This Historic Hampshire Site Is Totally Free

Hi there Hampshire,

This week, I'm excited to share some fantastic events and places to explore as we step into autumn. From discovering the history of Fort Nelson to indulging in a cosy brunch.

With a mix of sunshine and crisp autumn air ahead, it’s the perfect time to get out and enjoy what Hampshire has to offer!

Let’s see what’s happening!

Free Entry - Discover the Secrets of Fort Nelson.

Looking for an exciting day out? Fort Nelson in Portchester is an absolute gem, and it's free! Sprawling across 19 acres of tunnels, ramparts, and artillery displays, this restored Victorian fortress is the perfect spot for history buffs, families, and anyone seeking something a bit different.

Overlooking Portsmouth Harbour, Fort Nelson is packed with artillery treasures from around the world, including a 15th-century Turkish bombard cannon and the gigantic 200-tonne railway howitzer. It’s a space where imaginations can run wild—just ask anyone who’s explored the tunnels! One online reviewer raved:

With 4.7 stars from over 3,600 Google reviews, it’s clearly a crowd-pleaser.

Though public transport isn’t the most convenient (there are buses and trains to nearby Portchester), the £3 car parking is well worth it. Plus, once you’re done exploring, the onsite café is a cosy spot to relax with family or friends and refuel.

Whether you're keen on soaking up history or need an exciting and educational day out, Fort Nelson has plenty to offer. And with free family activities and regularly changing exhibitions, you’ll want to keep coming back.

Opening Times
Term-time: 2 September – 25 October (Tuesday to Sunday, 10am–5pm)
School Holidays: 26 October – 3 November (Open daily, 10am–5pm)

Address: Portsdown Hill Road, Portsmouth, PO17 6AN

Find out more on the Fort Nelson Website.

Photo of the Week

I stumbled upon this photo of the ceiling of Winchester Cathedral, and it got me thinking about how amazing this place truly is. I've walked by it countless times without really appreciating its beauty. So, I figured I'd share a few facts about it. Here are four to start with, but I've got plenty more to share another time:

1. King Alfred’s Missing Remains
King Alfred the Great, ruler of Wessex for 18 years, was initially buried in Old Minster after his death in 899. But in 1110, his bones were moved to Hyde Abbey and later lost during the Reformation. To this day, his remains have never been found.

2. Saved by a Deep-Sea Diver
In the early 1900s, Winchester Cathedral was on the brink of collapse due to rotting foundations. Enter William Walker, a deep-sea diver from Portsmouth, who worked for six years in dark, flooded trenches, filling cracks with concrete. His efforts saved the building using 25,000 bags of concrete and over 900,000 bricks!

3. Jane Austen’s Unmentioned Books
Jane Austen, author of timeless novels like Pride and Prejudice, is buried in the cathedral. However, her original gravestone made no mention of her literary work. A plaque was added in 1872 to acknowledge her significant contributions.

4. The Crown Filmed Here
Netflix’s hit series The Crown filmed at Winchester Cathedral in 2018 and again in 2020. Olivia Colman, Helena Bonham-Carter, and Emma Corrin were spotted on location portraying the royal family in dramatic scenes.

If you would like to explore the beautiful Winchester Cathedral, find out more about planning your visit here.

Looking for something to do this weekend?

Friday 27th September

Outdoor Cinema Experience - The Greatest Showman
7.00pm - 10.00pm - Winchester Royal Hotel - Last few tickets left.
Enjoy an evening under the stars with a screening of the beloved musical The Greatest Showman. Bring your friends and family, and don't forget your picnic blanket!

Saturday 28th September

End of Season Gala: Let's Play Trains
9.00am - 5.00pm - Eastleigh Lakeside Steam Railway
Join us for a fun-filled day celebrating the end of the season! Experience the thrill of steam trains, with rides available throughout the day.

Mini Monets
September 28 @ 10.00am - 11.00am - Southampton City Art Gallery
Join artist Debra Marsh for a fun and accessible art session, where little ones can experiment with different styles and materials (under 7s).

Owls by Moonlight
5.30pm - 8.30pm - Hawk Conservancy Trust, Andover
This enchanting evening event allows you to observe owls in their natural habitat. Enjoy talks and demonstrations, and learn about these magnificent birds of prey.

Lymington Afloat Festival Weekend
Sat 28th and Sun 29th, 10am - 4pm - St Barbe Museum & Art Gallery
Explore the beauty of Lymington’s waterways with a range of activities, exhibitions, and family-friendly fun. A great way to enjoy the local maritime culture!

Sunday 29th September

On Track
11.00am - 4.00pm - The Brickworks Museum, Southampton
Experience a train takeover at the museum! Enjoy rides and activities that celebrate the wonders of rail travel as autumn sets in.

Apple Day
11.00am - 4.00pm - Houghton Lodge Gardens
Celebrate the harvest season with apple-themed activities, tastings, and family fun in the beautiful gardens.

Simply British
10.00am - 5.00pm - National Motor Museum
Calling all British car and motorcycle enthusiasts! Bring your vehicle to display in the stunning Beaulieu parkland and enjoy a day of camaraderie and classic British culture.

A Place to Eat: Josie’s - one of Hampshire’s Favourites

Whenever I’m in the mood for a good cup of coffee or a relaxed brunch, Josies is one of my go-to. This independent coffee shop chain offers speciality coffee, tea, smoothies, and an all-day breakfast and brunch menu that always hits the mark.

With locations in Bishops Waltham, Winchester, Petersfield, Romsey, Chandler’s Ford, and Alresford, there’s likely a Josies nearby.

They don’t take bookings, so you can just pop in, and the staff will find you a table. I've been to quite a few of them, and they are always packed and have a loyal following of customers.

Two items from the menu that I really enjoy are the Chicken Wrap, which features buttermilk fried chicken, halloumi, lettuce, and harissa mayo, served with homemade slaw. It’s always satisfying!

Then there’s the Strawberry Milkshake, made with Jersey luxury soft serve ice cream and homemade strawberry compote - it’s a very nice treat!

If you’re looking for a comfy spot to unwind or catch up with friends, I highly recommend Josies.

For more information about their menu and locations, check out their website here.

A Literary Legacy You Can Explore! 📚

Portsmouth and Charles Dickens are forever linked, with the city proudly celebrating its most famous literary son. If you’re a fan of the man behind Great Expectations and Oliver Twist, Portsmouth has plenty of spots to discover—each one giving a glimpse into Dickens’s world. Here are some must-visit places that honour his legacy:

📍 1. Charles Dickens' Birthplace Museum, Old Commercial Road

A true highlight for Dickens lovers—his birthplace! I recently visited the Charles Dickens Birthplace Museum, and it’s a wonderfully preserved gem where you can see where he was born on 7 February 1812. The museum includes fascinating artefacts. It’s open on selected days throughout the year, so make sure to check their website for dates.

📍 2. Charles Dickens Statue, Guildhall Square

Standing tall in Guildhall Square is the first large-scale public statue of Charles Dickens in Britain, created by sculptor Martin Jennings and unveiled on the 202nd anniversary of his birth in 2014. It’s a fitting tribute, funded in part by donations from the public. If you’re keen to dive even deeper into Dickens’s life, the Portsmouth History Centre nearby has a collection of 1,500 Dickens volumes (available to view by appointment). Just the spot for a literary pilgrimage!

📍3. The Pay Office, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

John Dickens, Charles’s father, worked in the Pay Office from 1807 to 1814, laying down roots for his family in Portsmouth. Today, the office houses part of the Mary Rose Trust’s collection, so you can soak up some naval history while connecting with Dickens's story.

📍 4. The Portsmouth Theatre, Old Portsmouth

Ever read Nicholas Nickleby? You may recognise the inspiration for Vincent Crummles’s theatre company, as this was the very theatre Dickens had in mind. Though the theatre was closed in 1854, the site is now home to Portsmouth Grammar School. A stroll along the high street may spark your imagination!

📍 5. 38 Wish Street, Southsea

This street, now Kings Road, is where the Dickens family lived for a brief time. It was here that his brother Alfred tragically passed away. While the area has been redeveloped since the Second World War, it’s an important part of Dickens’s early life in Southsea.

📍 6. Highland Road Cemetery, Southsea

If you love a good cemetery wander, Highland Road Cemetery is a must. It’s the resting place of several people linked to Dickens’s life, including Ellen Ternan, his mistress, and Maria Winter, his first love and the inspiration for Dora in David Copperfield. There’s a story at every corner here!

📍 7. 16 Hawke Street, Portsea

After moving from Old Commercial Road, the Dickens family lived at 16 Hawke Street. The house was destroyed during World War II, but today, the George pub nearby has a commemorative plaque marking the spot.

📍 8. St. Mary’s Church, Fratton Road

Did you know Dickens was baptised here? On 4 March 1812, baby Charles was welcomed into the church. Though the original building no longer stands, the site’s history remains, and each year a commemorative service marks the occasion.

To view the entire trail, click here for a map from Visit South East England.

Until next time,

Hannah

p.s. I would love to know what you thought of this issue, please give some feedback below 👇