Florence Nightingale, “The Lady With the Lamp” is buried at Wellow, in the churchyard of St Margaret of Antioch. The Nightingale family were prominent local landowners and have a monument marking their family burial plot. Every year a service is held to commemorate her and pilgrims come from all over the world. A short film about her life has been made by local people and is shown in the church hall by prior arrangement.
Mottisfont Abbey is a former priory, converted to private use and with a fascinating history. It dates from Saxon times and is noted for the trompe-l’oeuil painting of curtains, marble and granite walls by Rex Whistler in the interior. The famous Rose gardens are at their best in June. National Trust…
Broadlands: An impressive stately house, it was home to Lord Mountbatten of Burma, has been stayed in by Prince Charles and Princess Diana on their honeymoon, and is now lived in by Lady Brabourne, it has been superbly refurbished and is open to the public along with the grounds. Many concerts and large events are hosted in the grounds throughout the year.
Salisbury: 11 miles from Wellow is the medieval city of Salisbury, noted for the height of its cathedral spire. Also within the cathedral is one of the last remaining copies of the Magna Carta, the document from which our constitution and that of many other countries, derives. Salisbury is the subject of the fascinating and best-selling epic ”Sarum”(Edward Rutherford).
Bournemouth: Long, lovely stretches of golden sands. Interesting coastal walks, and close to the beauty spots of Lulworth Cove, Studland Bay, Corfe castle and Brownsea island. The town is right on the beach, 2 minutes walk.
Exbury Gardens: For garden lovers this has a huge collection of Rhododendrons and Azaleas. It is a huge park with many other trees and plants and now a steam railway to take you round in style.
Winchester: This was the capital city of England in medieval times and there are no end of historical features and ancient buildings. King Arthur’s Great Hall and Round Table are worth seeing as is the famous Cathedral. The main shopping area. a pedestrian precinct, is sometimes referred to as a Little London due to its cosmopolitan atmosphere, cafe culture and street entertainment.
Romsey: Only 5 miles away, this was the Market Town for Wellow and the surrounding villages. It has a lovely olde world atmosphere, an abundance of nice tea-shops, pubs and restaurants, and the Abbey is well worth a visit. You can also visit Broadlands, the home of the Earl and Countess of Mountbatten.
The New Forest: Every village in the Forest has its own story; despite its name, this is a very ancient Forest where folk-lore abounds There are many places to visit, or just enjoy the sight of herds of wild ponies grazing. Drive slowly, as they wander onto the roads at will! This is a paradise for walkers and cyclists, and popular for horse-riding.
Southampton: Most of the well-known cruise ships depart, or dock here. It has a large shopping centre with every shop I have ever heard of, and for the 18 – 30 age group, plenty of night-life. The Mayflower theatre hosts many West End productions, Opera, Ballet, Theatre and Ice Shows.
Paultons Leisure Park offers a great family day out with over 40 different attractions and rides included in the price. The variety of things to see and do includes thrilling and gentle rides, dinosaurs, museums, animated shows, play areas, exotic birds and other fun activities for all ages in garden setting. Paultons has just been voted the best value family theme park in Britain. Paultons attracts over 550,000 visitors a year. Open March – November and some extra weekends from 10.00 am to 6.30 pm.
Price Guide – Family of 4 £44.00. Web: www.paultonspark.co.uk Tel: 023 8081 4442.
