Historic highlights to explore this autumn
Whether you’re looking for an indoor or outdoor activity, there’s sure to be something to discover and learn.
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Sep 16 2024

Hampshire’s countryside is steeped in memories of the past, from Regency era landscapes to the remains of military hospitals. While the weather and the countryside’s colours change throughout autumn, there’s no better time to reflect. Whether you’re looking for an indoor or outdoor activity, there’s sure to be something to discover and learn. Here are our suggestions, so that whatever the weather you can feel Hampshire’s history all around you.
Indoor activities

Manor Farm’s farmhouse and wartime cottage
Step back in time in Manor Farm’s beautiful farmhouse and wartime cottage. Dating back to the 1400s, the farmhouse is packed full of fascinating objects to discover, from horsehair mattresses to chamber pots.
The wartime cottage also offers you a chance to step into the past. The taped windows and Anderson shelter showcase what life would have been like during World War Two. There’s also a Victorian schoolroom tucked inside, ready to teach children , filled with a blackboard and slates.
There are other ways to learn more about Hampshire’s connection to World War Two. Find fascinating walks to follow by reading our wartime walks blog.

The Chapel at Royal Victoria Country Park
The Chapel was once a part of Royal Victoria Military Hospital, which opened in 1863. The hospital was open for nearly 100 years and treated military personnel from across the British Empire during the Crimean War, and World Wars One and Two. In 1966 the hospital was demolished, leaving only the Chapel remaining.
You can also enjoy Royal Victoria Country Park’s views by climbing to the top of the Chapel’s 150ft tower. It’s the perfect place to enjoy panoramic views of the New Forest, the Solent, and the South Downs. You can also explore the Chapel’s exhibitions to learn more about the park’s story.
Outdoor activities
The Grace Dieu
Visit River Hamble Country Park and spot the markings of where the Grace Dieu was wrecked. One of the largest naval vessels of medieval times, the Grace Dieu was just south of the jetty when it was struck by lightning in 1439 and sank.
First excavated by Victorians, the wreckage was thought to be a Viking ship. It wasn’t until 1930s that it was finally identified as the Grace Dieu. It’s now a designated protected wreck site.
While it can be difficult to spot, there is a children’s play area at Barnfield which was inspired by this piece of local history.

Follies at Staunton Country Park
Staunton Country Park is a historic estate whose parkland was created in the Regency period. While several different families have changed and added to the landscape, the follies first created by Sir George Staunton in the 1800s remain.
These structures include the Beacon, built in 1830, where Sir George’s guests often had tea, and the Shell House which originally had shells from Hayling Island lining the walls when it was designed in 1832. While only a few follies are still standing, these have been carefully restored by the park. Stroll around Staunton Country Park and see if you can stumble upon these gorgeous markers of the landscape’s Regency past.
Royal Observer Corps (ROC) post
Visit Lepe Country Park and see their Stone Point Royal Observer Corps (ROC) post. Installed in 1962, the underground monitoring post was built as part of the UK Warning & Monitoring Organisation (UKWMO) during the Cold War. There were 1,563 similar monitoring posts around the UK. This included a post in a coal cellar in Windsor Castle.
While you’re visiting Lepe Country Park, make sure to wander along the beach to Stanswood Bay. There you’ll be able to look at the D-Day remains and the site of the memorial for the 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards.