Besides great sights, an interesting history and many exciting destinations, Alton has a lot more to offer. Here you will find many helpful tips to enjoy your vacation in Alton.
Here you can find hotels in the area of Alton
Just type in your destination and get many different suggestions.
Sights in Alton
Alton is a historic market town and civil parish in the East Hampshire district of Hampshire, England. It is located on the River Wey, about 10 miles (16 kilometres) north east of Winchester and 6 miles (9.7 km) west of Farnham. The town is notable for its respect for heritage and architecture, as well as for the annual Alton Garden Show which takes place in June.
Alton’s origins are AngloSaxon and the town grew up around the river crossing of the former Roman road from Silchester to Chichester. The town’s name is recorded in the Domesday Book as Aoltone and was later spelled Awltun during the Middle Ages. The town’s market charter was granted by King Henry I in 1101 and its status as a market town was confirmed by a charter from King John in 1204. It remained a key market town throughout the medieval period and into the postmedieval era.
One of the most notable buildings in the town is the private almshouse of Gilbert White, the naturalist, who was born in the town and lived most of his life there. The thatched portion of the building, which dates from the 17th century, is now a museum dedicated to White and his work.
The town’s High Street is lined with a number of historic buildings, including the Old Moot House, the Buttercross, and the Museum of Archaeology. The Old Moot House is a timberframed building that was used as a meeting place for the town’s court until the early 19th century. The Buttercross is a Grade I listed building that was built in the early 15th century and is one of the bestpreserved examples of its type in England. The Museum of Archaeology is housed in a former 18thcentury coaching inn and contains a collection of artefacts from the Stone Age to the Roman period.
Alton’s wealth in the past was built on wool and cloth manufacture, but since the decline of these industries in the 19th century, the town has become a commuter town for London and other parts of Hampshire. The town has a number of primary and secondary schools, as well as a sixth form college. There are also a number of independent schools in the town, including Alton College, which was founded in 1858.
Alton is twinned with the French town of IlliersCommercy.
History of Alton
Alton was first mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Aoltone and was given to Bishop Odo by William the Conqueror. The Bishop of Winchester owned it until the 16th century when it was bought by Sir Edward Greville. He built Alton Castle in 1563. It was bought by the Fuller family in 1609 who owned it until 1920 when it was bought by Mr Oscar Lewis. The Castle was badly damaged in 1643 during the Civil War and was never repaired. It was finally abandoned in 1822 and fell into ruins. In 1824, Sir Richard Hylton Wiseman, 7th Baronet, bought the estate and built a Georgian house on the site of the castle. This was called Moor Park and is now a hotel.
Alton was originally a small market town but grew rapidly in the 19th century with the coming of the railway. It became a prosperous Victorian town with many elegant buildings such as the Athenaeum, the town hall and the market hall. The threat of closure of the railway in the 1960s led to a decline in the town but it has since recovered and is now a thriving commuter town.
Alton is situated in the heart of the beautiful Hampshire countryside. It is surrounded by chalk downland and has many walks and rides. There are numerous historic buildings including the Norman parish church of St Lawrence and the 12th century AbbeyGate. Alton also has a large number of Georgian and Victorian houses.
The town has a variety of shops, pubs and restaurants and a twice weekly market. It also has a leisure centre, a sports centre, a swimming pool and a golf course.
Alton has a long history dating back to the Domesday Book. It was originally a small market town but grew rapidly in the 19th century with the coming of the railway. It became a prosperous Victorian town with many elegant buildings such as the Athenaeum, the town hall and the market hall. The threat of closure of the railway in the 1960s led to a decline in the town but it has since recovered and is now a thriving commuter town.
Vacation in Alton
Alton is a small city located in the north of England in the county of Hampshire. It is about an hour’s drive from London and is easily accessible by car or train. Although it is a small city, there is plenty to see and do in Alton. The city is home to a number of historic buildings, including the 12th century Alton Abbey, and has a lively shopping and restaurant scene. There are also a number of parks and green spaces to enjoy, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind.
If you are looking for a more active vacation, there are plenty of opportunities for walking and cycling in the surrounding countryside. For something truly unique, why not take a ride on the Alton Lift, the world’s first waterpowered cable car?
Whatever kind of vacation you are looking for, Alton is sure to have something to suit. So why not come and explore this lovely city for yourself?
Other vacation destinations in England:
