Things to do–Places to go

Locally

The Watercress Line - a 10 mile journey by steam locomotive between Alresford and Alton. Tel: 01962 733810 or 734200

Basingstoke Canal Cruises - Gallean Marine Odiham 01256 703691

Rural Life Centre - Between Frensham and Tilford, on the Reeds Road, there is a large open-air exhibition of farming as it has been over the years. Tel: 01252 795571.

Birdworld and Underwater World - Adjacent to Forest Lodge Garden Centre, at Holt Pound, on the outskirts of Farnham. This wildlife complex has a large collection of birds, extensive gardens, an aquarium complex and refreshment facilities. Tel: 01420 22838.

Thorpe Park – A theme park with rides, attraction and shows, near Staines. Tel: 0870 444 4466

Marwell Zoo - A goof zoological park, just 6 miles south of Winchester. Tel: 01962 777835.

Wellington Country – is on the Hampshire/Berkshire border between reading and Basingstoke. It is just off the A33 on the B3349. Tel: 0118 9326444.

Alice Holt - is run by the Forestry Commission. It has a vast amount of walks and you can hire bikes to cycle around the dedicated cycle routes. There is also a café at the site. Entry is free but you do have to pay for parking. It is situated near Farnham.

Chessington World of Adventure - A theme park with rides and a small zoo located 12 miles from London on the A243. Tel: 0870 999 0045.

Legoland - is situated at Windsor. Tel: 08705 040404.

Further Afield

Portsmouth and Southsea. Easily reachable by road or rail. The towns offer many all year round attractions, as well as the sea.

• Blue Reef Aquarium, Clarence Esplanade, PO5 3PB. Tel: 02392 875222
• Dockyard Area: HMS Victory Tel: 023 92861532

: The Mary Rose Tel: 023 92750521

Just across the water, by ferry or jetfoil, is the delightful Isle of Wight, waiting to be explored.

New Forest. Just over an hour by road – change once at Basingstoke, by rail – and you are in the heart of the New Forest, with miles of woodland and open country to explore by car, cycle or on foot. Attractions include:

• Visitor Centre (Lyndhurst) – A first timer must. Tel: 023 80283444
• Beaulieu – Motor museum, house and grounds. Tel: 01590 612354
• Bucker’s Hard – Dockyard for Nelson’s Fleet. Tel: 01590 616203

Windsor. As well as enjoying a walk or drive in the ‘Great Park’, visit the castle, take a boat on the Thames, or just wander through the town and call at the Theatre Royal or the Royalty & Empire exhibition in Windsor Central Station.

Theatres. Some of the major theatres in the area are listed below.

• The Haymarket – Basingstoke. Has its own professional repertory company and also shows amateur production. Tel: 01256 844244.
• The Hexagon – Reading. A major theatre for touring productions, including pantomime, rock and pop concerts, opera, ballet and straight drama. Tel: 0118 960606
• The Theatre Royal- Windsor. An excellent provincial theatre, having mainly touring productions, which run from 3 to 5 weeks. Tel: 09068 323366
• The Anvil- Basingstoke. The Anvil is the major concert hall in the south of England, with acoustics, which are among the best in the country. The programme runs include most types of music from classical to folk and pop, as well as ballet, children’s shows and comedy. Tel: 01256 844244.

All of the above theatres operate a mailing list system for those among you keen on the theatre – to be added to their list, just phone the numbers given.