History and Heritage

Loseley Park, Guidford

Built in the reign of Elizabeth I, Loseley Park stand in ancient Surrey Parkland with stunning views of the North Downs.  Still the home of the More-Molyneux family, it is remarkably unchanged since 1562 when Sir William More laid the first stones.  From the house itself, where the intricate panelling in the Great Hall was once in Henry VIII’s Nonsuch Palace, to the elegant Walled Garden with its award winning rose garden, flower, herb, vegetable and white gardens and delightful moat walk, Loseley Park is a place to visit and relax in one of England’s friendliest historic homes. 

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Beaulieu National Motor Museum

In 1204, King John gave land to the Cistercian Monks where they build Beaulieu Abbey.  Beaulieu abbey was the only place in central southern England which offered permanent sanctuary for criminals, the most famous being Perkin Warbeck, ‘Pretender’ to the throne of Henry Vll.  The monastery remained a working institution until the 1530s when Henry Vlll began the dissolution of the Monasteries. Beaulieu was passed on to Thomas Wriothesley, Earl of Southampton who altered it to a modest manor house and the gatehouse became known as Palace House.   

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Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Trace the footsteps of those who have played their part in over 800 years of maritime history and who made Britain the leading naval power in the world. Learn about life on board three of the world’s most famous warships ever built, HMS Victory, HMS Warrior 1860 and the Mary Rose. Discover more about Admiral Lord Nelson, Henry VIII, World War veterans and Portsmouth dockyard workers.  You can also see, touch and smell the history of the Royal Navy at The National Museum of the Royal Navy.

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Petworth

‘Petworth - a perfect blend of history, culture and shopping!’ Petworth is a perfectly preserved market town nestled in the heart of the South Downs National Park.  Steeped in history, Petworth has been voted Best Antiques Town and has links to the famous artist JMW Turner, a frequent visitor to Petworth House (National Trust).  The town has many treasures to discover including Petworth Cottage Museum and Coultershaw Beam Pump, located 1 ½ miles south of Petworth on the A285 towards Chichester – all making it a day out to remember.

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Wightlink

Delve into the past with Wightlink’s Wight History Trail, which traces the history of the Isle of Wight from its birth as an Island in prehistoric times to the present day via an action-packed past that includes dinosaurs, Romans, Kings and Queens, famous writers and poets, smugglers and wreckers, inventors and rock heroes.  Presented in a free 32-page booklet with a detailed map that traces a route right around the Isle of Wight, the trail spotlights the Island’s diverse history and takes in some of its most scenic heritage attractions on a 33-stop tour. 

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Windsor Castle

Along the River Thames, Windsor Castle is one of the country’s top attractions and the world’s largest inhabited castle. The Castle's dramatic site encapsulates 900 years of British history. It is also one of the official residences of Her Majesty the Queen. Be sure to see the magnificent State Apartments, filled with treasures from the Royal Collection, and St George's Chapel, burial place of ten monarchs.

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French Brothers, Boat Trips

With unique views of Windsor Castle, a boat trip along the Thames with French Brothers is an essential addition to the itinerary of anyone interested in history.  The Runnymede to Windsor trip passes through 2½ miles of the “back garden” to Windsor Castle and shows a side of the Castle Estate that are hidden from normal view. See the Boatman’s Cottage, Queen Adelaide’s Cottage and the Queens Royale Farm and much more. For those with less time the 40 minute or 2 hour return trips offer a brief incite. All trips feature an informative commentary.

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Kingston Upon Thames

Spend half a day visiting Hampton Court Palace then, either a take a 30 minute riverside walk along the Thames to Kingston or…take a Turks Boat trip from Hampton Court Palace to Kingston upon Thames. Book a private Historic Walking tour with the Kingston Tour Guides that shows you the historical highlights of Kingston, including the Coronation Stone, said to have been the crowning place of seven Saxon Kings, and the varied architecture of the town.  Alternatively, Visit the beautiful Grade I listed All Saints Church, an oasis of calm in the middle of Kingston. With elements dating back to Saxon times.

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Hampton Court Palace

One of the UK's most popular tourist attractions, Hampton Court Palace in Surrey is a mix of Tudor and Baroque architecture and ranks alongside some of the great palaces of the country. Lived in by King Henry VIII, the palace also offers fantastic gardens including the famous Hampton Court Maze. Hampton Court can be easily reached along the River Thames.

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Medway, Kent

Historically, Medway has a lot to boast about – and rightly so! Though it is home to a number of historical buildings and artefacts, it is most famous for its ties with Charles Dickens.  A childhood playground to Dickens, the historic city of Rochester in particular was such an inspiration for him, that he featured the city in his work more than any other city besides London. Many of the historic buildings around Rochester are marked with plaques, detailing their importance in Dickens’ novels; take a stroll through Rochester and walk through the pages of Dickens’ world.

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Rochester Castle

Rochester Castle in Kent has a chequered history having been subjected to siege three times and was partly demolished in 1215 by King John, who famously set fire to the pit props using the fat of 40 pigs. A Hollywood film 'Ironclad' is due to be released in 2011 based on the story of King John’s siege.

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Red Funnel

The Isle of Wight is blessed with an abundance of unique and fantastically preserved historical buildings from watermills and windmills to castles and stately homes. Probably most famous of all is Osborne House, the former home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, only a short walk from the Red Funnel ferry terminals at East Cowes. Osborne House offers a fascinating insight into the life of the Royal family, fitted with the original opulent furnishings and artworks. The house is surrounded by magnificent landscaped gardens - a joy to explore while taking in the fantastic views across the Solent.

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Blenheim Palace

Standing proud in the Oxfordshire Cotwolds, Blenheim Palace is considered to be one of the finest baroque houses in the country. The house is home to the 11th Duke of Marlborough, and is also famous for being the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Surrounding the Palace are over 2,000 acres of beautiful ‘Capability Brown’ parkland, lakes, fountains and formal gardens.

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Oxford Castle Unlocked

Learn about Oxford Castle's turbulent past. Used as a prison from 1071 until the closure of the HM Prison in 1996, the castle has been home to many colourful inmates and has an 18th Century Debtor's tower, prison D-wing and a 900 underground crypt. Costumed guides tell the tales of murder, romance, betrayal, execution and escape. St George's Tower in the Saxon fort offers stunning 360° views over Oxford and the River Thames.

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Visit Oxfordshire

Oxfordshire is brimming with history and heritage just waiting to be explored. From the ruins of the once proud-standing Wallingford Castle, to Blenheim Palace, whose beauty makes it hard not to stare; from St. George’s Tower, a Saxon building which served as Oxford’s prison for many years, to the noble Broughton Castle, still used as a family home today – Oxfordshire will engage and enthral you. Of course, you can’t forget a trip to Oxfordshire’s many churches or England’s oldest University either, where the likes of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien studied. Follow in their footsteps and experience Oxfordshire.

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Amberley Museum & Heritage Centre, Amberley

Set across 36 acres in the South Downs National Park, Amberley Museum and Heritage Centre aims to bring you back into South East England’s Industrial era. The museum is full of interactive fun, featuring real running exhibits including a narrow-gauge railway and bus service, which will cart you around the museum on a nostalgic journey back in time. Also home to traditional crafts people, you’ll really feel as if you’re in the midst of another day and age, as you watch blacksmiths, potters and stained glass makers hard at work.

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