Each summer, a wonderful thing happens. What’s that, yes you heard right….A FESTIVAL FOR DOGS!
The first year we attended was just following lock down and so elements were muted, we also only had the 1 dog, Eliot, our rescue from Cyprus. As the years have rolled by, every time I ask the kids “do you want to go to Dogstival this year again” thinking they may have outgrown it, but I’m always answered with a slightly quizzical “Yeah, of course, it’s a festival with dogs, churros and music, why would be ever not want to go?”
This year, the festival has grown once more to 8 stages of entertainment – music, comedy & informative talks, we’ll see you there!
So, if you’ve ever felt anxious about how rowdy your four legged friend(s) is, don’t worry, this is the absolute perfect place for them. Everyone there is a dog lover, who appreciates the large, small, quiet & shy, or loud and confident of the variety of pooches.
There are 21 International Dark Sky Reserves in the world, the UK has 4 – the Brecon Beacons, Exmoor, Snowdonia and the South Downs National Parks.
To learn about the important of Dark Skies this interesting article by Graham Bryant FRAS, President of Hampshire Astronomical Group provides some fascinating background;
The fortnight of activities start at the 13th through to 23rd February
In the past you would have joined The South Downs National Park Authority at the top of Old Winchester Hill for an evening of stargazing, with telescopes and expert astronomers from Hampshire Astronomical Group guiding you round the night sky.
Running Friday 13th to 23rd February, there are two weeks of cosmic online fun with star parties, talks and family activities celebrating our wonderful dark night skies. This year the SDNP Dark Skies Festival is all about the personal experience of the night skies where you live, learning about the constellations, the history and folk lore that goes with them, and the nocturnal wildlife that depends on them.
2025 begins with the planets Venus and Mercury very close to each other. Low in the west after sunset, on a crisp clear evening it should look beautiful. Venus will be very bright.
Saturn is sinking lower into the west through January. Jupiter is still well placed early evening. Mars remains bright and red and due south at 9pm-ish. However, it is getting smaller and dimmer as the Earth races away in its orbit, leaving the red planet in the rear view mirror.
Another close encounter comes as Saturn and Venus move within a mere two degrees of each other between 21 and 24 January. Look for them very low in the west from 5.20pm. But hurry – they will set quickly.
The first of the year’s decent meteor showers is the Lyrids, peaking on the night of the 22 and 23 April. The moon sets just before midnight and then it’s darkness – best for spotting meteors. This is not a prolific shower so don’t expect fireworks. But it’s still worth giving it a try. Look high in the south east, later is better and use your naked eye. Dark areas favoured. You might spot the odd shooting star in the days before and after the peak.
We have a fantastic selection of Theatres within a short driving distance from your holiday at The Crest. They range from the smallest at The Ashcroft Centre of the Arts, to the largest at Mayflower Theatre.
Ashcroft Centre of the Arts
Here you will find the biggest names in comedy on their warm-up circuits. We have been to see Mark Watson, Omid Djalili & Lucy Porter, to name but a few. They are up there on stage, in front of just 150 guests, notebook in hand making notes as jokes hit or flop.
You can also attend classes & workshops, also this would take a little more oganising. Just 20o minutes away, to book visit their website here.
New Theatre Royal Portsmouth
The New Theatre Royal is a stunning Victorian Grade II* listed theatre in the heart of Portsmouth. Regular shows include Horrible History shows, a really great annual Pantomime and some big names in Comedy.
Winchester New Theatre Royal
A relatively small theatre with a capacity of 400, Winchester New Theatre Royal is a fantastic place to add to your day out in Winchester (also giving your feet a rest!).
Again, a great place to get up close and personal to Comedy & theatre shows, with a lovely bar and plenty of places to grab a bit to eat close by.
The biggest of out local Theatres, all the big shows make a stop here! From Wicked to Warhorse, all the big touring shows will be right here.
Chichester Festival Theatre
A very special theatre, a round stage protrudes into the seating plan providing a very special experience. To see what Chichester has to offer, click here.
I hope you find this information useful, I think it would make your break away pretty special by booking a show in one of these beautiful Theatres!
How many holiday lets can say that within a 10 minute drive there is a 140 acre zoo? That’s right, it’s so close that when we lived at The Crest we had an annual membership and would often just pop there for a walk.
Over the years which have passed, the zoo has certainly grown. There are many special events throughout the year, especially during the school holidays, be sure to check out their website below.
What is Winchester Hat Fair? Well, it’s a family friendly outdoor festival in Winchester, full of street performers of all the kinds you could ever imagine.
The performances occur all over Winchester, through the city centre, in various parks, and around the Cathedral. Below you’ll find a helpful map listing the spots to head to;
I would strongly recommend catching the Park & Ride into Winchester and simply spending the day wandering around, enjoying the sites as they present themselves to you. Here’s a little taster;
From their stables, situated in Soberton Village, you can ride out on one of South Down Trekkers gorgeous ponies or horses in ‘The South Downs National Park’ without using public roads.
The views of the beautiful countryside are absolutely breath taking and certainly to be remembered with such outstanding scenery.
South Downs Trekker stables have a range of ponies & horses, 6 in total named:
– Molly
– Poppy
– Glorious Cupcake
– South Downs Annabelle
– Laddie
– Melody
They cater for both beginner and more experienced riders from 4 years of age and have DBS checked and First Aid Staff.
If you’re the occasional rider, here on holiday, or a regular riders – South Downs Trekking welcome you all by the South Downs Trekking friendly and efficient team.
Cheryl caters for both beginners and more experienced riders from 4 years of age and the range of riding options is extensive (I like the look of the 3 hr pub ride which includes The White Lion, The Shoe & The Bucks Head):
30 Minute Walk Out (on lead rein) £30.00 per person / 1 Hr Walk Out (on lead rein) – £ 45.00 p/p
If you’re nipping out to get some cheeky cinnamon buns from Hoxton Bakehouse and a paper before the rest of the household wake up, and you fancy squeezing in a bit of history; the ruins of the Bishops Waltham Palace awaits you!
There is a wealth of information online about the Palace, along with the various information signs around the grounds. Once the residence of all the Bishops of Winchester from the Middle ages, we are very lucky to have it just along the road in the next village.
In the summer, the grounds often host a number of events. These include plays (we went to see David Walliams ‘Gangsta Granny) and music, but at this time of year it was just myself and Eliot the dog.
The 2 phased maintenance of the Palace started in 2020, which was quite an attraction itself! Skilled abseilers and stonemasons, instructed by English Heritage, have recently been seen scaling the towers carefully removing the intrusive ivy which has taken over many of the walls. The second phase started in 2021 which saw the walls carefully repointed with lime mortar. It really has had quite the face lift, and makes a great place to start a walk, which continues on along the old railway line, ending up at priory park.
Top Tip: Pick up a coffee & pastry for your mooch around the palace.
Bishops Waltham has really blossomed in recent years. There are plenty of family run shops to choose from meaning you can go home with a little piece of the local area 🙂
All the information from the Government is indicating that holidays in England can start again on Monday 12th April for a single household or bubble. As we have the separate house and annex we can welcome 2 households or bubbles.
From 17th May we can extend this to 2 households or bubbles in each of the annex and house.
We have been waiting so long for this moment to arrive and The Crest will be the most perfect place for you to have that long awaited home from home reunion with your family and friends.
What steps have you taken to ensure your Holiday Home is clean?
This one is an oddly hard one to answer, I wish it wasn’t.
We have always had very high cleaning standards, I know, I know everyone must be saying this. Please take a few moments to read our past reviews over the 8 years we have been in operation.
Here’s some of the key points;
We outsource our laundry to an industrial cleaning company – super high temperature, extremely controlled.
We have removed all board games for the moment.
Keys and Key Lock will be sanitised after each departure.
We have removed all additional blankets and pillows from the beds – it’s summer anyhow so they’re not really essential, they just looked lovely.
We still spend (and love spending) a full 8 (wo)man hours and more cleaning the house and annex getting it ready for you.
We take extra focus on all high touchpoint areas – all handles, remotes, switches.
We supply handwash throughout the property – always have, always will.
We supply quality cleaning products for your use during your stay.
We take all of the above very seriously, we are a family run business and your family is our family.
I’m very aware that this is a difficult time for everyone. To come on holiday in an unknown home is a certain leap of faith, if there is anything I can do to help you feel more comfortable and informed about you stay please just call, text, email or whatapp, I’m truly happy to talk.
The fact that you have landed on our website probably means that you’re interested in escaping to the country for a bit, well you have the right place! The Meon Valley and The South Downs National Park is an excellent place to wear in those walking boots.
Photo Credit: Simon K Lewis Photography
I’ve grown up in and around this area so I do somewhat take the countryside for granted. Compiling a list of the places I’ve spent walking with the dog and/or kids has actually proved to be harder than I thought. I guess I just don’t think of going for walks as a formal activity, as it’s always just been on my doorstep.
There’s nothing like just opening the front door and exploring. More often than not around our area, the walk will end up with a cold glass of grown up beverage in your hand and a few extra hours out than you may have originally planned; for me it’s certainly ended this way.
Walks Close By
History of The Meon Valley Railway Line
The Alton to Fareham railway line was closed in 1968, the 11 mile (non circular) remaining stretch between Wickham and West Meon provides a lovely traffic free walk, rich in countryside.
The trail had a £3.81 million face lift in 2015 making it dog, cycling and pushchair friendly, lovely and flat and in some parts a horse riding area.
Meon Valley Railway Line : Walks & Bike Trail
Choose to start your walk at either end of the line, or join somewhere in the middle!
To pick the line up from Droxford walk down to St Marys, the village Church, and walking around to the left to pick up the River Meon. Once you’ve past by the mill house you’ll reach a little bridge (perfect for pooh sticks and a paddle) and you’re onto Mill lane, half way along this lane you’ll see a little single file track up a hill and at the top of this you’re on the trail (if you go too far on Mill Lane you’ll just come out to a road and have the old Hurdles pub in front of you).
Once at the top of this track, taking the path left takes you to Meonstoke and right takes you to Wickham. Either way you choose to take I think you’ll love this walk for the freedom it will give you without a car in sight, knowing you’ll end up at a pretty Hampshire village for an afternoon tea or pint!
If you would like to learn more about the history of the Meon Valley Railway line click here
Railway Cycle Ride Trail
This video gives you a good idea about the accessibility and beauty of the Meon Valley Trail. The ride goes beyond Droxford, to West Meon, but the beauty of the trail is that you can hop off into a village at any time.
Old Winchester Hill
If you want to get your heartbeat up a bit then Winchester Hill from Exton will certainly do that. You can choose to walk it or make it part of your crazy holiday exercise routine – the choice is yours!
Old Winchester Hill is an historic location, at the summit of which is an Iron Age hill fort, to learn more about the history of the hillfort click here
From Droxford I would either suggest;
continuing on from the above walk towards Meonstoke and Exton and the walk leads up to the Hill (3.5 – 4 hours).
driving down to Exton, parking up at the carpark on the left and then crossing the road over to the sign for the South Downs Way.
drive past Exton and hang a right when you see the George & Falcon Pub, follow the road up for about 10 minutes until you reach the carpark up the top of the hill.
Just follow the track that takes you from this point slowly up to the top of the hill. Dogs do need to be kept under control in this area due to grazing farm animals.
There is a lovely Dog Friendly pub in Exton called The Shoe Inn which was so named as it is on the site of the old cobblers, and has a gorgeous river side garden on a warm sunny day. This is an excellent pub to stop at once you’ve earnt those calories 😉
Dark Skies in the South Downs
In 2016 the South Downs National Park became the world’s newest International Dark Sky Reserve (IDSR). As Old Winchester Hill is listed as one of the 7 darkest skies in the whole of the South Downs, another way to approach this this walk would be to take it at night and view the simply amazing stars (stargazing is best before a full moon) – remember to take a blanket, a hot flask of something, and to download a stargazing app.
The entirety of the Wayfarers walk is 70 miles from Inkpen Beacon, right down to the sea at Emsworth – now, you can take that on – send us some pictures, but the beauty of the Wayfarers Walk is that you can pick it up at many points along this 70 miles, including Droxford.
From The Crest, take the Corhampton road to Winchester, turning left at the end onto the A31, at the roundabout take the 1st exit onto Bull Drove and continue straight onto Garnier Road. There are a few free parking area’s along this road and you can access several tracks that follow alongside the river Itchen .
Photo Credit: Chris Wood
If you’re in Winchester itself, from Winchester Cathedral walk down the right hand side and head across the stunning walled close at the back and under the arch towards College Street, then take a right down College Walk past Wolvesey Castle.
Turn right at the end of College Walk and follow the footpath sign. The water meadows start here, lush with vegetation and wildlife. River Itchen is on the left, follow the footpath along, the college playing fields will be on both sides, you’ll ultimately reach Garnier Rd at the end. The path across the road leads you to Clarendon Way at the old mill, and then towards the architecturally attractive St Cross Hospital, with the river on your right. Carry on walking until you reach a meadow and the Hospital and Church of St Cross, whose medieval buildings and gardens are open to the public. You can take a picnic and many folk splash round and swim in the river in the summer.
Royal Victoria Country Park
Victoria Country Park can be found just before the really lovely and well worth a visit, coastal village of Hamble.
You can easily spend a good few hours at Victoria Country Park in its 200 acres set alongside the waters of the Solent. Along with the Victorian military hospital, tea rooms and miniature narrow gauge railway, there are often events being held there (Music, Christmas markets etc). You can either choose to take up one of their guided walks or take stroll around the park though the woodlands and along the single beach.
Should you fancy a change from the lush green countryside surrounding The Crest, I would suggest heading 25 minutes down the A32 to Hill Head. From Hill head you can walk right along the coast to the more tourist section of coast, Lee-On-Solent where you’ll find fish n’ chips, and a fun little parade of shops and cafes.
Hill Head is lower key and my favourite spot. Just set back from the coast is a lovely (dog friendly) café called Breezes and in the other direction to Lee-On-Solent is a great flat walk right up to the Titchfield Haven Natural Reserve which covers 369 acres of the Meon Valley. The reserve is a natural habitat of river, fen, pools, reedbed and meadow, giving protection to a range of special wildlife including Water Voles, birds, dragonflies and plants. Please note dogs are not allowed into the reserve.
This list is in no way complete but for now, it will give you an idea of what beautiful walks you have access to.
May is here which is when tickets go on sale for the BBC History Magazine’s History Weekend at Winchester! 2020 sees the event running from the 6th to 8th November and is showcasing the ex-capital’s Anglo-Saxon and medieval history.
The venue this year will be Winchester Guildhall, a Grade II listed building, which is a great venue. I would recommend using the park and ride facilities which run like clockwork.
While you’re in Winchester, make time to visit Winchester Great Hall, the stunning 13th-century building, which houses a famous replica of King Arthur’s round table.
With over 30 talks, interactive Q&As and book signings it’s sure to be a fascinating few days, so don’t delay – book your tickets this week!
The Crest is located within the South Downs National Park (https://www.southdowns.gov.uk/) and so you will have a chance to see a variety of wildlife while out and about. For instance taking a walk up Winchester Hill there are ground nesting Pippits A evening stroll along the River Meon will reward you with many birds and bats. A morning run along the disused Meon Railway Line is also home to many badgers. If you however crave for a more formal day out, jam packed with stunning birds of prey, then look no further than The Hawk Conservancy in Andover.
About The Park
The Hawk Conservancy Trust is a full day out for all the family; Get the children outside and immersed in nature.
You will witness some of the most spectacular flying displays in the UK, as well as having the opportunity to meet a bird of prey!
Bring the family to the Hawk Conservancy Trust for a day in the country; to have fun, learn, be inspired and amazed.
The Hawk Conservancy was founded as a zoo by local farmers Reg and Hilary Smith; and is set inside 22 acres of striking countryside. It is now a registered charity and the site of the National Bird of Prey Hospital, taking in injured birds of prey.
It’s a full day out with plenty of areas to explore, a huge variety of hawks and other birds of prey from all over the world, and hands on activities to take part in.
The grounds are level and easy to walk and so accessible to all, the keepers are very knowledgeable about their subjects and provide interesting, informative talks about the birds and their habitats. Dolores is a star turn in the vulture feeding talk!
Events at The Hawk Conservancy Andover
Children can blow off some steam as they explore the park and bird of prey themed playground, and young adventurers can have ago at the children’s activity trail. These are just some of the activities that make up the Hawk Conservancy Trust’s full timetable of daily activities.
‘Meet the Burrowers’ in fascinating and immersive aviary where you can come face to face with the Trust’s team of cute and curious Burrowing Owls or even book on to a VIP Encounter to meet them yourself!
During school holidays they offer additional daily activities to keep you and the children entertained at the Trust, including pond dipping, tractor rides and Ferret races.For those who want to learn more and get closer to the birds, there are Children’s Owl Experiences, Young Falconer Experiences and Family Experiences, all of which are held on specific dates and offer an extraordinary memory to cherish forever
They also have a variety of other events, Mothers Day, Easter Holidays etc so be sure to keep an eye on their Facebook page.
The displays vary season to season; but there is always a great variety of birds to see; bald eagles, griffon vultures, owls, hooded vultures, black kites, and many more.
All the hard work at the Hawk Conservancy is to support their conservation efforts with birds of prey in UK and worldwide. As a result by visiting you are supporting this fantastic charity!
Birthday Parties
The Hawk Conservancy Trust offers an out-of-the-ordinary venue for a child’s birthday, with a range of enjoyable activities and entertainment for a minimum of five children. Each birthday child can help start the duck or ferret race, and will have an owl fly to them with a special birthday message! There is a great menu of party food and party bags and invitations can be supplied!
Feathers Restaurant
No need to pack a picnic! Onsite and reasonably priced I must mention the Feathers Restaurant; fabulous family friendly choice and reasonably priced.
Tickets and Prices
The Park is open every day (except Christmas Day, Boxing Day & a few weeks in January ) and offers a full day out for all ages. Open from 10am to 4pm in the winter and 5pm in Summer.
*Please let me know if you’re planning a visit and we will leave some discount coupons for you*
It’s a full day out so arrive early! Be sure to be entertained by their world-class flying displays throughout the day, and many other activities in between.
Ah friends, dear dear friends. It’s so nice to be able to just pop over for a coffee and chat? Take the dog for a walk all together and find ourselves at a country pub eating a roast at 1pm? We all live such busy lives now, often with miles between us.
Do you remember speaking of planning that weekend away all together. “Lets get Mum & Dad to come too and then they can babysit!”. Well now’s the time to stop day dreaming, get something booked up, and have something to look forward to!
The Crest has proven to be a special place for many friends and families over the years . The way the Crest is laid out ensures the flow’s perfectly suited for folks to spend lots of time together; but well you know, still have that all important space to get away from each other!
Do you have a special occasion to celebrate with your friends and family coming up? Are you spread all over the country and find it hard to come together? Or are you already booked to come to The Crest to celebrate? A 60th Birthday, a 40th Wedding anniversary, or simply bringing your parents, grandparents and grandchildren, all under one roof for the first time in a while?
River Meon
Fabulous share spaces
We have three, yes three living rooms! One in the annex (this is typically where the grandparents hide out), and two in the house. That arrangement makes for plenty of space for everyone to watch TV, read a book, and catch up with each other over your weekend.
The large lounge with the log burner gets all dec’d out in December with a large Christmas tree, and in the summer the French doors open right out to the garden.
The Annex
The annex is its own special little house, with a double bed, a walk in shower a kitchen and lounge, and even it’s own courtyard garden. I think many visitors “just nip over to the annex for something”, sneak a quiet cup of coffee and take a few moments (hours) by themselves!
The Garden
This is my favourite part of the house, it was why we bought the house to raise our family in. I spent many hours in that garden, baby monitor on my hip, before we moved to the US and I missed it deeply. Please have as much fun as you can there – I would LOVE to see some pictures if you do. There are two areas to gather and share a meal at, when the weather permits. The large gas BBQ and the long English summer nights mean that this may be your most favourite area, just like me.
Perfect for Hide & Seek, can you find all the fairy doors?
We are all set to make your stay away with your family & friends as special as we can. We love putting up our beautiful hand made Birthday Banner across the dining table ready for you to add the cake to the stand and friends around the table!
Eating Out
There are also some really great places to have a special meal booked during your stay. Four of our favourites right now are The Bakers Arms, a mere 3 minute stumble walk from The Crest, the newly opened The Bucks Head in Meonstoke, just along from Droxford, with the team producing some phenomenal Sunday roasts; the The Shoe Exton which is a cosy modern country pub with its own pantry selling freshly baked bread, jams and pastries and has a garden (and ice cream shack) set right alongside the River Meon. Last but certainly not least is Krisnas Curry Pub, if you’ve visited The Crest before, this use to be The White Horse in Droxford, they’ve moved along the A32 and have a new beautiful home.
Reviews!
Don’t take our word for it. We have been doing this for over 13 years now, most of our reviews are tucked away in our lovely guest book, but lots of them are now online here and we are very proud of them 🙂
Come Stay!
We realise it’s not all about the property, this is an indulgent post in that respect. There are so many memorable days out to be had in the area and we will continue to cover these, we love helping you plan your time should you want help. Why not start reading here to give you some ideas of what to do?
Contact me to plan your home from home weekend away with your friends and family!
The Horrible Histories® Pirates exhibition is firmly established at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.
The Horrible Histories® Pirates exhibition is an interactive, hands-on family fun adventure which has come all the way from the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney, where it’s been receiving rave reviews!
Terry Deary, author and creator of Horrible Histories, says: “A Horrible Pirate experience, all the way from Aaarrrghstralia to Portsmouth, and aye can’t wait to sea it. So get your Long Johns ready. You’ll be hooked.”
Why not get yourself ready by learning all the words to Putrid Pirates Blackbeard’s song, you’ll be sure to frighten all the locals!?
So, are you ready to take command of a pirate ship, design your own pirate flag? Do you fancy your chances at trying out weilding a cutlasses or firing a cannon? Dare all and your fate find on the wheel of misfortune!
Welcoming some of the greatest writers and illustrators in the industry, alongside stars of the screen and the wonderful world of cosplay. With panels, displays, exhibitions, gaming, VR, Steampunk and an incredible range of merch and collectables. If you’re serious about comics, love Marvel/DC and cult series or are simply looking for a fun day out for all the family – this is the event for you.
https://youtu.be/EzU_hPfekCc?si=gCgZ3dDJeI7UUFDk
Last year it cemented itself as the biggest Comic Con on the South Coast and this year it’s going far beyond that –
The sitemaps for Portsmouth Comic Con 2026 has yet to be released, but this is what 2023 looked like!
If you’re serious about comics, love Marvel films, Star Wars, cult series like Dr Who & Harry Potter or simply looking for a family fun day out – this is the event for you!
Raymond Briggs' The Bear at Winchester Theatre Royal
Ever wondered what it would be like to sit on a polar bear’s lap? Or ride on its back? Have you ever tried to give a polar bear a bath, or clear up its poo?
The story of a little girl who befriends a mischievous polar bear, this playful, funny and heart-warming tale is one of imagination and growing up.
Looking to buy the book?
Need somewhere to stay? Look no further than The Crest Droxford!
