Don’t suffer the Winter Blues
2018 is well underway, the festive season has been wrapped up and put away for another year and it’s now time to focus on YOU.
New goals and new resolutions have been set and it’s time to start planning an exciting new year ahead – holidays, special birthdays, date nights and family time will all be valuable moments to cherish and enjoy.
Whether it’s a weekend staycation, a date night, family day out or a night out to celebrate; the Hampshire countryside offers such beauty and we often forget about some of the enjoyable and exciting things we can do right here in our back-yard, so don’t let the Winter Blues get hold of you. Get out and enjoy the plethora of activities and attractions in and around us.
For the kids:
If you’ve got little ones (or grandkids) and you’re wanting them to burn off as much energy as possible on a great day out, there’s a ton of activities out there!
For the younger ones who have a love for small animals, why not take them to Birdworld; the UK’s largest bird park exhibiting hundreds of species from across the globe, as well as having their own aquarium and Jenny Wren children’s farm.
Just down the road is Alice Holt, a popular destination for family walks and outdoor exploring. As well as having many walking and cycling trains for all abilities to enjoy, they also host a variety of children’s events including The Highway Rat Trail, based on the latest Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler book, who also wrote and illustrated The Gruffalo.
For the rainy days, Grayshott Pottery, just 10 minutes drive from us, offer a little something for everyone. Their pottery throwing and painting workshops are fantastic for children wanting to express their artistic talents, while the Kiln Cafe and beautiful gift emporium is great for adults looking for gifts for all ages or a spot of afternoon tea.
For the grown ups:
If you’re preferring some adult time-out and you’re a lover of gin (just like us!), head to the Silent Pool Gin Distillery to experience the processes and history of this award-winning local gin. You can also give it a try at The Royal Exchange!
They say ‘by the sea for a day takes your troubles away’, so why not take a trip down to Gunwharf Quays where you can browse a variety of outlet designer shops, discover the history and tales of HMS Victory or even take a boat tour of Portsmouth Harbour and the Naval Dockyard.
Alternatively, if you’re keen to wrap up and get outdoors into the fresh air for a lovely walk, you have a multitude of choices nearby to us at The Royal Exchange, but our favourite is Shiprights Way, a long distance route which links villages and towns in Hampshire. The route is 50 miles long, but don’t fear… it’s segmented into sections should you just want a short stroll rather than trek.
Whisk your other half away on a romantic escape
If you’re looking for a weekend away with your Valentine, our sister pubs, The Stag on the River near Godalming in Surrey and The Red Lion in Odiham, Hampshire, have some great offers for midweek getaways or weekend escapes. Enjoy delicious sharing boards, a glass of bubbles and perhaps your favourite red wine… and make a night of it, by snuggling up in our fluffy dressing gowns and finishing the night off with a board-game or two in one of their beautiful 7 en-suite bedrooms.
This January we have lots of enticing dishes to warm you up and keep the cold at bay, from steak and St. Peter’s dark ale pie to roasted vine tomato pasta. Every day we have daily specials, which is Chef’s opportunity to utilise an array of local and in-season produce… so don’t forget to check the special’s board before you place your order!
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