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About Alresford
'The ford over the river where the alder trees grow.'

Alresford is the perfect place for strolling and there is plenty to please the eye.


Alresford (pronounced Allsford) is a beautiful Georgian Town which for many centuries was a prosperous wool town. Old Alresford is mentioned in the Domesday Book but the present town of New Alresford did not come into existence much before 1200 at the time when the Great Weir was being built to create Old Alresford Pond as a fish pond for the Bishop's Palace at Bishop's Sutton and a reservoir for the mills along the Itchen.

The colour-washed Georgian houses you see today rose from the ashes of great fires in the 17th Century but many retain their original 13th century cellars.

Now the home of the Watercress Line steam railway, so called because of its association with watercress farming, in what is now known as the UK's capital of watercress. The town hosts the annual Watercress Festival in May attracting thousands of visitors each year.

Selected as the No 1 Best Place to live in the Countryside by The Sunday Times and Voted Country Life's 'Favourite Market Town' in the south-east its specialist shops selling antiques, gifts, food, clothes for all ages, antiquarian books, pictures, china and crafts are a year round attraction.

Alresford is the perfect place for strolling and there is plenty to please the eye - The Fulling Mill and Eel House along the riverside walk, St. John's Parish Church, the Millennium Trail and Old Alresford Pond, created by Bishop de Lucy, Bishop of Winchester, in the 12th century. Close by is Hinton Ampner House & Garden.

With pubs, hotels, restaurants, tea rooms and a Golf Course, your every need will be satisfied. And don't forget to visit the Watercress Line steam railway that runs from Alresford to Alton through 10 miles of beautiful Hampshire countryside.


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Winter in Alresford


Come and find that special bargain or just enjoy browsing in the local specialist shops for those special items. Come anyway and enjoy a cup of tea, coffee or special drink at one of the town's many coffee shops or even take a break for lunch. Walk off the excesses round the Millennium Trail alongside the River Alre.

Have you booked that Special Lunch or Dinner yet, remember it is Valentine's Day soon - if not book now at one of Alresford's many pubs and restaurants where you can enjoy anything from Pub Grub to bistro dining and à la carte food.

The riverside walk is open to those wishing to exercise in beautiful surroundings and the local attractions are open namely the Watercress Line and the National Trust's Hinton Ampner gardens. Please visit their web sites for more information.

The Alresford Museum is also offering group visits.

News & Information



  • Report that pothole or street light out.
  • Defibrillators in Alresford
  • Alresford Forum on-line
  • Alresford Pocket Guide
  • Alresford Displayed
  • Alresford Articles
  • Alresford Memories
  • Alresford Heritage photos
  • Alresford Museum Historic Photo Archive
  • 5-day local weather forecast
  • Parking


Local News from the Hampshire Chronicle


Help Needed



  • Volunteers Required
  • History & Literature Society
  • Open your Garden for the Red Cross
  • Alresford Museum

Things to do



  • Stroll the River Walk.
  • Ride on the Watercress Line
  • Visit Hinton Ampner National Trust Garden
  • Play Golf at Alresford Golf Club
  • Attractions near Alresford
  • Yellow Book Gardens Open
  • It's in the Library
  • Other events

Useful Links



  • Town Council
  • Town Trust
  • Minibus email or 07510 474231.
  • Neighbourhood Watch
  • Old Alresford P C
  • Watercress Festival
  • Conservation Area

Annual 2022 Attractions at a glance.

We have removed details of these events as it is not clear at the moment what will go ahead. Those that do go ahead will be listed on the events page..

Sunday 15 May
Watercress Festival
28 May - 5 June
Days out with Thomas Watercress Line
12 June(TBC)
Alresford 10k Road Race
No Race This Year
Bi-annual Duck Race
1 - 3 July
Art Society Exhibition
6 - 14 August
Day out with Thomas Watercress Line
3 September
The Alresford Show
13 October
Fun Fair in Broad Street
4 November
Fireworks night at Arlebury Park
Wednesday 7 December Arrival of Father Christmas.

View this month's events.

Information on the Watercress Line.

Visit our picture gallery

Watercress Festival pictures
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015

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To include your details or correct an entry in this web site please e-mail: web@alresford.org

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All details contained on this site are believed to be correct at time of publication, but no responsibility can be taken for errors, omissions or subsequent alterations.

We would like to thank all of the clubs, societies and organisations in and around the Town for their assistance in providing information that makes this site possible.

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