Odiham, a charming historic town nestled in the heart of North Hampshire, is more than just a pretty face. It’s a fantastic base for exploring the county’s diverse offerings. Whether you’re visiting friends and family, breaking up a longer journey, or simply seeking a delightful escape, Odiham has something to offer everyone.
A Perfect Base for Exploration
Odiham’s central location is just minutes from the M3 and close to the A3, M4 and M25 making it an ideal base to spend a night, a weekend, or as a stopover to stretch your legs and get some quality zzz’s. Base yourself overnight at our award-winning pub and inn, The Red Lion in Odiham. Read on for our top recommendations to inspire your Hampshire adventure in summer 2024, and beyond.
Our Top Summer Recommendations
Music enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice over the summer months with various festivals taking place in and around the region. Live at Loseley in Guildford (2-4 Aug) offers a delightful blend of great music. For a more eclectic experience, head to Boomtown Festival in Winchester (7-11 Aug) or Weyfest in Tilford, Farnham (15-18 Aug). Fans of Chris Evans will be familiar with his annual CarFest events, the Southern festival (23 – 25 Aug) is hosted at Laverstoke Park, or enjoy an evening of The West End Jersey Boys at nearby West Green House Gardens (22 Sep).
If you’re seeking more of a thrill to get your adrenaline pumping, why not head to the Indoor Go-Karting experience in Farnborough, or test your agility at the Ninja Warrior course in Guildford? For a more grounded experience, test your aim with Clay Pigeon Shooting at Oakley Hall, Basingstoke, or set out on the water for a day of Paddle Boarding along the Basingstoke Canal. Alternatively, if you’ve always dreamed of taking to the skies, why not pre-book a Flying Lesson at Blackbushe Airport with Air First?
If you’re more of a creative creature, why not unleash your inner artist; visit our sister pub The Castle in Farnham to review its monthly Brush Party dates, or head in the opposite direction to Bombay Sapphire Distillery for their sip and paint sessions. For a more hands-on culinary experience, join a Cooking Course at Newlyns Cookery School and build on your cookery skills and techniques.
Other events worth noting include The British Motor Show Live in Farnborough (15th-18th Aug), while foodies can indulge their taste buds at the Foodies Festival in Guildford (30th Aug-1st Sep) or the Surrey Gin Fest (7th Sep). For a cosmic experience, visit The Winchester Science Museum (13th Sep) for an after-dark planetarium experience.
While exploring the wider Hampshire area, don’t forget to take some time to appreciate the market town of Odiham itself. This picturesque town boasts a rich history, charming architecture, and a warm community spirit. Enjoy a stroll through the historic streets, explore the local shops and cafes, or relax in one of the town’s green spaces.
If your summer plans are already made, have you considered booking a weekend to join us in the run-up to Christmas to make the most of the vibrant festive spirit?
Our Top Festive Recommendations
Wintertime in the Hampshire countryside is one of our favourite times of the year, and with a host of Christmas markets and fairs taking place you’ll be sure to find a few gifts too; our favourites include the Loseley House Christmas Fair, in Guildford (14-17 Nov) and the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market (17 Nov – 21 Dec). For a more local experience, head to Farnham Maltings (20-21 Nov) for their Christmas Fair, where you can discover a treasure trove of handcrafted gifts, delicious food, and live music. To complete your festive shopping, head to the Milestones Christmas Market in Basingstoke ( 30 Nov – 23 Dec), or the Farnham Christmas Market (8 Dec). Both will offer a wide range of stalls that sell unique gifts, delicious food, and live entertainment.
If you’re looking for something truly magical, embark on a wonderful journey through a dazzling display of lights, colour and projections! There are a variety of choices including West Green House and their Christmas Illuminated Garden Adventure (23 Nov – 29 Dec) RHS Wisley’s Glow (22 Nov – 5 Jan) and Windsor Great Park’s Illuminate (15 Nov – 4 Jan). For a unique and unforgettable experience, hop aboard a steam train at the Watercress Line in New Alresford for their Steam Illuminations event (29 Nov – 4 Jan).
Return to Your Cozy Haven
After a weekend of exploring, return to the comfort of our pub and inn, The Red Lion in Odiham. Unwind by the warmth of our log burner, savour deliciously fresh, seasonal cuisine, and be in good company. Whether you’re feeling in need of a summer hiatus or a festive escape, Odiham is a terrific destination to enjoy some time out, off-grid, alongside those you love.
