Tudor House and Garden is a historic building, museum, tourist attraction, and Grade I listed building in Southampton, England. Established as Southampton's first museum in 1912, the house was closed for nine years between 2002 and 2011 during an extensive renovation.
Southampton’s most important historic building, Tudor House reveals over 800 years of history in one fascinating location at the heart of the Old Town. The timber-framed building facing St Michael’s Square was built in the late 15th Century, with King John’s Palace, an adjacent Norman house accessible from Tudor House Garden, dating back a further 300 years. Tudor House gives a unique and atmospheric insight into the lives and times of both its residents through the years, and of Southampton itself. It appeals to visitors of all ages and interests, who find the family-friendly activities, interactive technology and fascinating displays a winning combination.
Access
The only public area in the building which is permanently not accessible to people with mobility impairment or wheelchair users is the basement, as it is accessed by steep steps. Outside, some areas of the garden and King John’s Palace are also not accessible to wheelchair users due to steep steps. Please be aware that larger mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs cannot use the lifts to the upstairs area due to weight limitations. Due to fire regulations, only two wheelchairs are able to access the upstairs of the house at any one time.
Access for children’s pushchairs / buggies is possible in most areas except the basement and some areas of the garden. There is also a buggy park available.
For visually impaired visitors, there is a touch model in the garden which sets the house within the context of the Old Town street landscape.
For people who are deaf or have impaired hearing, we provide the script to the Big Show, and the audio guide as a print out. Tudor House and Garden is also fitted with an induction loop.
All labels and other information can be provided in large print; please ask at the entrance. Assistance dogs are welcome.
The nearest parking spaces for Blue Badge holders can be found here.
3D Digital Tours
We have developed a 3D virtual tour of the entire house which allows anyone to explore areas which we have been unable to make accessible by lift or stair platform, such as the attic or cellars. The software allows you to move from room to room, and explains many of the interesting features throughout the house. You will find this in the Explorer Room on the ground floor.The attics are not accessible to the public except via the virtual tour in the Explorer Room on the ground floor, which everyone can access, or on some pre-booked guided tours.
