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Haslar Heritage Days – A Deep Dive into History
13th November 2025Haslar Heritage Days – A Deep Dive into History
Royal Haslar’s unique architecture, distinguished medical, naval and military past and its status as both an important heritage site and brand-new residential community make it a singularly captivating tour destination. Over the weekend of 19th, 20th and 21st of September, as part of Gosport Heritage Open Days, the extremely knowledgeable Haslar Heritage Group once again led tours of the grounds and stately buildings, ‘Royal Hospital Haslar: Past & Present.’
The group welcomed 527 people over the three days, of whom over a third had been patients at the former hospital, staff members – or both. Whether familiar with the site or not, all were entranced by the restoration work preserving the site’s heritage, the new additions complementing the old, and along the way taking a deep dive into its history as the first naval hospital in the country, receiving its first patients in 1753.
The group welcomed 527 people over the three days, of whom over a third had been patients at the former hospital, staff members – or both. Whether familiar with the site or not, all were entranced by the restoration work preserving the site’s heritage, the new additions complementing the old, and along the way taking a deep dive into its history as the first naval hospital in the country, receiving its first patients in 1753.
During the twice-daily tours, which kicked off from Grade II* Listed St Luke’s Chapel, a stop was made in Trinity House’s show apartments along the way, while new café ‘Coffee Quarters’ received great feedback. Several Royal Haslar residents and supporters of the Haslar Heritage Group were also on hand to run a pop up café and shop in the old medical mess building, and help out in the car park.
Haslar Heritage Group reports it has also held 11 private group tours and talks to local heritage enthusiasts throughout 2025, and continues to offer personal tours to local groups, ex-staff, organisations and individuals. Haslar Heritage Group will also be running guided tours during the next Gosport Heritage Open Days, in September 2026. For further details, haslarheritagegroup.co.uk/tours/
Haslar Heritage Group reports it has also held 11 private group tours and talks to local heritage enthusiasts throughout 2025, and continues to offer personal tours to local groups, ex-staff, organisations and individuals. Haslar Heritage Group will also be running guided tours during the next Gosport Heritage Open Days, in September 2026. For further details, haslarheritagegroup.co.uk/tours/