Alresford is a pretty Georgian market town that is almost perfect.  The town boasts attractive, lovingly tended houses; sparkly clean shop-fronts selling all sorts of delicious crafts and wares, and kind residents who practically doff their caps and say good morning.  It’s a delight! 

Pottering around the main streets, peeping into the immaculate gift shops is a lovely way to spend some time.  Caracoli Coffee House on Broad Street, The Naked Grape wine merchant and The Red Dog gallery (West Street) are all worth a visit.  Heidi’s Patisserie on West Street sells gorgeous cakes and St John the Baptist Church is an ideal spot to enjoy your freshly baked treat.  This pretty, typically English country church is complete with wonky gravestones and yew trees.  The chirpy resident blue tits and robins are sure to entertain you with their shenanigans. 
 
Parking: on street parking bays.
Buggy Terrain: Fairly flat.  Just watch out for the odd articulated lorry that thunders through the streets occasionally.
 
Eating: The Bell, 12 West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AT
01962 732 429
www.bellalresford.com

When surrounded by verdant countryside and leafy woods, it feels somehow right to feast in a traditional country inn for lunch.  With uneven floors, wooden rickety tables, dim candlelit nooks and crannies and dating back to 1767 this is a great place to lunch!  Children can have small portions from the regular menu: chipolatas, fish fingers with peas or beans and mash (£4.95).  Desserts are a must: chocolate brownies, bowls of gorgeous sorbets including pear, blackberry and mango. (£5.00 for adult portion, less for children).

Highchairs: Yes.
Baby-changing facilities: No.
Colouring/activity packs: Paper, pencils and games available.
Child-friendly staff: Yes, busy but jolly.
Style: A friendly, traditional pub that maintains it high standards of cuisine.