20 Attractions to Explore Near Palace House

The monastery at Beaulieu was founded in 1204 by King John, and its Abbey Church dedicated to St. Mary in 1246. Most of the Abbey fell into ruins after the dissolution of the monasteries by King Henry VIII, but Domus, cloisters, and refectory remain. It was now one of the main pilgrimage and tourist attractions in this area.

The National Motor Museum (originally the Montagu Motor Museum) is a museum in the village of Beaulieu, set in the heart of the New Forest, in the English county of Hampshire. Today, in addition to around 250 vehicles manufactured since the late-19th century, the museum has a collection of motoring books, journals, photographs, films, and automobilia of the world and is affiliated to the British Motorcycle Charitable Trust.

Buckler’s Hard was once a hive of shipbuilding activity, providing ships for Nelson’s victory at Trafalgar. It now comprises a beautiful.l museum, where you can discover the fascinating story of the village and the ships it built. Listen in on conversations between villagers of the past in the 18th century New Inn and follow the stories of the 19th and 20th-century residents in an exhibition about village life.

Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway is a spectacular collection of landscaped woodland, herbaceous, contemporary and formal gardens, in a unique riverside location comprising of 200 acres. It also has a narrow-gauge steam railway that travels through the gardens and play area. Its Other features include the Hydrangea Walk, the Rock Garden, Iris Garden, the Sundial Garden, Centenary Garden, and Camellia Walk and so more.

The New Forest became a national park in 2005 and was once a royal hunting ground for William the Conqueror.It covers an area of 566 square kilometres and is made up of vast tracts of unspoilt woodland, heathland and river valleys. Today deer, ponies and cattle continue to roam free in its ancient heaths and woodland. Clear rivers and shady groves provide tranquillity and a car-free haven for walking, cycling and horse riding.

One of the ideal locations for birdwatchers and natural enthusiasts. The long stretch of shingle beach is popular with kite surfers and wind surfers, families, and holidaymakers. From the shoreline, you can look across the Solent to the Isle of Wight. Watch yachts, ferries and cargo ships on their way to and from the harbors and marinas dotted along the south coast

The New Forest Wildlife Park, a collection of indigenous species in their natural surroundings and a great day out for all the family. Stroll round the wooded grounds to discover 4 species of otters including the Giant Otters for the Amazon, owls, wolves, lynx, Eurasian bison, mouflon, pine marten, deer and so much more.

The Lymington Sea Water Baths in Bath Road, is the oldest open air natural swimming pool in the UK. Dating back to 1833 the baths have historically gained national interest for their health giving waters and natural mud minerals. Today, young and old still swim in the waters and enjoy the stunning location with views over to the Isle of Wight. Come rain or shine, the Lymington Sea Water Baths provide fabulous fun - now with 200m of inflatables to challenge you and hot tubs for relaxing!

The Royal Victoria Country Park is a country park in Netley, Hampshire, England, by the shores of Southampton Water. It comprises 200 acres of mature woodland and grassy parkland, as well as a small shingle beach. The park’s ancient woodlands, large open spaces, boardwalks, and ponds offer something for everyone. There are a number of picnic areas throughout the site and family BBQ areas can be hired.

Barbe is both a dynamic local museum and a highly regarded art gallery that appeals to both locals and New Forest visitors. It shows the history of Lymington and the New Forest Coast, inspired by local pride, and supported by the local community, its collections and colorful, hands-on displays offer a fascinating insight into the area for all ages.

Netley Abbey is the most complete surviving Cistercian monastery in southern England. After the Suppression of the Monasteries the buildings were converted into a mansion for Sir William Paulet. The ruins now reflect over 800 years of change, during which the abbey was transformed from a monastic house to a mansion house, and later to a romantic ruin.

Calshot beach forms part of a mile-long shingle spit that reaches out into the mouth of Southampton Water. From here you get a great view of the ships coming and going from one of the UK’s largest ports. It was home to one of the UK’s biggest outdoor and watersport centers The beach also offers panoramic views of the Solent, Southampton, and the Isle of Wight.

The Grade II* listed Eling Tide Mill, which has stood at the center of life in Eling for centuries, is one of only a handful of working tide mills left in the UK. The mill's fascinating story and history continue in the Discovery Room where interactive displays include opportunities for visitors of all ages to get hands-on with quern stones and a working model of a tide mill.You can learn about the workings of the newly restored mill and discover how the tide is harnessed to power the centuries-

Thorness Bay is an 86.2 hectare Site of special scientific interest which is located on the north-west coast of the Isle of Wight, England, in the western arm of the Solent. The site was notified in 1966 for both its biological and geological features. The bay stretches about 3 km from Salt Mead Ledge in the west to Gurnard Head to the east.

This town hall in the former medieval borough of Newtown was built in c.1699 and has late 18th-century alterations. After many years of neglect the building was repaired in 1933 under the supervision of John Eric Miers Macgregor OBE, a specialist conservation architect who managed to save the derelict structure.

The New Forest Reptile Centre is located 2 miles from Lyndhurst and is home to some of Britain’s native reptiles. The New Forest Reptile Centre houses a unique collection of all the native lizards, snakes, frogs, and toads, including the adder, the only venomous species of snake living in Britain. It was fascinating to see them up close and take our time watching them eat, swim and relax.

Yarmouth Castle is an artillery fort built by Henry VIII in 1547 to protect Yarmouth Harbour on the Isle of Wight from the threat of French attack. Just under 100 feet across, the square castle was initially equipped with 15 artillery guns and a garrison of 20 men. It featured an Italianate "arrow-head" bastion on its landward side; this was very different in style from the earlier circular bastions used in the Device Forts built by Henry and was the first of its kind to be constructed in Englan

The Classic Boat Museum has been telling visitors and Islanders its wonderful maritime story since 1996. It has an extensive collection of artifacts, models, photographs, and uniforms. It is located on the Isle of Wight at two separate sites on either side of the River Medina; The Boat Collection in Cowes, and The Gallery in East Cowes.

The Brickworks Museum is a volunteer-run museum based in Swanwick, Hampshire, England. It is thought to be the last Victorian steam-driven brickworks left in the UK. It’s a really hands-on museum with lots of interactive things for kids to do. You can see bricks being made and even have a try yourselves.

Red Squirrel Trail is a 32 mile long mostly traffic-free cycling route through the heart of the Isle of Wight’s beautiful countryside. The trail takes in estuaries, woodland, farmland, downland, and a stretch of the Island’s fantastic coastline.