Tucked away in the Hampshire countryside is picture-perfect market town that’s often hailed as one of England’s best hidden gems. Alresford, with its colourful Georgian houses and riverside views, offers plenty of rural charm  just an hour from London.

The town is steeped in history, brimming with independent shops and tearooms, and even boasts its own steam railway. However, it wasn’t always this beautiful. Despite its close proximity to water, dozens of fires tore through the town in the 17th century, and it took a lot of work to create the charming town that exists now. 

Whether you’re after a peaceful weekend escape or a taste of quintessential English life, Alresford has something for everyone. It’s no wonder this small town is winning the hearts of locals and visitors alike. 

It was recently celebrated on the UK Hidden Gems social media channels, with the experts noting the colourful Georgian houses as a particularly brilliant attraction. One of the most iconic and stunning parts of the town, Broad Street, is the perfect place to see these impressive buildings. 

After the last great fire raged through the town way back in 1736, much of the street was ordered to be rebuilt in brick and tile, resulting in the charming Georgian structures that still stand today. 

Lined with trees and brimming with independent businesses, it’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon. A toy shop, a linen company and a hardware store are just a few of the shops you’ll see, with the quaint Courtyard Tea Rooms serving up delicious bakes, hot drinks and other refreshments to keep you going. 

If you want to get lost in nature, then a walk along the River Alre is a must. According to Visit Winchester, Alresford is the ‘perfect place’ for a stroll, especially in autumn when the leaves start to change colour. 

Old Alresford Pond is a popular spot, but for a slightly longer adventure, you can take the riverside walk. On the way, you’ll find a small memorial garden which is great for picnics, as well as the Fulling Mill where ducks swim in the water. 

And no trip to Alresford is complete without a ride on The Watercress Line. This vintage-style restored steam train journey spans 10 miles through the Hampshire countryside, and it’s the perfect way to relax and unwind. 

Fans of the attraction took to TripAdvisor to sing its praises, with one person writing: “The Watercress Line is wonderful with amazing staff who were incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. It was great to listen to the history of the line and suggestions of extra things we could do. The stations showed great attention to detail and all were well kept.”

Another said: “The railway is picturesque! All of the stations are beautifully restored and cared for, with old posters and signs and items from steam days and the journey itself is mostly through lovely countryside scenery. The coaches are all vintage and the locomotives are very impressive.”