Alton has a wide variety of natural open spaces alongside formal gardens and modern sporting facilities. There is over 160 acres of public open spaces to enjoy in Alton including Anstey Park, Jubilee Playing Fields, King’s Pond, The Public Gardens, The Butts, Greenfields amenity land, Northanger play area, Windmill Hill, Barley Fields & Holybourne play area.
Many sporting fixtures and community events are held on council sites throughout the year, either organised directly by the council or other organisations. If you would like to hold an event on a council site please complete the attached Event Application Form and return to the Town Hall.
Tree Reports
Public Gardens
Alton’s Public Gardens in the town centre is where many events are held in the summertime and musicians perform live from the bandstand. The large lawns are ideal for picnics, beautiful formal flower beds and an interesting variety of well established trees and a popular play area for young children (which includes a wheelchair accessible swing and roundabout.) With refreshments available to purchase from Acorns mobile café located just inside the main gates. Public Toilets are available in the adjacent car park.
The Butts
The Butts (also historically known as ‘The Robin Hood Butts’) is a pleasant triangular green edged with Chestnut trees and benches. Today it is owned and maintained by Alton Town Council and is enjoyed by the public for informal gatherings and picnics, visits from the Circus and Fun Fair, and hosts the popular Victorian Cricket charity tournament. The Butts however has a long and interesting timeline…
Flood Meadows & Will Hall Meadow
The two areas are separated by New Odiham Road, with the river connecting Flood Meadows with Alton’s newest open space and the northern source of the River Wey – Will Hall Meadow. With fifteen acres of relaxing open space only 100 yards from the town centre, Flood Meadows is a great place for a lunchtime picnic or scenic stroll along the ‘Wey Walk’. Featuring a combination of semi-wild conservation areas, open green areas, tree lined footpaths and a riverside walk next to the disused watercress beds. Both sites are easily accessible with several footpath entrances into the sites.
Bio-Blitz Results 2023
King’s Pond
King’s Pond is a conservation area close to the town centre that supports a range of wildlife, birds, and wildflowers, please note fishing is not permitted. A lovely place to enjoy nature with a variety of waterfowl and birds to spot along the circular route around the water’s edge. There are several benches along the route where you can stop to take in the views across the pond and picnic benches on the top lawn. There is a small free car park for visitors to the pond, but this can become full at busy times..
Windmill Hill
A large public open space comprising of approximately 25 acres, with mown footpaths through the long grass meadows, Community Orchard, Queen’s Green Canopy and a copse of trees at the summit of the hill. The site is popular with dog walkers and local families alike, with natural carved wooden seats and logs ideal for a rest to take in the stunning panoramic views towards the Selborne Hanger and over the town.
The Queen’s Green Canopy Layout
Greenfields/Northanger
This is an expansive area of hillside, north of a housing development at Northanger Close which was transferred to the town council in February 1998 by the developer. The land is maintained by the Town Council as an open space for public recreational purposes and is grazed for six months of the year by a local farmer. The site includes a fenced off kick-about area and earth BMX track together with an enclosed play area for children which was opened in June 2009.
Holybourne Play Area
Situated at the northern end of the village can be found one of the natural play areas for children, featuring a zip wire and large kick-about area and permanent junior goal posts in situ. Popular for residents and visitors alike, the area has picnic tables and seating.
Miss Bell’s Fountain
Situated close to The Butts and a “sister” to the one that originally stood on Crown Hill (and can now be found in the Public Gardens) Miss Bell’s fountain was donated to the town in the late 19th century by local philanthropist Miss Eliza Bell – who wanted a light on the main road opposite the drive to her house (now Borovere Lane). Restoration works, including a new light, were completed as Alton Town Council’s Golden Jubilee project in 2002.
Chawton Park Road
This site is home to Alton Tennis Club, Alton Social Bowls Club, Chawton Park Indoor Bowls Club, Westbrook Guides, Cardiac Rehab and Alton Sports Centre. The Town Council also owns a number of small pockets of land on the Treloar Heights development off Chawton Park Road.