In Focus is a regular series that showcases the towns and villages Warren Powell-Richards serves, directly by members of the team who live there. And who better to cover Alton than Polly Gillert, Partner at our Alton branch (and who’s been with us for 17 years!). Discover what she thinks are some of the best bits about this friendly town that lies in Jane Austen Country.
When it’s time for a drink …
Well, as a brewery town, Alton is home to an array of pubs and bars that suit a wide range of tastes. The Swan, in the town centre, is nice to pop in for a drink. However, there are lots of pretty villages surrounding Alton that are worth a visit, too. The Three Horseshoes, in East Worldham, does good food and has a great beer garden. Holybourne, which is right next to Alton, is a lovely little traditional village with a small post office. There you can find The White Hart, which is where I like to visit for a drink after a long walk with Peppa, my chocolate Labrador. Although, right now I’m eight months pregnant, so I have some time to go before I can have a real drink.
The best place to eat out is …
I have a couple of favourites in Alton. Khao So by Chariya is a particularly good Thai restaurant, which is owned and run by the 2023 MasterChef winner Chariya Khattiyot. Serving cuisine from North Thailand, this place is certainly worth a visit. As is Heavens Kitchen, which is a great steakhouse set within a grade 2 listed building. For those who prefer more casual dining, then Hermanos Mexican serves delicious food. It started as a taco truck but has grown to include restaurants in Alton and Farnham. And if you’re looking for something hearty, then The Sun Inn, in nearby Bentworth, serves great pies. It’s also a great spot in winter for its traditional log fire.
When it’s time for some fresh air …
Alton itself has a traditional town feel, but it’s surrounded by countryside whatever way you approach it. Anstey Park, for example, is ideal for families – and even has a skate park for teenagers. There’s also a gym there with an independent café, so you can grab a coffee mid-walk. The Hangers Way, which includes steep-sided hills known as The Hangers, provides a 21-mile walking route than begins at Alton Railway Station and ends at Queen Elizabeth Park for those who have the energy to complete the entire route. If you’re looking for something shorter, then the Zig Zag path in Selbourne is a two-mile walk up one of the highest hills in Hampshire.
Alton’s hidden gems are …
There are a few! Goldfinch Books is a wonderful bookshop that includes a wine bar, and also hosts live music and events. Pies Farm, a family-run dairy farm within the South Downs National Park, sells fresh milk, milkshakes and cheese from a vending machine, which I particularly like. Their cheese selection is fantastic and their milkshakes are very good (my favourite is their chocolate). For wine lovers, Hattingley Valley Wine, in Lower Wield, is a vineyard that was set up in 2008 and is now one of the leading wineries in the UK. You can book tastings, tours and there’s even a restaurant on-site. And whilst it’s not so hidden, Jane Austen’s house and gardens in Chawton, where she wrote her novels, is unmissable.
Looking for an Alton estate agent? Contact the Alton office of Warren Powell-Richards to arrange a no obligation valuation of your property on 01420 87379. Alternatively, find your nearest Warren Powell-Richards office here.
