Top Things to do in Alton
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What to do and see in Alton, United Kingdom (UK): The Best Places and Tips
Discover the best top things to do in Alton, United Kingdom (UK) including Chawton House, The Mid Hants Railway Watercress Line, Atul's Indian & Highpoint Bar, Pennybridge Farm Alpacas, Chocolate Craft, Jane Austen's House Museum, Gilbert White's House & The Oates Museum, Farnham Park, Alton Station, St Nicholas Church.
Restaurants in Alton
1. Chawton House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 122 reviews
Step back in time as you visit Jane Austen’s ‘Great House’, owned by her brother Edward. See the dining table where she enjoyed meals with her family and stroll through the walled garden built by her brother Edward. Discover the inspiring stories of early women writers, from novelists and travel writers to philosophers and activists. Our collection includes first and early editions, original manuscripts, and paintings. Visitors can enjoy light lunches and refreshments in the Old Kitchen Tearoom and browse a range of gifts related to the Library, House and Gardens in the Gift Shop. There is a rolling programme of Exhibitions, which are included in the price of admission, along with a variety of events from evening talks and conferences to children’s workshops and garden tours.
Reviewed By Metaldread - Chawton
The view of Chawton House from the end of its driveway is iconic. Go there, take pictures then get back in your car and go to a more interesting visitor attraction, maybe Jane Austen's House in the village? Unless you are a committed bibliophile or the most ardent Janeite keep your money in your pocket and go no further. The vast majority of the House's fabric is about 20 years old having been thoroughly refurbished after falling into a state of disrepair. The Jane Austen connection is vastly overstated. The House was once owned by her brother Edward and Jane was an occasional visitor but she never lived or wrote there. Her mother & sister's gravestones may be seen in the Churchyard for free. The Library of 18 & 19th century female English literature has a global reputation for academics but it doesn't make the average visitor's pulse race. If you have young children they will be bored to distraction as there are no interactive displays, animals, playground facilities etc. Access to the Estate is restricted to the Gardens. There are no trails or widlife reserves to explore. The Gardens themselves will disappoint enthusiasts better to explore the nearby splendours of Selborne; Uppark; Hinton Ampner; West Green; Clandon or Hatchlands.
2. The Mid Hants Railway Watercress Line
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 954 reviews
The Mid Hants Railway, also known as the Watercress Line, operates steam and heritage diesel trains between the picturesque market towns of Alton and Alresford in Hampshire, south west of London. As well as standard travel this preserved railway runs popular special events throughout the year along with Countryman and Watercress Belle dining trains and the Real Ale Train.
Reviewed By Catsnorbens - Portsmouth, United Kingdom
I had saved up to pay for my husband to have a Footplate Experience for his 50th. Everything was going well and I had arranged a date over the phone. Then the ticket arrived and I realised that the ticket was for the day after...MorePlease note that this incident has been investigated and resolved with our sincerest apologies. Mid Hants Railway endeavours to provide an outstanding customer service for everyone and our booking processes have been reviewed to ensure this does not happen again.
3. Atul's Indian & Highpoint Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 16 reviews
Gujarati family-run establishment specialising in serving the finest non-westernised Indian food. Restaurant & takeaway with adjoining public bar. Real, home-style, authentic Indian Cuisine served by expert hosts in a non-pretentious, friendly setting. A family-run establishment since 2012, proprietor Atul Patel and his two sons; 22-year-old Katen (Manager) and 18-year-old Haymant (Head Chef) serve only non-westernised, original Indian Food from all regions of India. From Kerala in the South to Punjab in the North, our food will take you on a true Indian culinary adventure.
Reviewed By Robert730 - Huntingdon, United Kingdom
Made our way up here to get a drink and a snack, after Reading good reports on this site. Followed the sign for the golf course from the main road, it seemed a long way up and was getting dark, but found easy enough. It is the golf club house, and open to the public, with relaxed atmosphere. Has a pub restaurant feel more than club house.
Good selection of drinks at bar and pleasant, well run, popular Indian restaurant at one end. We were welcomed to have a selection of starters as a 'bar snack' , which was all we really needed, as we had already eaten. The food was really tasty too. Friendly, attentive staff, so good choice. Thanks TripAdvisor.
4. Pennybridge Farm Alpacas
Overall Ratings
5 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By SkiTuscany - Andover, United Kingdom
Just got back from a wonderful time with the alpacas :)
Even the Glastonbury-style rain and mud couldn't stop us from feeling great getting close to these beautiful, friendly animals, each with their own personality!
We enjoyed feeding, stroking and photographing all of them. Then we got to walk with 'Sherbet'.
Free tea and coffee provided and a nice shop too with some unique items.
Recommended for all ages. Don't forget your wellies or walking boots.
5. Chocolate Craft
Overall Ratings
5 based on 59 reviews
We are a chocolate manufacturer who love teaching what we do. We run chocolate making workshops for the general public, chocolate making hen parties, children's chocolate parties and corporate team building events. Come and learn how to make chocolates like the professionals!
Reviewed By Christine S - Southampton, United Kingdom
We were given a gift voucher for chocolate craft ,which we used to book today on the afternoon workshop.
Fantastic 2.5 hours being shown how to make our own chocolates by Julie who has a passion for what she does and is great at teaching it in a fun way.
We had a great time my husband and myself making our own selection of chocolates, the quality of the chocolate used is of a high standard in milk, plain and white so suits all tastes and lots of things to add to your chocolates like natural flavours ,
essences and fruit and chopped nuts .
Also got to decorate a chocolate lolly which was heart shaped as it was a valentines workshop.
Would highly recommend this to everyone
6. Jane Austen's House Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 703 reviews
Jane Austen's House Museum in Chawton is the house where Jane Austen lived and wrote. It is the most treasured Austen site in the world. It was in this house that Jane's genius flourished and where she wrote, revised and had published all her major works.
Reviewed By hmlhhf - London, United Kingdom
Tucked in a sleepy thatched village lies this amazing place.
A beautiful garden and interesting house.
A short film explains how Jane Austin her sister and their friend Martha came to live there.
There are a few nice touches...snakes and ladders Austin style and other games for kids of all ages on way to film.
In the house
The piano, tables, dresser all original allow you to understand the environment that allowed the creation os so many great story’s
There is a lovely little shop...with a caution ....not to disturb Marmaduke the black and white cat who was sound asleep when we visited.
7. Gilbert White's House & The Oates Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 212 reviews
Gilbert White & The Oates Collections explores the lives of three explorers of the natural world. The historic house was the home of the 18th century naturalist Gilbert White, and is surrounded by 25 acres of restored garden and parkland. The Oates Collections celebrates the lives of 19th century explorer Frank Oates, and Captain Lawrence Oates who travelled with Scott on the ill-fated Terra Nova Expedition. The Museum also boasts an award-winning Tea Parlour, gift shop and plant sales.
Reviewed By DoreenH_10 - Warrington, United Kingdom
We visited in the afternoon. It was not too busy so we were able to wander around freely. There are exhibits about Gilbert White and his interests in natural history and in Selborne. His diaries and weather records are very interesting. There is also a lot of information about Captain Oates and his expedition to the Antarctic. The exhibits are well presented but I did find the audio / visuals difficult to hear. The hearing loop did not seem to be working properly. The building is spread over 3 floors and there are a lot of stairs. The garden is spread over a large area, some of it a little hilly. There is a 6 quarters garden as well. There is a shop and accessible toilets. We enjoyed our visit.
8. Farnham Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 115 reviews
Farnham Park is a remarkable survival of a medieval deer park with a landscape of rolling grassland and veteran trees and a boundary that has remained unchanged for over 600 years. Its 320 acres (130 hectares)has retained much of its 17th Parkland character and has the feel of open countryside. It offers Avenues, hidden dells, hills, Valleys, ponds and streams. It's elevated position provides panoramic views of Farnham and surrounding countryside. Farnham Park is a Site of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI), an area of Historic Landscape Value (AHLV) a Grade 2 listed Historic Park and Garden (English Heritage designation), a Local Nature Reserve (LNR) and has received Green Flag status for the second year running. Park facilities The Park is managed for wildlife and recreation and provides: a large adventure playground a toddlers play area a shared used path (suitable for both pedestrians and cyclists) limited access for wheelchairs cafe toilets a hole golf course cricket club two football pitches. The football pitches are available for hire during the playing season please contact: [email protected] Where is Farnham Park? The southern end of the Park lies about 100m north of Castle Street, an easy walk from the centre of town. Farnham is well served by buses and trains, though if you are driving, the main car park is situated off Folly Hill (A 287) between Farnham and Upper Hale.
Reviewed By aldershot1 - Hampshire, England
Farnham Park is central and has good amenities for children, especially the adventure park which our grandchildren enjoyed.
The plus points include free car parking, a café on the site, easy access to local towns like Fleet and Farnham and lots of walking possibilities.
The seats could be a lot more comfortable - the designs were better with curved backs years ago - but there are places where you can and watch the children enjoying themselves.
The downside- a big one- is that the toilets are not open to the public. Yes, there are toilets in the café but it is not really fair on the proprietors if you use their loos without buying anything.
Councils are allegedly short of money but in practice still pay vast salaries for people like senior officers. All popular public amenities must have toilets that are well tended and open to all. That is a good use of public funds that most local taxpayers would support.
PS - One question posed below makes no sense: "Is parking not available at this place or activity?" So is the answer "yes" meaning parking IS available, or "no, "it is NOT not available...(!)
9. Alton Station
Overall Ratings
4 based on 84 reviews
Reviewed By rmhinde - Chester, United Kingdom
The Mid-Hants Steam Railway runs for 10 miles to Alresford and is a nostalgic trip through lovely countryside. Well worth a visit.
10. St Nicholas Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By Giulietta519 - Ontario, Canada
This church is located on the grounds of the Chawton House Library, another (important) stop on the so-called Jane Austen trail. The Austen family worshipped here, and Jane's mother and sister Cassandra were buried here: one can follow the well-worn path 'round to the back of the graveyard and find them. (There is a beaten path, now, where no doubt thousands have made their pilgrimages to the gravesite(s). )
The setting is idyllic: peaceful. It would be easy to pull out all the superlatives to describe this church, but suffice to say it is very easy to have 200 years fall away and see what the Austens saw when they worshipped here. Pardon the cliché, but it truly is a balm for the spirit.
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