Witchcraft Tales, Tasty Chips, and Winter Walks

Plus Black Friday deals, and this weekend's events

Author

Hannah D
November 26, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 11 minutes

In partnership with

Hello Hampshire,

What a weekend we’ve had! The storm made its presence known, but we managed to squeeze in a visit to Winchester Christmas Market. It was a bit wet and windy, but still lovely – hopefully, we’ll get a chance to visit again on a brighter day.

This week’s newsletter is packed with events and loads of Hampshire Black Friday deals (at the end of the email). Most are live already (yes, I spent hours hunting them down for you!) and are perfect for gifting or treating yourself. There are some absolute gems in there!

Plus, I’ll share highlights from my trip to Burley, a recent stop for some fantastic fish and chips, and more. Let’s get started!

Cake, Witchcraft, and Winter Charm in Burley

Last week, I finally made it to Burley in the New Forest after mentioning it in the newsletter, and I’m so glad I did. The snow combined with sunshine made it look picture-perfect. We parked at a pay-and-display car park and wandered around, although I later realised we could have parked at the Old Farmhouse Restaurant & Tea Rooms for free—lesson learned!

A photo of Burley Village, New Forest in the snow

We treated ourselves to some cake and a hot drink there, and it was worth the stop. It’s clearly a popular spot because when we arrived, all the tables were full, but we only had to wait about five minutes for one to free up. The food and atmosphere were lovely, so I can see why it’s so busy.

Carrot cake in Old Farmhouse Restaurant & Tea Rooms, Burley, New Forest

This carrot cake was so good!

Afterwards, we explored the village, which has a fascinating connection to witchcraft. Back in the 1950s, a white witch named Sybil Leek lived there. She became famous for wandering around in a long black cloak with her pet jackdaw on her shoulder, but the locals weren’t so keen on her, and she eventually moved to the USA. Nowadays, the village leans into quirky history with shops selling witchcraft-related items alongside other charming spots like a fantastic fudge shop and more cafés.

Witch gift shop in Burley, New Forest

If you fancy combining a visit to Burley with a walk, I’d highly recommend checking out Rob’s Hampshire Pub Walks on YouTube. He has a great 5-mile circular route starting and ending in the village (you can watch it here).

It’s such a lovely place to explore, and I’d definitely go back—hopefully without snow next time!

Photo of the Week: A Walk in Harting Down

A g

Credit: Kelly Mappley

This photo was shared on the Hampshire Explorer Facebook Page, and I couldn’t resist sharing it with you! The photo was taken by Kelly Mappley and features her rescue dog, Oscar. She said, "We went back to HD last Sunday after 8 years, and it was great."

This is Harting Down, right on the Hampshire and West Sussex border. Managed by the National Trust, it’s one of the largest areas of ancient chalk downland – perfect for a day immersed in nature.

The views are breathtaking, stretching across the Weald to the north and even as far as the Isle of Wight to the south.

You can wander along the South Downs Way or explore quiet valleys bursting with wildflowers, orchids, butterflies, and birds.

History buffs, take note! Harting Down is steeped in history, boasting an Iron Age hill fort, cross-ridge dykes, and remnants of a Napoleonic telegraph station on Beacon Hill.

With peaceful walks, stunning landscapes, and abundant wildlife, Harting Down offers a brilliant spot for a weekend adventure.

Address: Harting Down (off B2141), South Harting, Petersfield, GU31 5PW.

What’s Happening in Hampshire

Thursday 28th November

Friday 29th November

Saturday 30th November

Sunday 1st December

A Place to Eat: JHenry’s Fish and Chips

If you’re a fan of proper fish and chips (who isn’t?), you need to know about JHenry’s in Hedge End. This family-run gem has been serving up crispy, golden perfection since 1988, and it’s no wonder it’s become a local institution. With 11 family members working together, the shop is as much about community as it is about food.

JHenrys Fish and Chips Hedge End Hampshire

Cooked to perfection 😋

I recently enjoyed the fish and chips lunchtime special—it’s fresh, delicious, and even better with their secret seasoning (seriously, don’t skip it).

Oh, and they’re not just brilliant at fish and chips—they’re social media stars too! Their TikTok videos (@leefishandchips) are full of behind-the-scenes fun, with one even racking up over 2 million views. Whether you’re local or passing by on the M27, JHenry’s is worth the stop.

Hampshire “Black Friday” Hot Picks

🌲 15 months for the price of 12 at New Forest Wildlife Park – offer ends 2nd December!

🗺 Up to 40% off maps, outdoor kits, Garmin with Ordnance Survey.

🚢 Save big on these no-fly cruises out of Southampton and Portsmouth.

🚶Explore Hampshire for Less! Save 50% on AllTrails+ – just £17.99 for a year.

🏰 20% off English Heritage Gift & Annual Memberships - use code “EHAFF2024”.

🪂 Save 64% on iFLY Indoor Skydiving for Two in Basingstoke.

🍸 Enjoy 27% off the Bombay Sapphire Distillery Gin Cocktail Masterclass and Guided Discovery Tour for Two.

🚗 Get 58% off a Triple All-Star Driving Experience with High-Speed Passenger Ride near Aldershot.

🏔️ Go Ape’s biggest Black Friday discount is coming.

☕ Save 43% on the Thermos Stainless King Food Flask – perfect for on-the-go meals and drinks while exploring Hampshire.

🎯 Up to 25% off activities at Calshot Activities Centre.

🔫 Save big with Laser Squad’s Black Friday deals.

🚂 Exclusive Watercress Line deals on Black Friday for 24 hours only - sign up here for more.

⛴️ Wightlink Black Friday deals live on 29th November.

🚢 Red Funnel ferry trips 1/3 off or 40% off with accommodation – ends 6th December!

👑 30% Off Your Next Stay + 20% Off Lunch & Dinner with Greene King.

⛺ Up to 25% off 2025 self-catering, touring, camping & glamping holidays with Shorefiled Holidays.

Thank you for reading this week’s newsletter. I hope you’ve found something to inspire your next adventure or a deal to snap up. As always, I’d love to hear from you—feel free to reply with your thoughts or share what you’ve been up to. Until next time, take care and enjoy exploring!

Hannah

Reply

or to participate.