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In 1997 the Gardens were included by English Heritage on the Register of Parks and Gardens of special historic interest in England for the value of the plant collections. These collections continue to be enhanced and developed, and now boast the largest Winter Garden of its kind in Europe and the Gurkha Memorial Garden with an extensive collection of Nepalese plants.

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Portchester can be considered a complete history of England in one place. First used by the Romans as a base from which they could clear the sea of barbarian raiders, it became a Saxon settlement from the middle of the 5th century until the end of the 9th century. A castle was first built here in the early 12th century. It became a useful stronghold and its proximity to the harbour made it ideal for channel crossings. Henry I used it often and it became both a secure lodging and a safe... [more]

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Begun as a 12th-century Norman keep and bailey castle, the palace was the chief residence of the Bishops of Winchester. Situated next to Winchester Cathedral, its extensive ruins reflect their importance and wealth. The last great occasion at Wolvesey was on 25 July 1554, when Queen Mary and Philip of Spain held their wedding breakfast in the East Hall. [more]

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The ruins of a medieval palace (together with later additions) used by the bishops and senior clergy of Winchester as they travelled through their diocese. Winchester was the richest diocese in England, and its properties were grandiose and extravagantly appointed. Much of what can be seen today is the work of William Wykeham, who was bishop from 1367. There is an exhibition on the Winchester bishops on the first floor of the farmhouse.

Other palaces of the Bishops of... [more]

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John Fortin, a merchant who traded with Bordeaux, started building this house c. 1290. A residence and place of business, it stood on one of the busiest streets in medieval Southampton. It has now been restored to its mid-14th-century appearance by the removal of later additions. The house stands near the medieval town wall, built to defend Southampton against seaborne attacks. Netley Abbey, Calshot Castle and Hurst Castle are all within reasonable travelling distance. [more]

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This artillery fort, built by Henry VIII to defend the sea passage to Southampton, was recently used as a Navy and RAF base. [more]

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One of the most advanced of the artillery fortresses built by Henry VIII: used as a prison for eminent 17th-century captives, and later strengthened during the 19th and 20th centuries. It commands the narrow entrance to the Solent. [more]