In our last blog, we featured the cultural attractions in the city of Portsmouth, just a 30 minute drive away.
This time, we’re featuring attractions in the wider area but all within about 40 minutes’ drive from Wallops Wood. The Hampshire & Sussex area is brimming with history and there are many more museums, galleries and beautiful cathedrals to visit whilst staying with us.
If you’re planning on visiting any of the attractions below, please visit the relevant websites beforehand to check opening times and book tickets if needed.
Winchester Cathedral – starting in the city of Winchester, just a 25 minute drive from Wallops Wood, is Winchester Cathedral. The cathedral has a long history with roots back to the 7th century, although the cathedral standing today dates from medieval times, having been remodelled and extended over the centuries. It is one of Europe’s largest cathedrals and totally awe inspiring! Find out more about visiting Winchester Cathedral.
Winchester Great Hall – discover the historic Great Hall in Winchester, one of the finest surviving medieval halls of the 13th century which was once part of the magnificent Winchester Castle. Inside the Great Hall you’ll find the iconic Round Table famously linked to the ancient legends of King Arthur and his Knights. An amazing piece of our history and well worth the visit. Find out more about visiting the Great Hall.
Winchester City Mill – this is a working watermill in the heart of Winchester, owned by the National Trust. With a history of over 1000 years, Winchester City Mill is probably the oldest working watermill in the UK. You can see the mill in action and learn how traditional stoneground wholemeal flour is produced. You can also try some of the delicious treats made from the flour in the mill’s café afterwards. The mill is free to visit with no need to book. Find out more.
Jane Austen’s House – one of our most famous and most loved novelists, you can visit Jane Austin’s house which is in Chawton, about 30 minutes’ drive from Wallops Wood. Discover the house and treasures owned by Jane Austin, where she wrote and published all six of her novels. Visits to the house are timed, so you will need to book tickets in advance, and also includes visiting the garden. Find out more and book your tickets.
Southampton City Art Gallery – Southampton City Art Gallery includes a diverse collection of fine art, telling the story of European art from the Renaissance through to the present day. There are regular rotating displays, national touring exhibitions and work by local artists. There’s also a range of creative workshops and activities to suit children of all ages. The gallery is free to visit although you will need to book tickets in advance. Find out more about visiting the gallery.
Portchester Castle – Located just outside Portsmouth, Portchester Castle is one of the nation’s best preserved ‘Saxon shore’ forts. Built in the 3rd century, the castle’s location has made it a major factor in the Solent’s defences for hundreds of years. Make the most of the wide open grounds and castle courtyard, and enjoy a family picnic surrounded by history. Owned by English Heritage, you will need to book tickets in advance. Find out more.
Chichester Cathedral – Chichester Cathedral sits at the heart of the city of Chichester in West Sussex. Founded in 1108, it is a fine example of an English medieval cathedral and visited by thousands of people each year. It’s a beautiful and tranquil place where you can while away a couple of hours exploring its history, the cloisters and gardens. Why not make a day of it and visit the many shops and cafés in Chichester at the same time. Find out more about visiting Chichester Cathedral.
The Novium Museum – While spending a day out in Chichester, you could also allow time to visit The Novium Museum. Built over the remains of a Roman bathhouse and with three floors of fantastic exhibitions, The Novium Museum tells the fascinating story of Chichester District and its rich heritage. It looks after 500,000 artefacts, both on display and in its store. Although it is free to visit, you will need to book tickets in advance. Find out more.
Weald & Downland Living Museum – The Weald & Downland Living Museum makes for a fun and interesting day out for the whole family (including the dog!). The museum is set in 40 acres in the South Downs National Park near Chichester and includes over 50 historic buildings dating from 950AD to the 19th century. The buildings were all re-erected from their original sites in south east England, together with period gardens, traditional farm animals and a mill pond. You’ll enjoy exploring the properties and grounds and there’s plenty of space for a picnic on the lawn. Find out more & book your tickets.
The Sculpture Park – Based in Churt, just outside Hindhead in Surrey (about 40 minutes’ drive from Wallops Wood), is the Sculpture Park. It is the world’s largest all year sculpture exhibition showcasing 650 sculptures. The works are mainly located outdoors within ten acres of arboretum and wildlife inhabited water gardens which have been developed with a series of landscaping projects. There is also a smaller indoor gallery with more work available to view. Most of the collection is also available to buy. You will need to book tickets in advance. Find out more.
