Start our journey with Bishop's Waltham Palace, the impressive ruins of the medieval palace of the Bishops of Winchester. This place, though in ruins, still impresses with its monumental architecture and rich history. The palace, built in the 12th century, has witnessed many important historical events. Today, strolling through the extensive grounds, one can admire the remains of the impressive walls, towers and halls. Importantly, admission is free, making it ideal for a family outing. Children will surely appreciate the opportunity to explore the ruins and imagine the life of medieval bishops.

Another fascinating monument is Wolvesey Castle, also known as Old Bishop's Palace. This place, like Bishop's Waltham Palace, was the seat of the Bishops of Winchester, but its history goes even deeper into the past. The castle ruins, located in the heart of historic Winchester, offer visitors a glimpse into the life of the medieval church aristocracy. Although mostly foundations and fragments of walls remain, the site has an unusual charm and atmosphere. Admission is also free, making it another attractive option for families with children.

Not to be missed is The Great Hall in Winchester, the only surviving part of medieval Winchester Castle. This place is most famous for the legendary 'King Arthur's Round Table' that hangs on the wall of the hall. Although the table actually dates back to the 13th century and was painted in the time of Henry VIII, it remains a fascinating part of England's history and legends. The Great Hall offers interactive exhibits and costumes that are sure to interest younger visitors.

When comparing the three facilities, it's worth noting their diversity. Bishop's Waltham Palace and Wolvesey Castle are sprawling ruins, ideal for lovers of exploration and photography. The Great Hall, on the other hand, offers a more organized tour with specific exhibits. All three sites are easily accessible and offer parking, although this may be a bit more limited in the case of The Great Hall due to its central location in Winchester. In terms of pricing, Bishop's Waltham Palace and Wolvesey Castle offer free entry, while The Great Hall charges a small fee (£4 for adults, as of 2023). Each of these sites has its own unique character and offers a different experience, but all are excellent choices for a family trip full of history and adventure.

Continuing our tour of Hampshire's historic treasures, we can't leave out The Grange at Northington. This neoclassical mansion, built in the 18th century, is a true architectural gem. Although the interior is not open to the public, the impressive facade and surrounding landscaped gardens are breathtaking. The Grange is famous for its summer opera festivals, which adds to the charm of the place. It's an ideal place to picnic and admire the architecture, though be warned that amenities are limited.

Another fascinating site is the Palace House in Beaulieu. Home to the Montagu family since 1538, this Victorian palace offers visitors a unique time travel experience. The palace's interiors are lavishly decorated and offer a glimpse of how the aristocracy lived in the 19th century. Palace House is part of a larger complex that also includes the National Automotive Museum, making it an ideal day trip for families with diverse interests.

National Trust - The Vyne is another Hampshire architectural gem. This Tudor manor house has a fascinating history dating back to the 16th century. Visitors can admire not only the impressive architecture, but also the rich collections of arts and crafts. The gardens of The Vyne are as impressive as the building itself, offering beautiful views and peaceful places to relax. It's the perfect place for families who want to combine history study with outdoor recreation.

National Trust - Hinton Ampner is another monument worth visiting. This elegant Georgian-style house is famous for its beautiful gardens, which are considered to be among the most beautiful in England. The interiors of the house are lavishly decorated and offer a glimpse into the life of the English aristocracy. Hinton Ampner is particularly attractive to lovers of gardening and architecture.

When comparing the four properties, it is worth noting their diversity. The Grange at Northington offers impressive exterior architecture, but limited interior access. Palace House, The Vyne and Hinton Ampner allow full tours of both the interior and gardens. In terms of amenities, Palace House, The Vyne and Hinton Ampner offer more - cafes, gift stores and restrooms, while The Grange has more limited amenities.

In terms of price, The Grange at Northington is free, but offers fewer attractions. Palace House, The Vyne and Hinton Ampner charge admission, but offer a full sightseeing experience instead. Prices range from moderate to high, but National Trust members can enjoy free admission to The Vyne and Hinton Ampner.

Accessibility is good for all sites, although The Grange may be more difficult to visit for those with limited mobility due to the uneven terrain. Palace House, The Vyne and Hinton Ampner offer better facilities for people with disabilities.

Each of these places has its own unique character and offers a different experience. The Grange is ideal for architecture lovers and quiet picnics. Palace House is a great choice for families with children because of the variety of attractions. The Vyne and Hinton Ampner are a paradise for lovers of history, art and gardening. All of these sites are excellent choices for a family trip, offering a fascinating journey through the different eras of England's history.

To conclude our tour of Hampshire's historical landmarks, we will focus on three exceptional sites that represent different aspects of England's turbulent history.

Let's start with Titchfield Abbey, the fascinating ruins of a 13th-century abbey that was later transformed into a Tudor residence. This place offers a remarkable journey through the centuries - from a medieval monastery to a Renaissance palace. The ruins are impressive and well-preserved, allowing visitors to imagine what life was like for the monks and later the aristocracy. The area around the abbey is ideal for a picnic, and free admission makes it an attractive destination for families.

Another fascinating site is Portchester Castle, one of the best-preserved Roman forts in northern Europe. This massive fortification, located on the waters of the Solent, has a history of more than 1,700 years. Visitors can climb the ramparts, which offer spectacular views of the surrounding area. Inside, there is a Norman chapel and an exhibition telling the rich history of the castle. This place is especially attractive to children, who can explore the many nooks and crannies and imagine the lives of Roman soldiers or medieval knights.

Last but not least is Fort Brockhurst, an example of a 19th-century defensive fortification. This fort, built in the 1860s, was intended to defend Portsmouth from a French invasion. Although it was never used in battle, it is a perfectly preserved example of Victorian military engineering. Visitors can explore the casemates, underground tunnels and artillery positions, which is sure to appeal to adults and children alike.

When comparing the three sites, it's worth noting their diversity and unique features. Titchfield Abbey offers a tranquil atmosphere and picturesque ruins, perfect for lovers of photography and medieval history. Portchester Castle impresses with its scale and long history, while offering interactive exhibitions and beautiful views. Brockhurst Fort, though the youngest, offers the unique experience of exploring a 19th-century fortress.

In terms of accessibility, all three sites have parking, but Fort Brockhurst can be more difficult to find. Portchester Castle and Titchfield Abbey are open year-round, while Fort Brockhurst has limited opening hours, mainly on weekends and during the summer season.

As for prices, Titchfield Abbey offers free admission, making it the most affordable. Portchester Castle and Fort Brockhurst charge admission, but offer more facilities and interactive exhibitions. Prices are moderate and family discounts are often available.

In terms of amenities, Portchester Castle offers the most - a gift store, café and restrooms. Titchfield Abbey and Fort Brockhurst have more limited facilities, but still offer basic visitor services.

Each of these sites offers a unique historical experience. Titchfield Abbey is ideal for those seeking the tranquility and romantic atmosphere of the ruins. Portchester Castle is an excellent choice for families with children because of its variety of attractions and interactive exhibitions. Brockhurst Fort, on the other hand, will appeal to lovers of military history and engineering.

All in all, these three sites, along with the previously discussed monuments, form a fascinating mosaic of Hampshire history. From Roman forts to medieval abbeys to 19th-century fortifications, there is something for everyone. Whether you're a lover of history, architecture, or just looking for an interesting place for a family trip, Hampshire's historical landmarks are sure not to disappoint. It's a journey through centuries of English history that will long be remembered.