Submarines, Tudor Treasures & an Abandoned Village

Hello Hampshire! 👋

I’m excited to announce that we’ve now grown to over 2,000 subscribers, and the Hampshire Explorer community keeps getting bigger! A big warm welcome to all the new readers—it's wonderful to have you here. If you’re just joining us, you can catch up on all previous issues by visiting the newsletter archive.

This week, we’ve got some great content to keep you exploring! There’s a bit of history, a cosy café stop-off, and a few hidden gems that might just spark your next adventure. And on a personal note—there’s a special birthday on the horizon for me, though I prefer to keep that a little low-key. 😉 

Two Places to Visit: From Submarines to Shipwrecks

Looking for a day out that’s a bit different? The Royal Navy Submarine Museum in Gosport is a must-see for history buffs and curious minds.

Step aboard HMS Alliance, the last remaining Second World War submarine, and take a fascinating tour through its cramped corridors. Peek through the original periscope and listen to real stories from the crew who once called this place home. It's a hands-on experience with a wealth of history—small in size but packed with intrigue! When I’ve shared this on Facebook, people always rave about it, and it’s easy to see why.

On my visit, I took the water taxi from Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, which added a fun, scenic twist to the day. Plus, there's more than just HMS Alliance—you’ll discover other submarines like Holland I and X24, alongside artefacts, ship plans, and photos. Don’t miss the gripping Silent and Secret exhibition, offering a rare glimpse into the Royal Navy’s nuclear deterrent. It’s a museum that keeps you captivated from start to finish.

Here’s another historical experience that will leave you in awe. The Mary Rose Museum is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Tudor England and the incredible story of King Henry VIII’s beloved warship.

Walking into the museum and seeing the Mary Rose, which sank in 1545, is nothing short of breathtaking. The preservation of the ship is astonishing—it's like stepping back in time. The interactive exhibits and 4D cinema make the history come alive, especially for the kids. I still remember the "wow" moment when I first laid eyes on the ship, and it’s an experience that never gets old.

If you love Tudor history, this is an unmissable visit. One visitor said it had been their dream to see the Mary Rose in person, and the experience did not disappoint. From the haunting smell of tar when you reach the top level to the goosebumps-inducing 4D cinema showcasing her recovery, it’s a powerful glimpse into history. Plus, it’s fully accessible with lifts and facilities, so everyone can enjoy the experience.

Maximise Your Adventure with the Ultimate Explorer Ticket

If you're looking to get the best value from your visit to the Mary Rose Museum and the Royal Navy Submarine Museum, the Ultimate Explorer ticket is the way to go. This brilliant pass gives you unlimited access to all the attractions for 12 months in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, so you can take your time exploring everything these fascinating sites have to offer—there’s no need to rush!

In addition to the Mary Rose and Royal Navy Submarine Museum, your ticket includes entry to incredible attractions like HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, HMS M.33, the National Museum of the Royal Navy, and more! You can even take a Harbour Tour and visit the Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower. Plus, with the waterbus included, you can easily hop between attractions without a worry.

There’s simply too much to fit into a single day, so the Ultimate Explorer ticket lets you spread out your visits and return whenever you like. Whether you're a history enthusiast or looking for fun family days out, this pass is hands-down the best way to experience it all while getting unbeatable value.

Hampshire Explorer is a weekly newsletter celebrating the best of Hampshire, with a growing community of enthusiastic readers. Do you have a local event, product, or service you’d like to showcase? Consider sponsoring an issue or adding to the Tip Jar.

Photo of the Week: An Abandoned Village!

I haven’t been to Hartley Mauditt, but I came across this photo recently and thought it was worth sharing! It’s considered an abandoned village not far from Alton, with just a few cottages and larger houses remaining after the population dwindled in the 18th century.

The village once boasted a medieval manor granted to William de Maldoit by William the Conqueror, though the manor itself was demolished in 1798. One of the few surviving structures is the old parish church of St Leonard, which still stands by a lake, offering a glimpse into the village’s past.

With its mention in the Domesday Book and peaceful countryside setting, Hartley Mauditt seems like a fascinating spot to explore—especially for anyone keen to see the church and enjoy a quiet retreat into history.

Events This Weekend

Prepare yourself for an exciting weekend filled with events in Hampshire! If you're looking for Halloween events, check out this list of upcoming activities.

Friday 25th October

• Lapstone Fireworks - Eastleigh - 7:30pm

• Oktoberfest Southampton - Guildhall Square, Above Bar Street - 6:30pm

Saturday 26th October

• TCS Community Fireworks - Whitchurch - 6pm

• Hispanic and Celtic Guitar Concert - Turner Sims, Southampton - 7:00pm-10:00pm

• Pizza and Milkshake Workshop - The Solent Hotel and Spa, Fareham - 11:00am-12:30pm

• The Smartest Giant in Town - Theatre Royal Winchester - 10:30am / 1:30pm

• Halloween Wizard School - Wellington Street, Aldershot - All Day

• Museum by Torchlight - Andover Museum - 5:30pm-8:00pm

• Southsea Girls' Market - The Hideaway, Southsea - 10:00am-3:00pm

• Heritage Walk for Writers and Non-Writers - Forest Arts Centre, New Milton - 10:00am

• Ultimate 80’s/90’s Party Night - Holiday Inn Basingstoke - 7:00pm

Sunday 27th October

• Poppy Proms – Festival of Remembrance - The Point, Eastleigh - 3:00pm-5:30pm

• Hovercraft Experience Flight - Sunday 2:20pm

• Science Museum The Live Show - New Theatre Royal - 12:30pm / 3:30pm

• The Smartest Giant in Town - Theatre Royal Winchester - 10:30am / 1:30pm

• Starlight Cinema Lates: 28 Days Later - Winchester Science Centre - 7:50pm-10:20pm

• Halloween Wizard School - Queensmead, Farnborough - All Day

• Pontoon Open Day - Portsmouth Historic Dockyard - 10:00am-4:30pm

• Eastney Engine Houses Open Day - Eastney, Portsmouth - 10:00am-3:00pm

• Milkshake! Live on Holiday - The Haymarket, Basingstoke - 11:00am / 2:30pm

Autumn Steam Up

I’m excited to share that I’ll be attending the Autumn Steam-Up at The Brickworks Museum on 27th October from 11am to 4pm!

This event celebrates the seasonal change as brickmakers traditionally wrap up their summer work. The museum will be in full Halloween spirit, with spooky decorations, crafts, and the unique thrill of a genuinely haunted site.

There’s so much to explore, from steam traction engines to miniature trains, and even a chance to see the working brickmaking machinery in action.

There’ll be craft stalls, train rides (for a small fee), spooky-themed activities for the kids, and plenty more to discover, including displays from the Hampshire Bat Group, Hedgehog Club, and the Wizards of the South!

Plus, there will be iconic vehicles, such as Victorian bicycles, military vehicles, and even a Rolls Royce saloon car on display.

A Cosy Stop at The Coffee Cup, Eastney Esplanade

One breezy afternoon, while walking along Eastney Esplanade towards Southsea Castle, we stumbled upon a little gem that turned our casual stroll into something special—The Coffee Cup. Tucked along the seafront, this family-run café instantly caught our eye with its beautiful views of the coastline.

With a few tables outside and a small play area for kids, it was the perfect place to stop for a break. The weather was a bit hit-and-miss that day, but it didn’t matter. If it had started raining, we could have easily moved under the shelter or, even better, inside by the cosy log burner.

The food was great, too - simple but delicious, and it complemented our drinks perfectly.

If you ever find yourself walking this route, you should stop at The Coffee Cup.

Hampshire Explorer’s Hot Picks

• I don’t want to mention Christmas yet - but get these Christmas Lights Switch on Dates in your diary.

• Sail away for less than £50 a night! Check out this last minute November cruise from Southampton: See the deal.

• I found this great book on Waterside Walks in Hampshire on Amazon.

• Save 45% on this indoor skydiving experience in Basingstoke.

• Use code “EHAFF2024” for 15% off English Heritage Memberships.

That’s all for this edition! I hope you’ve found some inspiration. As always, I’d love to hear from you—whether it’s about a place you’ve recently visited, suggestions for future issues, or just general feedback, feel free to share your thoughts below. Your input helps shape the newsletter, so don’t hesitate to let me know what you think!

Until next week,

Hannah