Big Noise Community Samba Band

Located at the heart of the beautiful, historic coastal market town of Lymington, St Barbe is both a dynamic museum and highly regarded art gallery that appeals to both locals and New Forest visitors. The museum explores the history of Lymington and the New Forest Coast, inspired by local pride, and supported by the local community, its collections and colourful, hands-on displays offer a fascinating insight into the area for all ages. Our vision is to become the most respected small Museum and Art Gallery in the UK – using art, heritage and culture to inspire the whole community.

The Diving Museum is located in No2 Battery Stokes Bay Road Gosport. The museum is undergoing a redevelopment to repair and improve the building making more of it accessible to the public. The plans include new displays which will tell 3 stories: the history of diving, the history of No2 Battery, and the story of Stokes Bay. Until May 2025 the museum had been managed and operated solely by volunteers. Following funding and as part of the redevelopment it now has a small museum team of employed staff. The museum will reopen in 2026 and offer events, activities, and an education programme.

Jane Austen’s House is one of the most important sites in English Literature and our national heritage. From this home Jane Austen wrote and revised all six of her novels, creating characters and worlds that are today read across the world and remain deeply influential for writers, readers and creatives. The House has been open as a museum since 1949 and today houses an unparalleled collection of letters, first editions and objects in a beautiful and inspiring setting. Alongside permanent exhibitions the museum creates an annual program of temporary displays and regular festivals and workshops, as well as welcoming visits from schools and universities.