The Delights of Hampshire

The Chairmakers

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Restaurant | "Sunday lunch in the garden"

The Chairmakers, Worlds End Photo - The Chairmakers, Waterlooville, Hampshire

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Sunday lunchtime on a very sunny weekend in early spring: we'd intended to have a roast at one of the two pubs in the Hampshire village of Southwick, but both were full to bursting. We drove off, wondering if we would find anywhere nearby with a table; then my son and his partner remembered once going to a place called the Chairmakers at Worlds End near Hambledon. It is right out in the countryside and involves driving along some narrow twisty lanes – very pleasant on a sunny day if you are just a passenger. We managed to find a space in the car park, but the place was obviously busy and we were preparing ourselves for another disappointment. On entering, we were told that there were no tables inside ...Read More

Sunday lunchtime on a very sunny weekend in early spring: we'd intended to have a roast at one of the two pubs in the Hampshire village of Southwick, but both were full to bursting. We drove off, wondering if we would find anywhere nearby with a table; then my son and his partner remembered once going to a place called the Chairmakers at Worlds End near Hambledon. It is right out in the countryside and involves driving along some narrow twisty lanes – very pleasant on a sunny day if you are just a passenger. We managed to find a space in the car park, but the place was obviously busy and we were preparing ourselves for another disappointment. On entering, we were told that there were no tables inside but we were welcome to sit in the garden area. In such weather, that seemed a good option. There were one or two tables in a patio area in complete shade, but we decided on a table on the lawn with partial sun. Seating consisted of double stools, but they were perfectly comfortable. A red parasol offered some shade. There were plenty of people around but the tables are well spaced out.

The menu at the Chairmakers begins with small plates, such as Tomato, Garlic and Red Onion Bruschetta (£4.95), Whitebait with paprika and lime mayonnaise (£5.25) and Chicken Liver and Ham Terrine with crostini and piccalilli (£5.75). Then there are sixteen main plates to choose from, including Pancetta and Cheese Carbonara with garlic ciabatta (£8.95), Apple and Herb-Crusted Pork Chop with sage and onion mash, green beans and Madeira sauce (£10.95), Salmon Steak with a Hint of Orange served with new potatoes, spring greens or salad from the bar (£13.95) and a Posh Mixed Grill that features a 5oz rump steak (£15.45). Side orders range from Onion Rings (£2.25) through House Chips or Vegetables (£2.50) to Cheesy Garlic Bread (£3.20). Some of the mains are available in children's portions with prices starting at £5.95.

In the bar and garden areas, you can also order from a section entitled Nibbles, sharers and basket meals. Here you will find Pork Pie and Piccalilli (£4), Sausages of the Day and Chips, including a vegetarian version (£5.95) and a Whitebait and Spring Roll Sharing Platter (£12.50) among others. On Monday to Saturday lunchtimes, hand-cut bloomer sandwiches with a salad garnish are available. Fillings include Tuna Mayonnaise (£5.95), Cheddar Cheese and Chutney (£5.95) and Bacon, Brie and Cranberry (£6.25). An accompaniment of chips can be ordered for £1. On Sundays and Wednesdays, the Chairmakers serves a carvery for £9.95 (under twos £2.95, two to twelve £5.95). This is available from noon to 8pm on Sunday, and from noon to 3pm and 6pm to 9pm on Wednesday.

We decided against the carvery and choose from the main plates. My son's partner went for Seafarers Battered Haddock with chips, peas and tartare sauce (£8.95). I picked the Leek, Broccoli and Stilton Pie served with herbed new potatoes and green beans (£8.95), and after some deliberation my son chose that too. We went to the bar to order, and asked exactly what kind of pie it was. The barmaid wasn't sure as it was a new menu, but she happily went off to enquire and came back to tell us that it was a shortcrust pastry pie with a top. It sounded good so we went ahead with our order. With three fruit juices, the bill came to just over £32.

At such a busy time there was bound to be a bit of a wait for our food, but with beautiful views of the Hampshire countryside to take in that didn't seem to matter. Several families with children were in the garden area, and there were outsize versions of draughts and Connect 4 to keep them amused. Some people had their dogs with them, and they seemed content just to sit in the sun.

The wait for our food wasn't unreasonably long, however. It was served on white oval plates and looked appetising. The leek, broccoli and stilton pies were round and had what was presumably vegetarian gravy poured on them; if it looks rather red in the photo, I think that's from the colour of the parasol. When I cut into my pie a lot of white sauce came running out and I wondered if the gravy was really necessary, but there was no conflict of taste. The vegetables were in good size pieces; the leeks were beautifully cooked and the broccoli just about right. No complaints about the pastry either. The green beans did have a rather tired look, and I found it quite hard to cut them, but the new potatoes were lovely. My son's partner enjoyed his fish and chips, and I loved the containers that the chips and tartare sauce came in – they had recipes written on the outside, and the chip container was shaped like a piece of newspaper wrapped around.

We didn't have room for dessert, and in fact there was no mention of puddings on the menu. I didn't see any sign of boards listing desserts inside either, which did seem a little strange.

I visited the ladies' toilet before leaving; although a little old fashioned, the standard of cleanliness was high. The hand drier was right outside one of the cubicles but I don't see where else they could have put it, as the wall above the hand basins was covered in large mirrors. I noticed that there was a separate disabled toilet.

I would happily go back to the Chairmakers in the future, but I think it would be advisable to book a table in advance if the weather wasn't good enough for sitting in the garden area. It is obviously a good place for families with children and for dog owners, although again this would be in fine weather. It is situated between Denmead and Wickham, and is a lovely spot for anyone who appreciates a drive through the Hampshire countryside. There is a bus service from Portsmouth to the village of Hambledon, which is about a quarter of a mile from the Chairmakers.

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Member Rating 4 out of 5 on March 25, 2012

The Chairmakers
Worlds End, Hambledon
Waterlooville, Hampshire PO7 4QX
02392 255990

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Red Lion Pub

Best Of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "A village pub lunch"

Red Lion, Southwick Photo - Red Lion Pub, Southwick, Hampshire

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The Red Lion is one of just two pubs in the village of Southwick in Hampshire. My son's partner was born and brought up in the village; it's very difficult to get to by public transport, however, so soon after he passed his driving test they suggested we go there for a walk and some lunch. The December weather was mild and sunny, and we worked up an appetite with a walk through a small area of woodland and along the lake by the golf course. The other pub, the Golden Lion, is famous for having unofficially been the officers' mess in the period leading up to D-Day, when the Allied Commanders were based at Southwick House. It is, however, more of a drinking pub, and we decided on lunch at the Red Lion, w...Read More

The Red Lion is one of just two pubs in the village of Southwick in Hampshire. My son's partner was born and brought up in the village; it's very difficult to get to by public transport, however, so soon after he passed his driving test they suggested we go there for a walk and some lunch. The December weather was mild and sunny, and we worked up an appetite with a walk through a small area of woodland and along the lake by the golf course. The other pub, the Golden Lion, is famous for having unofficially been the officers' mess in the period leading up to D-Day, when the Allied Commanders were based at Southwick House. It is, however, more of a drinking pub, and we decided on lunch at the Red Lion, which is more of a foodie pub.

It was about 1.10pm when we arrived, and the Red Lion was quite busy. The bar faces the main entrance, and as soon as we went in we were asked if we had reserved a table. When we said that we hadn't, we were directed to a small area to the left with half a dozen tables which was quieter than the main dining area. We chose a table near a window, and I had a view across the fields as the pub is near the outskirts of the village. We had been given laminated menu cards at the bar, including the special Christmas menu which was also written on a blackboard on the end wall of our area.

The menu began with starters, which included one or two unusual choices such as pigeon breast in a puff pastry nest. We decided, however, to begin with a main course and leave room for dessert. The main menu has steaks, vegetarian choices, favourites and a ploughmans which is £7.95. For lighter lunches there are salads, sandwiches, baguettes and jacket potatoes. Children's meals start from £4.95. Side orders are available, but unless you have a huge appetite, I can't think these would be necessary! My son and his partner both decided on Steak and Ale Pie with vegetables and new potatoes, at £10.50. I wondered about Pork and Apple Sausages and Mash as I never buy sausages for myself, but in the end I chose Roast Turkey with Trimmings from the Christmas menu, as at £10 it was actually one of the lower-priced main courses. We ordered and paid for our food and three fruit juices at the bar.

A waitress came to lay our table, bringing a small dish of cranberry sauce for the turkey; salt and pepper were already there. Our main courses arrived surprisingly quickly. The steak and ale pie was very thick with plenty of meat and was served with new potatoes, cabbage, broccoli, carrots and gravy. My roast consisted of a generous amount of turkey, carrots, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, roast potatoes, a small stuffing ball, a pig in a blanket and just the right amount of gravy. Both the turkey and the steak were very tender, and all three of us were impressed. My son and his partner thought it was probably the best steak and ale pie they had ever had. I was equally happy with my early Christmas dinner; I only managed one piece of potato, but it was beautifully crisp and the vegetables were also very well cooked but not overdone. There wasn't a huge amount of stuffing, but to be honest I couldn't have eaten any more.

I had been very tempted by the sound of the Coffee Roulade with Bailey's Sauce on the dessert menu, where there was also Vanilla Cheesecake, Christmas Pudding, ice creams and sorbets. We had, however, already eaten so well that we decided the offer of coffee with a mince pie for £2.20 each would be more than enough to finish off with. I ordered these at the bar, and once again it wasn't long before the waitress came along to our table. She brought our coffees with a separate jug of cream and a bowl of sugar cubes. The three mince pies, dusted with icing sugar, were all served on one small plate. At first I didn't think they were hot, but then I discovered that they were pleasantly warm. It was quite difficult to eat them without each having a separate plate, but that is a minor gripe. The pastry was quite thin and a perfect consistency, and the filling had a wonderful taste. We all remarked on how good the coffee was too. A few minutes later we were pleasantly surprised to find the waitress coming to ask us if we would like a refill of coffee, but we all felt that we had had enough.

Before leaving I visited the ladies' toilet where there were two cubicles and just one handbasin. It was very clean and well appointed, with a hand-drier that could almost blow you away. The only problem is that there are two steps up to it, and I saw no sign of a disabled toilet.

The Red Lion was even busier than when we arrived by then, although they stop serving lunch at 2pm. It is obvious that people come in from neighbouring towns and villages, as Southwick itself has such a small population. It is a Fullers pub but I can't comment on the beer; I did notice that there was a good selection of wines listed above the bar. The pub has a patio garden which wasn't being used on that particular day but I am sure is popular in summer. The décor is very traditional, with plenty of china plates, old prints and copper ornaments. Christmas decorations, including a tree, were already up on the first Saturday of December.

I would say that the food at the Red Lion is above average for a pub, although there were not many main courses under £10 so that is to be expected. Service was certainly polite and efficient, and we were thanked by the bar staff as we left. I would be happy to return to the Red Lion and would recommend it to anyone visiting the area. It is close to Fareham, Portchester, Denmead and Wickham, and about six miles from Portsmouth. Southwick doesn't have a car park but there is on-road parking.

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Member Rating 4 out of 5 on December 4, 2011

Red Lion Pub
High Street
Southwick, Fareham, Hampshire PO17 6EF
023 9237 7223

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The Pub With No Name/White Horse Inn

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Restaurant | "It deserves a very good name"

The Pub With No Name Photo - The Pub With No Name/White Horse Inn, Petersfield, Hampshire

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The Pub With No Name was in fact originally called the White Horse Inn, and it is the highest pub in Hampshire. It is situated in Priors Dean, about five miles north-west of Petersfield. The road bends and twists, and although you can find quite detailed directions of how to get there in the Internet, you really do need a sat nav. It is worth it, though, whether you are after beautiful countryside or good food.I used to have an aunt who lived in Petersfield, and I can remember she once took a group of about twelve of us to the Pub With No Name for lunch, probably to celebrate a birthday. My son has a book of the most interesting places to visit in the UK, and this pub is ranked number six ...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on December 13, 2011

The Pub With No Name/White Horse Inn
Priors Dean
Petersfield, Hampshire GU32 1DA
01420 588387

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Winchester Discovery Centre

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Attraction | "Discovering art in Winchester"

Winchester Discovery Centre Photo - Winchester Discovery Centre, Winchester, England

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Situated on Jewry Street in the city centre, Winchester Discovery Centre houses a public library, gallery, exhibition area, gift shop and coffee shop. I was visiting a friend one day, and we stopped at a small Internet cafe opposite the centre for coffee. She told me that she had thought we could visit the centre, but she didn't recommend their coffee. I took a seat in the cafe facing the window, and I couldn't help but notice a large banner outside the centre advertising their current exhibition. Entitled "The Figure in the Landscape," it was an exhibition of modern British sculpture that included works by Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth. I was delighted at the prospect.We went into the ...Read More

Situated on Jewry Street in the city centre, Winchester Discovery Centre houses a public library, gallery, exhibition area, gift shop and coffee shop. I was visiting a friend one day, and we stopped at a small Internet cafe opposite the centre for coffee. She told me that she had thought we could visit the centre, but she didn't recommend their coffee. I took a seat in the cafe facing the window, and I couldn't help but notice a large banner outside the centre advertising their current exhibition. Entitled "The Figure in the Landscape," it was an exhibition of modern British sculpture that included works by Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth. I was delighted at the prospect.

We went into the Discovery through one of two entrances, leading into the open area of the gift shop. To the left was the cafeteria. What immediately impressed me was the huge wall hanging on the wall ahead. Designed by Alice Kettle, it is entitled "Looking Forwards to the Past." It measures 16 metres by 3 metres and is a colourful work with a collage feel to it. I asked if photography was allowed in the centre and was told it was, other than in the gallery. I did take photographs of the hanging, but it is so wide that it was impossible for me to photograph the whole work. My friend noticed a pile of brochures for the sculpture exhibition in the shop; we picked one up and were pleasantly surprised to find that they were free of charge.

There are lifts in the centre, but we walked up the ramp to the first floor. The gallery is quite small, but the exhibition was nevertheless well organised in the limited space. As we entered, an attendant offered us a printed leaflet giving detailed information about each piece of work on display. This was to be handed back at the end of our visit, but that didn't matter as we had the brochure with coloured photos as well. There were quite a few people looking round, but the works were sufficiently well spaced out as to allow people to get a good view of them. The exhibition has now closed, but the next one centres around the work of another major artist, Henri Matisse.

On leaving the gallery we were faced by the library area which is in a circular form. It struck me that it was a much more civilised place than the new library in my home town, Southsea. Admittedly the Southsea library is smaller, but the cafeteria there is too close to the bookshelves. Sometimes parents sit having a drink and allow their young offspring to run around, even to climb on the bookshelves. Winchester's library allows visitors to sit and read in peace, at a distance from the cafeteria and shop.

As we were going out through a different door to the one we had entered by, I stopped to admire some teacups and saucers in a showcase. We decided to go back in and have a look at the exhibition area on the ground floor that holds displays of work by local artists. There was at the time a show of textile-based work, mostly applique pieces. All the work was for sale, and there were also greetings cards using textiles and items of jewellery. It would be the ideal place to come to find unusual gifts.

It is possible to hire rooms at the centre for meetings, dinners or performances. One of the halls can hold up to 182 people. One of the smaller rooms has a kitchen, and it is possible to hire audio-visual equipment.

There is a short-stay car park next to the centre. The Discovery Centre has disabled access and parking as well as listening posts, audio CDs, induction loops and large-print books. Opening hours are from 9am to 7pm weekdays, 9am to 5pm Saturdays and 10am to 4pm Sundays. There are toilets, baby-changing facilities and a lift to upper floors. The centre offers free Internet and has wifi access. It has a photocopying, scanning and colour printing service.

I would thoroughly recommend visiting the centre, especially to anyone interested in art. Admission to the exhibitions in the gallery is usually free. If you are after a good cup of coffee, however, do as we did and visit the little Internet cafe over the road!
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Member Rating 5 out of 5 on January 14, 2012

Winchester Discovery Centre
Jewry Street
Winchester, Hampshire
01962 873610

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The Five Bells

Best Of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Five bells, two dogs and some good homemade food"

The Five Bells, Buriton Photo - The Five Bells, Petersfield, Hampshire

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After an afternoon walk at Queen Elizabeth Country Park near Horndean, we were looking for a pub that served good food. Not far away is the little village of Buriton. My son and I could remember going to the Five Bells pub there with an aunt of mine who lived in Petersfield. We thought it was worth going to see if it was still as good as it used to be.The Five Bells is on Buriton High Street; the village is so small that the pub is easy to find. There is rather a steep slope in the forecourt, and my son's partner thought it was going to be tricky parking there. Then we realised there was a sign indicating a car park further back which was on more level ground.It was about 4.30p...Read More

After an afternoon walk at Queen Elizabeth Country Park near Horndean, we were looking for a pub that served good food. Not far away is the little village of Buriton. My son and I could remember going to the Five Bells pub there with an aunt of mine who lived in Petersfield. We thought it was worth going to see if it was still as good as it used to be.

The Five Bells is on Buriton High Street; the village is so small that the pub is easy to find. There is rather a steep slope in the forecourt, and my son's partner thought it was going to be tricky parking there. Then we realised there was a sign indicating a car park further back which was on more level ground.

It was about 4.30pm on a Saturday when we arrived. The barmaid was taking a telephone call, so we had a look at the specials listed in the dining area while we waited. They sounded promising. Crab and avocado salad is served as either a starter (£6.95) or a main (£8.95). Steaks are around £13 to £15, but on a Wednesday night you can have two for £17.95. There are pork, salmon and chicken breast dishes at £12 to £13, and the rest of the mains are between £6.95 and £8.95. These include moussaka, Buriton burger, and fish or scampi and chips. For vegetarians there is penne with a tomato and chilli sauce.

When the barmaid finished her call, she told us that they stop serving lunch at 2pm and start serving dinner at 7pm. She said, however, that we could have sandwiches, cottage pie or a pasta dish. We were a little disappointed, but we knew that we might go and find another pub only to be told that they weren't serving food at all. We decided to stay, and the barmaid asked us to come and find a table in the public bar. We went through a cosy area with sofas and a television and seated ourselves at a huge table in the bar. The dining area is delightful, but the public bar is not lacking in atmosphere. The Five Bells is a real old country pub with oak beams, old prints and photos, and shelves filled with owl ornaments and fir cones. Behind the bar were rows and rows of foreign banknotes hanging from the ceiling. Two or three people were enjoying a drink at the bar and had two beautiful black labradors with them. My son could remember coming to the Five Bells as a child and being terrified of the dogs that barked ferociously outside, but these two were very well behaved.

I decided I would try the cottage pie with vegetables (£6.95), simply because it was something I hadn't had for a long time. My son and his partner were more interested in the pasta dishes; the choice was chicken diavolo with penne, tagliatelle carbonara, homemade lasagne and the vegetarian penne. They both chose lasagne, one with chips and one with salad so that they could share accompaniments.

There was quite a lengthy wait for food, but we sat enjoying our drinks and watching the antics of the labradors. Soon after 5pm quite a number of people began to arrive, and the dogs showed varying degrees of excitement. They leapt up uncontrollably at one rather attractive lady, and the owner of one of them explained to us that she took them for walks. That explained everything!

Eventually our food was served, with an apology for the long wait from the barmaid. My cottage pie came in a small oven dish with carrots and broccoli, my two favourite vegetables, served in a separate dish. The pie and the lasagnes looked mouth-watering with their crisp cheese-covered tops. It soon became evident that the food was extremely hot. I found myself eating most of the vegetables first while I left the cottage pie to cool down a bit. That is my only complaint, however. We all felt that it was very good food with a definite homemade feel to it, and our empty plates were testament to this.

The Five Bells does have a dessert menu, but it may not have been possible to order a dessert at the time we were there. We had in any case each had a large piece of flapjack earlier in the afternoon at the Queen Elizabeth Country Park, so dessert would not really have been justified. I would be happy to go back to the Five Bells one day for either lunch or dinner to try a main course and dessert from the full menu.

We only sampled the fruit juices, but the pub serves Hall and Woodhouse Badger ales as well as wines, spirits, fresh coffee and hot chocolate. On Sundays, food is served from noon until 4pm. Sunday roasts at the Five Bells are apparently very popular, so it is advisable to book a table. On Friday nights there are extra fish dishes on the menu. There is seating in front of the pub as well as a beer garden at the rear. Two-hour art sessions are held on Monday evenings at a cost of £4 per session. There is self-catering accommodation on the premises, but I cannot comment on it.

We did pass a bus on our way to the Five Bells, but I'm not sure how often they run. The nearest railway station is Petersfield, and I presume that is where the bus starts from. Buriton itself has a pond and is a delightful village to visit. Nearby are Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Harting Down and Butser Hill. It's about a twenty-minute drive to Portsmouth.

If you are in the area and are looking for good, homemade food in a village country pub, I would heartily recommend the Five Bells. I'm glad that we decided to stay, even though we had to choose from a limited menu.

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Member Rating 4 out of 5 on January 22, 2012

The Five Bells
High Street
Buriton, Petersfield GU31 5RX
01730 263 584

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Queen Elizabeth Country Park

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Attraction | "Woodland or downland? Take your pick"

Queen Elizabeth Country Park Photo - Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Petersfield, Hampshire

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On an unusually mild Saturday afternoon in January, when there was even a little sunshine, we decided to visit Queen Elizabeth Country Park, not far south of the Hampshire town of Petersfield. The park covers around 1,400 acres of downland and woodland within the South Downs National Park. It opened in 1976, although I can well remember going for walks on Butser Hill and through the forests of Holt Down and War Down as a child, and they now make up the main areas of the park. Situated right beside the A3 Portsmouth to London road and clearly sign-posted, the country park is not difficult to find. At about 2pm it was easy to find a space in the car park, but bear in mind that this was January. In warme...Read More

On an unusually mild Saturday afternoon in January, when there was even a little sunshine, we decided to visit Queen Elizabeth Country Park, not far south of the Hampshire town of Petersfield. The park covers around 1,400 acres of downland and woodland within the South Downs National Park. It opened in 1976, although I can well remember going for walks on Butser Hill and through the forests of Holt Down and War Down as a child, and they now make up the main areas of the park. Situated right beside the A3 Portsmouth to London road and clearly sign-posted, the country park is not difficult to find. At about 2pm it was easy to find a space in the car park, but bear in mind that this was January. In warmer weather it might be advisable to arrive earlier to find a space.

We were intending to follow one of the woodland trails but decided to stop at the cafe and have a hot drink first. They serve Fair Trade tea, hot chocolate and a variety of coffees, and we were also tempted by their chunky slices of homemade flapjack at £1.50 a piece. They do lunches too and use locally sourced ingredients. We chose to sit indoors, but there are plenty of picnic tables outside as well, and even on that January afternoon quite a few people were enjoying the fresh air there.

We didn't linger too long in the cafe as there were only about two hours of full daylight left. Consulting the map near the visitor centre, we decided to follow the shorter of two woodland trails, a distance of 1.9 miles. The map shows how the trails are marked along the routes; the one we chose was indicated every so often by a wooden post with a green footprint painted on it. There are other signposts too, some of them quite a bit older, as the some of the paths form part of the South Downs Way and other longer walks. One or two of the routes are suitable for cars, but most of the trails are footpaths. On the whole they are broad and make for easy walking; there were, however, one or two muddy patches even though the weather had been dry for several days, so you do need to have suitable footwear. Our trail was a little uphill, but stretches of it were on the level. There were no stiles to negotiate or gates to open and shut. Even though we didn't climb to any height and were following a forest trail, there were beautiful views of the surrounding hills of the South Downs, including Windmill Hill. I just had to keep stopping to take photographs. I enjoyed it more than my last visit to the New Forest as I felt there was more variety with the combination of forest and downland. Most of the forest consists of pines, but there are also beech and hazel trees brightened up in winter by areas of yellow gorse. We saw a few other walkers on the way, including one or two with dogs – one extremely large but friendly one (dog, that is)! Again, I have to stress that this was January, and I'm not sure how busy the trails are on warm summer days.

When we left the car park we decided to follow Forest Drive, thinking it would be a more scenic way to find our way back to the main road. As it turned out, it wasn't a way out at all but a road up to the top of either Holt Down or War Down, I'm not sure which. I noticed that it was possible to park up there, so anyone who is unable or unwilling to walk can get to the top of one of the downs and enjoy the view. With heights of 801 feet for War Down and 655 feet for Holt Down, these are of course gentle rolling hills, but the countryside is delightful if not spectacular.

For those who prefer open downland to woodland trails, a walk up Butser Hill would be the answer. At 889 feet, Butser is the highest point in the South Downs. The hill is a National Nature Reserve and a Site of Specific Scientific Interest. More than thirty species of butterflies have been observed on Butser Hill, as well as over two hundred species of liverwort, lichen and moss. There is a kiosk at the top selling drinks and snacks, and baby-changing facilities and a disabled toilet are also situated there.

Queen Elizabeth Country Park is located 4 miles south of Petersfield on the A3 road, and it is open all year round. The cafe opens at 9am and the visitor centre at 10am. Closing time is 4.30pm in winter and 5.30pm in summer. The park has disabled access and three disabled toilets in different locations. Baby-changing facilities are also available. There is pay and display parking for cars and coaches; the fee for cars is £1 for an hour or £2 for a day.

The park is situated on a hill, and walks of either 1.9 and 5 miles may be made through woodland. In addition, there is a downland trail 1.7 miles long. It is possible to take part in a guided walk, starting at the visitor centre. Longer walks include Staunton Way to Staunton Country Park, 8.5 miles away, and Hangers Way to Alton, a distance of 21.1 miles. The South Downs Way, a hundred mile walk from Winchester to Eastbourne, passes through the park. There are also two trails suitable for mountain bikes; the trail for novices is 3.7 miles long, while the advanced trail is just over 3 miles. In addition, two ten-mile cycling trails begin in the park but go beyond it. There is a six-mile forest trail for horse riding. On Butser Hill, paragliding, hang-gliding and model gliding can be arranged.

There is an outdoor Tots Play Area for children under eight, as well as the Juniper Play Area for older children. Lazer games are available for parties and corporate events. There are meadows where it is possible to hire a hearth with a table for either a picnic or barbecue. Rooms as well as two fields are available for private hire, and one of the rooms has a projector, screen and seating. Inside the visitor centre is a gift shop selling maps, outdoor clothing and sweets among other things.

If you rely on public transport, the nearest railway station is Petersfield. From there, the number 37 Stagecoach bus travels past the Queen Elizabeth Country Park. Coming from the south, the 37 bus departs from Havant and travels via Waterlooville, but the bus journey from Havant would be quite a lengthy one.

Queen Elizabeth Country Park is well worth a visit, especially as you can choose your level of activity. You might just want to walk the dog or give the children a chance to let off steam in the fresh air. On the other hand, you could set off on an ambitious walk or cycle ride, or perhaps go horse riding. If the heavens open, you can take cover in the cafe with a hot drink or have a browse around the gift shop. As an outdoor attraction, it is among the best that central southern England has to offer. Read Less

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on January 25, 2012

Queen Elizabeth Country Park
Gravel Hill, Horndean
Petersfield, Hampshire
023 92595040

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A south Hampshire village

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Woods in Southwick Photo - Hampshire, England

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Although the village of Southwick is just a few miles from where I live in Southsea, I had never been there until recently. I rely on public transport and the bus service to Southwick was very infrequent; I believe it was withdrawn altogether in autumn 2011. My son's partner was born and brought up in Southwick, however, so soon after he passed his driving test he suggested taking us there. It was a Saturday in early December when a group of locals were in the process of erecting a Christmas tree on the green beside the church.The village of Southwick is unusual in that it is entirely owned by the Southwick Estate; all properties in the village are rented except for the Church Lodge. All f...Read More

Although the village of Southwick is just a few miles from where I live in Southsea, I had never been there until recently. I rely on public transport and the bus service to Southwick was very infrequent; I believe it was withdrawn altogether in autumn 2011. My son's partner was born and brought up in Southwick, however, so soon after he passed his driving test he suggested taking us there. It was a Saturday in early December when a group of locals were in the process of erecting a Christmas tree on the green beside the church.

The village of Southwick is unusual in that it is entirely owned by the Southwick Estate; all properties in the village are rented except for the Church Lodge. All front doors have to be painted dark red, but I'm really not sure why. The village has a church, two pubs, a shop with a post office, a community centre, a former brewhouse (now shop and museum) and a golf course. There was once a school but this has now closed down.

Southwick's two pubs both serve good food. The Red Lion is a Fullers pub located at the northern end of High Street. It serves both lunch and dinner but is closed between 2pm and 6pm. There is a patio garden at the rear. Examples of mains are steak and ale pie or pork and apple sausages and mash as well as steaks, fish dishes, a ploughman's lunch and salads. There is a special section for vegetarian options. Side orders include chips, garlic bread, vegetables and salad. Sandwiches, baguettes and jacket potatoes are available for those wanting a light lunch. There are main courses for children startingx at £4.50. Desserts include cheesecake, ice cream and sorbets as well as hot puddings. Toilets are situated on the ground floor, but there are two steps which might present a problem for disabled visitors. We had lunch there and found both their roast and steak and ale pie to be excellent.

The Golden Lion, also on High Street, has two bars and a restaurant, but food is not served on Tuesdays or on Sunday evenings. Food is cooked on the premises using locally sourced ingredients. Lunch is served from noon to 2pm and dinner from 6pm to 9pm, but the bar is open until 11pm every day except Sunday when it closes at 10.30pm. I haven't eaten at the Golden Lion myself, but apparently the food has improved a lot recently and there has been an excellent review in the Portsmouth local paper. The Golden Lion is famous for the fact that it became the unofficial officers' mess in the period leading up to D-Day when the leaders of the Allied Forces where stationed at Southwick House. It is said that while Eisenhower drank beer, Montgomery confined himself to grapefruit juice.

Just behind the Golden Lion you will find Southwick Brewhouse, which houses a shop and a museum. It dates from the seventeenth century and was a working brewhouse until 1957. It supplied ale and brandy to the Golden Lion. Restoration work was carried out between 1979 and 1985. The brewhouse is an example of a Victorian domestic brewery with its fermenting vessels, steam engine and malt store accompanied by flow charts, photographs and posters. The shop sells British ciders and beers, including Suthwyck Ales, brewed locally. Cask ales are available for four or eight pint containers. Special events are held periodically, such as Welsh Beer Week. Opening hours are from 10am to 5pm Wednesday to Saturday, and 11am to 4pm on Sunday. Group visits of the museum can be arranged outside of these times.

St James' Church is situated on High Street; its full name is St-James-Without-the-Priory-Gate. It is thought to date from 1040, but a great deal of restoration work has been done since then. The altar table is Elizabethan while the panelled gallery and the pulpit date from the 17th century. The original box pews were replaced by modern ones in the mid 20th century. St James is one of only two churches in the country that is a Peculiar, meaning that the chaplain is appointed by the village squire rather than by the bishop of the diocese. The church holds two services on Sunday mornings: Holy Communion is at 8.30am followed by Eucharist at 10.45am. St James is open every day and visitors are welcome. There are artefacts on display in the church from the Augustinian priory that was located immediately south-east of Southwick. The remains of a wall of the priory still exists on the edge of the golf course. The church can accommodate 150 people and is sometimes used for concerts. The west door of the church has access for wheelchairs.

Southwick Golf Club is located on Pinsley Drive, just east of the village. The club's professional, Eddy Rawlings, offers advice to players of all levels. Membership is available on a full or pro-rata, flexible basis. Southwick Golf Club has an eighteen-hole course that extends around Southwick Lake; holes range from short par 3s to long par 4s. It is a 5884 yard course with a par of 69. There is a six-hole pitch and putt course as well as a short-game practice area. Some tee times can be booked in advance, and some early morning ones are reserved for members, veterans or ladies. The clubhouse has a bar that serves food and has views over Portsdown Hill. It can be hired for private parties. There is a skittle alley that has to be booked in advance, and members are offered a reduced rate. The golf club also has a shop selling a range of clothing and equipment.

I don't play golf, but the lake situated in the midst of the course provides a delightful place for a walk. On the December morning we were there, it was quite quiet with just one or two people walking dogs and a few fishermen. You have to walk through a small wooded area and then cross a section of the golf course pretty sharply to get to the lake. We walked along most of the southern side, close to the water, and then turned back. If you carry on and walk around the northern side, the path leads away from the water's edge and passes close to the golf clubhouse. It was a beautiful sunny winter morning and the lake, lined with trees, made a very picturesque scene. To the north you can just see Southwick House, where the leaders of the Allied Forces had their headquarters in the period leading up to D-Day.

Having enjoyed the walk along the lakeside so much as well as lunch at the Red Lion, it seemed a shame that it had taken me so long to discover Southwick. It is just north of Portsdown Hill, very close to Fareham and Porchester, and within easy reach of Portsmouth. Anyone visiting the area could combine a visit to Porchester Castle with a few hours in Southwick. Portchester would be the nearest railway station, but fast trains don't stop there and the only way to travel from Portchester to Southwick would be by taxi. A car is really necessary for visiting the area; it is worth going when the weather is fine for a walk by the lake. Read Less

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