Things to Do in Alton, United Kingdom: Walking Guide

Looking for things to do in Alton? This Hampshire town brings together museums, historic churches and stories from its past, including the local history of Fanny Adams and Alton’s connections with Jane Austen. Neywo’s free audio guide for Alton includes 8 narrated places, helping you explore the town as you walk.

What to see in Alton

Curtis Museum

The Curtis Museum is a local history museum in Alton, Hampshire. It was founded in 1865 by Dr William Curtis, a local figure who lived from 1803 to 1881. The museum was later run by Hampshire County Council and Winchester City Council before ownership passed to the Hampshire Cultural Trust in 2014.

The museum is also associated with the story of Fanny Adams, the eight-year-old girl murdered after disappearing from local hop gardens in 1867. Her story helped give rise to the expression “sweet Fanny Adams”, later used to mean very little or nothing.

The Allen Gallery

The Allen Gallery is another local museum in Alton. It adds to the town’s cultural attractions and is one of the places to include when exploring Alton’s museums on foot.

All Saints’ Church, Alton

All Saints’ Church is Alton’s Anglican parish church and a Grade II listed building recognised by English Heritage for its architectural and historic interest. Its status makes it a notable stop for visitors interested in the town’s built heritage.

Alton Assembly Rooms

The Alton Assembly Rooms is a theatre in the town. Its presence reflects Alton’s long-standing role as a local centre for community and cultural life.

Alton Methodist Church

Alton Methodist Church is a chapel that has served the community in East Hampshire for many years. It is one of several religious buildings that reveal the different traditions represented in the town.

Church of St Lawrence, Alton

The Church of St Lawrence stands at the heart of Alton. This Anglican parish church is a Grade I listed building, recognised for its exceptional architectural and historical interest.

The church contains layers of architectural styles created through centuries of building and rebuilding. It was also the scene of the final action of the Battle of Alton during the English Civil War. In December 1643, Parliamentary forces attacked the town, and Royalist troops made their last stand in and around the church.

Musket-fire damage can still be seen on the building, linking the church’s peaceful present with the violence of the battle.

Holy Rood Church

Holy Rood Church is a historic parish church in the village of Holybourne, Hampshire. It offers another perspective on the religious and architectural heritage around Alton.

United Reformed Church

The United Reformed Church is a church building in Alton, East Hampshire. It is included in Neywo’s walking route alongside several of the town’s other historic landmarks.

Jane Austen and Alton’s literary connections

Jane Austen never lived in Alton, but she visited the town regularly while staying nearby. Alton served as a practical centre for everyday activities such as shopping, banking, posting letters and catching the coach to London.

Austen was also a member of the Alton Book Society. Its annual meeting took place at the historic coaching inn now known as the Swan Hotel. These links make Alton a useful stop for anyone exploring England through its literary history.

Explore Alton with Neywo

Neywo offers an Alton self-guided walking tour focused on the town’s Civil War church and the museum founded by Dr Curtis. The walk is 1.65 km long, takes about 49 minutes and includes 5 narrated stops: All Saints’ Church, Alton, the Curtis Museum, Alton Assembly Rooms, the United Reformed Church and the Church of St Lawrence, Alton.

Download Neywo and explore Alton at your own pace. The app tells the story of each place as you reach it, with no group and no schedule. Its narration is available in 11 languages, making this free walking tour in Alton a flexible way to discover the town independently.