.

See the city’s history standing strong with the Bargate Monument, Titanic Engineers memorial, the Cenotaph, and Old Town Walls easily identifiable as you wander through the city centre, and when you want to slow things down take a picnic and sit amongst the well-manicured flower beds of the city’s green spaces.

In the evening Southampton Centre is a buzz with nightlife.

Whether you choose to enjoy some of the High Street bars, dine in one of the many restaurants, or recline back and take in a film at Showcase Cinema de Lux, there’s always plenty to do.

The North Quarter – The area for lifestyle and nightlife!

In the north of the city you’ll discover streets full of life with independent shops, cafes, bars, restaurants, clubs, open space and more! From the diverse lifestyle of

Shirley High Street and Portswood Road, to the popular and lively Bedford Place and London Road, and across the River Itchen to Bitterne.

This area of the city is buzzing with life and offers something for all ages from students enjoying the trendy vibe, families exploring the parkland at Southampton Common, sporting enthusiasts loving the Southampton Snowsports Centre, foodies looking for the best places to dine, and party goers looking for a great night out, there really is an eclectic mix of things to do.

The Maritime Quarter – The area for maritime history & dining In the southern end of the city you’ll discover a maritime quarter of fine dining, waterfront views, trendy bars, and the heart of Southampton’s maritime history.

Stretching from historic Oxford Street to Ocean Village, and across Itchen Bridge to Centenary Quay, this area of town is a must for those that love to watch the boats go by, take in a part of history, and enjoy the finer things in life.

Famous for its connections to the Titanic, Oxford Street is one of the most historic streets in the city.

It’s also home to a range of cafes, bars, fine dining restaurants and bistro’s.

Moving on to Ocean Village Marina you’ll find a yachtsman’s dream and a host of trendy bars. The new Southampton Harbour Hotel is an impressive sight offering a 5-Star experience, and a choice of restaurants with a marina views.

SeaCity Museum

The Old Town Quarter – The area for history and independent venues From the Bargate Monument to Town Quay, you’ll discover Southampton’s Old Town.

Once a medieval gatehouse Southampton’s most iconic monument the Bargate, now acts as a gateway to the Old Town.

From here to Town Quay you’ll discover the old town walls that weave their way through the city and a diverse range of restaurants and bars. Enjoy a pint in a historic pub with the Duke of Wellington, Red Lion, The Titanic Pub and Juniper Berry, all homed in timberframed buildings and offering a warm welcome.

The history of this area of the city can be found in every aspect of its modern-day surroundings.

Opposite the waterfront, the historic old walls house The Pig in the Wall, and the old Wool House provides a quirky home to Dancing Man Brewery, which still pays homage to the buildings heritage.

Opening in the autumn of 2019, God’s House Tower is an arts and heritage venue which explores the building’s 700 year history and connections with the city’s past.

Discovering the history of this area is made easy with a guided walk with the Southampton Tour Guides Association, and the Tudor House Museum on Bugle Street opens up 800 years of history to explore.

Home to Red Funnel Ferries and the Blue Funnel Hythe Ferry, Town Quay offers a gateway to the city, as well as easy access from Southampton to the Isle of Wight and Southampton’s Waterside.

Southampton Bargate Hampshire Guest Guide

9

GATEWAY TO THE WORLD

Titanic Story The most famous ship in the world, the RMS Titanic, pulled away from White Star Dock in Southampton at the start of her maiden voyage on 10 April, 1912. In the early hours of 15 April she struck an iceberg and sank, causing great loss of life.

Nowhere was the tragedy of the Titanic disaster more felt than in Southampton, where more than 500 households lost a family member. Visitors to the museum will discover how many people worked on board and the huge variety of jobs the crew carried out. The centre-piece of this gallery features a 1:25 scale, interactive model of the Titanic.

Through powerful oral testimony from survivors, the Disaster Room describes the sequence of events from the time the ship struck the iceberg to its sinking,

and the rescue of passengers by the Carpathia. Also, there is a fascinating audio visual show for visitors to find out about the British Inquiry, which was held in London soon after the disaster.

Gateway to the World Osbourne House National Trust

For thousands of years people have arrived or left through Southampton, the Gateway city.

This gallery recounts the stories of people who have departed from or arrived in the port of Southampton with themes of invaders and settlers, traders, exiles and soldiers.

Use the interactive map to reveal the development of Southampton through history.

Sail across to an Island of Victorian charm, worldbeating beaches and family-friendly days out.

Discover hidden bays and coves or a remarkable royal history in the UK’s sunniest spot.

Southampton Stories This new exhibition brings to life incredible stories from the city’s rich and diverse history. Featuring topics such as the docks, working life and Southampton during wartime. Learn about life on board the great ocean liners or discover what it was like to live in the city and work in the docks during D-Day preparations. The exhibition changes regularly to showcase new stories and discoveries from Southampton’s past.

SeaCity Museum is open daily 10am – 5pm. www.seacitymuseum.co.uk for ticket prices.

LOCATION: Havelock Rd, Southampton, SO14 7FY 023 8083 4536 10

SeaCityMuseum

@seacitymuseum

SeaCIty Museum

Most Isle of Wight visitors come to explore our remarkable coastline, with over twenty beaches showing off a compact version of everything the UK has to offer.

Take an early morning swim by the golden sands of Sandown Bay (Countryfile Magazine’s Beach of the Year), learn to surf beneath the crumbling cliffs of Compton Bay, search for crabs in the shallow waters of Bembridge Beach and

The Isle of Wight Needles

Southampton’s mustvisit attraction is SeaCity Museum, which tells the story of the people of the city through the ages, their fascinating lives and the area’s historic connection with the sea.

Blackgang Chine

Hampshire Guest Guide

UNFORGETTABLE ISLAND ADVENTURES

then watch the sunset from a restaurant overlooking the Solent in Cowes or Gurnard. Whatever you want from a beach holiday, the Isle of Wight provides.

This diverse landscape is what first persuaded Queen Victoria to move to Osborne, one of the world’s most enchanting royal residences. Today, it is the crown jewel in the Island’s collection of historic sites, which also include Carisbrooke Castle, Brading Roman Villa and The Needles rocks, from where the UK offered its contribution to the space race.

Whilst you’re at The Needles, take a ride on the famous chairlift for a family portrait with the iconic lighthouse and rocks. Take a boat trip for the full view of the multicoloured cliffs and ride the open top Breezer Bus to the National Trust’s battery which defended the Solent from foreign invasion. Nowadays it serves up cream teas and unbeatable panoramic views.

Family-friendly things to do are never far away with more than 50 attractions spread over an Island which measures just 23 by

or catch an evening show in the woodland amphitheatre at Robin Hill Country Park. Animal lovers can choose from a number of zoos and parks, including Monkey Haven which is the current holder of Visit England’s ‘Best Told Story’ Award.

When you take your trip to the Isle of Wight you can save up to 25% on attraction tickets and 15% on ferry travel, if you book with Red Funnel Ferries. They regularly sail to the Island from Southampton, with a journey time of just under an hour, with prices from £47.50 return for a car and up to 7 people.

Whilst on board you can admire the views throughout Southampton waters and see the famous forts of the Solent, whilst enjoying a drink from Steam, Red Funnel’s very own coffee company.

They also offer pet-friendly lounges, hot and cold food, sun decks and the option to upgrade to the Signature Lounge for a VIP experience.

13 miles. Ride the toboggan run

LOCATION: Red Funnel terminal 1, Dock gate 7, Town Quay Road, Southampton, SO14 2AL www.redfunnel.co.uk 023 8001 9192 post@redfunnel.co.uk RedFunnelIsleofWightFerry @RedFunnelFerry Hampshire Guest Guide

@redfunnelferry

11

Hampshire Guest Guide

CITY ART GALLERY

Southampton City Art Gallery holds one of the finest collections of art in the south of England and holds ‘Designated’ status, awarded by Arts Council England.

The art gallery attracts art-lovers, curious amateurs as well as those who simply enjoy the atmosphere of a gallery. Southampton City Art Gallery offers the opportunity to enjoy high quality exhibitions ranging from painting, sculpture and drawing, to photography and film, as well as permanent collection and displays that change regularly to ensure new experiences with each visit.

Opening times: Mon to Fri: 10am-3pm Sat: 10am – 5pm, Sun: Closed, Bank Holiday Mon: 10am-3pm

Southampton City Art Gallery is internationally renowned for its permanent collection which features around 5,000 works.

These span eight centuries and tell the story of western art from the Renaissance to the present day. The core of the collection is twentieth century and contemporary British art. Strong clusters within this include Post-Impressionism (notably the Camden Town Group),

Surrealism, St Ives and progressive contemporary art from the mid1970s.

Free to enter and conveniently located right next to SeaCity Museum, the venue caters for families. You can enjoy gallery trails through the exhibitions, monthly art clubs and a fantastic range of activities for all ages.

The gallery can be hired for weddings, civil ceremonies, drinks receptions and even more.

Paintings and sculptures provide a wonderful backdrop for couples seeking somewhere unique and the gallery spaces provide a harmonious environment for an unforgettable day. Seating can be provided for up to 120 people, and our in house catering team can work with you to ensure your guests are kept happy throughout your event.

LOCATION: Commercial Road, Southampton, SO14 7LP www.southamptoncityartgallery.com City Art Gallery

023 8083 4536 (option 3)

@SouthamptonCityArtGallery

@ArtGallerySoton

TUDOR HOUSE AND GARDEN Discover Southampton’s most important historic building, encompassing over 800 years of history on one site. Tudor House, with its beautifully recreated Tudor knot garden, is just a few minutes walk from the city centre.

The timber-framed building facing St Michael’s Square was built in the late 15th Century, with King John’s Palace, an adjacent Norman house accessible from the garden, dating back a further 300 years. Tudor House gives a unique and atmospheric insight into the lives and times of both its residents through the years, and of Southampton itself.

Enjoy a vivid and exciting audiovisual show which explains the history of the house, alongside interactive screens that rotate to

show how the rooms would have looked during different historic periods, in particular the Tudor, Georgian and Victorian eras. A selection of restored artefacts are on display in the museum, including archaeological finds dating back to the medieval and Tudor periods. Special events are held throughout the year, including hugely popular Halloween & Christmas activities.

Tudor House is also available for weddings and corporate hire.

Within this historic complex,

we offer a wide range of rooms which can be laid out in different styles to suit your event – be it a meeting, conference, product launch, team building day or corporate hospitality with a difference. They may be used by themselves or in combination to enable, for example, breakout sessions and the ability to provide catering and refreshments separately from the main venue.

Alternatively, it is possible to hire the entire venue for exclusive use.

LOCATION: Bugle Street, Southampton, SO14 2AD www.tudorhouseandgarden.com 023 8083 4536

tudor.house@southampton.gov.uk

tudorhouseandgarden

@TudorHseGarden Tudor House and Garden

12

Hampshire Guest Guide

13

Eling Tide Mill

If you want to build up your appetite and see a little bit of the city before nightfall, why not take a stroll through the Old Town.

Come and visit one of the only Tide Mills in the world, still working and regularly producing flour.

A day out at the Eling Tide Mill Experience has something to offer for everyone.

The Grade II* listed Eling Tide Mill, which has stood at the centre of life in Eling for centuries, is one of only a handful of working tide mills left in the UK. The Eling Tide Mill, its gift shop, adjacent Visitor Centre, Mill Café and the surrounding riverside walks, combine to form The Eling Tide Mill Experience.

Visitors can step back in time and enjoy learning about the workings of the newly restored mill and discover how the tide is harnessed to power the centuries old machinery to grind wheat into flour. The mills mesmerizing machinery can be seen in full glorious action through glazed panels. A large interactive screen provides videos to explain how the mill operates in addition to live camera links to the mills upper floors. Children can dress in costumes from a bye-gone era.

The mills fascinating story and history continues in the Discovery Room where interactive displays include opportunities for visitors of all ages to get hands on with quern stones and a working model of a tide mill.

Wholemeal and brown flour, freshly milled on site, is available to buy in the mills gift shop or can be enjoyed in some of our breads and cakes in Mill Café along with lots of other delicious menu choices.

The gift shop also has a wide range of gifts and locally sourced products that make an ideal memento of your day.

A program of activities includes family events, drop in and explore events, wildlife watch groups, interesting talks and mini professor sessions, check out the website to find out when these are available.

Fully accessible paths and boardwalks enable everyone access to the wildlife and plant life in these areas of special scientific interest as they enjoy walks around the mill pond (Bartley Water) and to Goatee Beach. The water surrounding the mill are also full of crabs creating hours of fishing fun for children (you can buy this from the toll hut).

Start out from the section of city wall near to West quay on Castle Way and walk south until you reach a turning on the left called Simnel Street.

Follow the road and turn into Bugle Street where you will see the striking black and white exterior of

the Tudor House Museum opposite St Michael’s Church.

Carry on down the street admiring the architecture of some of Southampton’s most attractive houses.

Head back to Bugle Street and cut through Westgate and turn right past the Pig in the Wall and follow the route back to where you started close by Westquay Shopping centre.

You will see the Duke of Wellington pub on your left (in the summer it is a vision with an abundance of hanging baskets). Opposite the pub is Westgate Street follow this down and see the historic Cloth Hall.

Continue down Bugle Street to find The Dancing Man Brewery, the old Wool House, and turn left to continue onto the recently reopened, God’s House Tower.

Opening times Eling Tide Mill, Cafe & Visitor Centre Summer (April - September) Monday - Sunday 10.00am - 5.00pm Winter (October - March) Thursday - Sunday 11.00am - 4.00pm Check website for school holiday opening.

Open bank holidays (except Christmas and New Year).

Our walks are accessible all year.

See website for admission prices.

Cafe and walks: Free admission Only assisted dogs are permitted inside our buildings.

All dogs are welcome in the outside areas.

LOCATION: 24 Lexby Road, Totton, SO40 9HD www.elingtidemillexperience.co.uk 023 8086 9575 @elingexperience 14

The Old Town has over 90 listed buildings and more than 30 ancient monuments, with medieval wine vaults, an array of medieval churches, and fine Georgian houses and hotels.

God’s House Tower

WALK THE OLD TOWN

God’s House Tower

Hampshire Guest Guide

ELING TIDE MILL EXPERIENCE

SS SHIELDHALL

Don’t miss the chance to cruise on Southampton’s ‘hidden gem’!

A heritage, cargo-passenger ship included in the National Historic Fleet, SS Shieldhall was launched on the Clyde in 1955, and later owned by Southern Water until her purchase for £20,000 in 1988 by the charity that still operates her. Today the Shieldhall is a unique seagoing ‘time capsule’.

She provides a working example of steamship machinery both above and below deck, typical of the cargo and passenger ships that plied the oceans of the world between the 1870s and 1960s, after which they became all but

extinct. Whilst other heritage ships are held permanently in dry dock, the Shieldhall is very active, with a programme that allows passengers to access the impressive steam engines at work in the engine room itself, and the bridge, complete with traditional instruments and gleaming brasswork.

outgoing cruise ships. Shieldhall is considered a very stable vessel, providing an excellent viewing platform. There is plenty of covered seating on board, a Children’s Passport to follow, and a fully licensed bar and saloon serving hot snacks and refreshments.

Passengers are encouraged to see how the ship operates, and meet the Captain and volunteer crew. Relax on board and listen to the commentary of the sites and sounds of Southampton Water, as Shieldhall passes the

The 2019 cruising programme runs from June – September, with a variety of trips from 2hr to all-day cruises. Look out too for ‘alongside events’ taking place in dock.

2019 cruise dates from Southampton June

28, 29

0844 357 2329 OTHER DATES (CHECK WEBSITE FOR INFO)

July

13,14

@Shieldhall

Aug.

3, 4, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 26

Sept.

14,15

LOCATION: Check website for berthing information www.ss-shieldhall.co.uk

@Shieldhall

email: tickets@ss-shieldhall.co.uk Hampshire Guest Guide

15

Hampshire Guest Guide

THE JEWEL IN HAMPSHIRE’S CROWN

BEAULIEU NATIONAL MOTOR MUSEUM

Uncover the stories of the Royal Victoria Military Hospital

Set in the beautiful Royal Victoria Country Park, Royal Victoria Chapel is all that remains of the British Army’s first purpose built military hospital.

The Royal Victoria Chapel stands on the edge of Southampton Water and is an iconic local landmark, with its impressive tower rising 150ft to an elegant domed cupola. The Royal Victoria Hospital was opened by Queen Victoria in 1863 and served the British military for over a century, stretching for a quarter of a mile along the shoreline. As the British Army’s first purpose-built hospital, the Royal Victoria was a unique and ambitious project which would help change the face of the medical world.

An exciting £3.5m National Lottery Heritage Fund project has seen the restoration of the original Victorian interiors, the creation of a new free exhibition, visitor facilities and outdoor information points.

Visitors can now explore the military history of the site and walk

Beaulieu Motor Museum

Set in the heart of the New Forest, Beaulieu is a multi-award winning family day out with something for everyone.

Royal Victoria Chapel in the footsteps of the patients, doctors and nurses of the once vast and imposing Royal Victoria Military Hospital.

If you have a head for heights, the tower of the Royal Victoria Chapel offers a perfect view across the surrounding Hampshire countryside. On a good day, you can see across to the Isle of Wight, Southampton docks and can even spot the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth!

While visiting the Royal Victoria Chapel, why not explore the rest of the country park?

Offering fantastic views across Southampton Water, Royal Victoria Country Park is a great place to watch the ships coming in and out of Southampton Docks and is ideal for relaxation and leisure.

The park’s ancient woodlands, large open spaces, boardwalks

and ponds offer something for everyone. There are several picnic areas throughout the site and family BBQ areas can be hired.

The Café in the Park serves a wide variety of hot and cold food and children will love taking a ride on the miniature railway or burning off steam in the picturesque, fully accessible play areas.

The Royal Victoria Chapel exhibition and country park are free to visit, although parking charges do apply.

Visit the website to find out what’s on at this unique historic site and plan your visit www.hants.gov.uk/RVChapel

LOCATION: Royal Victoria Country Park, Netley Abbey, Southampton, SO31 5GA www.hants.gov.uk/rvchapel @RoyalVictoriaCP 16

02380 455157

Beaulieu House

rvcp.enquiries@hants.gov.uk

Home to the National Motor Museum and over 250 vehicles, the museum tells the story of motoring in Britain from humble beginnings to the present day. Displays include classic cars, historic sporting motors, modern rally cars, F1 racers and an exclusive collection of motorcycles.

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang with a fantasmagorical new exhibition.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to see props, costumes, cars and original artwork from the original film. The exhibition is running until 3rd November 2019.

See the recently opened Art of Belinda, Lady Montagu – her story in stitches exhibition that celebrates the painting, drawing and needlework of Lord Montagu’s mother, Belinda, Lady Montagu.

Explore Beaulieu Abbey which was largely destroyed by Henry VIII in 1538. The conserved ruins show the scale of this formerly vast complex.

An ancient Abbey building houses a fascinating exhibition on Monastic Life.

@nationalmotormuseum

A visit to Beaulieu includes entry to the whole of the attraction, including the National Motor Museum, On Screen Cars, the World of Top Gear, Secret Army Exhibition, 13th century Beaulieu Abbey and the stunning grounds and gardens.

Tickets can be bought in advance online.

To book tickets or for more details see www.beaulieu.co.uk or call 01590 612345.

Uncover the truth behind Beaulieu’s covert wartime role in the Secret Army Exhibition, and

LOCATION: New Forest, Hampshire, SO42 7ZN www.beaulieu.co.uk RoyalVictoriaCP

make sure you leave time to see your TV and film favourites in On Screen Cars, and enjoy unlimited rides on the mile-long Monorail and replica Veteran Bus.

Don’t forget to explore the magnificent Palace House – Lord Montagu’s family home since 1538 – and discover the history of the house and its former residents.

Meet the butler, cook and housemaids and gain an insight into the workings of a Victorian country house.

@beaulieu_hants

01590 612345

@national_motor_museum

@royalvictoriacountrypark Hampshire Guest Guide

17

Hampshire Guest Guide

NEW FOREST

The stunning New Forest National Park lies on the outskirts of Southampton in the south-west of Hampshire. This picturesque part of the county offers so much to visitors at any time of year.

© Visit Britain

The New Forest is made up of open heathland and woodland that is just waiting to be explored. Head off on foot or by bike to explore the many tracks and trails that wind through the forest, filled with breathtaking views and an abundance of animals such as deer, ponies, and donkeys, all roaming free around the forest.

stunning setting of Bucklers Hard.

Wherever you are in the forest you won’t be far from a traditional country pub with a welcoming atmosphere to warm the soul, a fabulous beer garden to enjoy on a warm summers day or a roaring fire to warm your hands during those colder months.

Bordering the coastline, The New Forest also benefits from coastal walks and numerous beaches to enjoy a day at the beach, a dip in the sea, and the perfect spots to watch the ships in the Solent as they go by.

The New Forest plays host to several events including The New Forest and Hampshire County Show (July)and The Netley Marsh Steam and Craft Show (July). You’ll also find plenty of craft fairs and food and drink festivals throughout the year.

The villages in the forest are all unique in their own way and ideal to explore at any time of year. The large village of Lyndhurst offers plenty of places to eat and drink, from quaint cafes to cosy country pubs. Burley Village is a chocolate box village filled with tearooms, gift shops and art galleries.

The village of Beaulieu makes the perfect spot for exploration with pleasant walks by the river to the

During your visit, you’ll find plenty of things to do to keep you and the family entertained. Whether it’s a visit to the world-famous Beaulieu attraction, home to the National Motor Museum, making friends with the animals at Longdown Activity Farm, exploring the Beaulieu River by kayak with New Forest Activities, or finding a bit of history at Hurst Castle.

NEW FOREST ACTIVITIES With exclusive rights to the tidal and privately owned Beaulieu River, their Canoeing and Kayaking sessions offer up plenty of opportunity to explore. They use open top ‘Canadian style’ canoes, which will ensure you stay safe as you paddle through the hidden creeks and waterways of the stunning Beaulieu River Nature Reserve. Ensure you keep your eyes peeled for the various types of wildlife that call the river home, including Kingfishers, Moon Jellyfish and even Beaulieu’s resident seal!

Why not try your hand at Archery?

Perfect for those 8 years and over, you’ll be shown various Archery techniques before getting the chance to practice your aim with a bow.

For thrill-seekers there’s Battlefield LIVE, an outdoor laser tag experience that’ll have you storming the field with your troops as you prepare to take out the opposing team.

You’ll play out a variety of gaming scenarios using the latest in infrared weaponry, which ensures a pain-free, interactive experience.

Combine both Canoeing and Cycle Hire for a full day family adventure!

Family Adventure Day’s include a 90 minute guided tour of the Beaulieu River and a full day’s Cycle Hire. And with free cycle route maps available, you can go and explore The New Forest at your own pace.

Take to the trees in a variety of High & Low Rope challenges.

Based at their woodland activity site, the New Forest Activities ropes course offers up endless amounts of fun for groups.

Whatever you decide and whatever your age, abilities or group size, New Forest Activities has an adventure for everyone!

Visit their website to find out more about activities and upcoming special events..

River Beaulieu

Fill your visit to The New Forest with fun, whether it be paddling, pedaling or perfecting your skills, New Forest Activities offer a wide range of outdoor activities for all.

LOCATION: High Street, Beaulieu, SO42 7YA www.newforestactivities.co.uk 01590 612377 18

info@newforestactivities.co.uk

@NewForestActivitiesBookingCentre Hampshire Guest Guide

19

Hampshire Guest Guide

EXBURY GARDENS AND STEAM RAILWAY Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway is a spectacular 200-acre woodland garden and narrow-gauge steam railway located on the edge of the Beaulieu River in the New Forest.

Exbury is renowned for spring colour, set apart from other gardens by the world-famous Rothschild collection of rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias. In summertime, Exbury’s vast woodland garden provides a shady sanctuary of tranquillity, characterised by the rare trees and shrubs that line the paths. During autumn careful planting showcases the cardinal red and orange of acers and National Plant Collection of nyssa trees.

Exbury isn’t just a garden, you can also experience the sights and sounds of a working steam railway! Witness the turnstile in action and marvel at the attention to detail on our replica train station before boarding.

Once on board, the train will meander through areas of the gardens that aren’t accessible by foot, driving through a tunnel and over a bridge.

Exbury is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2019!

To commemorate the occasion, they have planted 100,000 spring bulbs, created an exhibition all about Exbury’s history and opened a brand-new Centenary Garden that showcases the best in summer plants and contemporary design.

Longdown Activity Farm is a fantastic day out for everyone.

A daily schedule of hands-on activities includes kid goat and calf bottle-feeding, duck feeding, and small animal handling in the Animal Encounter Barn where you can hold a baby chick, groom a rabbit, meet friendly guinea pigs, or maybe even a Kunekune piglet!

There are lots of other friendly animals to see around the farm including cows, alpacas, Pygmy goats, donkeys and ponies.

Don’t miss the popular (and very bumpy!) tractor and trailer rides (ground conditions permitting). The children will also enjoy the Pitchfork and Putt crazy golf course as well as the large outdoor play area, which is ideal for a picnic too. If the weather is bad, there are some brilliant indoor play areas, which includes the Straw Den and Trampoline Barn and a soft play area. Whatever the weather, there’s always something to do.

The Longdown Farm Shop has a large range of delicious locally sourced produce, and the Chicken Shack is stocked with plenty of poultry feed and equipment. There is no charge to visit the Farm Shop, which is open to visitors and non-visitors to the Activity Farm.

Whether you’re visiting for a quiet riverside walk, an exciting family day out or to admire unique plants, Exbury certainly has something for everyone.

Tearoom, gift shop, picnic areas, nappy changing and quiet room, plus disabled facilities. Longdown Activity Farm is proud to offer a Changing Room facility complete with an adult-sized changing bed and lifting hoist for visitors with assisted needs. Open daily from February half-term to the end of October half-term.

LOCATION: Exbury, New Forest, SO45 1AZ

LOCATION: Just off the A35 between Lyndhurst

www.exbury.co.uk

and Southampton. www.longdownfarm.co.uk

@exburygardens @exburygardens 20

LONGDOWN ACTIVITY FARM

023 8089 1203 @exburygardens

023 8029 2837 @LongdownFarm

@LongdownActivityFarm

BUCKLER’S HARD Step back in time to the 18th century village where ships for Nelson’s Navy were built.

On the banks of the Beaulieu River, in the heart of the New Forest, Buckler’s Hard remains untouched by the passage of time. Once a hive of shipbuilding activity, now the village is a tranquil haven, perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Visit the Maritime Museum to discover the village’s history, from 18th century shipbuilding to WWII and beyond. Follow the development of the village through the story of its ships and the residents who lived here.

Explore the Labourer’s and Shipwright’s cottages to see what the village would have looked like in the 18th century, and listen in on conversations between villagers of the past in the New Inn. Between Easter and September, take a tranquil cruise along the Beaulieu River. This 30 minute voyage is accompanied by commentary which reveals its history and the wildlife that inhabits its banks.

Buckler’s Hard is a place for relaxation as well as exploration. The Captain’s Cabin Tea Rooms serves a range of light refreshments and drinks, including delicious cream teas, throughout the day.

Advance tickets to Buckler’s Hard can be bought online.

For more information see www.bucklershard.co.uk or call 01590 616203.

Annual passes are also available, which offer unlimited visits to the village as well as discounts on gift purchases from the Maritime Museum shop.

NEW FOREST WILDLIFE The New Forest Wildlife Park offers groups and individuals an escape from everyday life into the beautiful woodland grounds which are home to a wide array of native and exotic animals from the mighty European bison to the tiny harvest mouse.

Follow the winding trail through the Tropical Butterfly House (open Easter to September) to see Asian short claw otters, North American river otters and our own native species Eurasian otter. Walk round the glass enclosure to watch the ever busy native harvest mice. Our newly renovated wildlife ponds are already attracting a host of insects including damselflies and bees. See the free roaming deer (some are wild rescues) for an up close encounter - but watch your shoe laces and picnic baskets they may chew them!

The deer encounter is home to Panambi and Meamu our resident giant otters, Scottish wildcats, pine martens and many species of owls.

You cannot miss the European bison in the lower paddock. As the trail continues into Wallaby Wood you may meet our free roaming wallabies. Don’t forget Munchkin the lynx and finally the wolf family towards the end of the trail.

Meet the Keeper talks are held throughout the day do check timings on arrival.

Even if you are 8 or 80 years young our playgrounds are fun for everyone.

The Forest Kitchen has a wide range of snacks, light meals and drinks with inside and outside seating area.

Check the website for extra activities in the school holidays.

LOCATION: Deerleap Lane, Nr Ashurst, Southampton SO40 4UH www.newforestwildlifepark.co.uk

LOCATION: New Forest, Hants, SO42 7XB www.bucklershard.co.uk @bucklershard Hampshire Guest Guide

01590 616203

023 80292 408 | info@newforestwildlifepark.co.uk @nfwildlifepark

@nfwildlifepark

@nfwildlifepark 21

Hampshire Guest Guide

VISIT OUR

VISIT WINCHESTER

© Gilbert Yates Photography

Gift Shop

Winchester is the perfect English city nestled amongst breathtakingly beautiful countryside – a destination which has something to offer everyone.

TAKE A L ITTL E WINC HES TER HO M E WITH Y OU T O D AY

Winchester is a city renowned for having a deep and expansive history and a treasure trove of English heritage. From Iron Age forts to Civil War sites, Europe’s longest medieval cathedral to a working mill on the River Itchen, the district offers a wealth of intrigue for visitors looking to uncover Britain’s past. An abundance of legendary historic figures have made an impact on Winchester including King Alfred the Great (C 849-899) who made Winchester his capital. Be sure not to miss the iconic Round Table of Arthurian legend that has hung in Winchester’s ancient Great Hall for centuries.

Visit Winchester at any point during the year and you’ll find the city at it’s vibrant best, showcasing an ever-changing kaleidoscope of colourful events that inspire, intrigue and enchant thousands of visitors every year. With Hat Fair, Cocktail Week, music festivals and Christmas to name a few, there is bound to be something up your street happening on one of ours!

Why not pick up one of the trails available from the Winchester 22

© Harvey Mills Photography

With a world famous cathedral, top rated eateries and a lively festival scene you are sure to have an amazing experience while you are here. From the vibrancy of the city centre with its unrivalled selection of independent shops, to the tranquil nature of the South Downs, there is plenty for you to explore on your stay.

Tourist Information Centre and discover what Winchester is all about; from romantic sunset walks, a beautiful walk of the city to a trail of military history, a trail celebrating Jane Austen and for sports fans a trail exploring the history of cricket in the district.

Take a trip out to one of the charming market towns in the Winchester district. Take your pick from the likes of the picturesque village of Wickham, the medieval town of Bishop’s Waltham or Alresford, a beautiful town with iconic painted Georgian houses.

Why not stop off in the rural countryside and see how many beautiful villages you can find?

Stock up on all your gifts and souvenirs at Winchester Tourist Information Centre gift shop.

If you want a visit that is vibrant, ancient and cultured then Winchester is the place for you.

Winchester Tourist Information Centre Guildhall Winchester The Broadway Winchester SO23 9GH

For more information please visit visitwinchester.co.uk.

King_Alf

KingAlfWinchester

KingAlfWinchester

01962 840 500 tourism@winchester.gov.uk visitwinchester.co.uk

WINCHESTER CATHEDRAL

Get closer to the wonders of the natural world at Marwell Zoo. From ring-tailed lemurs to majestic giraffes, and curious meerkats, to stunning snow leopards, the 140-acre park is home to an incredible range of exotic and endangered species.

Today Winchester Cathedral welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. You’ll need to step inside to fully appreciate the splendour of this ancient building and discover its captivating history.

Marvel at the longest medieval nave in Europe, admire stunning architecture and be captivated by great works of art, including Antony Gormley’s contemplative statue ‘Sound II’ in the atmospheric Crypt.

spectacular three-level exhibition reveals Winchester’s pivotal role in shaping early English history and highlights some of the nation’s greatest treasures, including the Winchester Bible. This magnificent manuscript is the largest and finest surviving 12th-century English bible. Its exquisite illuminations, coloured with gold and lapis lazuli, are as intense today as they would have been 800 years ago!

Winchester Cathedral is famous as the resting place of Saxon royalty and Jane Austen, the much-loved English novelist. In recent years it has also become well known for its annual Christmas Market and Ice Rink, one of the best in the Europe.

A guided tour is the best way to explore the building. Available on the hour from 10am – 3pm Monday to Saturday, these tours really do bring the Cathedral, its characters and history to life. It’s worth taking the time to walk through the historic Inner Close where you will find beautiful buildings, hidden gardens and a gateway to a pretty area of the City known as Kingsgate Village.

Don’t miss Kings and Scribes: The Birth of a Nation, an enthralling exhibition which explores over one thousand years of history from the birth of the English nation to the present day. New for 2019, this

Visiting the Cathedral

Antony Gormley Sound II A perfect way to round-off your trip is a visit to the Refectory, serving homemade cakes, a seasonal lunch menu and refreshing drinks. The medieval courtyard and orchard with outdoor seating enjoy good views of the Cathedral.

Marwell’s biggest ever exhibit, Tropical House: Energy for Life is now open! This marks the second phase of a £17m investment programme for the zoo over the next 8-10 years, creating improved habitats for animals and more immersive experiences for guests.

The £8m exhibit spans two levels offering fantastic vantage points across a lush, tropical canopy and the opportunity to experience the captivating life of the forest floor. Share the habitat and enjoy uninterrupted, close-up views of new, colourful and charismatic mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and insects.

Until 1 September 2019, don’t miss BRICKOSAURS! A world exclusive, prehistoric LEGO® brick experience! See 50 astonishing dinosaur sculptures inhabit Marwell Zoo, including the biggest ever move-able LEGO brick dinosaur model - a whopping 8 metre T-Rex! Created by LEGO brick building company Bright Bricks, BRICKOSAURS is sure to excite LEGO and dinosaur enthusiasts alike. Visitors will also be able to get hands on with a host of extra activities including trying their hand at making their own creations at BRICKOSAURS Base Camp, a free spotter’s guide and more.

There’s fun souvenir photo opportunities in the LEGO brick dino jeep and a pre-historic display where you can guess the number of dinosaurs to win a LEGO set worth up to £40. Spike the Stegosaurus mascot will also be out and about with Brucy, the BRICKOSAURS keeper, to say hello to guests. He loves having his picture taken!

© Jason Brown Photography

One of the finest medieval cathedrals in Europe and one of the most historically significant buildings in Britain.

Winchester Cathedral stands at the heart of historic Winchester, once the seat of Anglo-Saxon and Norman royal power, on the site of an early Christian church.

Begun in 1079, the Cathedral has been a place of welcome worship ever since.

Winchester Cathedral interior

Hampshire Guest Guide

MARWELL ZOO

What’s more, see Marwell’s adorable red pandas in a new enclosure. Specifically designed by Marwell’s keepers and landscapes teams, the exhibit replicates a red panda’s natural habitat. With three different areas to explore, the new enclosure features lots of planted bamboo and thick low-lying bushes, as well as both coniferous and deciduous trees to keep both red pandas content all year round. The new home also has multi-level viewing windows as well as climbing structures for the red pandas to pass people overhead.

Great for photo opportunities!

Plus, you can experience the African Wilderness first hand at Wild Explorers! Home to white rhino, Grevy’s zebra and scimitar-horned oryx, you’ll enjoy a cracking view of the animals, both near and far, from the raised observation boardwalk.

The Cathedral Shop sells a wide range of gifts, cards, books and music, with many items commissioned especially for the Cathedral. A selection of products are available to purchase online via the Cathedral website.

A host of new arrivals are in residence at any time – keep an eye out for their recent births including an okapi calf, Przewalski’s foal and plains zebra foal.

Visitors can enjoy a range of daily animal talks, plus, with five adventure playgrounds, a rail train and free road train, there’s plenty to occupy your little ones whilst you relax and soak up the surroundings.

LOCATION: Winchester Cathedral Office, 9 The Close, Winchester, SO23 9LS www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk 01962 857200 @WinCathedral 24

cathedral.office@winchester-cathedral.org.uk @winchestercathedral

@ winchestercathedral

LOCATION: Thompson’s Lane, Colden Common, Winchester, SO21 1JH www.marwell.org.uk 01962 777407

marwell@marwell.org.uk

Hampshire Guest Guide

@marwellwildlife

@Marwellwildlife

@marwellzoo 25

Hampshire Guest Guide

WINCHESTER YOUR WAY

STARDUST YEARS VINTAGE FASHION Opposite the Man On A Horse statue by Elizabeth Frink, Walcote Place is home of ‘Stardust Years Vintage Fashion’, recently featured on BBC TV’s ‘Money For Nothing’ Opened in July 2013, by Karen Fitzsimmons and her husband, Gary Nicholson, ‘Stardust Years’ brings to Winchester the glamour and style of past times – from the Victorian era through to the 2000s.

Karen comments, “Fans of ‘Downton Abbey’ can find an original 1920s beaded dress or purse, alongside more recent pieces such as an evening gown designed by Thomas Starzewski, who designed for one of our most famous fashion icons, Diana, Princess of Wales.”

It’s clear that Karen has a passion for her stock. “I grew up watching the films of the 1930s, 40s and 50s.

Whether it was Bette Davis striding across a room in a finely-tailored 1940s suit, or Grace Kelly, in a 50s cocktail dress, pouring champagne for James Stewart in ‘Rear Window’, I loved it all. In the shop,

Winchester is a great location to enjoy a family day out, with plenty to do and loads to explore!

A visit to family favourite Marwell Zoo is a must. From the playful penguins, to the impressive giraffe’s and tigers, and all set in 140 acres of beautiful landscape.

Set back from the High Street, in a leafy mews, you’ll find Winchester’s latest vintage treasure.

we even have an Oscar-nominated costume worn by Glenda Jackson and a fur stole believed to have been worn by Vivien Leigh.

All our clothing and accessories are hand-picked so we can ensure the highest quality of fabric and tailoring. Not only do we have pieces by Christian Dior, Hardy Amies, Harrods and Hermès, but we also have items from the stores of the day as well as many handmade dresses which reflected the changes in the economic and social climate of the period.

“We attract a lot of ladies looking for a unique piece, whether it’s for a cruise, a Mother of the Bride or just as an alternative to the high street.”

In ‘Stardust Years’ the stock is lovingly displayed according to decade, and Karen researches each label or company, including this in her detailed, and often witty, labels.

Through her research, Karen has been lucky enough to make contact with the later generations of some of the designers and

manufacturers of the past. One such example is the Rayne family. “In the late 1940s, young Edward Rayne joined the family firm (founded in 1885) and soon ‘society ladies’ were drawn to Rayne Shoes as they became renowned for their style, beauty and craftsmanship. So, it was only natural that Buckingham Palace chose Rayne to design and supply the wedding shoes for Queen Elizabeth II. Today, the Rayne family have created a Rayne Shoe Archive and Stardust Years is proud to have donated a pair to this special collection.”

So, is it the quality of the clothing, the comfortable dressing room, or the lovely vintage music in the background that makes this a Winchester ‘must-visit’ shopping destination? “I hope we provide a friendly, relaxed shopping experience where you can browse, research our fashion books or share the memories stirred by our vintage treasures,” says Karen.

01962 809043 | Karen@stardustyears.com @stardustyearsvintage 26

@StardustYearsVintageFashion

@StardustYears

Join in one of the Winchester guided tours that start from the Tourist Information Centre at the Guildhall. These 90-minute walking tours are the perfect way to explore the city and learn about its history.

For inquisitive minds you’ll definitely want to discover more about our world and our universe at the Winchester Science Centre. You’ll be having too much fun to realise you’re actually learning!

Give your taste buds a treat sipping fine ales and local ciders at The Black Boy pub, enjoy a delicious Michelin Star taste sensation at The Black Rat restaurant, and fill your glass from wine vending machines The Black Bottle!

A romantic city for couples

Coffee and cocktails

Winchester is perfect for a touch of romance with that special someone. You don’t even need to go anywhere; just taking in this picturesque city will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy! Take a stroll through the city centre and take in the numerous boutique shops and cafes.

Enjoy a walk alongside the Itchen River that flows through the lower half of the city and sit back and relax in the grounds of Winchester Cathedral, with its green open spaces and park benches, the perfect spot for a picnic.

Winchester is home to some fantastic restaurants that are perfect for a romantic lunch or dinner. Enjoy lunch at the River Cottage Canteen or a taste of the sea at Rick Stein’s own restaurant. No.5 Bridge Street is the perfect spot for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea & dinner.

Enjoy a sophisticated city break

LOCATION: 3 Walcote Place, Winchester, SO23 9AP www.stardustyears.com

greatest overall length of any Gothic cathedral in Europe.

An iconic and must-see feature of Winchester is the Winchester Cathedral. This magnificent medieval church is one of the largest cathedrals in England, with the longest nave and Hampshire Guest Guide

You will never be far from a coffee shop in Winchester where you can relax, enjoy and watch the world go by. In October, lovers of coffee and café culture are treated to the Hampshire Coffee Festival; a collaboration between Guildhall Winchester, The Cabinet Rooms and Winchester Coffee School which celebrates the region’s fast-growing café scene, Greens is an independent bar and kitchen who have been proudly serving the city for over 30 years. By night, Greens upholds a lively atmosphere, be sure to try one of Green’s handcrafted cocktails. Throughout the week there are special offers available on cocktails, including Martini Monday, Gin and Tonic Tuesday and Prosecco Wednesdays.

Incognito on The Broadway is a unique and intriguing victorian parlour, serving delectable light lunches, cream teas and cakes alongside divine compounded libations. Explore their Encyclopedia Gin & Tonica which contains a bastion of over 50 gins & 10 tonics, each perfectly paired with complimenting botanicals and garnishes.

© Visit Britain

Make it a family affair

27

Hampshire Guest Guide

RICK STEINS The heart of the ocean on Winchester High Street!

Rick Stein is famous for his ocean delicacies, fresh seafood dishes, and catch of the day delights! Historically the only place you could sample a Rick Stein dish was in Cornwall, but now you simply need to head to Winchester High Street where you can enjoy his cuisine right in the heart of this beautiful city.

Enjoy a welcome break from a busy day and discover the perfect place for a spot of lunch.

You’ll feel in-touch with the big blue from the moment you step in the door with clever little touches to give an authentic feeling of being by the sea.

You’ll be well looked after by the attentive staff and can sit back and relax as the chefs in the open kitchen add a touch of flair to the atmosphere with the sizzle of fresh fish on the grill.

The restaurant offers both a la carte and set lunch menu options, which include a good selection of non-fish based delights, a vegetarian menu and gluten free options.

Rick Stein’s emphasis on simple cooking ensures the quality of the produce is the hero of the dish. Each course is simply cooked to perfection, with a nod to its coastal heritage.

The wine menu boast a selection of wines picked by Rick Stein himself and complement the dishes perfectly. A crisp white wine goes down a treat with tender fish that falls off the bone.

At Rick Stein’s in Winchester it’s not just about the food, it’s about the experience, and from the moment you step in the door a great experience is what you’ll have.

LOCATION: 7 High St, Winchester SO23 9JX www.rickstein.com

01962 353535

WINCHESTER SCIENCE CENTRE Spark children’s curiosity at Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium. Run by an educational charity on a mission to excite and inspire children in science, technology, engineering and maths, it promises both entertainment and learning through a hands-on fun-filled family day out.

Boasting two floors of interactive exhibits including a brand new space zone opening summer 2018, Explorer:Space, there’s plenty to occupy inquisitive minds. Take time to visit the Invention Studio, an area dedicated to ingenuity supervised by enthusiastic staff and volunteers. No visit would be complete without experiencing the UK’s largest standalone planetarium, where from the comfort of the reclined chairs you can sit back, relax, and take an immersive tour through the Solar System and beyond. There’s a

choice of live, presenter-led shows or animated film shows, all of which last for about 20-30 minutes.

The Science Centre is situated on the outskirts of Winchester within the South Downs National Park and enjoys direct access to Magdalen Hill Down Butterfly Conservation reserve. Visitors are invited to explore the countryside using a free ‘spotters guide’ and make use of the outdoor picnic and play area, making the Science Centre an ideal day out whatever the weather.

Winchester Science Centre

There’s extra activities running most weekends and during every school holiday. After dark, the Science Centre offers a varied programme of arts, science and space events for older children and adults to enjoy.

Open every day from 10am. Closing at 5pm on weekends, bank holidays and local school holidays and 4pm Monday – Friday during term time.

LOCATION: Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium, Telegraph Way, off Alresford Road, Winchester SO21 1HZ www.winchestersciencecentre.org @winchestersciencecentre 28

01962 863791

@WinSciCentre

info@winchestersciencecentre.org

@winchestersciencecentre Hampshire Guest Guide

29

The River Test

Hampshire Guest Guide

“GIN CLEAR CHALK STREAMS OF HAMPSHIRE”

CHAWTON HOUSE

TEST VALLEY & NORTH HAMPSHIRE

Step back in time as you visit Jane Austen’s ‘Great House’, owned by her brother Edward. Enjoy the magical setting where she ‘dawdled away’ many happy hours, including the table where she dined with her family and the walled garden mentioned in her letters.

Edward Austen inherited this charming 400 year-old manor house from childless relatives, Thomas and Catherine Knight.

He offered his mother and sisters a home at the nearby bailiff’s cottage, now Jane Austen’s House Museum. The ‘Great House’ was almost as familiar to Austen as her own home. A treasure trove of Austen and Knight family heirlooms, the house is also home to a fascinating collection of early women’s writing experienced through exciting exhibitions.

Find out about the varied history of the Chawton estate, from a stopping place for royalty in medieval times, to its special role in Jane Austen’s life and legacy.

Discover the inspiring stories of

Hampshire is a large county, it will take you a few visits or a very long visit to really appreciate all there is on offer. So, if you’re tackling Hampshire one area at a time, here are some great things to do in North Hampshire.

Discover where the world’s supply of Bombay Sapphire Gin begins its journey from the Bombay Sapphire Distillery at Laverstoke Mill in Whitchurch.

You don’t need to be a gin-lover to appreciate the interesting history and picturesque surroundings at the distillery, of course if you do appreciate gin this will be a little piece of heaven!

Not far from Bombay Sapphire you’ll find the Whitchurch Silk Mill. This Georgian water mill still weaves silk using 19th century machinery. A real insight into industrial history all set next to the peaceful River Test. Undergoing some lottery funded refurbishment, the mill is re-opened in April 2019..

If you’re looking for a more fast-paced day out in North Hampshire, then you’ll want to head to Thruxton Motorsports Centre. From Porsche Cayman’s to Lamborghini Huracans, Thruxton is a sport-carlovers dream and a fun day out!

Whether you head to one of their special events like Truck Racing, or have a go yourself on one of their experience days, you’ll definitely get your thrill fix!

For family days out in North Hampshire then The Hawk Conservancy Trust is a must! From tiny Pygmy Owls to the impressive Steller’s Sea Eagles, birds of prey and plenty of extra activities, there’s something to keep the whole family entertained.

You’ll find plenty of Heritage and Culture in North Hampshire. From the historical ruins of the largest private house in Tudor England at Basing House, to 100 years of British Army in the air history at the Museum of Army Flying. You can even walk through the ages and explore what life was like for Hampshire people in the past at Milestones Museum of Living History.

LOCATION: Chawton House, Chawton, Alton, GU34 1SJ www.chawtonhouse.org 01420 541010 @ChawtonHouse @chawtonhouse

30

early women writers, from novelists and travel writers to philosophers and activists. Our collection holds over 10,000 works and includes first and early editions, original manuscripts, and paintings.

The stunning grounds have been restored to their eighteenthcentury appearance, returning the land from arable use to parkland, with added features such as the ‘ha-ha’: a landscape-design element that creates a barrier for grazing livestock while preserving an uninterrupted view. Relax in the gardens, including fernery, shrubbery and walled garden and explore the Wilderness on an activity trail!

Enjoy lunch or treat yourself to a delicious cake in the atmospheric Old Kitchen tearoom.

Hampshire Guest Guide

@chawtonhouse 31

The UK’s biggest metropolitan festival will return to Southsea Seafront on the 23rd-25th August - Bank Holiday weekend.

Having been shortlisted for ‘Best Major Festival’ at the UK Festival Awards for several years running and with it’s best line up to date brimming with incredible artists including: New Order, Rudimental, Ocean Colour Scene, Republica, The Vaccines, Razorlight, The Zutons, Plan B and loads more, the festival continues to grow bigger than ever making it an unmissable event.

Victorious isn’t just about the music! Held in the picturesque seaside location of Southsea, overlooking The Solent, Victorious Festival is the ultimate family friendly experience.

Family is at the heart of the festival with its own dedicated 30,000 square metre Kids Arena where all activities and attractions are

Gilbert White & the Oates Collections tells the stories of three great explorers of the natural world.

FREE. There’s tons of free activities to keep young ones entertained from taster sports sessions, face painting, arts & crafts and much more!

23/24/25 aug 2019

THRUXTON MOTORSPORT CENTRE

PORTSMOUTH

A FESTIVAL FOR MUSIC LOVERS

A STONE’S THROW FROM THE SEA

FRIDAy

TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB THE SPECIALS DOVES

THE ZUTONS / DODGY DUB PISTOLS / fleetingwood mac SATURDAY

RUDIMENTAL

BLOC PARTY SILENT ALARM /JAMES BAY ocEAN COLOUR SCENE / THE HIVES PERFORMING

ALL SAINTS AFTERNOON SPECIAL GUESTS / FUN LOVIN’ CRIMINALS / LEWIS CAPAldi

Experience the fastest race circuit in the UK. Thruxton Motorsport Centre has something for every petrolhead and is a must when looking for family days out in Hampshire.

PROFESSOR GREEN / THE RIFLES / BADLY DRAWN BOY / REPUBLICA / THE TWANG TIM BURGESS / CAVETOWN / JERRY WILLIAMS / THE SNUTS CASEY LOWRY / ALICE JEMIMA / AK Patterson THE SILVER BEATLES / CHOOSE 90s-FILTA & LOADS MORE TBA SUNDAY

NEW ORDER

CLEAN BANDIT PLAN B / THE VACCINES

RAZORLIGHT / ZIGGY MARLEY AFTERNOON SPECIAL GUEST / TOM GRENNAN BASEMENT JAXX DJ / STARSAILOR / ASH / IDLEWILD

BAND OF SKULLS / THE FUTUREHEADS / THE SHERLOCKS / DJ YODA

Miles & Erica OF THE WONDER STUFF / FATHERSON / will varley / LAUREL / PLASTIC MERMAIDS THE PEARL HARTS / HOLIDAY OSCAR / ALEX FRANCIS / BESSIE TURNER / BOG ROLLING STONES SOUTHSEA ALTERNATIVE CHOIR & LOADS MORE TBA

TICKETS FROM £40 A DAY

VICTORIOUSFESTIVAL.CO.uk (booking Fees APPLY)

KIDS TICKETS FROM £1 A DAY

Based along the A303 just outside Andover, Thruxton Motorsport Centre has been operating driving activities and race meetings since 1968. Both past and present Formula 1 drivers have raced at Thruxton on their way to the top of the motorsport ladder.

The festival also plays host to a Champagne Bar in Henry VIII’s Castle, a Victorian Bandstand, views of the Spinnaker tower, a Real Ale Arena, market stalls aplenty, and food from all over the world.

Secure yourself an August Bank Holiday weekend to remember now!

Tickets start from £40 a day.

To find out more please visit www.victoriousfestival.co.uk

LOCATION: Southsea seafront #victoriousfestival VictoriousFestival @victoriousfest

GILBERT WHITES

© Gavin Withey

Hampshire Guest Guide

VICTORIOUS FESTIVAL

Drive on the main circuit as part of a Thruxton driving experience in the latest supercars and sports cars or feel like an F1 driver in a proper racing car.

Head to the Low Grip Skid Pan Facility and learn how to control a sliding car in both front and rear wheel drive cars. Bring the speed right down on the 4×4 Off-Road Track and push a Land Rover to the limits.

Adults and Juniors can race wheel-to-wheel at the Kart Centre in 60mph race karts on five different circuit combinations.

If you’d rather watch the professionals battle it out on track, Thruxton has a number of high profile race meetings including the British Touring Car Championship, British Superbikes and British Trucks.

Come and see the star drivers and riders attempt to tame the legendary fast sweeping corners at Thruxton.

Gilbert White (1720-1793) was an eighteenth century writer and naturalist who changed our way of looking at the natural world around us.

His home in Selborne is now a museum that celebrates natural world, with beautiful grounds and fascinating galleries. It is also the home of the Oates Collections, Frank Oates (1840-1875) was a Victorian explorer and naturalist, whose incredible story of overcoming obstacles is part of the museum’s new £3 million renovation.

Frank’s nephew Captain Lawrence Oates (1880-1912), was part of the tragic Terra Nova Expedition headed by Captain Scott to the South Pole. The Antarctic gallery takes you through one of the most extreme landscapes in world to tell Lawrence Oates’ heroic story.

The museum updated its facilities in Spring 2018. This included a new café that specialises in homemade local food, new galleries, and learning spaces.

LOCATION: The Wakes, High Street, Selborne, GU34 3JH www.gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk GilbertWhiteAndTheOatesCollections @GilbertWhites 32

LOCATION: Thruxton Circuit, Andover, SP11 8PW www.thruxtonracing.co.uk 01264 882222

Hampshire Guest Guide

info@thruxtonracing.co.uk

@thruxtonracing

@thruxtonracing 33

Hampshire Guest Guide

SIR HAROLD HILLIER GARDENS

The magnificent 180-acre Sir Harold Hillier Gardens is world famous for its arboretum and gardens.

© Matt Pringle

Open all year, the Gardens offers beauty and inspiration throughout the seasons.

Outstanding attractions include; the iconic ‘Centenary Border’ - At 250m long it’s one of the longest double summer borders in Europe, Pond, Bog Garden and one of the largest Winter Gardens in Europe.

© March creative

“WITH SO MUCH TO SEE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, ONE VISIT JUST WON’T BE ENOUGH.”

Established by the distinguished plantsman Sir Harold Hillier in 1953 and now run as a charity, it’s home to 14 National Collections, over 600 Champion Trees and is one of the most important modern plant collections in the world.

Children love the Gardens too! They love playing on the play features dotted around the Gardens, following a seasonal trail, making music, looking at art, finding the pigs in the woods or simply running and exploring this stunning Garden.

Children’s play features include; Woodland Tree House, Hilltop Timber Assault Course, Super Snake Swing, Mud Kitchen, Bamboo Tunnels, Wobbly Bridge, Jurassic Gunnera Boardwalk and Musical Instruments.

Facilities Restaurant & Tea Rooms Free car parking & accessible parking Network of all ability paths Open daily from 10am (except Christmas Day & Boxing Day) Full events programme Check website for entry prices, times, events, holiday activities and more

With so much to see throughout the year, one visit just won’t be enough.

LOCATION: Jermyns Lane, Ampfield, Romsey, SO51 0QA www.hants.gov.uk/hilliergardens

01794 369318

@HillierGardens

BOMBAY SAPPHIRE DISTILLERY Dating back to 10th century the site was once a manor in the ownership of Henry VIII, but was most notably it was a Georgian and Victorian paper mill.

The distillery offers a range of experiences for guests to enjoy. The Self-Discovery Experience guides you through the distillery with a map and audio points, whereas the hosted tour offers a more indepth experience with a guide. The distillery also offers Gin Cocktail Masterclasses, where you can make and enjoy their signature cocktail ‘The Laverstoke’ as well as creating your own cocktail recipe, before exploring the grounds.

Based at Laverstoke Mill near Whitchurch, in a leafy conservation area astride the River Test.

Discover the Vapour Infusion distillation process in the Dakin Still House, wander through the Botanical Dry Room, and breathe in the ten exotic botanicals used to make Bombay Sapphire and Star of Bombay. Laverstoke Mill’s centrepiece is two magnificent intertwining glasshouses, designed by the Heatherwick Studio (famous for the show-stopping Olympic Cauldron and the new London buses). A dazzling feat of architecture, the houses are constructed from over 700 individual panes of glass. Each tour is finished with a cocktail in the Mill bar, which can be selected from the individual taste profile you put together in the botanical dry room. For further information and bookings, please visit distillery.bombaysapphire.com. All bookings must be made online in advance.

LOCATION: Laverstoke Mill, London Rd, Whitchurch RG28 7NR www.distillery.bombaysapphire.com @bombaydistillery 34

@homeofbombay

The Glass House at Bombay Sapphire

Hampshire Guest Guide

35

HMS Warrior

Hampshire Guest Guide

PORTSMOUTH

The UK’s only island city boasts a magnificent promenade running from Eastney to Old Portsmouth.

Along the length of the beach discover a plethora of attractions for all ages – many evoke memories of traditional seaside holidays of the past with swanshaped pedalos on Canoe Lake and the nearby pitch and putt.

Southsea Castle is the place where Henry VIII watched the Mary Rose sink. Now it’s a great place to visit and the kids will have hours of fun exploring the passages below ground.

Pack a picnic and enjoy great music at the Band Stand weekly throughout the summer, a party atmosphere and one of the best backdrops in the world. There is a fascinating walk from Clarence Pier to Old Portsmouth. You can follow the route along the raised section with the harbour to one side and the old town to the other.

Shop until you drop There’s no doubting the attraction of Gunwharf Quays when it comes to shopping. Once the former home of HMS Vernon, the Royal Navy’s Torpedo Branch, the site now boasts 90 designer outlets

36

at this great location, with easy parking – and after you’ve finished with the shops, there are wonderful bars and restaurants to revive you.

Nearby is Commercial Road, which houses all the major high street names and the Cascades Shopping Centre. While in Southsea you will find Knight and Lee (John Lewis) in the Palmerston Road precinct along with a large Debenhams department store. If you prefer to shop in independent boutiques, head for Marmion Road and Albert Road where you will find everything from antiques, artworks and artisan chocolates. Take the time to wander and enjoy the laidback atmosphere.

Discover the creative side of Portsmouth With its long association with great authors Portsmouth’s literary heritage is well known and you will find blue and brown plaques around the city. Charles Dickens was born in the city in 1812 and his birthplace, a small house on Old Commercial Road, is now a museum, which celebrates the author’s life and his many novels.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle worked in Portsmouth as a doctor and it was at No. 1 Bush Villas on Elm

Clarence Pier

Seaside fun for all the family

HOVERCRAFT MUSEUM

Grove that he wrote the first two Sherlock Holmes novels. Rudyard Kipling also lived for a time in the city and you will find his house in Campbell Road which bears a blue plaque to mark his time in the city from 1871-77.

Portsmouth is still a creative city, with a thriving contemporary art scene. Turner Prize winning artist Grayson Perry studied for a BA in fine art at Portsmouth Polytechnic and it is home now to a thriving creative scene.

There are always exhibitions of fine and decorative art at the free Portsmouth Museum, contemporary art and upcoming artists at Aspex Gallery in Gunwharf Quays, and regular exhibitions at Art Space’s Gasp Gallery.

Visit the worlds only Hovercraft Museum, this year celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the Hovercraft and the 50th Anniversary of the giant SR-N4 “The Princess Anne”.

The museum is situated on a Transport Heritage Site, with over 50 Hovercraft on display. The collection includes all types of hovercraft: military, commercial, multi-purpose, rescue, survey, exploration, racing, fun and recreational. In size they range from the smallest to the largest commercial car carrying hovercraft in the world. The collection is unique, irreplaceable and inspiring.

Four of the craft are listed on The National Historic Ships’ Register.

Run and supported entirely by volunteers the purpose of the museum centres around

enjoyment, education and inspiration by sight, sound, touch and understanding. The museum has fun activities for all ages, free guided tours, a gift shop and a coffee shop.

Come and experience a truly fantastic day out for all ages.

During the year we also offer the opportunity to experience a Hovercraft experience in partnership with Hovertravel from the slipway opposite the museum.

Please see our website or social media sites for forthcoming dates and prices.

The Princess Anne SR-N4 Hovercraft also makes a unique function space holding up to 150 guests contact the museum for further details.

Open from February - December 10 - 4pm Saturdays.

Wednesdays 12 - 4pm (in School Holidays only)

LOCATION: Daedalus Site, Seafront Gate, Marine Parade West, Lee on the Solent, PO13 9NS www.hovercraft-museum.org

Hampshire Guest Guide

02392 552090 37

HOME OF THE BIG GUNS Britain’s national collection of arms and armour, the Royal Armouries, has sites in Leeds, The White Tower (Tower of London) and Fort Nelson just outside Portsmouth.

SALISBURY CATHEDRAL You may be surprised at just how much there is to see and do at Salisbury Cathedral – it is so much more than just another beautiful old building.

A must see is the original Magna Carta, the best preserved of only four 1215 documents that have survived to this day, set in an interactive exhibition explaining its significance. This parchment is one of the most celebrated documents in English history and is inscribed in the UNESCO ‘Memory of the World’ register because of its global importance.

This vast Victorian fortification, high on the chalk ridge of Portsdown Hill, was built in the 1860s as part of a defensive chain around Portsmouth and its vital Royal Dockyard. It is probably the best surviving example of a Victorian fortress and has been restored to its original 19th-century state, together with parts of its Second World War history.

Visitors can explore the vast 19acre site to discover secret tunnels and underground chambers, and

some of the best panoramic views of Portsmouth Harbour, the Meon Valley and South Downs National Park from the ramparts.

Take a guided tour to unearth the intriguing history of Fort Nelson and imagine the tough life of the Victorian garrison soldiers in the refurbished barracks, kitchen and hospital.

The magnificent Voice of the Guns gallery, showcases 14 of the most iconic weapons from the national collection, key pieces include sections of the infamous Iraqi Super Gun, anti-aircraft guns used to defend the South Coast and the city of Portsmouth during the Second World War, and a medieval wall-smasher, the Great Turkish Bombard, dating to 1464.

The newly configured Artillery Hall displays an extensive range

of 20th-century guns. The largest on display being the enormous 200-tonne First World War Railway Howitzer. Fort Nelson is one of a few places where you can experience live black-powder firings of historic artillery pieces, there are special gun-firing events throughout the year.

The Cafe 1871 is open daily, serving a wide selection of delicious cakes, snacks and light meals. Relax and enjoy the views from the terrace with a pot of freshly brewed tea or a barista-made coffee.

The Fort has an action-packed events and school holiday activities programme, plus regular specialist talks and behind the scenes tours.

Please see the Royal Armouries website for more details about what’s on. As a national museum admission to Fort Nelson is free.

LOCATION: Portsdown Hill Rd, Fareham, PO17 6AN www.royalarmouries.org

For the adventurous, a tower tour is the ultimate experience taking you behind the scenes through hidden roof spaces to the base of the famous spire for panoramic views of the picturesque water meadows and city below.

If your interests are more specialist, you can book tours to see the 15th century library, medieval graffiti or stonemasons carving in the works yard.

Children can follow a fun family trail or use an Explorer Pack filled with goodies to help them get the best experience from their visit.

Set in 8 acres of lawn, the largest cathedral close in Britain is perfect for picnics on a sunny day and there is plenty of cover for those inevitable rainy days. You can even bring your dog when you visit! The Cathedral is also home to contemporary artworks by Elizabeth Frink, Barbara Hepworth, Emily Young and William Pye and it hosts major art exhibitions throughout the year.

Go online to view scheduled tours and events at salisburycathedral.ork.uk/events

CHICHESTER FESTIVAL THEATRE © Images by Philip Vile

Fort Nelson houses the Royal Armouries’ collection of artillery and historic cannons – the Big Guns – with over 350 on display, tracing the development of artillery from pre-gunpowder siege machines to the modern day.

Salisbury Cathdral

Hampshire Guest Guide

There’s more to this medieval masterpiece than meets the eye…

Situated in the cathedral city of West Sussex between the South Downs and the sea, Chichester Festival Theatre is internationally renowned for the exceptionally high standard of its productions, as well as its work with the community and young people. Its bold thrust stage design makes it one of England’s most striking playhouses - equally suited to epic drama and musicals. Its studio theatre, the Minerva, is particularly noted for premieres of new work alongside intimate revivals.

With its light and spacious foyers and welcoming café, bars and restaurants, all with lovely views over Oaklands Park, Chichester is one of the country’s most loved and lively theatres. The Evening Standard call it ‘The country’s most consistently classy regional theatre’ whilst the Daily Telegraph call it ‘the jewel in the crown of regional theatres’.

To find out What’s On, visit www.cft.org.uk.

LOCATION: Oaklands Park, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 6AP 01243 781312

@chichesterfestivaltheatre

@chichesterft

01329 848 532 Open daily, 10am-5pm (Apr-Oct) 10am-4pm (Nov-Mar) Closed 24, 25 & 26 Dec. 38

Hampshire Guest Guide

39

. . . e k i l g n i h t o n ’s e Ther

National Motor Museum Palace House & Gardens World of Top Gear Beaulieu Abbey

beaulieu.co.uk Beaulieu | New Forest | Hampshire | SO42 7ZN

01590 612345 Open 10am daily Free Parking