Golden days
The summer holiday season may be drawing to a close, but September offers the chance to enjoy some golden days on a long weekend away in the heart of Hampshire.
And with an eclectic mix of activities and experiences on offer across the local area, there’s no shortage of inspiration for days out during a stay at Woodlands Retreat B&B.
In our latest blog post, we’ve highlighted just some of the events we’re looking forward to this September…
Goodwood Revival
When: Friday 6 - Sunday 8 September
Where: Goodwood Motor Circuit, West Sussex
Distance from Woodlands Retreat B&B: 20 miles
Always a much-anticipated event for fans of classic motorsport and vintage fashion alike, the Goodwood Revival offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in a bygone era.
The only sporting event of its kind to be staged entirely in a period theme, the Revival brings together some of the world’s greatest motoring machinery and renowned drivers and riders to battle it out on track over the course of the weekend in events such as the St Mary’s Trophy, the Royal Automobile Club TT Celebration and, of course, the Settrington Cup children’s pedal car race.
Off track, vintage style takes centre stage, with the Revive & Thrive Stage welcoming experts, influencers and stars to share the joys of vintage style.
And it doesn’t stop there - Over the Road you will find classic fairground rides, vintage films on screen and row upon row of classic cars on display, to name but a few of the attractions on offer throughout this action-packed weekend.
Alresford Show
When: Saturday 7 September
Where: Titchborne Park, Alresford
Distance from Woodlands Retreat B&B: 13 miles
The beautiful Titchborne Park plays host to this annual celebration of rural life, traditionally held on the first Saturday in September.
Of course, at the very heart of the event is the livestock show, with some of the best cattle, sheep, pigs and goats in the region taking to the show ring. And the standard of competition is also expected to be high across the equine events, from junior jumping to retrained racehorses.
But that’s not all - tasty local food and drink, modern and vintage machinery, the fun dog show, shopping and a whole host of free family entertainment mean this is an event not to be missed.
South Downs Food Festival
When: Saturday 14 - Sunday 15 September
Where: Stansted Park, Rowlands Castle
Distance from Woodlands Retreat B&B: 10 miles
The striking surroundings of Stansted Park play host to the inaugural South Downs Food Festival, celebrating the finest local produce from land and sea.
With an array of wonderful local produce, tastings, talks and live music - and even a pop-up pub - it’s sure to be a fantastic atmosphere throughout the weekend.
The spectacular Travelling Barn will be the venue for a series of talks on the ‘British Food Revival’, inspired by post-war food writer Elizabeth David.
And there’s plenty to keep younger visitors entertained as well, with hedgerow foraging walks and a dedicated kids’ zone with cooking, face-painting and a coconut shy.
A great opportunity to experience local flavours and immerse yourself in the spirit of the South Downs.
Engineering Open Weekend
When: Saturday 14 - Sunday 15 September
Where: The Watercress Line, Ropley
Distance from Woodlands Retreat B&B: 13 miles (Ropley station)
The Engineering Open Weekend offers the opportunity to go behind the scenes and meet staff and volunteers involved in this heritage railway line, as part of Heritage Open Days.
Visitors during the weekend will have the chance to gain a glimpse of the current restoration projects at Ropley and explore the yard, engineering shed and carriage shop viewing galleries, all the while enjoying unlimited train travel through the day along The Watercress Line - with stops at Alresford, Ropley, Medstead & Four Marks and Alton.
For younger visitors, there will be activities along the route, including ‘spot the difference’ and ‘building bridges’ activities at Ropley, a cogs activity in Alton and colouring sheets at all the heritage stations, as well as the miniature railway open on Saturday at Ropley.
A perfect chance to explore this popular local attraction and discover more about the history and heritage of the railway.