Britain’s regional museums & galleries – South East England

South East England’s regional museums & galleries

Let’s start our tour of South East England in Oxfordshire at Dorchester Abbey. The Abbey isn’t only a spiritual centre, but also a popular tourist destination as it is one of the largest public buildings in the county of Oxfordshire and a much sought after venue for concerts and other major exhibitions.

Dorchester Abbey

Dorchester Abbey Museum

The Cloister Gallery at Dorchester Abbey Museum (www.dorchester-abbey.org.uk/museum.htm) uses the collection of carved and moulded medieval stonework to tell the story of this 12th-century abbey and illustrate the craftsmanship of the medieval stonemason. There are around 101 carved and moulded stones on display creating an unforgettable display that will stimulate and excite you, and arouse your curiosity to learn more.

Oxford’s historic museums and galleries

In Oxford, you’ll feel part of a city where you can feed your mind and stimulate the soul. Stroll through the town’s history at the Museum of Oxford (www.museumofoxford.org.uk/), or take an indoor ride through time at The Oxford Story (www.oxford-story.co.uk/). Indulge your passion for art history at the Ashmolean Museum (www.ashmolean.org/), one of the world’s oldest museums, or catch up with the latest contemporary creations at Modern Art Oxford (www.modernartoxford.org.uk/).

Dover, looking down over the town

World’s oldest sea-going boat

Moving across to Kent, visit Sandwich Guildhall Museum which tells the story of the town of Sandwich through illustrative panels and artefacts dating back to the 13th century. Then on to Dover and the town’s Museum and Bronze Age Boat Gallery (www.dover.gov.uk/museum/) where you can explore the town’s history and view the world’s oldest sea-going boat believed to be over 3,500 years old, older than Tutankhamun and from the same period as Stonehenge.

Weald and Downland Open Air Museum

Then move on to the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum (www.wealddown.co.uk). Set in 50 acres of beautiful Sussex countryside, more than 500 years of architectural heritage is represented. Wander amongst a fascinating collection of nearly 50 historic buildings dating from the 13th to the 19th century, many with period gardens, together with farm animals, woodland walks and a picturesque lake.
 
www.24hourmuseum.org.uk (www.24hourmuseum.org.uk)

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