A hidden gem
The charming market town of Alresford is a real hidden gem in the heart of the Hampshire countryside.
With some special events coming up over the coming months promising to offer something for everyone to enjoy, it’s a perfect place for a day trip during your stay.
These are a few of our highlights…
Embracing Alresford’s heritage
One Sunday during May each year, a huge street festival takes over the town.
In homage to the town’s watercress growing heritage, the Alresford Watercress Festival features a wide range of stalls showcasing local food and drink, while chefs demonstrate watercress-inspired recipes and musicians and street performers entertain the crowds.
Meanwhile, for the more adventurous visitors, there’s always the challenge of the World Watercress Eating Championships - now in the Guinness Book of World Records!
A journey into the past
The Mid Hants Railway, or ‘Watercress Line’ is a heritage railway, which runs between the market towns of Alresford and Alton, preserving an important piece of 1940’s – 70’s railway heritage.
The railway also hosts special events throughout the year, including the chance to experience life on a World War Two railway with War on the Line.
During the event, each station along the line offers a different insight into life in wartime Britain, with period displays, music, dancing, vintage vehicles and stalls selling retro wares. There’s also a self-guided walk exploring places in Alresford with links to American troops, passing an exhibition in the Goods Shed at Alresford Station and visiting the war memorials.
Festival fever
The Alresford Music Festival is a not-for-profit event and was originally founded with the aim of raising money for charity.
This year’s diverse line-up includes the London Afrobeat Collective, delivering party-born music of their global DNA; Belfast-London duo REWS playing edgy rock guitar and drums, and The Turner Brothers - whose fusion of Dance, Funk, House, Electro Swing and SKA proved a hit at last year’s event.
There’s also plenty to keep younger visitors entertained in the family arena, with a colossal climbing wall, circus workshops, bungee trampolines and plenty more besides.
Looking more to explore? Check out these useful links: