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The Best 17 Things to do in Alton

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Including dog-friendly walks and museums

There are loads of things to do in Alton, Hampshire that are great for families. Alton is in East Hampshire and is a market town that is beautiful and full of history.

Sat between Winchester and Farnham, Alton is a great place to visit for the whole family.

We’ve covered everything from dog-friendly walks to South Downs National walks and railway.

If you are looking for things to do near Alton then have a look at:

Where is Alton, Hampshire?

Alton is based between Winchester and Farnham. It’s a lovely little village within South East Hampshire that is surrounded by countryside.

Museums in Alton

There are so many amazing museums in Alton that are perfect for the whole family. Some of these museums are free and some are paid but they are all amazing and great for learning more about the local area.

For more museum ideas in Hampshire then have a look at:

14 Free Museums in Hampshire For Families

51 Museums in Hampshire That Are Great For All Ages

Use our map here to find things to do in Alton. You can have a look at this map here if you prefer.

Free 20+ printables to download

Our Resource Vault is packed full of things to do ideas and printables that you can use over and over again. You can even download our free ebook which has over 100 free things to do ideas in Hampshire.

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Allen Gallery

This free museum is great for the whole family. You do have to book in advance but it’s well worth it to see all the amazing Wedgwood and hidden secrets of this amazing museum. This museum is best for older kids.

Curtis Museum

Open all year, Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm, the Curtis Museum houses a collection by Dr William Curtis and his associates in the local Mechanics Institute.

The museum covers 100 million years of history and displays include prehistoric tools, Roman pottery reconstruction, Saxon burials, the Battle of Alton 1643 and the notorious tale of Sweet Fanny Adams.

Alton Abbey

This little abbey is a great place to enjoy the daylight hours

The Abbey grounds are open for visitors to wander around at any time in daylight hours.

Chawton House

This house, once belonging to Jane Austen’s brother is open to the public. You can visit the house, library and gardens which are ready and waiting to be explored. Tickets are annual based and you do need to book before you go but it’s so worth it.

Jane Austen’s House

This huge house and gardens are great for older kids. You get a real inside into how Jane Austen lived and worked.

Outside things to do in Alton

There are loads of things to do in Alton that are outside and perfect for all ages. We have covered dog-friendly walks, country parks and places to ride your bike.

Have a look at our walks in Hampshire post for more ideas.

Alice Holt Forest Country Park

Based near Farnham, there are loads of walking and cycling trails that take you around the park. They have a great playground with loads of green areas to play.

Selbourne Common

Based west of the village, Selbourne Common has great meadows and woodlands for the whole family to explore.

Anstey Park

This green space is perfect for the whole family. It’s a great place to go for a walk, have a picnic or play garden games.

Kings Pond

This has a great path that’s perfect for bikes or scooters. Enjoy the pond, wildlife, flowers and trees. This is the perfect place if you have mobility issues as the car park is close and the path is even.

The Writers Way

This is a great 13-mile walk that links Alton to the surrounding villages. This is perfect for walkers and cyclists that want a rural walk that explores the countryside. This is a circular walk that’s great for the whole family. It starts at Chawton from Farringdon.

Jane Austen Circular Walk

This is a 5-mile walk that helps you walk in the footsteps of the famous writer. This walk starts at Chawton village and takes you through fields and footpaths through the Hampshire countryside.

The Lavender Fields

Based on Hartley Park Farm, these lavender fields are beautiful. Take the kids through the fields, have a tractor ride and take some pictures among these stunning flowers.

Hartley Park Farm can be found at GU34 3HS.

Days out in Alton

If you are looking for days out in Hampshire then make sure you have a look at our 52 Things to do in Hampshire this Weekend which will keep the whole family amused.

Watercress Line

Not far from Winchester, the Watercress Line’s Day Out with Thomas is a must-see for all train fans. The Watercress Line is a 10-mile track that takes around 40 mins to travel. You can do this on a range of different steam and diesel trains which stop at different stations – Alresford, Ropley, Medstead and Four Marks and Alton. These aren’t your traditional stations, instead, these are well maintained and beautifully crafted attractions in themselves.

Read more about the Watercress Line here

Birdworld

Birdworld is a great wildlife park near Alton in Farnham that is set across 26 acres of land. It’s one of the largest bird zoos in the UK and covers everything from penguin feeding to outdoor flying displays. Take a picnic to enjoy the grounds and spend the day among these amazing birds.

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Waverley Abbey

Based near Farnham, Waverley Abbey are a set of stunning ruins that you wouldn’t know where there unless you visit. The walk talks you along the river and is a great family morning out that is a hidden gem. It’s free to visit but the car park is small with little parking.

You can find Waverley Abbey at GU9 8EP.

Laura x

If you enjoyed this post and would like some more ideas on things to do in Hampshire then head over to the Things To Do section here on Things To Do In Hampshire With Kids where you’ll find over 50 day out ideas in Hampshire that the whole family will enjoy. You could also pop over and follow our Facebook page here or our Hampshire days out Pinterest boards for lots more ideas on what you can do as a family in Hampshire; Days Out For The Kids in Hampshire and Cheap and Free Days Out in Hampshire.

Here are 17 things to do in Alton, Hampshire that the whole family can do together. We've included everything from museums to walks and days out by Laura at Things To Do In Hampshire With Kids

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