Local Attractions in the Alton, Hampshire area
Watch our Visitor Information video
Please watch our Visitor's Information video which we have created to give you a complete guide to things to see and do, whilst staying at St Mary's Hall. It contains ideas to suit everyone and links to other websites so that you can plan your trip. |
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Jane Austen House Museum
Many of our guests travel from across the UK and from around the world to visit the Jane Austen House Museum, a short walk along quiet lanes from St Mary's Hall. It is here that she lived and worked, writing many of her most famous novels. There are many events throughout the year in celebration and The Jane Austen Tour can extend your enjoyment to see that sights that inspired her in the Chawton. |
Chawton House Library
Just a few minutes along the road from the Jane Austen House Museum is Chawton House Library which hosts a unique collection of early women's writing. Again, people travel from around the world and stay with us at St Mary's Hall, whilst visiting or attending seminars and conferences in the property that was once the working estate of Jane Austen's brother and the Knight family. |
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Gilbert White's House and Garden | The Oates Collection
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In the nearby, picturesque village of Selborne, there is a lovely visit to the property where Gilbert White lived and worked in the 18th Century. He was one of the first naturalists and catalogued the natural history in the surrounding Hampshire area. The publication of his work, "The History and Antiquities of Selborne" is on display in the house and was studied by Charles Darwin in later work on the Theory of Evolution.
Within the same visit, you can discover The Oates family, also from Selborne, who were 19th and 20th century Natural History adventurers. Captain Lawrence Oates was part of the fateful 'Captain Scott Antarctic expedition', in the race to be the first to the South Pole. Oates famously, walked to his death, parting with the words "I am just going outside and may be some time".
The visit is always popular with guests who also enjoy the cafe and shop. You can walk up onto the National Trust common behind the house, by following the Zig-Zag path that Gilbert White and his brother cut into the hillside in 1753, from where you enjoy excellent views over Selborne and the Hampshire countryside.
The Watercress Line Steam Railway
Running from Alton train station, which connects directly to London Waterloo, is The Watercress Line Steam railway (also known as The Mid-Hants railway). The line was saved by volunteers in 1973 and they still run a busy timetable, so you can travel through scenic countryside to Alresford, another lovely Hampshire town. There are many events throughout the year, including Dining trains, Thomas-the-Tank engine specials, Real Ale trains and "War on the Line" events.
Just standing on the platform and watching the trains arrive and depart is a wonderful experience.
Winchester, Portsmouth, Goodwood, National Trust properties...
Alton is a short journey from Winchester, the former capital of Saxon England. It is beautiful city with excellent shopping and places to visit, including the 900 year old cathedral and King Arthur's Hall with its Medieval Round Table.
Portsmouth is another excellent visit, particularly to see the Historic Naval Shipyard which contains several amazing war-ships, including The Mary Rose (which was King Henry VIII's war-time flagship) and Admiral Nelson's Victory, on which he fought the Battle of Waterloo and fell to his death. The Victory is a unique experience...
There are so many other local attractions and events, as our Visitor Information video explains, including the National Trust and English Heritage properties, The South Downs with its long distance footpaths and National Cycle network, Goodwood for racing, Farnborough Air Show...
