This town is steeped in history, teeming with independent shops and quaint tearooms, and even boasts its own steam railway
Nestled in the Hampshire countryside lies a picturesque market town that’s often dubbed a real ‘hidden gem’ of England. Alresford, with its vibrant Georgian houses and riverside vistas, offers an abundance of rural allure just an hour away from London.
This town is steeped in history, teeming with independent shops and quaint tearooms, and even boasts its own steam railway. However, it wasn’t always this idyllic. Despite being near water, numerous fires ravaged the town in the 17th century, and it took considerable effort to mould the charming town we see today.
1689 saw one of the worst fires in the history of Alresford, when almost the whole town together with the Church and Market House was consumed by fire, according to the town’s museum. After the last major fire swept through the town back in 1736, much of the street was mandated to be rebuilt in brick and tile, resulting in the delightful Georgian structures that still stand today.
Georgian charm on Broad Street
Recently, it was praised on the UK Hidden Gems social media platforms, with the experts highlighting the colourful Georgian houses as a particularly splendid attraction. Broad Street, one of the most iconic and stunning parts of the town, is the ideal spot to admire these impressive buildings, reports the Express.
Dotted with trees and bustling with independent retailers, it’s an ideal spot to while away an afternoon. You’ll discover everything from a toy shop to a linen boutique and hardware store, whilst the charming Courtyard Tea Rooms dishes up tasty treats, warming beverages and other delights to fuel your visit.
Things to do nearby: pop into St. John’s Parish Church, a Grade II* listed gem with centuries of history, or browse the town’s small but fascinating Alresford Museum which charts the story of this once fire-ravaged market town.
Riverside walks and natural beauty
For those seeking to immerse themselves in the natural world, a ramble beside the River Alre is essential. Visit Winchester describes Alresford as the ‘ideal destination’ for a leisurely wander, particularly during autumn when foliage transforms into vibrant hues.
Old Alresford Pond draws plenty of visitors, though for a more extended expedition, the waterside pathway beckons. Along the route, you’ll encounter a modest memorial garden perfect for al fresco dining, plus the Fulling Mill where waterfowl paddle about.
Things to do nearby: head slightly out of town to explore the famous Hinton Ampner estate, a National Trust property with immaculate gardens and woodland trails offering sweeping Hampshire views.
No visit to Alresford would be truly complete without experiencing The Watercress Line. This heritage steam railway adventure covers 10 miles across the Hampshire landscape, offering the ultimate way to sit back and decompress.
Enthusiasts of the attraction flocked to TripAdvisor with glowing reviews, with one visitor commenting: “The Watercress Line is wonderful with amazing staff who were incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. It was great to listen to the history of the line and suggestions of extra things we could do. The stations showed great attention to detail and all were well kept.”
Another enthusiast gushed: The railway is picturesque! All of the stations are beautifully restored and cared for, with old posters and signs and items from steam days and the journey itself is mostly through lovely countryside scenery. The coaches are all vintage and the locomotives are very impressive.”
How to getthere from London
Reaching Alresford from London is simple. Direct trains run from London Waterloo to Winchester in just over an hour. From Winchester, it’s a short 15-minute taxi or bus ride to Alresford. Drivers can take the M3 southbound, exiting at junction 9 for Alresford, with the journey typically taking around 1 hour 30 minutes depending on traffic.
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