Really enjoyed our Thomas day out here, my 2 year old daughter loved it! Tip; don’t ride the Alton train as it wastes a lot of time and we were told there was nothing at Alton station (the website does state there are activities on there but the train guard said there was nothing there), so we opted not to bother and had a lovely day playing the garden games, playing in the park & funfair and riding the miniature train. 🚂 Thanks for having us!

Autumn Steam Gala is worth visiting, not just for steam enthusiasts, as they offer enhanced timetables with visiting and home-fleet locomotives. Heritage stations, workshops, and special rides like Brake Van experiences which you pay extra. Well-maintained stastions and facilities, detailed displays of locomotives and rolling stock, and enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteers. It's possible to view the workshops, and restoration areas, to get behind-the-scenes views and appreciate the hard work that goes into running and maintaining the line. Great day out.

I got this as a gift for my dad's birthday and we both thoroughly enjoyed this experience. Train - Beautiful exterior and interior, views were amazing throughout the journey, was able to get off at Alton to stretch our legs for 10 mins before getting back onto the train to go back to Alresford. Food - Fish and chips was delicious, they give you water bottle, packets of salt and pepper and vinegar as well and a cherry flapjack. Make sure you take your own sauce, this was not included. Staff - Were polite and friendly throughout the experience. Parking - There is a car park on site but will advise you to get there early as its quite small and limited space, paid £3 for 3 hours which isn't bad. The only thing I would say is registering with the representative at the beginning of the journey could be better planned, but overall really good experience and will recommend to friends and family.

Took my grandson for a ride from Alresford to Alton. Like stepping back in time. All the staff are dressed appropriately, and all were very helpful and enthusiastic about what they were doing. Was a lovely day and well worth the money. My 2 dogs were welcome as well and free to travel.

Lovely preserved railway. It was a great to ride the steam trains through the countryside, and being able to stop off and explore the different stations that give a glimpse into days past. I visited for the retro road and rail though and this was disappointing: there were very few classic vehicles, and the '40s display at Ropley just consisted of a couple of American army vehicles at the top of the car park (it took ages to find it too as no one seemed to have a clue where it was, even the staff I asked didn't know anything about it, and there was no signage!). I returned for the visit of Sir Nigel Gresley, which was much better. Had a lovely day.

Private operated Steam Charter Train on the MHR (Mid Hants Railway) on the morning of Saturday, 25 October 2025, prior to timetable passenger service trains operating. An opportunity to experience and photograph railway scenes from a bygone era in delightful countryside, on a former section of the Southern Railway line known as ‘Over The Alps’. Credit to all staff and volunteers for maintaining and operating this lovely section of preserved railway line with hordes of nostalgia.

Went on the RAT (Real Ale Train) last night. Booked a private compartment for 6 of us including food. Very enjoyable evening. Some of the ale was a bit cloudy at times and the food wasn't able to be served on the train due to technical issues, but the ataff handle it well and were all very helpful. Other drinks were available, small choice but just enough to give some alternatives.

We spent about 1:20 in the museum and house, reading the informative signs on Gilbert White and the Oates family. We were surprised that it was about 50/50 between ecologist Gilbert White and the later Oates family (who purchased the house and were explorers/nature-lovers in their own right). Though there wasn’t tons of information about Gilbert White’s personal life, it was quite informative on his works, people he interacted with or later impacted, such as Oates, Thomas Bell, Darwin. Gardens: We weren’t able to spend much time given our schedule, but looked like an extensive (dog-friendly) walk. Ticket prices are a little steep, but if wanting to learn about his life, impact in ecology, and walk the gardens it is a nice afternoon out. Cafe has hot drinks, cakes, and a handful (2-3?) of lunch options. Indoor and outdoor seating. Car park behind house. It is a paid lot, but if visiting house just include registration details at visitor desk for free parking. Facilities: Clean toilets in cafe area and inside house.

Fascinating garden with old species and a medicinal herbal section. The cost of entry £13.50 per person gives you an annual pass which is worth having if you're local as many plants vary through the season. RHS members discount Tuesday to Thursday. Where plants were big enough I did a bit of sniffing and tasting leaves. I'll be buying some sweet Cicely if I can get seeds. Dogs welcome in the garden. The cafe does good cake and coffee. Toilets in the cafe. We didn't do the house. We were in the garden for over an hour, I'd have stayed longer but the dog was too hot. Free parking if you go into garden/house or spend £5 in the cafe.

We had a wonderful day at Gilbert White’s house. There was so much to see, the house was quirky and the museum was very interesting. It captivated my two granddaughters as well as myself. The grounds are so beautiful and my younger granddaughter completed an Easter trail. My only criticism is of the cafe, the prices I get are extortionate, £45 for the three of us to have a light lunch (two quiche and side salad and one sandwich, plus drinks)

I love this place! Anyone who loves gardens or is interested in ecology MUST go! Fascinating exhibitions about Gilbert White, the father of ecology, but also displays about Captain Oates of the ill-fated Antarctic expedition, and Frank Oates, naturalist and explorer. Such a wonderful and relaxing day!

Visiting Gilbert White’s House felt like stepping into a quieter, more attentive world. The rooms are modest but full of life, and what really stayed with me was seeing nature through White’s eyes—his writing is almost poetic in its simplicity. He doesn’t dramatize; he observes. Birds, weather, plants—all described with a kind of reverence that makes you slow down and notice things you’d usually overlook. The museum itself is bright, airy, and thoughtfully laid out. It’s full of interactive touches—drawers that open to reveal surprises, objects you can handle, and displays that invite curiosity rather than just observation. It’s clearly designed to be engaging for all ages, and it works. There’s a sense of playfulness woven through the learning, which makes the experience feel alive. The museum does a lovely job of letting White’s voice lead. Diary extracts are placed throughout the house—not the garden—and they’re not just informative—they’re intimate. You feel like you’re walking alongside him, sharing in his quiet joy at a bird’s song or the changing of the seasons. Then you cross into the Oates section, and the atmosphere shifts. It’s immersive in a different way—more visceral, more emotionally charged. The personal effects, especially Lawrence Oates’ belongings, are deeply moving. You’re not just reading about polar exploration; you’re feeling the weight of it. The quiet bravery, the loss, the humanity—it’s all there in the details. And it’s not just Lawrence. His brother Frank Oates, too, lived a life of bold exploration—venturing into Africa with curiosity and courage. Both brothers, in their own ways, embraced the unknown. The museum honours that spirit without sensationalising it. It’s respectful, poignant, and quietly powerful. Oddly—and a little eerily—in the area where the Boer War uniform was displayed, my husband caught a distinct smell of pipe smoke and asked if I could smell it too. I couldn’t. It was fleeting, but it added an unexpected layer to the experience. Whether imagination or something else, it felt strangely fitting in a place so steeped in personal history. The contrast between the two halves of the museum is striking, but beautifully handled. White’s world is one of patience and wonder; the Oates story brings courage and tragedy. Together, they offer a layered, unforgettable experience. The café, however, was less inspiring. £9.00 for a cheese and tomato sandwich felt steep—and the tomato turned out to be a single slice. It’s a lovely setting, but the pricing didn’t quite match the portion. Worth knowing if you're planning to eat there. Parking is free if you’re visiting the café or the house—just make sure to register your vehicle on arrival. It’s a small detail, but easy to miss. We also ventured across the road to the church to visit Gilbert White’s resting place. It’s a lovely little church—simple, peaceful, and full of quiet charm. Standing there, knowing he’s buried in the village he loved and wrote about so tenderly, felt like the perfect way to end the visit.

This is a fascinating place. Not only does this house celebrate the life and work of the naturalist Gilbert White. It also feature details of the achievements of Captain Frank Oates and his African travels, and that of Lawrence Oates who joined Scott on his tragic Antarctic journey. So there is something of interest for everyone. There is a large garden with some interesting features as well. So plan to spend a few hours here, and take a break in the nice café on site. Note that the parking is a bit further down the road, behind the Selborne Arms pub, and you must register your car upon arrival at the museum to get free parking.

Just had a lovely visit to Gilbert White's house. Beautiful setting and gardens especially with the trees in their autumn colours albeit on a very cloudy day! The house is delightful and the exhibits are informative and interesting. It's like stepping back in time to a more relaxed and quiet period, something we all lack these days. The Oates collections were also very interesting with the Arctic exhibition especially thought provoking and moving. Their bravery was inspiring. We loved the cafe having stopped for coffee on arrival (very good!) and then for tea and cake at the end of our visit (also very good!) All the staff were friendly and welcoming. We wouldn't hesitate to return.

A wonderful ceramics collection in a lovely setting. Very friendly and enthusiastic volunteers, giving a warm welcome. Lots to explore and enjoy. Glad we were able to see it before the temporary closure for refurbishments later this year.

Fantastic varied collection of quality art. Friendly staff. Also a great place for kids to do arts and crafts, as well as explore the magical hidden garden. Definitely recommend!

Little gem of a place in Alton. Worth a visit. Very small cafe, but on a sunny day a delightful courtyard to sit in.

Watched a harrowing account of the first 20 days of the Russian invasion into Mariupol. Dreadful thing to see but big up this beautiful gallery and the good folks of Alton. Nice, cosy place to visit with an exhibition of Ukrainian artists and photographers at the moment.

Good little gallery at the top of town. Long term display of pottery if you like that sort of thing. Gallery which has different shows on over the course of the year. Good outside space, well maintained garden. Self service cafe area with a couple of tables and coffee/tea machine, home made cakes and a few other bits and pieces. Very friendly staff. Good kids area upstairs too!

Lovely little gallery with a gorgeous garden. First visited during the Jane Bown exhibition and planned a revisit the following week to take another look. Sadly on the 2nd visit (Saturday lunchtime) we were clearly in the way as the staff wanted to photograph and close the exhibit :(

Superb gallery and museum around the corner in need of financial and moral support. Superb collection of porcelain and tiles, with little space to display them adequately. Great volunteers. coffee and cake, art gallery exhibition space.

A cute, free, old-fashioned museum that’s worth a 20-minute browse. I love any history so enjoyed the Neolithic and Roman history in particular. The gem of the collection is considered a brooch but it’s not that impressive IMO visually. Maybe better lighting would help? I liked the Roman doodle better and a pretty funny poster on pigs at the market. The Barbies inside the exhibits is an interesting touch (relates to a children’s discovery trail).

This seems like an ideal place to spend some time. I did not go into the museum because of my significant foot pain and the walking became a bit much. I also think that it was lovely to see the woman at the front desk knitting because that is something that you do not see on a regular basis. It was really nice to see and she was very friendly. The nearby War Mememorial is also worth seeing. People have taken the time to decorate stones and it is a beautiful job and effort. Please see the photos I took of them because I think that they are just wonderful.

Friendly staff and a great museum. Good mix of historical information about Alton and the surrounding area with a variety of interesting exhibits. Also great for children - dedicated children's area at the start with toys and game as well as various things to do dotted around the museum. Treasure trail was fun for the kids. Well worth a visit.

Finding a museum as good as this in a relatively small town is a joy. The Curtis Museum hits the right notes for sure. The Curtis Museum is a medium sized museum with enough interest to keep you occupied for up to an hour. Many interesting displays, and some quite famous. Visit it yourself to find out what. Not to be missed if you're passing through Alton with an hour to spare. It's in the high street and easily spotted.

A nice little museum charting the history of Alton. Well worth a visit. Go visit the Allen gallery too if you're into ceramics. Both are free entry but a small donation may help keep these educational resources open.

Great museum - definitely recommended for locals and visitors. Love it!

Very interesting museum well laid out. Very good for local research. Friendly and helpful staff. A good place to introduce children to local history. Relaxed and welcoming atmosphere with a wealth of interesting exhibits.

A hidden gem. If you have even the vaguest interest in aviation/gliding history, take this fantastic (free) tour led by engaging and knowledgeable volunteers. A fascinating collection of lovingly cared-for vintage gliders.

Thoroughly enjoyable solo tour with, if I remember correctly, Tony. The tour is completely free though I left a donation as it was well worth it. I had no idea how interesting gliders are. Their history is presented by way of a hangar and workshop tour. Also very interesting to be driven around the perimeter road to see what goes on at the airfield. Very friendly crowd and a nice cafe on site which I visited prior to the Sunday tour. Thank you for making me so welcome.

Wonderful visit for an aviation enthusiast! Book in advance!

Visiting some friends at Lasham, we were unexpectedly offered the opportunity of a guided tour of the Heritage Centre. Although I have a layman's interest in aviation, I knew nothing of gliders and gliding. We were shown around the collection by the wonderful Graham Garnet, who explained the history of gliding and the background to many of the examples in the collection. A particular feature of most of these machines is that they are in airworthy condition and are flown regularly (although not necessarily frequently). As well as two hangars full of gliders, we also had the privilege of being shown around the workshop, where aircraft are restored and repaired. All in all a fascinating trip and well worth your time, even if you have no knowledge of gliding.

A fantastic place for aviation history. If you wanna see how gliding started then you are at the right place. See how they restore gliders. Amazing work

Fantastic collection of vintage gliders, most of them maintained in airworthy condition and regularly flown.

Great place. Beautiful gliders and very interesting tour. Amazing work undertaken by volunteers

Years ago I used to regularly visit Father Nicholas Seymour at the Abbey but alas he has since died and I have moved away but I have never forgotten the wonderfully uplifting times I had there, it was a life saver. A truly beautiful and tranquil place, long may it remain so.

Beautiful, tranquil and calm. OK visited my son in the cemetery but thank God for the walk around the grounds. Very calming and I hope this place remains and not turned into housing land. Shame I couldn't visit the Chapel. The trees are massive too that have been there for years. Good place for photos of nature

2 March 2024. The website said OPEN. We went to see Alton Abbey and it was closed due to Covid. It is not worth a trip from London. If it is permanently closed, it would be great if the search functions made it clear.

Only allowed to visit the grounds, ordinary visitors not allowed inside the church. Well maintained garden. Free car park. Footways and lawns, more or less flat. Not the most famous Abbey Road.

I'm not a religious person but I do love the ambience of the abbey and gardens

Incredible place. Welcome signs everywhere as you go in. Gardens are beautiful. Abbey is too and if you get the chance chat with a monk or two. So friendly. Anyone is welcome to join them in the abbey for services. No opening times to wonder round the gardens. They are always open. The abbey itself is partially open and if you ring the bell you can go into other areas. There are a few things for sale in the entrance area. Cards etc. And some wood carved items made by the the monks from wood at the abbey. I cannot emphasise enough how truly tranquil this place is!

After my home, my favourite place in the world. Wonderful Benedictine hospitality, delicious food, simple but comfortable rooms, a cozy common room with a wood fire for chilly days, plus plenty of beatiful grounds to wander through between meals and services. The monks are wonderful, and surprisingly funny. Come even for just for a day and you'll have a little bit of Alton Abbey with you fit the rest of your life.

The smallish carpark attached to the Home Farm Nature Reserve. Spent a few hours wandering around here and didn't see a single soul, so it's pretty good for a bit of solitude. If you head along the footpath that leads out from the carpark and head northwest you'll eventually hit some private farmland at the end of a woodland trail. I was a little disappointed as I wanted to keep rambling across fields etc. It's a big nature reserve but it is a bit 'fenced-in' if that makes sense. Anyhow, it's worth a few hours for a walk, and perfect for dogs.

Small car park. Perfect for dog walking & those who enjoy short to medium walks on relatively flat ground. Good for nature watching.

lovely place to take the dogs for a walk but boots/wellies is a must if it’s been raining the day or night before.

Super little hidden secret to walk the walks. Great place to switch off and have some well earned me time. There is woodlands, our dogs love to go and play in there, sniffing about so suss out what's been around before them and dream about flushing out pheasants 🐾

Great countryside walk. It's worth downloading some instructions. There are a lot of turned. It would be very easy to get a lost. You will probably meet cattle. Dogs on leads near the cows. There are 2 car parks. The South is larger and usually less busy. A nice mix of open fields and woodlands.

Very well kept, loads of wildlife, nice mixture of woodland

It is a lovely walk that we do daily with a few dogs. Lovely scenary and very dog friendly. Great range of wildlife can be seen from birds to the noise of crickets in summer. I love to watch the range of wildflowers that are there throughout the year.