The bustling market town of Alton offers a delightful mix of historic buildings, modern shops and arcades. It is well known for its regular Tuesday market day as well as other markets and fairs.
For history lovers, the Curtis Museum has one of the finest local history collections in Hampshire, housing impressive Anglo Saxon and Roman artifacts as well as a childhood gallery packed with toys, books and dolls from the 18th century. Literary lovers will also enjoy the nearby village of Chawton, famously home of Jane Austen. Charters are also located in the cathedral city of Winchester and other thriving market towns of Alresford and Farnham. These locations are well positioned to reach the coast, as indeed they also are to reach many major towns such as Basingstoke and Reading to the north, and Southampton, Portsmouth and Bournemouth to the south. It is also well worth noting the myriad of pretty villages and beautiful countryside that Hampshire has to offer. Although all locations are within comfortable reach of the London airports, they are just short journeys from the airports at Southampton and Bournemouth, providing both domestic, and an increasing number of international flights. Should flying not appeal, you can always reach the continent by sea from either Portsmouth or Southampton. Both Winchester and Alton have fast and frequent railway services to London Waterloo, with the journeys taking approximately 55 minutes.
Discover Britain’s most-loved writer. Jane Austen’s House Museum in Chawton, Hampshire is the only house where Jane lived and wrote which is open to the public as a museum.
Selborne and its surrounding landscape inspired Gilbert White’s life-long investigation of the natural world, culminating in his world-famous book The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne. Gilbert White’s story is told within the walls of his family home and his unique 18th century garden. The later extensions to the house host the Oates Collections, celebrating two very different explorers of the natural world.
Local and natural history, local crafts. Dolls and houses, Victorian toys.
Experience the steam trains running along the edge of the South Downs National Park, nicknamed for its early role in transporting this locally grown crop to the markets in London and beyond.
26 acres of beautiful grounds housing an impressive bird collection, aquarium and children’s farm.
An internationally respected research and learning centre for the study of early women’s writing from 1600 to 1830. Access to the library’s unique collection is for the benefit of scholars and the general public alike. Set in the quintessentially English manor house that once belonged to Jane Austen’s brother, Edward; the library, house and gardens – plus an always fascinating calendar of events – make Chawton House Library a very special and memorable place to visit and enjoy.
There are so many wonderful choices of establishments and environments. These are some of our favourites.
Tucked away in the heart of Hampshire’s rolling green, a true country pub at heart. You’ll always find the bar stocked with great local ales and wines and menus brimming with the finest British seasonal ingredients. Whether dining in the cosy restaurant or bar, soaking up the rays in our garden in the summer or resting your head in our cottage-style rooms, you’ll always find a warm welcome.
Set in glorious Hampshire countryside, (the pub is opposite one of the most picturesque cricket pitches ever seen; going through the gate is like entering a fantasy world). Lower Wield is 20 minutes drive from Winchester, Basingstoke and Alton and 5 minutes from Four Marks, but it is still very much in the countryside. The birds chirp and the sheep baaaa with just the occasional car. Beautiful peace.
Homely, relaxed and inviting, this is a gem of a small pub.
A little corner of Italy in the heart of Alton. A family run business with freshly prepared Italian dishes and cakes and a friendly atmosphere, where all are welcome!
Alton is another Hampshire market town with some outstanding educational facilities, for all age groups.
There is a hotel or B&B to suit all tastes.
Country house hotel set in the idyllic market town of Alton offering good quality en-suite accommodation, excellent conference and meeting facilities and is well renowned as a wedding venue. Excellent restaurant, bar area and relaxing lounges for residents and guests to enjoy.
Dating from 1777, the Swan hotel is an iconic timepiece, set in the old market town of Alton. Originally the home of pioneering English naturalist and ornithologist Gilbert White, the hotel is an impressive piece of architecture which complements the surrounding countryside. The Swan draws inspiration from the Jane Austen era, both Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice were written here.
