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Berkshire
If you haven't been to a museum in years for fear of drab venues and broken pots in glass cases, you may be interested to hear that museums in England have been transported into the 21st century.
Prepare yourself for a surprise as the South East has some of the most fun museums in England, with hundreds across the region.
In place of stuffy rooms and wardens shushing for quiet, you'll find inspirational and interactive spaces with engaging and accessible exhibits from retro cars to animatronics. Whether you're into heritage, art, science, maritime, or wildlife, you're bound to find something right up your street.
The featured museums in the counties of South East England demonstrate the sheer variety of interest on offer and a more detailed list of museums in South East England can be located through the map at the bottom of this page.
The South East is home to two brilliant Dockyards: Portsmouth Historic Dockyard in Hampshire and The Historic Dockyard Chatham in Kent. Discover maritime history onboard some of the most famous war ships in British Naval history and find out what life was like for sailors in years gone by.
Car enthusiasts won’t want to miss the world-famous National Motor Museum at Beaulieu in Hampshire’s New Forest. See one of the largest car collections held by any of the museums in England, with 250 cars of every age including land speed record-breakers Golden Arrow and Bluebird.
Many of Britain’s best-loved authors lived in the South East and found the region inspirational for their work. Explore the Jane Austen's House in Hampshire, the house where Jane Austen wrote some of her famous novels, and visit the many locations in Kent that tell of the life and works of Charles Dickens.
Use the 'Map View' button below to find museums near you in South East England including dozens of local museums showcasing their town's proud history. Check individual listings to see which museums are open today.
Number of results: 121
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Museum
Wallingford
Wallingford Museum is a colourful, delightfully intimate and family friendly local history museum, housed on two floors of this medieval oak-beamed building in the heart of Wallingford in Oxfordshire.
Museum
HM Naval Base, Portsmouth
The National Museum of the Royal Navy Portsmouth brings history to life. It showcases treasures from the past 350 years and examines the common threads which link the sailor of England’s ‘Wooden Walls’ to the professional crews of today.
Museum
Winchester
The story of the County Regiment of Hampshire, its Regular, Militia and Volunteers from 1702.
Arts Centre
Winchester
A vibrant and versatile gallery space hosting a changing programme of exhibits to celebrate the best of Winchester's thriving arts and heritage scene.
Museum
Hove
Hove Museum is one of the most family friendly and accessible museums in the south east. It also houses one of the finest craft collections in the country.
Castle / Fort
Windsor
Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and the Official Residence of Her Majesty The Queen.
Gallery
Cookham, Maidenhead
This Gallery is dedicated to the life and work of Sir Stanley Spencer RA (1891-1959). It has a wonderful collection of more than 100 of his paintings and drawings.
Museum
Hastings
Displays of dinosaurs, wildlife, Native Americans, paintings, ceramics, features on John Logie Baird and Robert Tressel, temporary exhibitions and the Durbar Hall.
Historic House / Palace
Southampton
Uncover over 800 years of history in the heart of Southampton’s Old Town. Tudor House and Garden gives visitors an insight in to the lives and times of its residents with informative displays and hands on interactive experiences.
Museum
Rochester
The Huguenot Museum tells the story of Britain's first refugees: the skills they brought to the UK, their descendants, and relevance to the story of refugees today.
Historic House / Palace
Edenbridge
Chiddingstone Castle, whose history can be traced back to the early 16th Century, is a unique country house located in the historic village of Chiddingstone in Kent.
Museum
Southampton
SeaCity Museum tells the story of the people of Southampton, their fascinating lives and the city’s historic connection with the sea. Visit us to discover how we bring maritime history to life through an interactive experience designed of all ages.
Historic Site
Fareham
Fort Nelson is a superbly restored Victorian fort overlooking Portsmouth Harbour. It is home to the Royal Armouries national artillery collection with over 350 historic guns on display.
Gallery
Southampton
The art gallery attracts art-lovers, curious amateurs as well as those who simply enjoy the atmosphere of a gallery.
Museum
Eastbourne
An impressive Napoleonic circular brick fortress which provides the perfect home for the largest military museum in the South East.
Museum
Winchester
Five splendid military museums on an historic site with Visitor Centre, café displays and activities to interest all the family.
Museum
HM Naval Base, Portsmouth
Explore the remains of Henry VIII’s favourite ship, recovered from the seabed in one of the most challenging archaeological excavations of all time. From the large bronze and iron guns to personal items like wooden bowls, tiny dice and nit combs,...
Museum
Fareham
An elegant 18thC building with a Victorian-style public garden at the rear. Displays tell the story of Fareham, using models, graphics and objects with a varied temporary exhibition gallery.
Museum
Dover
The museum features changing displays on local history including Ian Fleming and Noel Coward. Access is via the Tea Room.
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