Alresford

A vision of pastel perfection, Alresford (pronounced Allsford) is a handsome Georgian town of colour-washed houses, riverside walks, specialist shops and the UK's capital of watercress farming. The town’s history is punctuated with fires, despite the abundance of water in the area, and the buildings that you see today rose from the ashes of the great fires of the 17th century. If you want to find out more about Alresford’s history and inhabitants, pick up a copy of the ‘Millennium Trail’, a self-guided walk that links together footpaths with illustrated boards around the town. Despite its modest proportions, Alresford offers a surprising number of eateries; choose from a fine selection of old-fashioned pubs, smart bistros and traditional tea rooms. The Mid Hants Railway, known locally as the Watercress Line, can be found here too. Hop on board one of the powerful steam locomotives for the 10 mile trip to Alton, or simply take in the sights, sounds and smells of the superbly restored station. ‘Spend a Day in Alresford’ – a leaflet available from Winchester Tourist Information Centre and shops around the town – will help you make the most of your visit.