Stockbridge and surrounding villages

Less than ten miles West of Winchester lies the charming Hampshire town of Stockbridge in the stunning Test Valley. Many locals start their weekend with a stroll down pretty Stockbridge High Street. Thyme & Tides Deli is perfect for a great cup of coffee to start your day off on the right footing, just be prepared to leave this fab foodie haunt with more than a coffee boost. With a selection of UK and European cheeses, and an on-site fishmonger, not to mention, the yummiest ‘Utta Nutta’ peanut butter on sale, you aren’t likely to walk out empty handed! Local butchers, Robinsons is another popular stop, famous for its sausages made from free-range Hampshire pork. Lastly, all those property lovers out there are unlikely to walk away from the High Street without a quick stop at the Garden Inn, a fab homey shop for unique bits for the garden or home interior, as well as beautiful hand tied bouquets of fresh flowers……chaps, a must know spot for when you need help getting out of the dog house!

The villages surrounding Stockbridge are equally as impressive and popular. The pretty village of Longstock is of particular note and home to Longstock Park Nursery, part of the Leckford Estate. Set in and around a brick and flint walled garden, a lovely garden centre with a fabulous farm shop and cafe in a beautiful barn setting. A great stop off with friends or the kids (if you haven’t managed to escape alone) for a slice of cake and cup of tea.

For the boring, but important bit, Stockbridge is well situated with Winchester’s mainline railway station offering direct access to London Waterloo in approximately one hour and the M3 approximately 12 miles away providing road access to London and the south coast. Young families are drawn to the area for the excellent schooling on offer in both the state and private sector.