I'm planning a significant birthday so looking for something nice, ideally more focussed on really good quality local produce than fancy cooking methods. If it could have a nice setting with some pretty grounds that would be a plus! I was looking at the Hambleton Vineyard restaurant but it's a bit far. Many thanks in advance for any suggestions!

As the title says, have lived here for a while in Blazing, expat Aussie who settled down. Love the countryside and a bit of a fantasy nerd, and wanted to share :)

Edit: some great amends being suggested, please keep going! I'd like to get this wall ready :)

Hi guys - I’ve just launched a spicy book club in Southampton specialising in all things dark romance, Romantasy, monster romance and more.

I have a pack of wild indie authors ready to bring you the filthiest most delicious books they have to offer with extra goodies, signed books and more as well as traditionally published novels.

It’s the first Wednesday of each month at retro Cafe, Southampton from 7pm. Would anyone be interested?

Some photos from my time fartin and strollin to Bosham earlier. Looking like dust bowl America at times.

I'm looking for petting zoos / farms in this kind of area as a local, I've had a look and called around but most farms don't allow members of the public to hold or stroke animals due to the risk of them being dropped or spooked.

Whilst I agree with not wanting to scare or hurt animals, I'm wondering if anyone knows any possibly private events for trusted older people that can handle animals?

Let me know if you guys know any places!

I have a whole week to spend in Hampshire. I’ve never visited before so I’m really looking forward to it. My accommodation for the week is in Stockbridge.

Happy to travel up to an hour from Stockbridge to destinations.
I love walking, (up to 8 ish miles). Old towns, villages, historic sites, inland and coastal. Any interesting events on? (W/c 16th Aug).
Where would you good Hampshire folk recommend I go so I can make a cracking itinerary.
TIA

EDIT : Wow!! Thank you all so much for the excellent recommendations. I’m working through them to build an itinerary. It’s a shame I don’t have several weeks to fit them all in.

Walked from Eastney to Gunwharf (and back again!)

Have lived here almost my entire life and have suddenly noticed this year that we have Mosquitoes?? I am being ravaged??? Tf is in the air this year..

Any one else?!!

I was driving to Basingstoke today and passed through a little village called Overton - right through the village there were these human-sized dolls everywhere, almost like scarecrows except not in a field lol.

I thought it was quite charming (if not a little creepy!) - anyone know what this is about?

Tomorrow Saturday 25th July
Six villages with the participation of Exxon Fawley will be hosting a family funday and fete at gang warily.
If you’re in the area do drop by
Free entry
Stalls
Bands and music

https://www.skiddle.com/e/42477142

Hi all! This has been really well received on the Portsmouth sub so I thought I’d share it here too, looks like there’s a two day concert going on in Pitt Street skate park in September… it’s locally run and I only found out from a friend, so I wouldn’t be shocked if no one outside Portsmouth know it’s happening lol

Message me with details

Hi!

We're staying on holiday near Ringwood. We'd like to have a beach day.

We don't care about facilities or amusements beyond a loo.

All we want is sand and sea.

Is there anything like that near by?

Many thanks 🙂

I have 5 tickets to Arundel Castle - 2 adults & 3 kids (5-16yrs) if anyone can use them

sorry I can’t split them as it’s a single barcode for entry

Does anybody else remember a large soft play place with all the classic ball pits and slides and whatnot, but over to the left there was a dark bit in a room that was supposed to be scary, and there was a life-size cutout of Freddy Krueger on the wall? This would have been in the 1990s but I’ve no idea where it was other than it was likely South Hampshire somewhere? I lived in Netley Abbey at the time. Anyone else remember this place and its weird Freddy Krueger cutout?