Museums

New Forest Museum and Visitor Centre
Main car park, High Street, Lyndhurst.
Tel: 023 80 283914/283444

For any visitor to the New Forest, a trip to the New Forest Museum is a must! Explore the exhibition that brings to life the Forest's history, traditions and wildlife. Find out how the Forest came into existence and much more. Includes the New Forest Embroidery and Gift Shop specialising in local crafts.

National Motor Museum
Palace House and Abbey Ruins, Beaulieu.
Tel: 01590 612345

There's lots to discover and enjoy including Palace House and Gardens set on the banks of the Beaulieu River in the incomparable New Forest scenery. The peaceful beauty of Beaulieu Abbey where you can sense the tranquility and discover how the Cistercian monks lived in the 13th Century. The National Motor Museum with its priceless collection of over 250 oldest, newest, slowest and fastest motorcars and motorcycles from British Motoring history - plus some rare oddities.

Bucklers Hard
Nr Beaulieu 
Tel: 01590 616203 

This historic village, on the banks of the Beaulieu River, is where ships for Nelson's fleet were built. The Museum reflects this shipbuilding tradition and the cottage displays recreate 18th century life.

Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum
New Milton
Tel: 01425 620777

The World's most interesting Motor Cycle Museum with 200 machines. Some are the only surviving ones in the World. The Racing collection is of exceptional interest with the opportunity to see these wonderful World Record Breaking Bikes and their history. The 4 cylinder supercharged 500c.c. AJS, DKW, NSU, etc.

Breamore House & Museum
Tel: 01725 512468

Enjoy the country experience at Breamore and see the Elizabethan Manor House in the Tudor Village. Here the visitor is taken back to when a community was self-sufficient.

Eling Tide Mill
near Totton
Tel: 023 8086 9575

See natural tide power harnessed in the only surviving tide mill still producing wholemenal flour in a centuries-old tradition. Founded over 900 years ago. Free Parking, giftshop with stoneground flour for sale, neighbouring Heritage Centre with cafe, walks through Eling village to Saxon Church and Southampton Water.

The Doll Museum, Fordingbridge
Tel: 01425 652450

Collection includes 150 dolls wax and bisque, French, German and English circa 1835+. See owner Daphne Gordon's superb Diana, Elizabeth Taylor, Phantom etc. 1825 doll dress from Lord Nelson's family. Romantic candlelit dinner with the dolls can be arranged for min 4 to max 10 guests, booking essential. Coffee, delicious cream teas.

Totton and Eling Heritage Centre
Totton.
Tel: (023) 8066 6339 

Walk through the history of Totton and Eling from the Stone Age to the Second World War. Tableaux, panels and artefacts - including a 3000 year old dagger - bring the story of the area to life. Also includes temporary exhibitions and a cafe, and is adjacent to the unique Eling Tide Mill.

Calshot Castle
Calshot
Tel: 023 8089 2023

Whilst on the coast, visit one of Henry VIII's monuments that line the Solent. Calshot Castle depicts history from Tudor times to WWII.
 

Hurst Castle
Milford-on-Sea
Tel: 01590 642344

At the end of Hurst Spit near Milford-on-Sea lies Hurst Castle, which offers beautiful panoramic views of the Solent.
 

Rockbourne Roman Villa
Nr Fordingbridge, Hampshire
Tel: 01725 518541

Set in idyllic countryside, the remains of the largest known Roman villa in the area are accompanied by a modern museum displaying fascinating excavated objects, together with a well-stocked museum shop.
 

St Barbe Museum & Art Gallery
New Street Lymington Hampshire
Tel: 01590 676969

St Barbe Museum, Lymington tells the fascinating story of the New Forest coastal area. This colouful new museum has lots to see and do to delight visitors of all ages. Take a stroll back to yeteryear in the Timeline Gallery. Fidn out who lived and worked "By Sea and Forest Enchanted". Interactive activities, artefacts and infomation illustrate themes like boat building, salt making and smuggling. High quality exhibitions in the art gallery have included Picasso, Lucy Kemp-Welch and Heywood Sumner.
 

Highcliffe Castle Visitor Centre & Tea Rooms
Rothesay Drive Lymington Road Highcliffe Dorset
Tel: 01425 278807

Grade I listed building repaired externally, once the home of Lord Stuart de Rothesay, containing unique mediaeval stonework, set within cliff-top grounds.

 

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