. Alton is an historic market town that saw action during the Civil War. It has a small but comprehensive museum with interesting local artifacts - the Curtis Museum. The Allen Gallery has a lovely garden, changing exhibitions and is known for its ceramic collection.

. Alresford is a very pretty small town and worth a visit and browse. It is a pleasant morning's walk from Plum Cottage, lunch in the town and then walk back along the original Ox Drove path. The photograph in the right is taken in front of the Fuller's Mill house on the Millennium Walk in Alresford.

. Chawton. Jane Austen's house is in Chawton and is full of original treasurers including letters written by Jane. The house of her brother Edward, Chawton House, is near. It's Library now promotes and facilitates study in the field of early women's writing, focussing on women's writing in English from 1600 to 1830.

. English Lavender Hampshire - a lovely farm to visit on the way to Selborne




























 

. Odiham Castle, King John's Castle is on the edge of Odiham Canal, a short drive away from Plum Cottage. No free man shall be taken or imprisoned or deprived or outlawed or exiled or in any way ruined, nor will we go or send against him, except by the lawful judgement of his peers or by the law of the land. To no one will we sell, to no one will we deny or delay right or justice. (Opening of the Magna Carta, 1215) Was King John pondering this as he spent the night at Odiham Castle before going to Runnymede to sign the Magna Carta? It has always been regarded as a romantic and formative piece of legislation - one of the finest pieces of law ever written. In 1971 the American Bar Association came to England and pledged their adherence to the principles of the great Charter - and again in July 1985, returning once more in July 2000 to celebrate Magna Carta Foundation of the rule of law for ages past and for new millennium (from 'The Year of the Magna Carta', by Danny Danziger & John Gillingham, 2003, Hodder & Stoughton). It is possible to walk along the towpath of the canal, go by barge or even hire a row boat for an hour or two. Pleasant pubs are nearby for refreshment. 

. Selborne. The Wakes, Gilbert White’s House also featuring the Oates brothers’ adventures is in Selborne with the Mouth and Foot Painters Gallery and Selborne Pottery. 

 . Meon Valley.

Beautiful views and walks. It is best to have a car to be able to make the most of the opportunities to explore the countryside.

 . Mottisfont Abbey Gardens - A National Trust property
It is a drive away but takes within an hour and well worth a visit



. Watercress Line for historic Steam and diesel trains. It runs from Alton to Ropley and has a station in Medstead. There are many special train rides and events particularly in holiday times.

. Winchester, was the Capital City of England before William the Conqueror. The Cathedral and Winchester museums, the City one with whole Roman mosaics found locally and the Great Hall showing a very old round table are worth visiting.