Five attractions within an hour of Andover for post-lockdown

We’ve explored every nook and cranny of North Hampshire as we’ve tried to find something new to discover on our daily exercise.

As such, it’s likely many of us are going to want to spread our wings a little once lockdown is over. With lockdown rules setting out the steps that may allow life to go back some way towards what it was, we can start dreaming of whereabouts we might like to go.

Here’s a few of our favourite places around an hour’s drive away that we’d love to go back to.

Bournemouth beach by Sára Regina Cseke

Bournemouth Beach

Following the now infamous major incident in the earlier period of Covid, Bournemouth’s beach took a little bit of a reputation battering.

Nevertheless, it’s ranked as the best beach in the UK, and the 5th best in the whole of Europe. In the world, it puts in an incredible 25th place – not bad for a beach less than an hour’s drive away!

It sits in a bay, giving it its own microclimate and some of the warmest sea temperatures in the UK, which are perfect to enjoy an ice cream on or just lie back in the sand.

If you’re looking for some entertainment, there’s also the pier, complete with rides and traditional seaside pursuits.

The Wonston Arms was CAMRA pub of the year in 2018

The Wonston Arms

During lockdown, we’ve all missed our favourite pubs, and many of us are desperate to get back to them.

In addition to supporting our local venues, there are also plenty of great pubs across Hampshire, of which the Wonston Arms, located in the eponymous village, comes out on top.

CAMRA pub of the year in 2018, and a regular winner of awards from local afficionados as well, this boozer is a great place to soak up the atmosphere and alcohol we’ve been missing for the past year.

The Vyne, Sherborne St John

The Vyne

If you’re looking for something a little more cultural, then how about a trip to this historic house that’s located just down the road in Sherborne St John.

Run by the National Trust, the house has been closed during lockdown, though the gardens have been open if you booked ahead.

But step inside the 17th century masterpiece, and you’ll find plenty to enjoy. There’s Murano glass, tapestries, paintings and fine period furniture to examine, and you’ll hear stories of illustrious guests like Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII and Jane Austen.

With the added bonus of extensive grounds containing ancient woodland and wetlands, it’s a great opportunity to rediscover this historic gem in Hampshire.

Colorful sunset over Stonehenge.

Stonehenge

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a marvellous spectacle to boot, there’s nothing quite like the majesty of Stonehenge.

While the stones themselves are located next to a public footpath, and so have been accessible to locals during that time, many of us over the border in Hampshire haven’t been able to head there.

Furthermore, the museum, which gives you an indepth look at the stones and the whole area, has been closed for some time, with the artifacts going unloved while the doors were shut.

If you still want to experience the natural world, while also taking the opportunities of a post-lockdown world, how about a trip to a prehistoric marvel?

Lion country at Longleat Safari Park

Longleat

Speaking of the natural world, who didn’t enjoy a childhood trip to Longleat?

Whether it was exploring the county house, home to the Marquess of Bath, fighting off the monkeys trying to take your parents’ car apart, or having a go on the rides, there was plenty to enjoy.

It must have been quite unusual for all the animals, so used to seeing thousands of visitors, to suddenly have the park all to themselves, save for their keepers.

So why not pay them a visit, and head back to a childhood favourite?