Easter egg hunts, Jane Austen and More

Plus this week's local deals and events.

Author

Hannah D
March 11, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes

Hi there Hampshire,

Spring has officially sprung—who else loved soaking up that fabulous weekend sunshine? Whether you were out exploring our stunning countryside, enjoying a cheeky ice cream, or simply relaxing in your garden, there's no denying that this is a beautiful time of the year.

I'll be heading out to explore the Overton Trails this week—can't wait to share my experience with you! Overton is a charming village packed with lovely local businesses offering great spots for refreshments.

Did you know it's also less than three miles from Steventon, the birthplace of Jane Austen, and conveniently close to Basingstoke, Whitchurch Silk Mill, and the picturesque River Test?

I'll share more next week, so stay tuned! In the meantime, grab a cuppa, settle in, and let's explore what's on this week!

Explore Jane Austen’s Hampshire: Celebrating 250 Years

The staircase hall at The Vyne - National Trust Images/ Virginia Langar

Get involved as Basingstoke and Deane celebrates 250 years since the birth of Jane Austen. Plan your own literary journey and join in the year of anniversary celebrations across the area.

  • Explore the birthplace of Jane Austen and the surrounding villages.

  • Walk in Jane's footsteps along the Overton Trails.

  • Visit locations the Austen family experienced, including Oakley Hall Hotel and The Vyne (National Trust).

Celebrations are taking place throughout the year, featuring regency events, outdoor cinema, music, and theatre.

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 Egg-citing Easter Trails in Hampshire 🐣

Spring is here, and Hampshire is full of fun Easter egg hunts and trails for the whole family. From chocolate hunts to wildlife adventures, here's your guide to the best Easter events this year!

Tip: Many events require advance booking, so check with each venue early!

🌸 Sir Harold Hillier Gardens Easter Games Trail
When: 29 March – 27 April

🦁 Around the World at Marwell Zoo
When: 5 – 21 April (Big Egg Hunt: Easter Sunday, 20 April)

🏛 Regency Easter Adventures at The Vyne & National Trust Hunts
The Vyne: 29 March – 21 April
Mottisfont & Hinton Ampner: 5 – 21 April

🌳 Easter at Stansted Park
When: 20 – 21 April

🚂 Easter Bunny Train at The Watercress Line
When: 17 – 21 April

🌷 Easter at West Green House
When: 18 – 21 April

This Week’s Events

A garden full of lavender. The smell gorgeous at Mottisfont Gardens Romsey Hampshire. I love the contrasting colours of the Peacock Butterfly and the lavender.

Photo by Belinda Fewings - taken at Mottisfont

Tuesday 11th - Saturday 15th March

The Storytellers at Winchester Cathedral – Winchester Cathedral – 18:00 - 19:40

Thursday 13th March

Poetry in Motion – On the Road and Open Mic Night – Petersfield Museum – 19:30 - 21:15
The History of Shanty – The Sally Port Inn, Old Portsmouth – 18:00 - 20:00

Saturday 15th March

Gilbert White Field Studies Centre Open Day (free) – Gilbert White Field Studies Centre – 10:30 - 15:00
Owls by Moonlight – Hawk Conservancy Trust – 17:30 - 20:30

Hampshire Hot Picks

📸 Capture the magic of Beaulieu River! Enter the 2025 Beaulieu River Photography Competition for a chance to win £200 and be featured in next year’s Tide Times booklet. Submit your best shots by 31st October 2025!

🏰 Half-Price Entry to The Great Hall & Westgate Museum! As a #ThanksToYou for National Lottery Open Week, enjoy 50% off day admission from March 15-23—just show a Lottery ticket! Book now.

🍸 Luxury Hampshire Escape & Gin Adventure! Enjoy a 4-star stay with a Bombay Sapphire Distillery tour and a complimentary drink—save up to 44%! Book now.

⛺ Luxury Glamping & Spa Retreat! Escape to 4-star countryside glamping at Old Thorns Hotel with breakfast, spa access & Prosecco—save 62%! Book your stay.

🧺 Perfect for Spring Picnics! Get 40% off this OS New Forest Picnic Blanket—water-resistant, lightweight, and ideal for outdoor adventures! Shop now.

📍 Spinnaker Tower – 30% Off! Enjoy all-day admission for just £13.27 with code ETW25 (valid for visits March 15-24). Soak in breathtaking views of Portsmouth! Book now.

🛥️ Hovertravel – 25% Off Tickets! Save 25% on day & return fares for adults, children, seniors & students during English Tourism Week (March 14-23). Use code ETWHT25 at checkout! Details here.

🎖️ The D-Day Story – 25% Off for Locals! If you have a PO or SO postcode, get 25% off entry—just show proof of address at the door! Plan your visit.

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