Surrounding Areas

Things to do, places to see, pubs and restaurants.

The Local Area

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The Village

Within the village is All Saints Church where you are able to view the superb tapestry that all the villagers have produced together. This church and village is also featured on the Bayeaux Tapestry along with the font in the 11th Century. Behind the church there is a small walk up very steep Park Hill for magnificent views over East Meon.  Starting in the village there are 5 short  and Long walks around the village and outskirts.

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Pubs

We are located just on the outskirts of the picturesque village of East Meon. There are a few pubs in the area:

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Shopping

Keeping the local theme West Meon has a great butcher Buckinghams and village store. From West Meon towards Winchester there is the picturesque town of Alresford with Winchester Distillery nearby and the Long Barn Lavender.

Alresford has quite a few privately owned unusual shops. Don’t forget the Watercress Line when visiting this small town.

 

Winchester

Winchester is filled with history from King Arthur’s round table to the Cathedral and lots of other interesting ideas.

Petersfield

In the other direction towards Petersfield, Stroud has the Seven Stars pub. On into Petersfield where there are a plethora of eateries and shops. There is also Flora Twort Gallery and museum. The local heath is rather a nice spot to stop and take a stroll round the lake or even paddle a canoe on the lake. We use Petersfield for our local (5 miles) shopping, market twice a week and everything you need for a break plus the added extra of some privately owned clothes, shoe and niknak shops.

Don’t forget the Petersfield Open Air Pool for those water babies or ideal sunbathing spot for Adults.

Heading South

Heading in a southerly direction there is hours of bicycling and walking enjoyment to be had in Queen Elizabeth Country Park just on the doorstep and can be walked to from the site if you don’t mind hills!

Butser Ancient Farm is also 5 minutes away and ideal for children as well as adults holding very interesting historical workshops related to Roman, Saxon and stoneage with round houses etc to view. The nearby Hogs Lodge Pub and Red Lion is another place to stop for refreshments.

Further a Field

Goodwood & Chichester

Within a 20 mile radius there is Goodwood which offers a varied selection of interesting Horse Racing and Motor Sport events. If in the area Chichester is also a rather nice city with a Cathedral and good eateries. Not far from the harbour and The Witterings with outstanding sandy beaches but beware of the tides.

One of my favourite places, as I love gardens, is West Dean. Here you can buy plants have lunch or participate in some excellent day or multi-day courses.

National Trust

There are several National Trust Houses which are not only interesting inside, but offer plenty of space for outside walking and picnics.

  • Hinton Ampner

  • The Vyne

  • Sandham Memorial Chapel – sunny day visit as it is not lit.

  • Petworth House

  • Mottisfont – another favourite for beautiful roses in June

Isle of Wight

Don’t forget the Isle of Wight, approached on foot, by bike or by car.  Outstanding Areas of Natural Beauty can be explored right across the Island. We have cycled here, we popped the bikes on the train then the ferry and had a two day ride around the Island as we are slow. It can be done in a day if you have a road bike.

 

Portsmouth

Heading South with a Maritime theme is the historic Porstmouth and a very interesting couple of days visit to the Dockyard.  You can keep your ticket and do attractions that you didn’t complete another day.

Alton

Towards Alton we have Chawton House home to Jane Austin and Hollycombe Steam Collection another few miles further.

Vineyards

If you are looking for English wines, you’ve come to the right area with Hambledon Vineyard and Raimes. Delicious wine tasting tours and activities are available.

Cycling in the area

Whether off rode or on a road bike if you like hills and quiet lanes this is the spot.  There are plenty of cycle trails in the Queen Elizabeth Country Park for off road cycling.  Looking for a longer trip then the South Downs way is on the doorstep with a half mile trip to make a start either way. The King Alfred’s Way has become a popular route and we have been a regular stop for the 22 mile onward trip to Winchester - view the route here.

There is circular route that takes you on a tour of the beautiful East Hampshire AONB. You'll pass rolling hills, peaceful woodland, charming villages and sunken lanes. The cycle ride starts at the attractive market town of Petersfield, near to the train station.

Bike Rental: www.southernebikerentals.co.uk

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Walking

Lots of our guest come purely to walk part of the South Downs Way, it can be quite busy at weekends so a hot tip is for weekdays. 

The South Downs Way takes you on a journey of 100 miles through this extraordinary landscape. We are ½ a mile from this National Trail and the campsite offers a perfect stopping point. We have bikes to borrow to get to the pub if you are completely on foot. Please make contact directly with Sue as we have a walk in price.

Within the South Downs National Park  there is  the Octagon Parish with 8 walks starting at small villages in West Sussex  comprising circular walks of about 2-4 miles bypassing local eateries or you can do the whole walk the Octagon Way which is 18 miles long.

Crossing the SDW there is also Monarch’s Way  a 625-mile (1,006 km) long-distance footpath in England that approximates the escape route taken by King Charles II in 1651. Also touching the SDW is Wayfarers Walk starting South of Newbury and finishing at Emsworth Harbour.

For those keeping local I have two books published by a local village resident of 5 short walks around East Meon and also 5 Long Walks.