Stepping into autumn
As the sun sets on a unique summer and autumn dawns, attention turns to a new season of events, with plenty of opportunities to experience the range of local attractions we’re lucky to have here on the doorstep.*
Whether you’re visiting the Hampshire countryside for a family trip or planning a romantic getaway this autumn, we’ve picked out a few of our favourite events to offer you some ideas and inspiration for a great day out…
Tastes of Hambledon
Perfect for: A romantic evening or meeting friends
Hambledon Vineyard has a whole host of events lined up this autumn, including chocolate and wine tasting evenings and ‘fairy lights and fizz’ - an annual celebration showcasing all the vineyard has to offer. Check out their website for the latest information.
Full steam ahead
Perfect for: Photography and sight-seeing
The Watercress Line hosts its Autumn Steam Gala from Friday 16 to Sunday 18 October, with trains operating a varied timetable throughout the weekend.
Both home and guest locomotives will be operating, including visiting engine Stanier ‘Jubilee’ 4-6-0 45596 ‘Bahamas’, courtesy of Bahamas Locomotive Society - the first time it’s visited a heritage line (other than its home line) since 1997. A freight train and the miniature railway will also be running.
Discovering nature
Perfect for: Families
Gilbert White’s House is welcoming young visitors to its field study centre this autumn half-term for family activity sessions, providing a perfect chance to learn more about nature.
From badgers to bats, the Crepuscular Creatures sessions offer an insight into the lives of night-time creatures, who come out to hunt as darkness falls.
Meanwhile, if you’re looking for more opportunities to get the kids engaged with nature, the National Trust’s Hinton Ampner House & Garden has some great ideas for a family adventure during your visit (pre-booking necessary).
Night time tales
Perfect for: Something a little different
Experience a different side to the Weald and Downland Living Museum with its guided Museum at Night walks on Friday 30 and Saturday 31 October.
From the amusing, to the mysterious, to the downright odd, hear tales of the unexpected as you’re guided by lamplight around the museum grounds.
*Information correct at time of writing (20 September). Please follow the latest government guidance around social distancing when planning visits to any local events