Cathedrals, churchs, historic buildings, monuments and museums

Salisbury Cathedral - Probably the finest, medieval Cathedral in Britain Salisbury Cathedral was  constructed in just 38 years from 1220AD.  It is built in the early English Gothic style of architecture and boasts the highest spire in England.  The Chapter House is home to the best preserved of only four original surviving Magna Carta sealed by King John in 1215AD.

Right: Salisbury Cathedral. Courtesy of Salisbury Tourism

Winchester Cathedral  - The Cathedral has its origins in the 7th century, when a Christian church was first built on the site. It has the longest medieval naive in Europe. The Winchester Bible is the finest of the great 12th century  illuminated Bibles.

Right: Winchester Cathedral.
Left: Roundtable

Photos courtesy of Winchester Tourism

 

Stonehenge - One of the world's greatest prehistoric monuments - as old as the great temples and pyramids of  Egypt. Stonehenge is a World Heritage Site. An audio tour is available in nine languages.

Below: Stonehenge, on Salisbury Plain. Courtesy of Salisbury Tourism

Broadlands - The magnificent historic home of Lord Mountbatten in Romsey.  A collection of paintings, furniture, porcelain and sculptures are on show in the Mountbatten exhibition.

Romsey Abbey - Originally a Benedictine Nunnery, Romsey Abbey is an outstanding example of Norman and Early English Architecture on a massive scale, larger than many Cathedrals. The monastic church survived the Reformation because the townspeople bought it from the Crown for £100 in 1544.  Interesting features include two Saxon crucifixes, a 16th century panelled painting and the grave of Earl Mountbatten of Burma.

Mottisfont Abbey - A National Trust 12th century Augustinian priory with sweeping lawns and magnificent old trees set amidst glorious countryside, only 2 miles from Crofton. Walled gardens, containing the National Collection of Old Fashioned Roses. Drawing room decorated by Whistler.

Beaulieu   Palace House - Once the Great Gatehouse of Beaulieu Abbey, the house contains the resident Montagu family treasures, portraits, photographs and memorabilia.  Picturesque Abbey building ruins housing an exhibition on monastic life in the Middle Ages.  It also hosts the world renowned National Motor Museum.

Wilton House - 450 year old home of the Earl of Pembroke, which has been the setting for scenes from films such as 'Sense & Sensibility' and ' Mrs Brown'. Spectacular mid 17th century Double Cube room. A fabulous display of Van Dyck paintings. 21 acres of parkland and gardens.

Bucklers Hard Maritime Museum - A unique village where time has almost stood still since wooden ships were built here for Nelson's Fleet.  There is a riverside walk and river cruises.  Model ship displays and other items of memorabilia are on display as are some historic cottages.

Breamore Manor House & Countryside Museum - Set in beautiful parkland, the grandeur and magnificence of the house has changed little over the past 400 years.  Many fine works of art are on show for the public.  The countryside museum includes a farm worker's cottage, a blacksmith's shop, a dairy, brewery, wheelwright's shop, saddler's shop and cobbler's shed.  The village shop, school, cooperage, bakers, laundry, early garage and clock maker represent recent developments.  A fine collection of steam powered farm machinery, tractors, barn machinery and historical tools