From Southsea Castle to Pig Spotting

Hi there Hampshire,

I hope your week is off to a great start! Can you believe it's already mid-September? The weather's been pretty nice, even if it's a bit chillier in the mornings and evenings. But hey, the sun's still shining during the day! It's the perfect time of year for a walk. I'd love to hear about your favourite trails or walking spots. Reply to this email and let me know - I'm always looking for new places to explore!

A Place to Vist: Southsea Castle

Last week, I visited Southsea Castle, and it was a fantastic way to spend a few hours. This historic site, built during Henry VIII’s reign, offers a unique glimpse into England’s past. Even better, it's completely free to visit.

Inside the castle, there's a small museum and shop filled with souvenirs, books, and gifts related to the site's history. But what really stood out to me was the surrounding area. A visitor recently described it perfectly:

If you're driving, there’s metered parking nearby, or you can park in a residential area within a 15-20 minute walk.

The castle itself is quite impressive. Built to defend against the French and the Holy Roman Empire, it also played a role in both World Wars.

There’s also a lovely restaurant on site, with indoor seating for cosy winter visits and outdoor seating for warmer days. It’s open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and high tea and has a solid 4.3-star rating on Google from 279 reviews. It’s open year-round, even when the museum at Southsea Castle is closed. You can check it out here: The Courtyard at Southsea Castle.

I was lucky with the weather during my visit – it was perfect for a walk along the promenade. If you’re planning a trip, you could also pop over to the D-Day Story Museum, which is just a short walk away, or even shop at Gunwharf Quays. Southsea Castle is open from 10am – 5pm, Tuesday – Sunday (April to October). For more details, visit their website: Southsea Castle.

Photo of the Week

This stunning photo was taken at Kings Pond in Alton, where the swans are so synchronised they could win gold in the Swan Olympics.

Hampshire Events This Weekend

Bishops Waltham Country Market - Jubilee Hall - Friday 20^th and 27^th Sept, 10 am-12 pm - Did you know that our Market has been in Bishops Waltham since 1948

Watch Day - Hurst Castle - Saturday 21^st Sept, 10.30am - 5.30pm - Heritage trails, kids activities, talks on local history and wildlife and more.

Dash in the Dark Southampton - Southampton Common - Saturday 21^st Sept - You can still sign up to help this great cause!

Dance for Minds - Guildhall Square, Southampton - From 4pm, Saturday 21^st Sept - This free event is in aid of Solent Minds charity.

Portsmouth and Southsea Car Boot Sale - 7am-1pm, Sunday 22^nd Sept

A Place to Eat: A Cafe With An Eco Focus

Are you looking for a new favourite spot to grab a bite in Winchester? Look no further than Open House Deli! This charming café serves up delicious, unique food and eco-friendly products that'll have you coming back for more.

On my recent visit, I tried their cheese, pineapple, and chilli toastie. It's just one example of how Open House Deli puts a creative spin on comfort food favourites.

They source ingredients from local producers, ensuring that every meal is fresh, responsibly sourced, and supports the local economy. It's a win-win!

Also, Open House Deli isn't just about great food; it's also your one-stop shop for beautiful, eco-friendly products. From reusable kitchen essentials to sustainable lifestyle goods, you can feel good about your purchases here.

Thinking about stopping by? Whether you're craving a quick bite, a relaxed lunch, or some retail therapy, Open House Deli is the place to be. Check out their website for more info: Open House Deli

Address: 4a Middle Brook St, Winchester SO23 8AQ

Opening hours: Mon - Friday 8:30 - 16:00, Saturday 9:00 - 16:00, Sunday 9:30 - 16:30

Hampshire Highlight: Time For Pig Spotting!

Autumn in the New Forest brings a unique and charming spectacle – pigs roaming the forest floor! Pannage season officially kicked off yesterday and will run until Friday, 22nd November 2024. But what exactly is pannage, and why does it matter?

Pannage is an ancient tradition that dates back to the time of William the Conqueror, who founded the New Forest in 1079. It involves releasing domestic pigs into the forest to munch on fallen acorns, chestnuts, and beechmast.

Fun fact: green acorns are poisonous to the New Forest ponies and cattle, but the pigs gobble them up like they’re candy. By the end of the season, around 600 pigs will have worked their way through the forest, keeping our ponies and cattle safe from these potentially toxic snacks.

So, where can you spot these hard-working pigs? Well, there’s no specific spot – the pigs roam freely across the forest, so finding them might take a bit of luck. A stroll along one of the forest's beautiful walking routes could give you a chance to see these piggies in action. Just don’t expect them to stay put in one place! At the end of pannage season, the commoners even have to rely on local knowledge to find and gather their pigs back to their holdings.

A few tips if you’re planning to go pig-spotting: always keep your distance. Though these pigs are owned by local commoners, they’re unpredictable and best treated as wild animals. No feeding or petting – they’ve got plenty of natural food around, and they need to stay healthy and not get too used to humans.

Check out this adorable video 👇️ How many can you count?

So, grab your camera, pop on some comfy walking shoes, and head out to the New Forest. Happy pig-spotting! 🐷

BONUS: How Southampton Has Changed

Take a look at this video that highlights how Southampton has evolved over the years. It's really fascinating to watch!

I hope you enjoyed the email and have a great week.

Until next time,

Hannah

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