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The bustling market town of Alton sits in the northeast of Hampshire. Recently used as a filming location for Gerard Butler movie, Greenland, Alton has some amazing literary connections and lots of exciting activities. We’ve put together the top 10 things to do in Alton.
Curtis Museum
A great place to start if you are looking on genning up on the history of Alton. Highlights of the museum displays include the Alton Buckle, the finest piece of Anglo-Saxon craftsmanship to have been found in Hampshire, the Selborne cup, a rare and high-quality enamelled Roman cup and the Gallery of Childhood, packed with toys and dolls dating back to the 18th century.
The Watercress Line
Step aboard The Watercress Line for a chance to experience the golden age of steam. A fantastic way to arrive in Alton, explore Alton’s heritage station and the town before heading back aboard to find other Hampshire towns along this line.
Look out for special events days including the ever-popular Days out with Thomas sessions.
Jane Austen’s House
Close by to Alton is the village of Chawton, the home of one of Hampshire’s most famous residents, Jane Austen.
It was in this inspiring cottage that Jane Austen’s genius flourished and where she wrote, revised, and had published all six of her globally beloved novels.
Explore the pretty cottage garden, try your hand at traditional garden games and enjoy Regency dress up, bonnet designing and much more on a visit here.
Jane Austen Trail Walk: Alton to Chawton
Soak up the history not only of Alton, but of Chawton too as you follow this 1.5-mile walking route. Start your journey from Alton High Street, where Jane and her sister Cassandra frequently walked for shopping and entertainment and end at the village of Chawton. Use the walking trail which highlights some of the Jane Austen connections along the way.
The Allen Gallery
This small gallery packs a punch when it comes to ceramics, and houses one of the best collections in the south of England. Items range in date from the 17th century to the present day and are primarily from the UK.
The gallery regularly holds exhibitions of arts, crafts and photography.
Alton Walking Festival
Originally a week-long festival, Alton Walking Festival is now so popular that it’s a month-long event! Taking place during May each year, this is a fantastic opportunity to explore areas of Alton and the surrounding countryside that aren’t familiar.
dill
Check out the local fare at foodie spot, dill. This small, independent café sits just off Alton’s High Street and uses as many local producers as possible.
The Lavender Fields
A few miles to the southeast of Alton, you can find The Lavender Fields. Part of Hartley Park Farm, the lavender fields offer hues of rich purple during the summer months and are quite the local landmark!
Outside of the field opening times, there’s a small coffee shop and gift shop selling lavender products.
Gilbert White’s House & Gardens
Just outside Alton, in nearby Selborne, you’ll find Gilbert White’s House & Gardens. Discover the beautifully restored house and gardens of natural history pioneer Gilbert White.
Gilbert White’s House is now a museum and museum highlights include the original manuscript of ‘The Natural History of Selborne’, White’s 18th century floral embroidered bed covers and White’s taxidermy hawfinch.
The extensive gardens have been restored to their former glory and are well worth visiting.
Be sure to check out the events happening throughout the year here too.
Hermanos Mexican
Spice things up by booking a table at Hermanos Mexican. Set over two floors, you’ll find eclectic Mexicana-inspired art on the wall and tasty Mexican street food up for grabs. During the summer months, take a seat in the private terrace or sit out front and overlook the comings and goings of Alton’s Market Place.
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Step inside the Curtis Museum to discover one of the finest local history collections in Hampshire, exploring 100 million years of the region’s past. Highlights of the museum displays include the Alton Buckle, the finest piece of Anglo-Saxon craftsmanship to have been found in Hampshire, the Selborne cup, a rare and high-quality enamelled Roman cup and the Gallery of Childhood, packed with toys and dolls dating back to the 18th century.
Experience the golden age of steam on the Mid Hants Railway 'Watercress Line'! Whether you are taking a trip down memory lane or making new ones, sit back, relax and travel through the heart of quintessential English countryside by steam train, looking towards stunning views of the South Downs National Park.
Jane Austen’s House in the picturesque Hampshire village of Chawton is one of the most important literary sites in the world. It was in this inspiring cottage that Jane Austen’s genius flourished and where she wrote, revised, and had published all six of her globally beloved novels.
This is a walk from the market town of Alton to Chawton village that will help you discover Jane Austen’s world, seeing it come alive with every step.
The Allen Gallery is an intimate setting for one of the most outstanding collections of ceramics in the south of England. With over 3,000 pieces in the museum, the exceptional display of ceramics holds something to interest all visitors. Items range in date from the 17th century to the present day and are primarily from the UK, along with some eastern Asian and continental wares which have historically influenced the ceramics industry in this country.
Alton is a vibrant Walkers are Welcome Hampshire town which truly has community spirit at its heart. Situated at the source of the River Wey and with a stunning rural backdrop to the gateway of the South Downs National Park, Alton is known by many as 'Jane Austen Country' with its close ties to its charming neighbouring parish of Chawton.
A small independent cafe set in a beautiful historical building just off the Market Square in Alton, dill offers a regularly changing seasonal menu, showcasing local produce where possible. Available to eat in or takeaway.
Lavender Fields - in the heart of the beautiful Hampshire countryside, set against the ancient trees of the Selborne Hanger.
Located in Selborne, a stunning corner of the South Downs National Park, Gilbert White’s 17th century home is now a museum open to visitors. Museum highlights include, the original manuscript of ‘The Natural History of Selborne’, White’s 18th century floral embroidered bed covers and White’s taxidermy hawfinch.
