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#VisitNorthHampshire
Discover where the world’s supply of Bombay Sapphire Gin begins its journey from the Bombay Sapphire Distillery at Laverstoke Mill in Whitchurch. You don’t need to be a gin-lover to appreciate the interesting history and picturesque surroundings at the distillery, of course if you do appreciate gin this will be a little piece of heaven!Not far from Bombay Sapphire you’ll find the Whitchurch Silk Mill. This Georgian water mill still weaves silk using 19th century machinery. A real insight into industrial history all set next to the peaceful River Test. Undergoing some lottery funded refurbishment, the mill is due to re-open its doors in August 2018.
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If you’re looking for a more fast-paced day out in North Hampshire, then you’ll want to head to Thruxton Motorsports Centre. From Porsche Cayman’s to Lamborghini Huracans, Thruxton is a sport-car-lovers dream and a fun day out! Whether you head to one of their special events like Truck Racing, or have a go yourself on one of their experience days, you’ll definitely get your thrill fix!For family days out in North Hampshire then The Hawk Conservancy Trust is a must! From tiny Pygmy Owls to the impressive Steller’s Sea Eagles, birds of prey and plenty of extra activities, there’s something to keep the whole family entertained.You’ll find plenty of Heritage and Culture in North Hampshire. From the historical ruins of the largest private house in Tudor England at Basing House, to 100 years of British Army in the air history at the Museum of Army Flying. You can even walk through the ages and explore what life was like for Hampshire people in the past at Milestones Museum of Living History.
Discover Hampshire’s hidden heritage
Gilbert White & the Oates Collections tells the stories of three great explorers of the natural world. Gilbert White(1720-1793) was an eighteenth century writer and naturalist who changed our way of looking at the natural world around us. His home in Selborne is now a museum that celebrates natural world, with beautiful grounds and fascinating galleries.
ampshire’s hidden heritage
Step back in time as you visit Jane Austen’s ‘Great House’, owned by her brother Edward. Enjoy the magical setting where she ‘dawdled away’ many happy hours, including the table where she dined with her family and the walled garden mentioned in her letters.Edward Austen inherited this charming 400 year-old manor house from childless relatives, Thomas and Catherine Knight. He offered his mother and sisters a home at the nearby bailiff’s cottage, now Jane Austen’s House Museum. The ‘Great House’ was almost as familiar to Austen as her own home. A treasure trove of Austen and Knight family heirlooms, the house is also home to a fascinating collection of early women’s writing experienced through exciting exhibitions.Find out about the varied history of the Chawton estate, from a stopping place for
royalty in medieval times, to its special role in Jane Austen’s life and legacy.Discover the inspiring stories of early women writers, from novelists and travel writers to philosophers and activists. Our collection holds over 10,000 works and includes first and early editions, original manuscripts, and paintings.The stunning grounds have been restored to their eighteenth-century appearance, returning the land from arable use to parkland, with added features such as the ‘ha-ha’: a landscape-design element that creates a barrier for grazing livestock while preserving an uninterrupted view. Relax in the gardens, including fernery, shrubbery and walled garden and explore the Wilderness on an activity trail!Enjoy lunch or treat yourself to a delicious cake in the atmospheric Old Kitchen tearoom.
It is also the home of the Oates Collections, Frank Oates (1840-1875) was a Victorian explorer and naturalist, whose incredible story of overcoming obstacles is part of the museum’s new £3 million renovation. Frank’s nephew Captain Lawrence Oates (1880-1912), was part of the tragic Terra Nova Expedition headed by Captain Scott to the South Pole. The Antarctic gallery takes you through one of the most extreme landscapes in world to tell Lawrence Oates’ heroic story.The museum launches its new galleries and facilities in Spring 2018. These include a new café that specialises in homemade local food, new galleries, and learning spaces.
