A true taste of the beautiful South Downs

Need to get away from it all with a long weekend or staycation?

Well, look no further - you can experience the sights, sounds and delights of the beautiful South Downs during your stay at Woodlands Retreat B&B this summer.

From jazz and fizz to getting hands on with history, there’s a whole host of activities and experiences* to enjoy within a stone’s throw of our Hambledon home…

Sunday Jazz & Fizz at Hambledon Vineyard

Two miles from Woodlands Retreat B&B

Sample the golden era of swing music on an idyllic afternoon at the beautiful Hambledon Vineyard on Sunday 7 August, as Amy Baker - one of the country’s leading jazz vocalists - takes centre stage, accompanied by Christian on piano.

Pick up your picnic for two and take your seat in front of the vineyard to enjoy stunning views of the South Downs accompanied by fantastic music, as Amy gets you moving and shaking with her jazz melodies.

Later in the month, go Around the World in 80 Staves with the FB Pocket Orchestra (Sunday 28 August). Pick up your picnic, including a glass of Hambledon Rose, take your seat in front of the vineyard and join Paul, Ollie and Jenny for an exciting, entertaining and environmentally friendly circumnavigation of the globe. Book tickets for these events and find out more on the Hambledon Vineyard website

The South Downs Show at Queen Elizabeth Country Park

Six miles from Woodlands Retreat B&B

Set against the backdrop of the striking Butser Hill and Queen Elizabeth Country Park, The South Downs Show offers a glimpse of rural life and plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy.

This show is a true staple of the local events calendar, having taken place for decades in various formats. This year, it will be a two-day event (Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 August) including everything from arena acts to an animal petting zoo, country life stalls to live music, along with a beer tent and catering. For more details and to book tickets, visit The South Downs Show website

Summer holidays at Butser Ancient Farm

Four miles from Woodlands Retreat B&B

Butser Ancient Farm will be bringing the past to life this summer, with guided hands-on activities for all the family to learn an ancient skill, accompanied by re-enactors on selected days.

You can also explore the farm’s timeline of homes from the Stone Age, Iron Age, Roman and Saxon periods, and gain a glimpse of the new Bronze Age house construction in progress.

Butser Ancient Farm celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, so what better time to pay a visit as a family and get hands on with history in this beautiful corner of the South Downs National Park? Discover more and book tickets on the Butser Ancient Farm website

Shows and celebrations at Stansted Park

Distance from Woodlands Retreat B&B: 10 miles

The striking Stansted Park is set to be the backdrop for a whole host of shows and celebrations this summer, kicking off with The Garden Show from 10-12 June. Set over three days, it features talks and demonstrations, specialist growers, garden related goods, delicious country foods, music and entertainment and plenty more besides.

Later that month (17-19 June) it’s the turn of creative independent festival The Nostalgia Show with nostalgic entertainment, shopping, games and vehicles, bringing vintage fun and British eccentricity to the heart of Hampshire. View an incredible selection of classic cars, shop vintage style and dance the day away, with a fabulous choice of entertainment including live music, street performers and traditional fairground rides. The event will take you from day to night, finishing each day with DJs and a headline vintage act.

And roll up, roll up for the Stansted Summer Jamboree (2 and 3 July), where both the house and grounds welcomes visitors for a weekend of entertainment centred around the history of the estate and the Ponsonby family’s connection to the Battle of Waterloo, accompanied by sporting entertainment with cricket matches featuring the Royal Lancers, I Zingari and Stansted Park’s very own team. All of this interspersed with fun activities for the whole family make this a summer event not to be missed.

Searching for more to explore this summer? Check out these useful links:

Visit Hampshire

South Downs National Park

*Event details correct at time of writing (15 April 2022) - please check with relevant venues/attractions before travelling.

Henry Ascoli