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Towns and Villages

From rolling hills to river valleys, Hampshire's diverse landscape is dotted with bustling towns and quintessential English villages waiting for you to discover them. Hampshire's Countryside has pretty market towns, steeped in history and offering a window on bygone times - of civil war and coaching routes from London to Southampton, Oxford and the West.

The beautiful River Test threads its way through chalk downland and past the market towns of Andover, Stockbridge and the ancient town of Romsey, famous for its abbey. Set in the glorious countryside of the South Downs, Petersfield and Alton further north, are well known for their markets.

Aldershot and Farnborough are dominated by their military connections. Aldershot is still regarded as the home of the British Army and Farnborough has played a key role in aviation development past and present. Basingstoke located just off the M3 has a skyline dominated by high-rise office blocks and one of the best shopping and leisure centres in the south. Within the town itself there are old buildings and pavement cafes.

Some of Hampshire's real gems are off the beaten track such as the villages along the River Test, those clustered in Basingstoke and Deane and nestled in the downs of East Hampshire. Examples are Whitchurch, near Andover, with its picturesque watermill, and, a few miles away Overton, complete with a sheep market revived during the Millennium. One of the most attractive villages in Hampshire is Odiham with its Georgian and period houses. Grayshott, with 'air as pure as that in the Alps' is renowned for its literary connections.

Fleet is a popular market town for eating out with a wide range of quality restaurants. Whitehill and Bordon to the east are set in areas designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. World famous writer Jane Austen spent most of her life in Hampshire, at Steventon near Basingstoke and also Chawton near Alton, where she wrote or revised a number of her novels. You can also find out about renowned 18th century naturalist Gilbert White at Gilbert White's House and Garden at Selborne.

Enjoy the countryside, you will find it in abundance. But don't forget to drop into the towns and villages for refreshment. Whether it is a cup of tea and a home-made scone in a traditional tea room, a glass of real ale or local fare in one of the many pubs, or a spot of retail therapy, Hampshire is still offering a warm welcome to the weary traveller.