We will signpost you to some of the beautiful walks locally and introduce you to the many walking clubs and groups in Alton and the surrounding villages. The Alton area has some incredible history and many interesting places to visit, and is a gateway to the South Downs National Park. 

Walkers are Welcome membership will help to introduce Alton to a wider audience, who may not otherwise have known what the area has to offer. Membership will have practical benefits, as Walkers are Welcome aims to help towns and villages to 1) be attractive for walkers, with excellent information on local walks; 2) ensure that footpaths and facilities for walkers are maintained, improved and well signposted; 3) contribute to local tourism plans and regeneration strategies; 4) promote the health benefits of walking and increase participation; 5) encourage the use of public transport.

Picture: Memories of Alton Facebook Group

Markets

There is a weekly market in Alton on a Tuesday and a monthly Hampshire Farmers and Craft market on the second Saturday of every month in the High Street. Alton also has a town crier, Stan Whitcher, who is regularly seen at events and civic occasions.

Museums

The Curtis Museum displays the Alton Buckle dating from Anglo-Saxon times as well the history of the Battle of Alton in 1643, there’s a childhood gallery packed with toys dating back to the 18th Century and displays about local industries such as hop picking and more recent brewing history. The museum is wheelchair friendly and has a gift shop.

The Allen Gallery displays pottery, porcelain and tiles dating from 1250 to the present day and hosts other temporary art exhibitions throughout the year. There is a lovely garden to relax in after a walk and a café serving teas, coffees, cakes and ice creams.

Selborne

Visit Gilbert White’s House and Garden and The Oates Collection in nearby Selborne. There are numerous walks around Selborne, including a walk up the famous Zig-Zag path which was cut deep into the scarp above Selborne by Gilbert White and his brother in 1753.

Chawton

Jane Austen lived in Chawton for the last 8 years of her life and her home is open to the public. Her brother lived nearby at Chawton House which is also open to the public. Every June, Alton and Chawton host the Regency Festival celebrating Jane and her cultural heritage.

Parks

Alton Public Gardens and Anstey Park both have a child’s play area with equipment for disabled children. The 15 acres of Flood Meadows are a perfect place to watch birds in their natural habitat and see the source of the River Way.

The Watercress Line

The Mid Hants Railway, known as the Watercress Line, is a working heritage steam railway. The many enthusiastic volunteers restore the steam engines to their former glory. The railway is located at platform 3 at Alton mainline station. The line travels 10 miles between Alton and Alresford with stations at Four Marks and Ropley. Events throughout the year include Thomas the Tank Engine, Ale and Gin trains, Santa specials and War on the Line events.

 

Photographers

We are grateful for the images provided by local photographers including -:
Mike Lambert’s work can be found on Facebook’s “Alton’s natural beauty” page
Tony Cole’s work is also on Facebook “Tony Cole Photography and Digital Art”
Historical images have been provided by “Memories of Alton” from Facebook Students from Alton College.

 

We are always looking for new images, if you would like to submit your photos please email walkalton@gmail.com