By Ashley Gibbins on Thursday, 11 May 2017
Category: Europe

The South Downs National Park, East Hampshire

The East Hampshire area of the South Downs includes Chawton,where Jane Austen lived.

Located between the cathedral cities of Winchester and Chichester, it offers steep wooded hills and hidden valleys of watercress farms, lavender fields, vineyards, hop gardens and trout streams.

While in the area, thre's the chance to enjoy the outdoors and views by taking one of the area's many walking and cycling trails.

These include the Shipwrights, Hangers or South Downs Way, one of six literary walks, while others give visitors an insight into the historic market towns of Petersfield and Alton.

'Hit the Grit Weekenders' are offered by Pedal2Pedal and fly fishing and clay shooting at Meon Springs.

www.pedal2pedal.co.uk

www.meonsprings.com

Guests staying at Adhurst Yurts can book a session to discover more about shelter building and outdoor cooking and there's ancient cooking, cave painting and sword making at Butser Ancient Farm and Autumn cider-making weekends at Upper Neatham Farm

www.adhurst.co.uk

www.butserancientfarm.co.uk

www.upperneatham.co.uk

An exploration of English winemaking is available at Hattingley Valley Vineyard and there is a fine dining experience in the award-winning Fredericks Restaurant at Langrish House

www.hattingleyvalley.co.uk

www.langrishhouse.co.uk

Useful links

www.easthants.gov.uk/visit-east-hampshire