LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Local Attractions

Hidden Britain Tours

People do not often have opportunity to appreciate the countryside. Business visits are often rushed, with little time to appreciate the country visited, or visitors are herded around the sights on a busy itinerary with scheduled stops that offer the usual tourist shopping experiences.

Hidden Britain Tours Ltd will take you on a mini-safari. You travel with a guide who treats you as an individual, explains the landscape, and the people who work in it.

Your time is important, so our tours can be a morning or afternoon, or a whole day. This gives you an opportunity to see the beauties of the countryside that are off the usual tourist routes, but at the same time enables you to see the major attractions as well as the villages and countryside that most visitors usually miss.

The tour is an orientation, allowing you, if you have more time available, to explore more of the places and people you wish to visit.
Hidden Britain Tours
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Address:
Hidden Britain Tours Ltd
28 Chequers Road
Basingstoke
RG21 7PU

Drive time to The Fur & Feathers: Depends on where you finish!

Hawk Conservancy Trust

A conservation charity and award winning visitor centre that has for many years worked in the fields of conservation, education, rehabilitation and the research of birds of prey.

Set in 22 acres of woodland and wildflower meadow, there are over 150 birds of prey on view, from the tiny Pygmy Owl to the impressive Steller’s Sea Eagles! Many of these birds are involved in our spectacular daily flying demonstrations, whilst others are part of important breeding or environmental enrichment projects.

With a bird of prey hospital that treats approximately 200 birds of prey each year; hides to view wild birds in our wildflower meadow; a twice daily Heron and Red Kite feed; and a Vulture Restaurant and keeper’s talk.

Every visitor can hold a British bird of prey and there are extra activities during weekends and school holidays for our younger visitors; including tractor rides, runner duck racing, Raptor Passport Trail, and ferret racing.

Allow at least half a day for your visit as there is so much to see and do!
Hawk Conservancy Trust
Tel: 01264 773 850 (UK office hours only)
Fax: 01264 773 772

Address:
The Hawk Conservancy Trust,
Visitor Centre, Sarson Lane,
Weyhill, Andover,
Hampshire, SP11 8DY, UK

Drive time to The Fur & Feathers: 35 minutes

Jane Austen's House

On your visit to Jane Austen’s House Museum, you will be able to explore the house where Jane Austen lived and wrote. The cottage itself houses our collection of Jane Austen artefacts whilst retaining the charms of the early 19th century home that Jane would have known.

Visit the bakehouse and kitchen where the domestic side of life was managed by the ladies of the house. Enjoy the peaceful English cottage garden and imagine Mrs. Austen in her smock digging up the potatoes (much to her daughters’ embarrassment).

You are welcome to bring your own food and picnic in the garden (well behaved dogs on leads are also welcome in the garden only).

Our purpose built Learning Centre houses interactive exhibits which are fun for all the family. And don’t forget to browse our museum shop. We stock a large selection of souvenirs and hold a comprehensive range of Jane Austen literature.

We want to help our disabled visitors enjoy their experience as much as we can. There is wheelchair access to all the ground-floor areas on site (unfortunately the age of the building prevents us installing a lift). Guide-dogs are welcome throughout the museum. If you require any further information, please call us on 01420 83262.
Jane Austen's House
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Address:
Chawton, Alton,
Hampshire, GU34 1SD

Drive time to The Fur & Feathers: 15 minutes

Watercress Line

Running along the edge of the South Downs National Park in Hampshire, you can join it at New Alresford: located just 7 miles from the ancient city of Winchester and famous for its clear chalk streams and watercress farms. Opened in 1865, the railway was soon nicknamed for its early role in transporting this locally grown crop to the markets in London and beyond.

Alresford has a charming Georgian town centre with independent shops, a picturesque river walk with medieval Fulling Mill, and National Trust property Hinton Ampner is just a couple of miles away. Grab a bite to eat in their West Country Buffet on the platform, or a take-away cream tea for onboard the train.
Watercress line
Tel: 01962 733810

Address:
Mid Hants Railway Ltd ‘Watercress Line’
The Railway Station, Alresford,
Hampshire, SO24 9JG

Drive time to The Fur & Feathers: 25 minutes

Silchester

Originally a tribal centre of the Iron Age Atrebates, Silchester became the large and important Roman town of Calleva Atrebatum. Unlike most Roman towns, it was never re-occupied or built over after its abandonment in the 5th century, so archaeological investigations give an unusually complete picture of its development.

Please note: dogs on leads are welcome. Parking is available (operated by Hampshire County Council).
Silchester

Address:
Silchester, Reading,
Hampshire RG7 2HP

Drive time to The Fur & Feathers: 30 minutes

Lasham Gliding Society

The club originally occupied one of the hangars now used by ATC. In the meantime the Surrey Gliding Club and Imperial College Gliding Club were both seeking a new home because Redhill airfield had many other users. Other places were considered but Lasham was chosen on the basis of where members lived. Lasham was chosen by a majority of one. The other locations in Windsor Great Park and Chipping Ongar would, in retrospect, have been disasters.

The Surrey club and Imperial College moved to Lasham in August 1951. Auto-tows and winches were initially used. Aero-towing began in February 1954 with a Tiger Moth. Eventually all wire launches were done by auto-tow, until 1988 when winching was reintroduced and replaced auto-towing.

Lasham Gliding Society was established in 1959 and later signed a long lease on the airfield from the Ministry of Defence. The Defence Research Establishment later maintained a satellite station at Lasham but the dishes, one enclosed in a large white dome, have now been removed. Most the buildings from the World War Two have now also been demolished, except for the large hangars.

Lasham Gliding Society is now one of the largest gliding clubs in the world. Over 220 gliders are based at the airfield. The airfield is in constant use throughout the year and regularly hosts national and regional gliding championships.
Lasham Gliding Society
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Address:
The Avenue, Lasham Aifield,
Alton, Hants, GU34 5SS,

Drive time to The Fur & Feathers: 5 minutes

Highclere Castle

Highclere Castle is a beautiful building and a warm, welcoming home to visitors and guests at events and celebrations held here.

Apart from exploring the Castle, the Egyptian Exhibition fascinates adults and children, whilst the surrounding Grounds and Gardens provide peace and tranquillity . We hope that the photographs, videos and information on our website inspire you to read the books about the real people here, their lives, loves and challenges they faced.

When you visit, you will recognise many rooms from “Downton Abbey.” You will see the Drawing Room in which Maggie Smith delivered many a withering comment to some unfortunate relation. In addition you can also find Tutankhamun in the cellars.

We are open for between 60 and 70 days a year to public visitors, but create many special tours, charity events as well as holding events such as concerts and country fairs in the park.
Highclere Castle
24 Line: 01635 253204

Address:
Highclere Castle,
Highclere Park,
Newbury, RG20 9RN

Drive time to The Fur & Feathers: 35 minutes

The Vyne

An intimate family home, the history of The Vyne spans the centuries. From its royal beginnings in Tudor times to its place today as a intriguing retreat for you to explore, you can lose yourself in the surroundings that inspired great authors such as Jane Austen. Discover a chapel where sunlight streams in through stained-glass windows, a ring that may have inspired Tolkien or an oak gallery fit for a king.

You could enjoy the view from the house in winter of the first hoarfrost or the autumnal glow of the woodland on a misty morning. Can you see yourself spending lazy summer days picnicking on a lawn that stretches to a shimmering lake?

The gardens are a peaceful escape with secret picnic spots, or you can stroll by the ornamental lake. Why not take in the restored Walled Garden, now a working kitchen garden providing delicious, fresh and seasonal produce for you to purchase.

The ancient woodlands are a great place in every season from the carpet of spring bluebells to autumn leaves. Sneak into the wetland bird hide and experience glimpses of wildlife. Come alone or with friends and family, there’s plenty to see and do for all ages of adventurer.
The Vyne
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Address:
Vyne Road, Sherborne St John,
Basingstoke, Hampshire,
RG24 9HL

Drive time to The Fur & Feathers: 20 minutes

Winchester

A city steeped in history, Winchester is England’s ancient capital and former seat of King Alfred the Great.

Today Winchester combines the best of city life with the freshness of the surrounding countryside. One hour from London, this is England as it used to be.

With world class attractions and architecture including a magnificent Cathedral, award-winning pubs and restaurants and a tempting array of independent shops. This culturally rich medieval city is surrounded by idyllic Hampshire villages and the fabulous rolling countryside of the South Downs National Park.
Winchester

Address:
Winchester Guildhall,
High Street, Winchester
Hampshire, SO23 9GH

Drive time to The Fur & Feathers: 34 minutes
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