When exploring new places to visit for a weekend escape, we love a recommendation, and Muddy Stilettos spoke so eloquently of Odiham in its recent Best Places to Live survey, that we felt it was worthy of a re-post just in case you should like a reminder.
Want to come and experience Odiham for yourself? Book a stay with us here at The Red Lion, Odiham.
Life in Odiham has lots to offer, so we thought we’d pick out a few of Muddy’s top highlight reasons why you need to add Odiham to your radar, whether to come and live or to visit for a weekend jaunt. Odiham is a picture-perfect village, dotted with historic cottages, smart townhouses, and stunning country homes that could fill the pages of Country Homes, whilst the enduringly attractive town offers strong community spirit, good local shops, and foodie stops, fantastic traditional inns (ahem, us!) alongside gorgeous outdoor spaces. Walking along the medieval Stoney Alley just off the indie Georgian High Street feels a lot like being transported into a period drama. Yet, while it might feel a (blissful) million miles from modernity, Odiham is well connected, close to the M3, less than 15 minutes drive from the bright lights of central Basingstoke, and just 45 minutes from a multitude of top attractions and locations.
FOR THE CULTURE VULTURES
Eight hundred years ago, King John rode from Odiham Castle on his way to sign the Magna Carta. Built between 1207 to 1214, the once vast site is now a ruin, but the octagonal keep and a section of the moat can still be explored on a stroll along the scenic Basingstoke Canal, close to Odiham.
Just a stone’s throw from our abode sits The Cross Barn, Odiham’s huge Tudor barns events space hosts film nights, arts clubs, and Odiham Society talks. The closest theatres to Odiham include The Maltings in Farnham and The Anvil in Basingstoke. The latter enjoys a 1,400-seater concert hall, a 95-seater studio (The Forge), and a 400-seat, Grade II-listed venue (Haymarket Theatre), which enjoys the International Concert Series, amongst many other live performances including top comedian tours, including Michael McIntyre, Dawn French, and Romesh Ranganathan.
FOR THE SUNSHINE FESTIVAL GO-ERS
When the sunshine arrives, we all look forward to the line-ups of our British festival scene and love the festival life…although perhaps the camping side is less enticing! Fear not, as here in Odiham we are blessed with our location being so close to the M3, allowing you to easily venture back once you’re all danced out, to enjoy a steaming hot shower, and a really good bed…plus all the luxuries you’d want here in our boutique bedrooms.
Held over a fortnight in early summer, the Basingstoke Festival brings music, culture, dance, and theatre to the streets, kicking off proudly with a big parade celebration. Plus, for the bigger, well known events, we’re close to Car Fest, Flackstock Festival and WeyFest, making us the perfect solution for where you plan to stay overnight, if you enjoy a touch of luxury.
So, whether you’re thinking of moving into the area, or you fancy a weekend away; we hope you Odiham will be a top contender.
