Free things to see and do South East England

Museums

Brighton Museum & Art Gallery (www.brighton.virtualmuseum.info/) – Brighton
The museum has a varied number of exhibits including nouveau furniture, paintings, pottery and porcelain.

Booth Museum of Natural History (www.booth.virtualmuseum.info/) – Brighton
The museum houses collections of stuffed birds, animals and skeletons, and the building was purpose built to house Mr E. T. Booth's Collections.

Fisherman's Museum (www.hastingsfish.co.uk/museum.htm) – Hastings
This museum housed in a converted seaman's chapel tells the commercial history of the Port of Hastings.

Portsmouth City Museum (www.portsmouthmuseums.co.uk) – Portsmouth
This museum documents the history of Portsmouth and includes audio-visual displays.

Southampton Maritime Museum (www.24hourmuseum.org.uk/museum_gfx_en/SE000279.html) – Southampton
At this museum you can listen to recorded voices of various survivors of the Titanic disaster.

Elham Valley Vineyards (www.kentattractions.co.uk/ElhamValleyVineyard.htm) - Kent
Set in the most beautiful valley in Kent, visitors can wander through the rows upon rows of vines and sample the produce made on site.

The White Cliffs of Dover Visitors Centre
These spectacular cliffs dominate the town of Dover and have provided literary and romantic inspiration over the years, particularly with loved ones sailing off to fight in the war.

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Historic buildings & sites

Swalcliffe Barn – Oxfordshire
A fine example of a half cruck barn that now houses a collection of local agricultural and trade vehicles. Restored in 1992 by English Heritage and recognised as one of the major barns of England.

Medieval Undercroft – Guilford
Well preserved 13th-century basement of vaulted arches.
>>For more information visit Southern English Cities (www.southernenglishcities.com/)

The Great Hall (www.hants.gov.uk/greathall/) – Winchester
Features King Arthur's round table. This is the only surviving part of Winchester Castle and there is also a 13th-century Herb Garden named after Queen Eleanor.

North Leigh Roman Villa (www.thecotswoldgateway.co.uk/north-leigh-roman-villa.htm) - Oxfordshire
The most stunning feature of this large Roman built courtyard villa is an almost complete mosaic tiled floor.

Banbury Cross
This Neo Gothic monument was erected in 1859 to celebrate the marriage of Queen Victoria's Eldest daughter and is immortalised in the famous Nursery Rhyme.

Maharajahs Well
Built in 1863 this Indian style well stands an impressive 20-foot high with iron and guilt decoration.

Deddington Castle
This 12C castle which was in ruin by the 14C is now completely demolished and only the earthworks remain visible.

Wallingford Castle Gardens
Wallingford castle was demolished by Oliver Cromwell, but the earthworks, gardens and limited ruins remain.

Bramber Castle (www.theheritagetrail.co.uk/castles/bramber%20castle.htm)
The castle stands on a wood covered hill overlooking Bramber village.

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Galleries, arts & crafts

Southampton Art Gallery (www.southampton.gov.uk/leisure/arts/sotonartgallery/default.asp) – Southampton
The museum has a good collection of 20th-century British artists including Sutherland, Piper and Spenser.

Museum of Modern Art (www.modernartoxford.org.uk/) - Oxford
The gallery displays a variety of modern art and displays 2 exhibitions at the same time.

Bosham Walk Art & Crafts Centre (www.bosham-walk.co.uk/)
Bosham Walk is an arcade of individual craft shops, where visitors can watch the crafts people at work.

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Churches & cathedrals

Netley Abbey - Southampton
A 13^th-century Abbey which now lays in ruins and is reported to be haunted.

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