Gardens, Pumpkin Picking & More

Happy Tuesday, Hampshire!

It’s that time of the week again, and I have plenty of exciting things to share today. Whether you’re after some autumn adventures, looking for a great café to meet a friend, or need to find the perfect pumpkin patch (so you can carve a masterpiece), I’ve got you covered. And, as always, there are plenty of local events and hidden gems to explore.

So, grab a cuppa, get comfy, and let’s dive into what’s happening across our lovely county this week! 😊🍁

Autumn Adventures at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens

If you're looking for a place to enjoy the changing seasons, Sir Harold Hillier Gardens in Romsey is an absolute gem. Set over 180 acres of rolling Hampshire countryside, this beautiful garden is a joy to visit, no matter the time of year.

I pop by regularly because we have a joint annual membership, which I think is fantastic value. It’s £80 per year via direct debit for two adults. This gives you unlimited visits, and under-17s go free—perfect for bringing my little one along. Plus, you get six guest passes, so it’s a great treat when friends or family visit!

On our recent trip, the autumn colours were starting to really pop. One particular tree by the pond had such vivid colours, and the reflection in the water was just stunning.

We also ventured into the woodland for the first time and found pigs helping to clear the undergrowth. My little one was absolutely fascinated—we spent ages just watching them go about their business!

With the changing seasons, there’s always something different to see, and my little one loves the play area, especially the outdoor musical instruments and the wobbly bridges by the pond. When you're ready for a break, the cafés are the perfect spot to grab a drink or a bite to eat.

Whether you’re a garden enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out with the family, Harold Hillier Gardens is a place you’ll want to visit again and again!

Photo of the Week

This week’s stunning photo is by Neil Hallsworth. It captures the peaceful sunrise over Portsmouth Harbour as seen from Gosport Millennium Bridge. The Spinnaker Tower stands tall on the right, while the naval ships in the distance hint at the city’s rich maritime history.

Gosport Millennium Bridge, often overlooked by visitors, offers one of the best vantage points for sunrises and sunsets across the Solent. Next time you're in the area, take a stroll across it. It's well worth the view.

Events This Weekend

Friday 18th October 2024

Hip Hop Bingo - Staggeringly Good Brewery, Portsmouth - 19:00 - 23:30

Saturday 19th October 2024

A Head Full of Coldplay – The Point, Eastleigh - 19:30 - 22:00
Go Ape Southampton Sundown Adventures - Choose your preferred date between Saturday, 19th October, and Saturday, 9th November
Monoprint Workshop with Katherine Anteney - Southampton City Art Gallery - 10:00 - 16:30
The Gruffalo - Theatre Royal Winchester - Sat 19th Oct - Mon 21st Oct 2024
Aldershot Craft Fayre - 10:00 - 15:00
Portsmouth Vintage Kilo Sale - 11:00 - 17:00
Apple Weekend - Furzey Gardens, New Forest - Sat 19th Oct - Sun 20th Oct 2024

Sunday 20th October 2024

Great South Run Weekend - Portsmouth - the race has sold out, but go along to cheer everyone along.
Hampshire Farmers' Market - Portsmouth - 10:00 - 14:00.

A Place to Eat: Boston Tea Party

Boston Tea Party in Ringwood is a great option if you're meeting up with a friend and looking for a cosy spot to grab a bite. I recently met a friend from Dorset, and as we often meet halfway, we decided to try this charming café. Just a two-minute walk from a large car park, BTP Ringwood is housed in the stunning historic Frampton’s Mill in the Furlong Shopping Centre.

I had a delicious quesadilla, and it’s easy to see why this place is so popular. With the New Forest and River Avon nearby, you can combine your visit with a scenic walk or some browsing in the local shops for a full day out.

Boston Tea Party offers a first-come, first-served style (no bookings), but plenty of seating across two floors and a lovely terrace. Plus, it’s dog-friendly, making it a relaxed place for everyone.

Top Pumpkin Picking Spots in Hampshire

Are you looking to go pumpkin picking in Hampshire? Here are some top places to go 👇

• Pickwell Farm (Bursledon): Pumpkins & sweetcorn, farm shop | Free entry, £3 pumpkins

• Sunnyfields Farm (Southampton): Thousands of pumpkins, displays | £5.50 entry | Booking required

• Picking Patch (Fordingbridge): Halloween maze, PYO, kids' activities | Free entry, £6 maze | Booking required

• Rotherwick Patch (Hook): Dog-friendly, tractor, puppacinos | Free entry, £5 parking | Booking recommended
  Rogate Patch (Petersfield): Variety of pumpkins, spooky playhouses | £5–£7 adults

• Durleighmarsh Farm (Petersfield): PYO pumpkins & produce | Free entry

• Droxford Patch: PYO, spooky activities, Broomstick Academy | £6 entry, under 1s free

• Bourne Valley PYO (Andover): PYO pumpkins, fruits & veg | Free entry

Hampshire Explorer’s Hot Picks

• Sail away for just £60 a night! Check out this November cruise from Southampton: See the deal

• Explore Beaulieu River by boat – only a few spots left! Book your adventure

• Uncover Winchester’s spooky secrets on the Alfred the Great Ghost Trail: Follow the trail

• Stay warm on outdoor adventures – I’m getting this handy food flask for when I’m exploring outdoors: Grab yours here

• Visiting Portsmouth Historic Dockyard? Get the best value with the Ultimate Explorer Ticket: Learn more

• Win the ultimate family spa experience at New Park Manor Hotel: See how.

That's a wrap for this week! I truly appreciate all the wonderful feedback you've shared; it means so much to me. I'm always striving to make this the best it can be and am eager to keep improving.

Until next time,

Hannah