We recently enjoyed a stroll around the East Hampshire market town, having previously visited to film a Jane Austen film for the tourism board.
👉 Alton offers highly-rated accommodation options for longer stays, too!
Alton on foot
Did you know that Jane Austen lived in nearby Chawton? Every June in Alton they have the ten-day Regency Festival dedicated to her, they also have Austen’s café in the town dedicated to her.
If you fancied a complete Jane Austen day out, we’d recommend this article…
Alton is not just about its historical connections. The town is dotted with charming parks and offers a variety of walking routes that allow visitors to fully appreciate its picturesque setting.
We embarked on a short circular walk around the town, which took us past colorful historic buildings, serene ponds filled with ducks and geese, and the beautiful St. Lawrence’s Church. The church, with its striking architecture and peaceful surroundings, is a must-visit for anyone interested in local history and culture.
But you know us, no walk is complete without some foodie stops…
So Lush for ice cream
We went on a very hot day, so the first stop had to be ice cream of course! This little family-run spot served up plenty of flavours and had some some half-price slushies too, perfect! Can you guess what flavour I went for?
They also offer Milkshakes, Smoothies, Slushies, Whippy, Hot Drinks, Pick “n” mix and cotton candy – there’s something for everyone.
63A High St, Alton GU34 1AB
Coffee Cherry
Next on our list was Coffee Cherry, a specialty coffee roastery located near the Curtis Museum at the top of the High Street.
As soon as we walked in, we were greeted by the rich aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, making it an ideal spot to take a break from our walk.
We opted for an iced latte and a biscoff iced coffee, both of which were absolutely delicious. Coffee Cherry is run by Chariya, a former MasterChef winner, and her passion for quality is evident in every cup. In addition to the coffee shop, Chariya also runs a popular Thai eatery in town called Khao Soi.
Unfortunately, the restaurant is only open for dinners, so we weren’t able to try it this time, but it’s definitely on our list for our next visit.
3D Normandy St, Alton GU34 1DD
Hermanos Mexican Street Food
Our final foodie stop was at Hermanos Mexican Street Food, located in a vibrant area around the traditional town hall building. The spot is surrounded by plenty of outdoor seating areas, making it a great place to sit back, relax, and enjoy a meal.
The girls were in the mood for Mexican cuisine, so we decided to give it a try. We ordered burritos, which were packed with flavor and served with a side of fast, friendly service. The food was satisfying and flavorful, offering a taste of something different in the heart of this English market town.
Parked in Lady Place car park, plenty of spaces and central.
102 High St, Alton GU34 1HH
Alton is a town that effortlessly blends the old with the new, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of Jane Austen, a lover of history, or simply looking for a relaxing day out with good food and beautiful scenery, Alton has it all. The town’s warm, welcoming atmosphere, combined with its rich cultural heritage and vibrant local businesses, makes it a destination worth visiting again and again. As we left Alton, we found ourselves already planning our next trip back, eager to explore more of what this delightful town has to offer.
