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Museum Mayhem - Participating Museums
With more than 50 museums in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight there is enough to see and do to keep an army occupied!
From big to small and archaeological to military collections there is something to suit every age group, budget and interest.
Click on a museum name below for full details, opening times, facilities and directions.
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Museum Name
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Aldershot Military Museum
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Address
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Evelyn Woods Road, Queens Avenue, Aldershot, Hampshire, GU11 2LG
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Opening times
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Daily 10am – 5pm
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Admission charges
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Adults: £2.00 Children £1.00, OAPs £1.50 Family Ticket: £5.00, Friends: free
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Telephone
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0845 603 5635
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Nearest train station
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Aldershot Railway Station
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Website
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What you will see
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Explore the military and civilian history of Aldershot, Farnborough & Cove through our object displays and inter-actives. Find out why Aldershot is known as the ‘Home of the British Army’ and learn about pioneer aviator Samuel F Cody’s first powered flight from Farnborough.
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Museum Name
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Andover Museum
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Address
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6 Church Close, Andover, SP10 1DP
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Opening times
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Tue–Sat: 10am – 5pm (last admission 4.30pm)
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Admission charges
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Free
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Telephone
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0845 603 5635
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Nearest train station
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Andover
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Website
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What you will see
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Andover Museum tells the story of the town and the local area from the Stone Age until the early 20th Century. Discover a wealth of fascinating archaeological finds and follow the town’s development from rural market town and coaching stop to the home of industries such as Taskers Ironworks.
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| Museum Name |
The Balfour Museum |
| Address |
Red Cross House, Winnall Close, Winchester, Hampshire SO52 9DF |
| Opening times |
By appointment Monday to Friday between 10am and 4pm. Other times by arrangement |
| Admission charges |
Free |
| Telephone |
01962 865174 |
| Nearest train station |
Winchester |
| Website |
www.redcross.org.uk/BalfourMuseum |
| What you will see |
The Balfour Museum illustrates the beginning of the Red Cross humanitarian movement and its international development, with particular reference to the Hampshire Branch from 1909 to the present. Its collections of uniforms, equipment, medals & badges, archives and photographs chronicle the work of the Red Cross during peacetime and war. |
| Museum Name |
Brading Roman Villa |
| Address |
Morton Old Road, Brading, Isle of Wight, PO36 0PH |
| Opening times |
9.30am – 5.00pm |
| Admission charges |
Adults: £4.25, children & students £2.20, seniors £3.75, family: £12 |
| Telephone |
01983 406223 |
| Nearest train station |
Brading |
| Website |
www.bradingromanvilla.org.uk |
| What you will see |
Brading Roman Villa is one of the finest Romano-British archaeological sites in the UK. Our award-winning Exhibition and Visitor Centre offers a unique insight into Roman life in Britain, from our beautifully preserved mosaic floors to our extensive collection of Roman archaeology, including coins, pottery and tools. |
| Museum Name |
Carisbrooke Castle Museum |
| Address |
Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 1XY |
| Opening times |
Daily 10am - 5pm |
| Admission charges |
Adults: £5.60, children £2.80, concessions £4.20. Phone English Heritage on 01983 522107 for details of family tickets and group discounts. |
| Telephone |
01983 523112 |
| Nearest train station |
|
| Website |
www.carisbrookecastlemuseum.org.uk |
| What you will see |
The museum exhibits related mainly to King Charles I - imprisoned in the castle for the last year of his life - and comprised personal relics, documents, prints, and armour of the English Civil War period. Access to the Museum and its roof is up steep staircases with rope handrails; unfortunately there is no wheelchair access. |
| Museum Name |
Charles Dickens Birthplace Museum |
| Address |
393 Old Commercial Road, Portsmouth, PO1 4QL |
| Opening times |
April to September 10am – 5:30pm |
| Admission charges |
Adults: £3.50, children & students £2.50, seniors £3.00, family: £9.50 |
| Telephone |
023 9282 7261 |
| Nearest train station |
Portsmouth |
| Website |
www.charlesdickensbirthplace.co.uk |
| What you will see |
The famous writer Charles Dickens was born in this modest house in Portsmouth, England in 1812. The house has miraculously survived and is now preserved as a museum furnished in the style of 1809 which is when John and Elizabeth Dickens set up the first home of their married life there. |
| Museum Name |
City Museum |
| Address |
Winchester City Council, Colebrook Street, Winchester |
| Opening times |
Mon-Fri: 10am – 4pm, Sun 12pm - 4pm |
| Admission charges |
Free admission |
| Telephone |
01962 863 064 |
| Nearest train station |
Winchester |
| Website |
www.winchester.gov.uk |
| What you will see |
The City Museum is situated in The Square, Winchester near to the Cathedral. It tells the story of the history of Winchester from the Iron-age to the present day. At the family-friendly Museum the many hands-on activities help to put you in touch with the past. There are children’s spotter quizzes to attempt, and colouring-in sheets for the younger members of the family. You can even try on Edwardian and Anglo-Saxon costumes for size. Look out for visits by re-enactors and other events helping to bring the history of Winchester alive. The museum has a lift, baby-changing facilities and a small shop. |
| Museum Name |
City Museum and Records Office |
| Address |
Museum Road, Portsmouth, PO1 2LJ |
| Opening times |
Apr-Sep:10am - 5pm, Oct-Mar: 10am - 5pm |
| Admission charges |
Free |
| Telephone |
023 9282 7261 |
| Nearest train station |
Portsmouth Harbour |
| Website |
www.portsmouthcitymuseums.co.uk |
| What you will see |
The museum of and for the people of Portsmouth. Discover how life at home has changed over the centuries, visit a wide-range of temporary exhibitions and discover the art of detecting in ‘A Study in Sherlock’. The Records Office holds a wide range of official records and thousands of local maps and plans, photographs, etc. |
| Museum Name |
Classic Boat Museum |
| Address |
Seaclose Wharf, Newport, Isle of Wight |
| Opening times |
Daily 10am - 4.30pm |
| Admission charges |
Adults: £3.00, OAP £2.50, Student £1.00: Child (6-16): £1.00, Family: £6.00 |
| Telephone |
01983 533 493 |
| Nearest train station |
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| Website |
www.classicboatmuseum.org |
| What you will see |
The Newport museum exhibits a wide variety of attractive small boats showing the development of different aspects of wooden boat use and construction. Hull speed, sails, rigs, and practical use, all from the 20th century or earlier. All the craft are in seaworthy condition. |
| Museum Name |
Classic Boat Museum Gallery |
| Address |
Columbine Road, East Cowes, Isle of Wight |
| Opening times |
Fri -Tue: 10.30am - 4pm |
| Admission charges |
£2 |
| Telephone |
01983 244 101 |
| Nearest train station |
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| Website |
www.classicboatmuseum.org |
| What you will see |
At the Gallery in East Cowes, on display are items showing the industrial and social aspects of yachting at Cowes. Ellen McArthur and Gypsy Moth IV artefacts are on display. |
| Museum Name |
Cowes Maritime Museum |
| Address |
Guildhall, High Street, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO301TY |
| Opening times |
Mon, Tue & Fri: 9.30am - 5.30pm, Wed: 11am - 7pm, Sat: 9.30am - 4.30pm, Thu & Sun: CLOSED |
| Admission charges |
Free |
| Telephone |
01983 823 433 |
| Nearest train station |
|
| Website |
www.iow.gov.uk/council/departments/museums |
| What you will see |
The museum displays a selection of objects and images which help to tell the story of Cowes and its important maritime heritage. The maritime collection incorporates all aspects of local maritime activity from shipbuilding to sailing. Cowes Maritime Museum collects and cares for a large photographic and paper archive this is held at off site at our store. |
| Museum Name |
Curtis Museum |
| Address |
High Street, Alton, GU34 1BA |
| Opening times |
Tue-Sat: 10am - 5pm |
| Admission charges |
Free |
| Telephone |
0845 603 5635 |
| Nearest train station |
Alton |
| Website |
www3.hants.gov.uk/museum/curtis-museum.htm |
| What you will see |
One of the finest local history collections in Hampshire, exploring 100 million years of history. Displays include prehistoric tools, Roman pottery reconstruction, Saxon Burial, the Battle of Alton 1643, the notorious tale of Sweet Fanny Adams and hop picking and brewing. |
| Museum Name |
D-Day Museum and Overlord Embroidery |
| Address |
Clarnece Esplanade, Southsea, PO5 3NT |
| Opening times |
Apr-Sep: 10am - 5.30pm, Oct-Mar: 10am - 5pm |
| Admission charges |
Adults: £6.00, children & students £4.20, seniors £5.00, family: £16.20 |
| Telephone |
023 9282 7261 |
| Nearest train station |
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| Website |
www.ddaymuseum.co.uk |
| What you will see |
The D-Day Museum was opened in 1984 to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of D-Day. Its centrepiece is the magnificent Overlord Embroidery commissioned by Lord Dulverton of Batsford (1915-92) as a tribute to the sacrifice and heroism of those men and women who took part in Operation Overlord. |
| Museum Name |
Eastleigh Museum |
| Address |
25 High Street, Eastleigh, SO50 5LF |
| Opening times |
Tue–Fri: 10am – 5pm, Sat: 10am – 4pm |
| Admission charges |
Free |
| Telephone |
0845 603 5635 |
| Nearest train station |
Eastleigh |
| Website |
www.hants.gov.uk/eastleigh-museum |
| What you will see |
Discover Eastleigh’s past, and meet Mr and Mrs Brown a local locomotive engine driver and his wife. There is always something new to see with a regularly changing programme of special exhibitions, workshops, talks and events, plus Family Friendly activities, cafe, and gifts. |
| Museum Name |
Eastney Beam Engine House |
| Address |
Henderson Road, Eastney, Portsmouth, Hants, PO4 9JF |
| Opening times |
1pm – 5pm on the last full weekend of every month except for August and December |
| Admission charges |
Free |
| Telephone |
023 9282 7261 |
| Nearest train station |
|
| Website |
www.portsmouthmuseums.co.uk |
| What you will see |
Come, see and feel the powerful and majestic “James Watt” Beam Engines in full steam. These engines are still housed in their original High-Victorian engine house. Talk to the staff that operates and keep these magnificent machines maintained. |
| Museum Name |
Emsworth Museum |
| Address |
10B North Street, Emsworth, PO10 7DD |
| Opening times |
Easter Saturday until the end of October, Sat & Bank Holidays: 10.30am – 4.30pm, Sun (& Fri in August): 2.30pm – 4.30pm |
| Admission charges |
Free |
| Telephone |
|
| Nearest train station |
Emsworth |
| Website |
www.emsworthmuseum.co.uk |
| What you will see |
The museum celebrates the history of Emsworth and its surroundings. There are displays devoted to the old sea-faring families and to the hauthor P.G. Wooodhouse who lived in Emsworth and incorporated several local names into his books. There is a special exhibition each month about people and events of local history. |
| Museum Name |
Fordingbridge Museum |
| Address |
Kings Yard, Fordingbridge, New Forest, Hampshire, SP6 1AB |
| Opening times |
Easter to 31 Oct: Mon-Sat 11am - 4pm |
| Admission charges |
Free |
| Telephone |
01425 655 222 |
| Nearest train station |
|
| Website |
www.fordingbridgemuseum.co.uk |
| What you will see |
Situated on the edge of the New Forest, in the old market town of Fordingbridge on the Hampshire Avon, this small museum is housed on two floors of an old granary. The museum houses the collection of the late John Shering and his brother Richard Shering comprising some 9,000 artefacts. These artefacts came from various sources such as shops now closed and house clearances and included obsolete machinery, Cobblers and Blacksmith's tools and several hundred photographs and documents. In its entirety, the collection provides a fascinating insight into the social history of Fordingbridge over the last 100 to 150 years. |
| Museum Name |
God’s House Tower Museum of Archaeology |
| Address |
Winkle Street, Southampton, SO14 2NY |
| Opening times |
Tue-Sat & Bank Holiday Mon: 10am – 4pm, Sun: 1pm – 4pm |
| Admission charges |
Adults: £2, concessions: £1, family ticket: £5.00, children under 7 free |
| Telephone |
023 8033 9601 |
| Nearest train station |
Southampton Central |
| Website |
http://www.southampton.gov.uk/leisure/history/museums-galleries/default.asp#0 |
| What you will see |
The museum displays artefacts from prehistoric, Roman, Saxon and medieval Southampton. It also has objects from outside Southampton, including some from ancient Egypt. In addition, the museum itself is a fascinating historic building which is part of the city’s Medieval walls. |
| Museum Name |
Gurkha Museum |
| Address |
Peninsula Barracks, Romsey Road, Winchester, SO23 8TS |
| Opening times |
Mon-Sat: 10am - 5pm, Sun: 12pm - 4pm |
| Admission charges |
Adults: £2.00, children: free, seniors £1.00 |
| Telephone |
01962 842 832 |
| Nearest train station |
Winchester |
| Website |
www.thegurkhamuseum.co.uk |
| What you will see |
The Gurkha Museum provides a fascinating insight into the story of the Gurkha service to the Crown from 1815. Have a go at the interactive touch screens covering the culture and customs of Nepal. Find out the stories of the 26 Gurkha winners of the Victoria Cross and the battles and campaigns they have fought throughout the world. |
| Museum Name |
Havant Museum |
| Address |
56 East Street, Havant, PO9 1BS |
| Opening times |
Tue-Sat: 10am - 5pm |
| Admission charges |
Free |
| Telephone |
0845 603 5635 |
| Nearest train station |
Havant |
| Website |
www.hants.gov.uk/havant-museum |
| What you will see |
The displays at Havant Museum are full of examples of ideas and innovations. The creative people of Havant gave us Scalextric, windsurfing, parchment, gloves for wartime fighter pilots, and developed techniques for mosquito research. The internationally famous Vokes Collection of sporting firearms and the clock gallery are full of amazing inventive ideas. |
| Museum Name |
HMS Warrior 1860 |
| Address |
HMS Warrior 1860, Victory Gate, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth, PO1 3XL |
| Opening times |
Apr-Oct: 10am – 4.30pm, Nov-Mar: 10am-4pm |
| Admission charges |
For ticket prices go to: www.historicdockyard.co.uk |
| Telephone |
023 9272 8060 |
| Nearest train station |
Portsmouth Harbour |
| Website |
www.hmswarrior.org |
| What you will see |
When HMS Warrior 1860 made her triumphant return to Portsmouth in 1987, she was fully restored to her Victorian glory and changed the panorama of the City, sitting proudly in the Harbour. When she was originally built she was, quite simply, bigger, faster and more heavily armed than any other warship afloat. Warrior was the world’s first iron-hulled, armoured warship powered by steam as well as sail and constructed of wrought iron. She was the ultimate deterrent. She never once fired a shot in anger. Her strength was her ability to keep the peace. She represents Pax Britannica at its zenith. However within a decade she was obsolete, her technology surpassed. The only surviving member of Queen Victoria's Black Battle Fleet, Warrior was used for 50 years as an oil jetty at Milford Haven before being restored to her former glory. |
| Museum Name |
Jane Austen’s House Museum |
| Address |
Chawton, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 1SD |
| Opening times |
From March 1st daily 10.30am - 4.30pm |
| Admission charges |
Adults: £6.00, children (8-18) £2.00, seniors & students £5.00 |
| Telephone |
01420 83262 |
| Nearest train station |
Alton |
| Website |
www.jane-austens-house-museum.org.uk |
| What you will see |
Jane Austen is one of the most popular and important novelists that England has ever produced. The house at Chawton is where she spent the last eight years of her life. It is of international importance as the place where she did the majority of her mature writing, but at the same time retains the charm of a village home. A 17th century house, it tells the story of Jane Austen and her family. |
| Museum Name |
Mary Rose Museum |
| Address |
The Mary Rose Trust, College Road, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth, PO1 3LX |
| Opening times |
Apr-Oct: 10am – 4.30pm, Nov-Mar: 10am-4pm |
| Admission charges |
For ticket prices go to: www.historicdockyard.co.uk |
| Telephone |
023 9272 8060 |
| Nearest train station |
Portsmouth Harbour Museum |
| Website |
www.maryrose.org |
| What you will see |
The only surviving 16th century warship on display anywhere in the world. She was on of the earliest ships to carry heavy guns. The Mary Rose she sank off Portsmouth in 1545 during an engagement with a French invasion fleet, in full view of King Henry VIII. The rediscovery of the Mary Rose during the 1970s and her raising in 1982 were seminal events in the history of nautical archaeology. The hull of the Mary Rose, which is currently undergoing an active conservation process to preserve her for all time, can be viewed by the visiting public. Thousands of personal, domestic and military objects were recovered, many of which are on display in the Mary Rose Museum, a truly unique and fascinating insight into Tudor times. |
| Museum Name |
Milestones, Hampshire’s Living History Museum |
| Address |
Leisure Park, Churchill Way West, Basingstoke, RG22 6PG |
| Opening times |
Tue - Fri & Bank Holiday Mon 10am - 5pm, Sat - Sun 11am - 5pm Last Admission 4pm |
| Admission charges |
Adult: £7.50, Concession: £6.75, Child: £4.50, Family: £22, under 5s free |
| Telephone |
0845 603 5635 |
| Nearest train station |
Basingstoke |
| Website |
|
| What you will see |
What you will see Discover your past at Milestones. Imagine an open-air museum inside a massive modern building… a network of streets with shops, a village green and even a pub... dating from Victorian times and the 1930s… it's fun... a surprise around every corner! |
| Museum Name |
Museum of Army Chaplaincy |
| Address |
Amport House, Amport, Hampshire, SP11 8BG |
| Opening times |
All visits by appointment only between 09.00 - 17.00 Monday to Friday |
| Admission charges |
Free |
| Telephone |
01264 773144 x 4248 |
| Nearest train station |
|
| Website |
www.army.mod.uk/chaps/museum |
| What you will see |
The Museum tells the story of chaplains in the British Army from 1796 to the present day. Displays include ‘Faith under Fire’ & ‘Faith in Captivity’ Replicas of the four Victoria Crosses awarded to Army Chaplains are also displayed. |
| Museum Name |
The Museum of the Iron Age |
| Address |
6 Church Close, Andover, SP10 1DP |
| Opening times |
Tue–Sat: 10am – 5pm (last admission 4.30pm) |
| Admission charges |
Free |
| Telephone |
0845 603 5635 |
| Nearest train station |
Andover |
| Website |
www.hants.gov.uk/museum-of-the-ironage |
| What you will see |
The Museum of the Iron Age tells the story of Danebury Hillfort and the people who lived in the area over 2000 year ago. The displays give you a vivid impression of what life was like for those who farmed, fought and worshipped in the Wessex Iron Age. |
| Museum Name |
Museum of Island History |
| Address |
Guildhall, High St, Newport, Isle of Wight , PO301TY |
| Opening times |
Mon-Sat: 10am – 5pm, Sun: 11am – 3.30pm |
| Admission charges |
Adults: £2.00, children, seniors & students £1.20, family ticket £5.00, under 5's free |
| Telephone |
01983 823 366 |
| Nearest train station |
|
| Website |
www.iow.gov.uk/council/departments/museums |
| What you will see |
The Museum of Island History provides an introduction to Island history from fossils to festivals. Our summer exhibition will be ‘What’s the big idea? Inventions and Innovations’. Come and find out more about the ideas and inventions that have originated from the Isle of Wight. |
| Museum Name |
National Motor Museum, Beaulieu |
| Address |
National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, Brockenhurst, Hampshire, SO42 7ZN |
| Opening times |
Oct–May: 10am – 5pm, 26 May–30 Sep: 10am - 6pm |
| Admission charges |
Adults: £15.50, youth (13-17's): 9.25, child (5-12's): £8.25, family £42.25, under 5's free |
| Telephone |
01590 612 345 |
| Nearest train station |
|
| Website |
www.beaulieu.co.uk |
| What you will see |
The National Motor Museum’s Collections comprise some 250 vehicles - from some of the earliest examples of motoring to legendary World Record Breakers such as Bluebird. Whatever your level of interest is, when it comes to cars, motorbikes and motoring memorabilia, the National Motor Museum is the place to visit. |
| Museum Name |
The Needles New Battery |
| Address |
West Highdown, Alum Bay, Isle of Wight, PO39 0JH |
| Opening times |
15 Mar – 2 Nov: Tue, Sat and most Sundays plus other days as possible (please phone to check) 11am – 4pm |
| Admission charges |
Free admision |
| Telephone |
01983 754 772 |
| Nearest train station |
|
| Website |
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/isleofwight |
| What you will see |
Victorian coastal defence and secret rocket testing site perched high above the Needles Rocks |
| Museum Name |
Needles Old Battery (National Trust) |
| Address |
Alum Bay, Isle of Wight, PO39 0JH |
| Opening times |
Tue–Sun: 10.30am – 5pm (last admission 4.30pm). Also both May Bank Holiday Mondays and every day Jul, Aug & Sept. |
| Admission charges |
Adults: £4.65, children: £2.35, family ticket £11.55, under 5's free |
| Telephone |
01983 754 772 |
| Nearest train station |
|
| Website |
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/isleofwight |
| What you will see |
Victorian coastal defence and secret rocket testing site perched high above the Needles Rocks |
| Museum Name |
The New Forest Centre |
| Address |
High Street, Lyndhurst Hants, S043 7NY |
| Opening times |
Daily 10am - 5pm |
| Admission charges |
Adults: £3.00, concessions £2.50, under 16's free |
| Telephone |
023 8028 3444 |
| Nearest train station |
|
| Website |
www.newforestcentre.org.uk |
| What you will see |
The New Forest is a fascinating place. Its past, present and future directly affects the way all its inhabitants live their live today. Discover the traditions, animals plants, geography, heritage and history of this amazing area that has been a living landscape for thousands of years. |
| Museum Name |
Newtown Old Town Hall |
| Address |
Newtown, Isle of Wight, PO30 4PA |
| Opening times |
Sun-Mon & Wed 2pm-5pm, Sun–Thu in Jul & Aug (last admission 4.45pm) |
| Admission charges |
Adults: £2.00, children: £1.00, family ticket £5 |
| Telephone |
01983 531 785 |
| Nearest train station |
|
| Website |
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/isleofwight |
| What you will see |
A 17th-century town hall with no town but a fascinating history |
| Museum Name |
Newport Roman Villa |
| Address |
Cypress Road, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 1HE |
| Opening times |
Mar 21 Mar–31 Oct: Mon – Sat: 10am - 4.30pm, Sun (July and August only): 12pm – 4pm |
| Admission charges |
Adults: £2.50, concessions: £1.75, family ticket: £7.00under 5's free |
| Telephone |
01983 529 720 |
| Nearest train station |
|
| Website |
www.iow.gov.uk/council/departments/museums |
| What you will see |
Newport Roman Villa. Hidden away in Newport town centre, the remains of this Roman farmhouse are well worth discovering. Activities for all the family; try on Roman clothes, make a mosaic, discover more about food and cooking and investigate the herb garden. |
| Museum Name |
Petersfield Museum |
| Address |
The Old Courthouse, St Peter’s Road, Petersfield, GU32 3HX |
| Opening times |
Mar–Nov, Tues-Sat: 10am – 4pm |
| Admission charges |
Free |
| Telephone |
01730 262601 |
| Nearest train station |
Petersfield |
| Website |
www.petersfield.org |
| What you will see |
Petersfield Museum collects objects and archives relating to Petersfield and the surrounding villages. In May the Museum will focus on key items on display that have changed our lives. This includes bricks, the telephone and the bicycle. |
| Museum Name |
Portsmouth Natural History Museum |
| Address |
Cumberland House, Eastern Parade, Southsea, Portsmouth, Hants, PO4 9RF |
| Opening times |
Apr-Sep: 10am – 5pm, Oct-Mar: 10am – 5pm |
| Admission charges |
Free |
| Telephone |
023 9282 7261 |
| Nearest train station |
Portsmouth |
| Website |
www.portsmouthnaturalhistory.co.uk |
| What you will see |
Portsmouth is a very special place for wildlife in Britain, it has many different habitats in a very small area and at Portsmouth Natural History Museum you can explore them all. |
| Museum Name |
Red House Museum & Gardens |
| | |