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With its steep wooded hills and hidden valleys of watercress farms, lavender fields, vineyards, hop gardens and trout-filled streams, its picture-perfect villages and peaceful market towns, the Hampshire Area of the South Downs National Park is one of the loveliest parts of rural England. Hidden between the cathedral cities of Winchester and Chichester, this is great walking, cycling and riding country. Invigorating long-distance trails and circular routes take you through ancient woodlands, and out onto the tops of the South Downs. The beautiful East Hampshire countryside inspired author Jane Austen, poet Edward Thomas and Britain’s first naturalist - Gilbert White, who descibed his home as a ‘rural, sheltered, unobserved retreat’. Jane Austen and Gilbert White’s homes are both open to the public and well worth a visit. And – only 40 miles from London – it’s got a cosmopolitan feel when it comes to places to eat and stay. There are chic green B&Bs, wonderful foodie pubs with open fires, classy restaurants with rooms all serving delicious food, beers and wine from this fertile, fruitful land.
TO FIND OUT MORE Tel: 01730 268829 • Email: petersfieldinfo@btconnect.com Web: www.easthants.gov.uk/tourism @Hantssouthdowns /hampshiresouthdowns