Alton Local Area Guide
10 March 2026
Known for its Saxon roots and convenient travel links, Alton is a popular commuter town with records dating back to the 11th century. You’ll only be an hour away from the bustle of London, and yet live in beautiful scenery surrounded by rolling countryside and plenty of places to explore.
Alton is also where our latest Shared Ownership development is located: Rivermead Gardens. With a number of modern 2-bedroom apartments available, Rivermead Gardens is the perfect opportunity for first-time owners to get on the property ladder in this beautiful slice of East Hampshire.
To help give you an idea of what living at Rivermead Gardens could look like, we’ve compiled this comprehensive Alton area guide, complete with places to see, restaurants to try, and local amenities that will make your new home a comfortable, convenient place to live.
Things to do in Alton
Alton is known to some as Jane Austen country, so it would be well worth visiting the historical Jane Austen house, where the iconic author lived and wrote her novels.
Feeling sporty? Make sure to try out Four Marks Golf Club, which is ideal for beginners or experienced golfers who want to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings while hitting the green.
Best restaurants in Alton
Right on your doorstep at Rivermead Gardens, you’ll find a wide range of places to eat in Alton that cater to every preference and party size. From traditional British pub food to higher-end fine dining options, there’s no shortage when it comes to immersing yourself in the local foodie scene:
- Antico Lounge – Tapas Bar
- The Swan – Traditional British
- Cucina Del Sapori – Italian
- Heaven’s Kitchen – Mediterranean
- Manny’s – Local Cafe & Bakery
- The White Hart – Steakhouse
- The Greyfriar – British Fine Dining
Shopping and entertainment
Image: Farnham Rocks
Whether you want to stop off at a cosy cafe or find unique gifts for loved ones, there’s plenty to keep you busy in Alton.
The bustling town hosts a regular Tuesday market on the high street, where independent businesses of all types and sizes showcase what they have to offer for locals and visitors alike. You’ll also find the local produce Hampshire Farmers’ Market on the second Saturday of the month, where you can stock up on fruits, vegetables, meat, and other produce to support local farmers and agricultural businesses.
The high street itself is filled with independent shops to suit all tastes and budgets. From unique women’s clothing and accessories at Qwirky Women, to eclectic antiques at The Tiny Shop, you’ll find many curiosities and appealing one-offs every time you leave the house.
Alongside these independent boutiques, you’ll also have access to a number of popular supermarkets for your everyday essentials. Sainsbury’s, Marks and Spencers, Waitrose, Iceland, Tesco Express, Co-op, and Aldi are all on your doorstep at Rivermead Gardens, whenever you need to grab the weekly shop or a one-off treat.
Education
Local education options can be a major factor when deciding where to live, and if you’re looking for schools in Alton, you’re in luck. There are plenty of schools right on your doorstep at Rivermead Gardens, catering to children of all ages to support them throughout their entire academic career.
We’ve listed some of the most popular schools below, with an idea of how far they are from your new home so that you can start planning your morning commute:
- Alton Infant School – 0.4 miles | Ofsted: Good
- Amery Hill School – 0.4 miles | Ofsted: Good
- Saint Lawrence Church of England Primary School – 0.4 miles | Ofsted: Good
- Anstey Junior School – 0.7 miles | Ofsted: Good
- The Butts Primary School – 1.0 miles | Ofsted: Good
- Eggar’s School – 1.2 miles | Ofsted: Good
- Andrews’ Endowed Church of England Primary School – 1.4 miles | Ofsted: Good
- Chawton Church of England Primary School – 1.6 miles | Ofsted: Good
Outdoor space
Alton has a number of green spaces and parks to enjoy in the warmer months, with lots of events taking place in the area’s public parks for locals to enjoy.
Alton Public Gardens, located in the centre of town, is home to events and musicians in the summertime. The central bandstand is the main gathering place for cultural events, and is surrounded by large lawns that are perfect for picnics and summer games when the weather gets warm.
On the western edge of Alton, you’ll find The Butts: a modest triangle of greenery that was historically used for archery practice. Nowadays, it’s the perfect place to walk your dog, hang out with friends, or get in some running practice.
Close to the town centre, you can also enjoy King’s Pond, located just a 3-minute walk from Rivermead Gardens. This conservation area spans 11 acres and is home to a range of wildlife, including waterfowl and other birds along the large central pond’s edge.
Local transport links near your new home
All of our homes at Rivermead Gardens are in a great location for easy travel via a number of methods.
Alton train station is a 10-minute walk from your new home, and from here, you can be in London within the hour. You’re also based very close to the A31 and M3, giving access to nearby towns and convenient road access to London when needed.
Call Alton your new home
From a rich historical heritage to beautiful local scenery, there are plenty of things to do in Alton and sites to see. And from Rivermead Gardens, you’ll have it all at your fingertips.
Register your interest to be one of the first to hear about Shared Ownership availability, and if you have any other questions, please speak to a member of our friendly team.