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Free Entry, Discounts & A Great Walk in Overton
Plus, Jane Austen’s Hampshire and top Hampshire events.
Hannah D
March 18, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes
Hello Hampshire!
With spring officially here, it’s the perfect time to step outside, breathe in the fresh air, and explore everything our county has to offer.
I recently wandered Overton (spoiler: it was wonderful!), and it got me thinking—there’s always something new to discover, even in places we think we know well. If you’ve got a favourite Hampshire spot or an upcoming event, you think we should check out, hit reply and let us know. We love hearing from you!
👨🍳 Shout-out: La Ene Gourmet in Otterbourne - what a great find! Thanks for the great food and warm welcome. If you haven’t been yet, add it to your list. More on them soon.
Walking Through History (and Having Coffee) in Charming Overton
Last week, I ventured to the charming village of Overton, not far from Basingstoke, to tackle the "Overton in Jane Austen’s Time" trail—a delightful 2.5-mile circular walk.
My journey kicked off at the Jane Austen Trails information board right in the village centre.
Start at this point: qualify.revives.goofy
The route meandered gently along roads and leafy footpaths, passing spots that Jane Austen and her family would have recognised immediately. A highlight was visiting St Nicholas Church, where Jane's father served as rector. Not only was Jane christened there back in 1776, but her brother James is also buried in the peaceful churchyard.
Once back in the village, I leisurely explored Overton’s quaint shops, eventually stopping at Stanley’s for a well-deserved hot drink and snack. The place was buzzing, clearly the village hotspot for coffee and a good catch-up.
Even if you aren’t a devoted Jane Austen fan, I'd definitely recommend this walk. It's a wonderful way to enjoy the spring weather, take in some historical sights, and soak up the friendly atmosphere of Overton.
Tip: Some of the roads don’t have pavements, so please take care.
Look out for the River Test - it was so beautiful. The water is so clear!
Other Trails to Explore
If you’re after a longer route, the Overton to Steventon Trail (9 miles) takes you all the way to Austen’s birthplace, with a cycling version (12 miles) for those on two wheels. There’s also a 6.5-mile route through Ashe and Deane, exploring more of the surrounding countryside.
All trails start at the same spot in Overton, and printed leaflets are available in local shops and cafés. You can also download them here.
Getting There
Trail start point: qualify.revives.goofy
Car park (RG25 3NU): crusher.fabricate.huddle
Nearest train station: Overton (1.3km from the trailhead, on the London Waterloo to Exeter line)
👉 Find out more here: Overton Jane Austen Trails
Photo of the Week
Roydon Woods nature reserve, located in Brockenhurst within the New Forest, is a wonderful spot. Bluebells generally bloom in the UK from mid-April to early May, depending on the weather, so remember to mark a date in your diary.
Free Entry & Discounts in Hampshire
I'm definitely taking advantage of the great deals and free entry during English Tourism Week and National Lottery Open Week 2025. It's the perfect opportunity to explore some amazing attractions across Hampshire—maybe I'll see you there!
National Lottery Open Week (18-26 March)
Bring your lottery ticket and enjoy these great offers:
Free Entry:
Half-Price Entry:
Free Hot Drink:
English Tourism Week Offers (15-24 March)
Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth
30% off adult all-day admission (£13.27)
Use code ETW25 when booking
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Up to £20 off entry
Explore iconic vessels like Mary Rose, HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, and more
Discounts: £10 off individual tickets, £15 off 1+3 family tickets, £20 off 2+3 family tickets
Sign up to their newsletter for discounts here
Hovertravel
25% off standard day & period returns (up to four passengers)
Use code ETWHT25 when booking
Travel by 31 May 2025
The D-Day Story, Portsmouth
25% off for anyone with PO or SO postcode (present proof of address)
Discount available on-the-door
New Theatre Royal - Knees Up!
Blending drag, music, dance, and cabaret
Headlined by Brady Jago and drag superstars
Use code DOWNTOWN10 for £10 tickets (Friday 21 March)
Note: Please remember to check the venue's websites for full details and bookings. Promotions are subject to change.
Other Events This Week in Hampshire
Wednesday 19th March 2025
Gilbert's Garden: Open Greenhouse Day - Gilbert White's House and Gardens, Selborne - 10:30 - 15:30
Thursday 20th March 2025
The Square Pianist: Jane Austen 250 - A Celebration in Music and Words - Portsmouth Cathedral - 20:00 - 22:00
Canadian Pacific Launch - The Watercress Line
Friday 21st March 2025
After Dark - The Planetarium Live - Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium - 18:00 - 19:20
Saturday 22nd March 2025
Beaulieu River Extended Cruise - Buckler's Hard, New Forest
The Sound Show - 9:30 - 17:00 (Runs until 5th May 2025)
Sunday 23rd March 2025
Keyhaven Dusk Walk - Lymington Keyhaven
Tuesday 26th March 2025
New Forest Discovery Walk (Lyndhurst) - Bolton's Bench, Lyndhurst - 10:00 - 12:00
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