A Walk Around New Alresford, Hampshire.

I had no particular reason for visiting New Alresford, other than to have a pleasant afternoon walk around somewhere i haven't really explored yet. The first thing you notice is that it is a very good looking town with wide main streets and a colourful disposition. Built mainly in the Georgian era, the town is made up of village type cottages, town houses and old coaching inns from times gone by. It is possible to still look along the roads and imagine what this town would have been like hundreds of years ago, without the modern traffic and street furniture that tend to inhabit the squares and main roads today.

Looking down Broad St, Alresford.

Pound Hill, West St and Broad St are the main areas of interest that will hold your attention. At this time of year the roads are colourful and bright and sometimes a bit too busy traffic wise, but a pleasant place to be nonetheless. A stop for coffee at an independent coffee house was welcome and i spent a good half an hour or so sitting and watching the people go about their business.

Beer and food....

If you are in need of more sustainance, there are a few old coaching inns on the main roads and square, perfect for good food and fine ales, wines and more if the mood takes you, beer gardens and a little sunshine make for a pleasant experience. There are of course a good variety of cafes, cake shops and tea rooms to choose from, all within a short walk from each other, so you don't need to walk very far for a change of scenery.

Walking around the town i also discovered the church of St John the Baptist, the churchyard of which holds the graves of soldiers of the Napoleonic wars, including French prisoners of war, and a variety of other historical buildings relating to the Second World War, including a house that used to be the Headquarters of the 47th infantry regiment of the US Army. One of the main attractions though is the nearby rail station that attracts steam lovers from all over the world, as it is part of the Watercress line, and is busy on a daily basis with steam locomotives, lovingly restored by volunteers, and a good reminder of how our transport system was before Beeching.

Steam locomotives ... popular.

I also had the great pleasure of walking the mile or so of the Millenium Trail along the banks of the river Arle, a sparkling chalk stream that runs along the valley at the bottom of the town. Walks and trails criss cross this area, and other walks can be joined from here, but on a warm sunny day it was great to see the wildlife and plants that live and grow along the river banks.

So it was a pleasant surprise to come upon the Fulling mill, which straddles the river, and was built around the 12 - 1300's but is now a private residence.

Fulling Mill....

The river Arle....

So, i would recommend the visit to New Alresford, even if for just a short stroll along the river banks and a coffee stop on the flower lined streets of the town with a frothy latte, and a large piece of chocolate cake. If the weather is with you, you will not have a more relaxing afternoon.... Enjoy.

Paul Martin
http://www.media-attention.co.uk