This site has not only been created for first time visitors to Alresford and the surrounding district, but also for residents, to provide information on local attractions, services, businesses, clubs and societies. We would welcome your on local issues.

This site is designed to be fully accessible but if anybody has difficulty in this regard we would appreciate a note outlining the problem. Also those visitors who have information on the site please check to make sure the information is up to date. Please us with any changes. Netscape info.

Shops

Alresford is a special place to shop - Broad Street has a wonderful assortment of shops selling gifts, china, clothes and home accessories where bargains abound. Don't miss Bakehouse Yard, under the arch by Tiffins Tea Shop in West Street. Also visit the Broad Street Arcade, just past Lawrence Oxley's Book Shop in Broad Street, where you can enjoy hot chocolate and pastries at The Courtyard Tea Rooms. And don't forget East Street where you will find The Long Barn selling contemporary gifts and accessories.
Congratulations to Stiles China Shop who have won the runner-up prize in a national window dressing competition for Villeroy & Boch. Zella Smith's window was a picnic scene with an Autumn theme.

New Alresford Town Trust

There is a vacancy for a trustee to this important, historic, honorary appointment.
If you have the interest of the Town at heart, and the energy to get involved, please send your details to the Trust Clerk, Frances Cowan c/o Arlebury Park, Alresford, SO24 9EP or

INFORMATION REQUIRED

The History & Literary Society are trying to find out more information on the service personnel named on the war memorial. Can you help.

Bag for Life

The Chamber of Commerce launched an eco-friendly 'Bag for Life' at the annual Alresford Agricultural Show. Local residents and visitors to the Show were the first to purchase the new bags as part of a groundbreaking pilot scheme for Hampshire.
It's a great way to do your bit for the environment and make your shopping easier! The bags are made from natural hessian and are stronger and larger than the free plastic carrier bags provided by most stores so they make carrying your purchases around town much easier. Not only that, many people are unaware that plastic bags end up in landfill sites because they cannot be recycled. The Alresford bag for life is 100% recyclable, so purchasing one and using it regularly clearly demonstrates your support for our environment.
The bags were sold out at The Alresford show but more have been ordered in will be available in local shops shortly.
The Alresford bags carry an artist's impression of the historic Georgian town, kindly drawn by local resident Mark Tubb, alongside the statement: 'Plastic: it's not our bag!'

Discover Alresford

The visitor will find information on things to do, together with maps and walks for those who wish to discover Alresford.

History

A brief history of the town is included for those who want to know more. Information on the Town's Coat of Arms is also included.
Information on Alresford and the Civil War including the Battle of Cheriton.
Don't miss the 'Alresford our Town' display in the library.

Old Photographs

A gallery of old photographs has been added, courtesy of the Hampshire Record Office. Each has been individually captioned but if you can add to this information with corrections and/or additions please particularly with regard to date, names of the people or the event
If you have any old photographs, particularly of events in the town prior to 1990, that we can scan and add to this collection please

Aerial View

Local Development Framework

Following the meeting on 16 January the Town Council established a working party to develop the Town Council's response to the Issues and Options paper. This has been completed and approved by the Town Council and has been submitted to Winchester City Council. The full text can be viewed here.
Latest News (October)
Whilst WCC initially accepted the arguments laid out in this paper they are now pressurising the town to accept the building of twice the number of houses initially suggested (now up to 600) on green field sites around the town. However, they are not formally documenting this and appear to be pushing ahead through an informal consultation process in an attempt to sidestep a formal process. Action plans are being drawn up to resist this approach and bring pressure to bear on WCC to complete a proper consultation process.

Parking in Alresford - UPDATE

Planning permission has now been given for the new Car Park at Perins School. An additional 70 Pay & Display car park spaces will be provided. It is hoped that work will commence at the end of November and will be completed in February.
Once the Car Park is operational there will be a stricter enforcement of the parking regulations in the town centre and it has been agreed with Winchester City Council that they will provide coverage by a Civil Enforcement Office (Parking Attendant) five out of every six days each week. This should hopefully make parking easier in the town centre but should this prove not to be the case consideration will be given to introducing Pay & Display in Broad Street & West Street.

The Over and Above Award

Winner
Sole Butchers

'The Over & Above Award' is an annual prize presented to a Chamber of Commerce Member Business that has demonstrated outstanding customer service. Every Chamber business is eligible to be judged in an open competition that draws on nominations from members of the public.

Alresford Pocket Guide

The Alresford Chamber of Commerce and Winchester City Council's Tourism Service has launched a new 'Pocket Guide' which is available in tourist offices across the South, and in shops and attractions in Alresford and surrounding areas. Containing events, walks and trails, eateries, attractions and retailers, along with useful information and a town map, it is an indispensable aid for visitors.
Alresford is fast becoming a 'must visit' destination throughout the whole year, adding to the cultural diversity that Winchester district has to offer. Press Release

Local Weather

5 - day local weather forecast

Skate Board Park

Alresford's Skate Board Park is now open on the lower field of Arlebury Park

Autumn in Alresford

This is a delightful time of the year to be in Alresford as the leaves begin to fall and the smell of wood smoke is in the air. The Torchlight Parade from Broad Street to Arlebury Park is on 5 November followed by a bonfire and fireworks. The Christmas trees will be lit on 26 November and Late Night Shopping is on 10 December. Enjoy some refreshment at one of the town's Coffee Shops or pubs or even take a break for lunch.
Enjoy an Autumn walk around the Millennium Trail alongside the River Alre and enjoy a trip on the Watercress Line. You can enjoy a pleasant walk at Hinton Ampner National Trust Garden up until the end of October.

Eat in Alresford

Have you booked that special summer lunch yet. If not book now at one of Alresford's many pubs and restaurants where you can enjoy anything from Pub Grub to bistro dining and à la carte food.
Why not just come for Lunch or Dinner anyway.

Gardens Open

Hinton Ampner National Trust Garden. The garden and house will open for the season on Saturday 15 March - for the first time the House will be open four days a week (Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday & Wednesday 11am - 4pm)
Full details of Gardens Open this month.
The British Red Cross is appealing for new gardens to join its Open Gardens scheme to raise money for this worthwhile cause - details.

Alre River Trail

The highlight of the Arle River Trail is now the newly restored Eel House. Following its near collapse the foundations and walls have been rebuilt and new railings installed which allow a better view of the western side of the building.
The Eel House will be open to the public from 11.00 - 3.00 on Sunday 14 September. This will be your last opportunity to see inside before Easter 2009.The Arle Valley Trail is an extension of the Millennium Trail

Favourite Market Town

Alresford came top of the SE regional list in Country Life's "Favourite Market Town" award and was a runner up to Hexham, the winners, in the final five!

Alresford Design Statement

In consultation with residents New Alresford Town Council has over the last two years been preparing a Design Statement for the town. A design statement is a supplementary planning document that is produced with the residents and reflects what they would like to see considered in future planning applications. The public consultation period for the draft Design Statement has now closed but the final draft can still be viewed here. As soon as the final document is available it will be published here.

Alresford Museum

The Alresford Museum Trust was recently founded to provide a museum for the town and its primary task is to to acquire suitable accommodation.
Meanwhile the intention is to collect documents and artifacts which will illustrate the story of Alresford so that a display can be set up that will be interesting and educational.
The Trust requires premises and funds to set up the museum.

Chamber News

The latest Edition of Chamber News is now available.

Join the Chamber

If you are a local business and wish to join the Chamber please download and print an application form.

You can do a quick search of the site by entering keywords right.

Long term Pay and Display parking (free on Sundays and Bank Holidays) in Station Yard. Overflow parking at Perins School, accessible from Jacklyns Lane, and Winchester Road at weekends and school holidays. Free, short term on street parking available .Public Toilets in Station Road. Cash dispensers at Barclays and Lloyds Banks.

TRAVELLING TO ALRESFORD

Look under New Alresford in a map index or web map search. Location Map

BY ROAD: Off the A31 between Winchester and Alton, seven miles from Winchester.

BY STEAM RAILWAY: 10 miles from Alton Station.
Tel: 01962 733810 for running times. There is a direct rail link to London Waterloo from Alton Station normally with at least one train per hour.

BY BUS: Regular services from Winchester, Southampton, Alton and Petersfield.
Tel: 0870 608 2 608 for information or use the timetable look up.

CANGO BUS

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2008 Watercress Festival Pictures

Visit our picture gallery

View this month's events.

Annual Attractions at a glance.

Easter Days out with Thomas
May 17 - Watercress Festival
June - Alresford 10k Road Race
June 14 - Bi-annual Duck Race
June - War on the Watercress Line
July - Bus Rally - Watercress Line
August - Days out with Thomas
September 5 - The Alresford Show
October 15 - Fun Fair in Broad Street
November 5 - Torch light parade & Fireworks
December 10 - Arrival of Father Christmas
December 10 - Late Night Shopping

Information on the Watercress Line.

Old Alresford Parish Council

Planning an event?
Told anyone about it yet?
How do you know it won't clash with another event?
Tell us about it and then thousands will be in the know.
Details to:
e-mail:
Fax: 01962 735136