The best museums Southeast

A fascinating museum of anthropology and archaeology, this museum is right next to the Oxford Museum of Natural History and can be accessed through its entrance. It opened its doors in 1884, when General Pitt Rivers, an influential figure in the development of evolutionary archaeology and anthropology, decided to leave its collections to Oxford University. It is still possible to see objects from all regions of the world. It is also an educational and research institution. We love its typically Victorian atmosphere.

Founded in 1683, it was the first museum open to the public in England. Works of art and archaeology are displayed in a light and airy building. This unjustly overlooked museum presents a fantastic panorama of the history of human civilization, with its first-rate collections and contemporary museography. On the^3rd floor, there are several paintings by the masters of Impressionism and their followers. A collection of paintings by Walter Sickert and the Camden Town Group offers a contemporary vision of English painting.

Established in 1860, the museum was the center for scientific studies at Oxford University. The building itself is well worth a visit, with its Gothic style and superb entrance hall. The Earth Collections feature exhibits from the Palaeontological section, with 30,000 rocks and minerals and dinosaur skeletons. The Life Collections, meanwhile, are of great zoological interest, with no fewer than 250,000 specimens of stuffed animals of all kinds.

This small, independent museum is housed in a former St. Nicholas fishermen's church. Opened in 1956, it focuses on the maritime and fishing history of Hastings, with photographs, paintings and period objects. Models, nets, ropes and explanations bring to life this key activity of the region. The small gift store is packed with fascinating objects such as fossils and precious stones, as well as books on local history to dig a little deeper.

In 1765, General John Guise bequeathed his collection of early artists, more than 200 paintings and 2,000 drawings, to the University of Christ Church, his former college. Oxford can thus introduce art into its courses, thus avoiding students having to go as far as Italy. The collection was then enriched by other donations. Today it has 300 paintings and many paintings of Italian art from the 14th to the 18th century with artists such as Tintoretto and Veronese.

Set in the house of the Victorian photographer Julia Margaret Cameron, the museum recounts the life and career of the artist, one of the pioneers of photography in the th century. Temporary exhibitions are also organized.

In the vicinity of Freshwater, bathers will enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches.

In this typical cottage you can buy typical souvenirs and discover a small museum dedicated to the village.

The Oxfordshire Museum's permanent collection traces the history of the town and surrounding area, as well as its period crafts. This is a great visit to make with children, who are sure to appreciate the museum's practicality. It's also a good stop-off point for understanding the area before exploring it further, or if you're heading to the Cotswolds afterwards. The museum is housed in a historic mansion, Fletcher's House, and is divided into 10 galleries on a variety of subjects, from local history to art and archaeology.

Located under the Victorian arches of Brighton station, this museum houses almost 10,000 items related to the world of toys and childhood over more than 4,000^m2. Aimed at toy enthusiasts and younger visitors alike, it features trains dating back to 1860, dioramas and many other objects from Britain, Europe and the USA. It's the ideal activity to do with your children if the weather doesn't allow you to enjoy swimming and the beach.

Inside the museum, you'll find an appreciable variety of collections, from Art Deco and Art Nouveau objects to Spanish, Flemish and English paintings, costumes and archaeological finds. The museum also offers a rich program of temporary exhibitions. To complement the exhibits, interactive screens are installed, attracting the interest of younger visitors.