Here at Black Chalk Wine we've chosen our favourite things to do in Hampshire, and that of course includes visiting us! But while you’re in the area, there are also some other fantastic things to do. If you’re travelling from London or afar, why not make a weekend of it and stay for a couple of nights and explore the area.
Top 10 things to do in Hampshire
In no particular order, here is our top 10 things to do in Hampshire.
1. Visit Winchester
The beautiful city of Winchester has much to offer for an afternoon excursion or day trip. It's pedestrianised city streets are lined with independent shops and cafes, but the main attraction is Winchester's rich history. Visit the medieval Winchester Cathedral, with its 17th-century Morley Library, the Winchester Bible and a Norman crypt. Nearby are the ruins of Wolvesey Castle and the Winchester City Mill, a working 18th-century corn mill. The Great Hall of Winchester Castle houses the medieval round table of King Arthur, and is not to be missed.
2. Cycle the Test Way
The Test Way is popular with cyclists for its countryside and flat cycle paths. You can follow the route of the historic Sprat and Winkle railway line, which started life as a canal, discovering villages along the way and stopping off at the Black Chalk Tasting Room for a light lunch or a coffee and slice of cake, open 7 days a week. Check out the menu here.
3. Picnic Among the Vines
This is a truly unique experience. Come sit amongst the vines in the beautiful Circular Vineyard at Black Chalk Wine and enjoy a gorgeous picnic hamper of handmade sandwiches and cakes, paired with premium English fizz. As far as we know, it's the only circular vineyard in the UK! Black Chalk Wine is open 7 days a week, see more information here.
You can also purchase gift vouchers for a Sparkling Afternoon Tea Picnic.
4. Open Water Swimming
If you're someone who enjoys a refreshing swim in an open river then the River Test offers you the opportunity to do just that, in beautiful surroundings. You can obtain passes from the people at Test Valley Open Water Swimming and even book coaching to get you started.
5. Fishing on the River Test
Enjoy a day’s fishing on the world famous River Test. Chalk stream fishing is available at several locations nearby, here are just two.
The Golden Pond Fishery is just a 5 minute walk away from Black Chalk Wine. This fishery is great for both beginner and more experienced anglers. The one acre lake has 16 well spaced swims, including a swim suitable for wheelchairs.
Further afield, the Broadlands Estate is renowned for the quality of its trout and salmon fishing. This private estate is one of the longest continuous stretches of prime chalk stream fishing and is where Prince Charles caught his first fish as a teenager. Broadlands is a 30 minute drive from Black Chalk Wine.
6. Vineyard Tour & Wine Tasting
Take a tour of a working vineyard and winery at Black Chalk Wine. Learn from a resident expert about the production of English sparkling wine. After, you'll be treated to a relaxed tasting of award winning English wines. You can choose to include a delicious lunch of cheeseboard, charcuterie or trout, made from locally sourced produce.
Tours are offered all year round. You can book your tour and tasting here. Children and dogs are welcome.
Tour & Tasting gift vouchers also make a popular gift for friends, family or work colleagues.
7. Stay in a Treehouse
If you're looking for a unique place to stay, then look no further than a Wild Escapes treehouse. There are four luxury treehouses to choose from, all with their individual style and sustainable design. Enjoy meandering through the beautiful woods or relax in your outdoor bath, with a glass of very local bubbly! The treehouses overlook the vines of the Black Chalk vineyard and you can even book your very own wine tasting in your treehouse. Your private guide will take you down into the vineyard and explain the winemaking process. Dogs are welcome in the treehouse too; they will be well catered for with their own bedroom! For guests staying in a treehouse, you can book your own private tasting here.
8. Rambling Along West Down
There are plenty of opportunities for walking in the Test Valley. We recommend this gentle 5km walk that starts at West Down Nature Reserve and passes right by Black Chalk Wine where we can welcome you for a light bite with a glass of bubbly! See the route here.
9. Sparkling Afternoon Tea
Enjoy a modern twist on the classic Afternoon Tea. Tasty sandwiches are matched with hand finished cakes - with scones, clotted cream and jam to finish served with a glass of vintage English sparkling wine at the Black Chalk Wine Tasting Room (or courtyard in good weather!) This sumptuous afternoon tea is available Friday - Sunday for two sittings - 1pm and 3pm. Sparkling Afternoon Tea can be booked here.
10. Wine Tasting Flight
Sample award-winning English wines at the Black Chalk Wine vineyard. This tasting flight is served on a paddle of 3 wines (50ml sample of each wine) including Classic 2018, Wild Rose 2018 (currently not available) & Dancer in Pink. There is no need to book, you can simply turn up and try. More information here.
Things to do in Hampshire was compiled by the team at Black Chalk Vineyard & Winery, The Old Dairy, Fullerton Road, Andover SP11 7JX