Celebrate local heritage stories
Alongside The Spring’s programme of cultural events, we are proud to host and deliver activity that focuses on local heritage.
From uncovering points of historical interest with our Heritage Walks, coming along to informative meetings ran by Havant History Group, or taking part in free community events as part of the yearly Heritage Open Days Festival.
The Spring is also home to Havant Museum and Research Room.
Lead and supporting photos photo (c) Jasmine Aurora
Heritage Walks
Local heritage enthusiast, Nigel Brown, leads a programme of trails to uncover our history. The walks will last around 1.5 to 2 hours. They are open to all and requiring just a modicum of fitness. We ask that no dogs, apart from assistance dogs, are brought along on the walk please. We are firming up details for the Spring 2026 Season, but you can browse the ones held during Autumn 2025 to give you a taste of the themes.
Tuesday 16th September, 10.30am – All Aboard!
This walk will start and end at The Spring
Saturday 11th October, 10.30am – Earning A Living In Old Portsmouth
This walk will start and end at the entrance to Portsmouth Harbour railway station
Tuesday 14th October, 10.30am – Scenes From Chichester Life
The walk will start and finish at the Cross in Chichester.
Tuesday 21st October, 10:30am – Curtain Up!
Details on the location of this walk to follow.
Tuesday 4th November, 10:30am – A Saxon Winter.
This walk will start and end at The Red Lion, Chalton
Havant History Group Meetings
We are home to Havant Local History Group who meet on the first Saturday of the month, 10am – 12noon.
These sessions are free, and you can join them in the Harrison Room for their open meetings.
| Saturday | 3 Jan 2026 | No Meeting | |
| Saturday | 31 Jan 2026 | Visit to Campdown | TBC |
| Saturday | 7 Feb 2026 | What have the Romans ever done for us? Roman Roads | Mark Seaman |
| Saturday | 7 Mar 2026 | The Siege of Gibraltar | Scott Daly |
| Saturday | 4 Apr 2026 | Treasons in Warblington: Margaret Pole and Her Sons | David Warner |
| Saturday | 2 May 2026 | Knowle Asylum | Jane Painter |
| Saturday | 6 June 2026 | The Cartophical Society | Keith Miller |
| Saturday | 4 July 2026 | In Search of a Druggist: A Genealogical Journey into the 19th Century | Fiona Ranger |
| Saturday | 1 August 2026 | Annual Walk | Nigel Brown |
| Saturday | 5 Sep 2026 | Heritage Open Days pre-Launch | Neil Spurgeon |
| Friday to Sunday | 11-20 Sep 2026 | Havant Borough Heritage Festival | Separate programme to follow |
| Saturday | 3 Oct 2026 | Ten minute talks | Members |
| Saturday | 7 Nov 2026 | The House across the Road | Gillian Peskett |
| Saturday | 5 Dec 2026 | Riffin’ on Griffins | Neil Spurgeon |
Havant Borough Heritage Festival 2025
The Spring is delighted to support the Havant Borough Heritage Festival, a series of events part of Heritage Open Days, held usually in Autumn every year.
During September 2025, and along with many other venues, we offered free activities and events across the borough and surrounding areas to celebrate our rich history and culture.
The program for 2026 is currently being drafted but you can browse below all the events held during Autumn 2025:
Events hosted at The Spring:
Wednesday 17th September, 2pm – Talk on The Story of Manor House Academy
Thursday 18th September, 1.30pm – Talk on Swing Riots
Saturday 20th September, 2pm – Talk on A.E. Stallard and the Architecture of Havant
Other events taking place off-site which were bookable via our box office:
Friday 12th September, 10:30am – The Mills of Havant and Langstone
Thursday 18th September, 10am & 12pm – Pallant Centre Tour
Friday 19th September, 2pm & 3pm – Cemetery Tour
Friday 19th September, 2:30pm – Wade Court Gardens Walk
Saturday 20th September, 11:30am – A.E. Stallard and the Architecture of Havant (Walk)
Sunday 21st September, 10:30am – Strolling to Langstone
The full schedule of festival events held in Havant, can be found in the Heritage Open Days website.