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The Herald Scotland
4 days ago
- The Herald Scotland
Barton-on-Sea named among Britain's best seaside towns
Barton-on-Sea, which is located in the New Forest, featured alongside 29 others in a list from Rough Guides. The publication shared: "The very best seaside towns in the UK offer everything from traditional fun to tongue-in-cheek kitsch. "Days out on the beach with bucket and spade in hand continue to be a great British tradition, and best of all, there's always another coastal town in the UK waiting to be discovered!" The full list of Britain's top 30 seaside towns can be found on the Rough Guides website here. Why is Barton-on-Sea among Britain's best seaside towns? Barton-on-Sea picked up praise from Rough Guides thanks to its scenery. views and fossil finds. They wrote: "Located on the edge of the New Forest, Barton-on-Sea offers stunning coastal walks and a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric marine life. "In terms of fossils, it has particularly rich pickings with some finds dating as far back as 40 million years and budding palaeontologists can search for preserved shark teeth, fish bones and gastropod shells. "When you've had your geological fill, enjoy breathtaking views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight. "On a clear day, the iconic chalk Needles and St Catherine's Lighthouse can just be seen in the distance." Things to do in Barton-on-Sea As mentioned previously, the coastal trails of Barton-on-Sea are an aspect that is recognised by many people as an enjoyable activity to embark upon in the town. Visit Hampshire adds: "Barton-on-Sea boasts superb coastal walks, including the start of the Solent Way which spans the length of Keyhaven Nature Reserve. "With its magnificent cliffs, sweeping coastal scenery and pretty water meadows, it is a little piece of the New Forest which is perfect for outdoor explorers. "With a range of accommodation providers, the area is a great place to go for a short stop or longer break." The town's beach is mainly a stony one, where you can enjoy a day out paddling in the water, or look for some fossil finds of your own. If you wanted to stay for the night, The Cliff House is a well-regarded establishment that has earned a 4.5/5 score from 389 reviews on Tripadvisor. It has six en-suite rooms, alongside being an independent restaurant and bar. One person wrote: "What a great weekend stay we had at the Cliff house. The staff were polite, helpful and friendly. "Our room (Wight) was great value, minimalist and modern with some amazing views of the Isle of Wight." Another shared: "We had a fabulous time! The food was superb, the staff couldn't do enough for you. Anna was lovely and so was all the other staff members and the manager was so welcoming when we arrived! "Our room was perfect. The view was amazing of the Isle of White and was just beautiful get away for a birthday celebration." Recommended reading: Where to park in Barton-on-Sea If you're going on a day trip to Barton-on-Sea and are looking to park close to the seafront, then there are three car parks located on Marine Drive. Between April 1 and September 30, these places are open between 6am and 10pm every day, including bank holidays. Prices range from £1.50 for a one-hour stay to up to £10.40 for 20 hours.
The Herald Scotland
29-06-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
The historic Hampshire town where Amanda Holden grew up
Some of these have big cultural or historical significance, or maybe have links to famous people. Bishop's Waltham, which is not too far away from Southampton, is where TV and radio presenter Amanda Holden grew up. The market town has plenty of historical background for people to explore alongside nearby walks and well-regarded pubs. Why is Bishop's Waltham worth visiting? According to the Visit Winchester website, Bishop's Waltham is a "vibrant and historic market town set in the glorious Hampshire countryside". It started off as an early Anglo-Saxon settlement sometime between 450 AD and 550 AD, before being burnt to the ground by the Danes in 1001 AD. However, the settlement grew steadily after that, and Bishop's Waltham Palace was built there in the 12th century. Visit Hampshire adds: "An important residence of the powerful Winchester bishops, the palace hosted many royal visitors including Mary Tudor while she waited for the arrival of her future husband, Philip II of Spain, prior to their marriage. Visitors can explore the ruins of Bishop's Waltham Palace (Image: Jeff Hatton/Camera Club) "The palace was destroyed in 1644 under Cromwell's orders but the extensive ruins are worth a visit today." Additionally, the town has a Norman church in St Peter's, a number of restaurants housed in 17th and 18th-century buildings and independent shops. These include the gift shop Tashinga, Josie's coffee shop, the grocer Hylands and the No.60 Coffee and Wine bar. Meanwhile, options for pubs include The Crown Inn, The Bunch of Grapes and The Barleycorn Inn. What are house prices like in Bishop's Waltham? According to Rightmove, house prices in Bishop's Waltham have had an overall average of £401,725 over the past year. The majority of properties sold were terraced houses, selling for an average price of £310,112. It added: "Overall, the historical sold prices in Bishops Waltham over the last year were 8% down on the previous year and 14% down on the 2022 peak of £466,861." Amanda Holden's links to Bishop's Waltham Amanda Holden, 54, is a presenter and actress who is known for being a judge on Britain's Got Talent and co-hosting the Heart Breakfast radio show with Jamie Theakston. She was born in Portsmouth and spent much of her childhood in Bishop's Waltham. Amanda Holden grew up in Bishop's Waltham (Image: Newsquest) At the age of nine, she joined Bishop's Waltham Little Theatre Company, and she attended the nearby Swanmore College. Fans came to see her when she returned to Bishop's Waltham back in 2013, where she was signing copies of her book, No Holding Back. This took place in the Hylands Store, which is a shop where Holden worked in her teenage years. Recommended reading: Speaking on her return at the time, she said: 'I burst into tears at one point when I saw a girl that used to live at the top of my road. It's just been ridiculous. 'There has been a lot of people who are in my book here today and it's like I have summoned them up. 'Then there were people who I didn't recognise at first so I have basically just said 'Do I know you?' to everyone.'
The Herald Scotland
23-06-2025
- The Herald Scotland
Ultimate guide to East Meon: A village with history and pubs
Located on the eastern side of the county near Petersfield, it is less than an hour's drive away from more populated locations in Southampton and Winchester. While it is quite a small place, there is still enough to do in exploring all of its historical facets and the surrounding scenic beauty. Plus, there are also a couple of "delightful" pubs for those who want to relax with a pint. Why is East Meon worth visiting? The beauty of the village and the surrounding area is one reason to travel to East Meon, with Visit Hampshire describing it as a "picturesque" spot surrounded by the South Downs National Park. As a result, there are plenty of walks you can embark on if you fancy, such as the East Meon circular, which takes between one and two hours. The village also has a lot of history to it, as there are bronze age burial barrows within the parish which date back to around 2,000 BC. Visit Hampshire adds: "The village was part of a Royal Manor belonging first to King Alfred the Great, and later to William the Conqueror as recorded in The Domesday Survey of 1086." There are a number of ancient buildings in the village, such as the Norman All Saints Church. According to its website, the historian Nikolaus Pevsner described it as "one of the most thrilling village churches in Hampshire". The original building was completed in 1150, which is still identifiable from its "round-topped Norman arches or Romanesque style in the West and South doorways". Major additions were made in 1230 with the South Aisle and Lady Chapel, with the spire also likely being added around this time. Opposite the church is The Court House, which is said to have a medieval hall from the 14th century. According to the East Meon History website, it is the best preserved of the residences of the Bishops of Winchester. It also has the distinction of being the highest village in the Meon valley, with some quality B&Bs to stay at, such as Belmont Barn and Pound Orchard Bed & Breakfast. What are house prices like in East Meon? According to Rightmove, house prices in East Meon have had an overall average of £521,250 over the past year. It added: "Overall, the historical sold prices in East Meon over the last year were 14% down on the previous year and 70% down on the 2019 peak of £1,713,571." What pubs can you find in East Meon? East Meon has two well-regarded pubs, one of which is Ye Olde George, which is described as a "delightful 15th century coaching inn" on its website. Food at this establishment is made using locally sourced ingredients wherever possible, and its menus change seasonally. Recommended reading: The pub has retained its open fires and wooden floors, and there are five bedrooms for people to stay in. There is also the Izaak Walton, which at the time of writing is currently closed until further notice. When open, this pub has a large garden for guests to sit in and a number of quality ales on tap.
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Yahoo
5 of the prettiest Hampshire villages you can visit for a day out in the county
Hampshire is a gorgeous county that has an abundance of pretty villages to explore for a day out. Many of these have beautiful scenery, amazing cultural experiences and historical points of interest to take in. Some may even have the benefit of a beach or woodland to explore, alongside some amazing food and drink options. With the overwhelming amount of choice, it might be tough to pin down what the prettiest village in Hampshire is. Here are just five examples of some gorgeous Hampshire villages you can visit for a day out in the county. If you're looking for chocolate-box pretty, then Beaulieu definitely lives up to the hype. Nestled in the heart of the New Forest, you can explore characterful streets as well as the nearby motor museum. The New Forest website adds: "Visitors can explore the scenic landscapes across Millpond, at Beaulieu River and in the surrounding forest, discover the village's heritage, and enjoy attractions and outdoor activities, all while soaking in the timeless charm of this quintessential New Forest gem. "Whether it's enjoying a riverside picnic, exploring the charming High Street or visiting the incredible motor museum, the village of Beaulieu provides a great day out." On the outskirts of the Southampton suburbs, you can find Hamble which is said to boast "stunning views, period cottages, pretty walks and thriving wildlife". Visit Hampshire adds: "During the summer months you will find the village bustling with people enjoying the fine selection of local pubs and restaurants. "For a small village, there is a great selection of eateries which specialise in locally produced food, ale and specialist rum." It is also a "a yachting Mecca" drawing people in from all around the country for races and events. Another New Forest favourite is Brockenhurst is a "bustling village" that is a great base to explore the surrounding area. There are numerous walking and cycle paths to try out and "excellent local amenities" with its pubs, cafes and restaurants. Visit Hampshire adds: "Here you will find ponies and donkeys roaming free in an old world setting full of charm." Wherwell is said to be "one of the most picturesque villages in the Test Valley", according to the Hampshire County Council website. It boasts some fine black-and-white thatched cottages, and it is situated on the banks of the River Test, which is known for its trout fishing. Described as a "picturesque" village by Visit Hampshire, this spot is surrounded by the beauty of the South Downs National Park. Recommended reading: The one place people need to visit when they go to Hampshire according to readers The tiny and beautiful Hampshire village where TV chef James Martin has lived New Forest hotel ranked among best of the best in Tripadvisor awards There is a sense of history to the place due to a number of ancient buildings found there, such as the Norman Church of All Saints. The website adds: "The village has a shop with Post Office facilities, a number of Bed and Breakfast establishments, and two pubs, Ye Olde George and The Izaak Walton (named after the famous angler). "The River Meon runs alongside the village street, with its spring source approximately one mile south of the village. The popular long distance footpath South Downs Way also passes nearby."
