ANYONE interested in a guided tour of local ruins steeped in history should not miss the opportunity for a historic stroll around Netley Abbey.

The tour of the ruins will take walkers back to the founding of the Abbey by Cisterian monks in 1239 to its history with Henry VIII and how it was converted into a stately home by the first Marquess of Winchester.

People will also learn more about the Abbey's links with Jane Austen and JMW Turner.

Organised by Hamble Valley Tourism, the tour takes place on May 30 at 2pm. Meet at the Netley Abbey carpark.