Antiques Road Trip

Catherine Southon and Tim Medhurst travel through the New Forest and along Southampton Water, discovering how tide mills operate as part of their investigation. The auction features a mantle clock and a pocket watch among the items up for bid.

The programme follows presenters Catherine Southon and Tim Medhurst as they take viewers on a guided tour of the New Forest and the waters of Southampton. It’s presented as a single episode that blends travel with a touch of history, offering a snapshot of life in these distinctive English locales. During the episode the pair wander through the ancient woodlands of the New Forest before heading out onto Southampton Water, where they discover the workings of tide milling. Their commentary explains how the rise and fall of the tide have been harnessed for milling, giving insight into a traditional method that still shapes the landscape. Alongside the geographical and technical focus, the show also highlights a small auction segment. Items slated to go under the hammer include a classic mantle clock, its case reflecting Victorian design, and a compact pocket watch, both of which exemplify the kind of antique timepieces that often surface in regional sales. These elements – the exploration of the forest and waterway, the educational glimpse into tide‑driven milling, and the brief look at the clock and watch up for auction – together form the core of the episode, providing a concise yet varied look at the area’s natural, industrial, and collectible heritage.