Between Portsmouth And London Is A Market Town With Local Shops, Tasty Restaurants, And A Great Museum

When the bustling streets of London start to feel overwhelming, venture out into the English countryside. A bevy of charming, rural towns are waiting to greet you, scattered amidst the picturesque landscape. Surrounded by the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is Haslemere, a medieval market town where half-timbered cottages still crowd the sleepy lanes. Red-brick storefronts and tall chimneys add even more charm to the medieval atmosphere, enticing both history buffs and keen shoppers to stick around for a while.

It was in the 14th century that Haslemere officially became a market town, though much of the current architecture dates to the Victorian era. Perhaps the most picturesque spot in Haslemere is the High Street, which is lined with local boutiques and inns. Leafy trees shade the pavements, and a memorial to the Great War stands solemnly in the grassy square at the very heart of town. Aside from browsing for fun souvenirs and strolling amidst the pretty architecture, history buffs can spend the day exploring the exhibits at the Haslemere Educational Museum on High Street.

Meanwhile, nature enthusiasts will also find distractions in Haslemere. Just on the outskirts of town is Black Down, a hilly woodland preserve where walking trails lead to panoramic views of the countryside down below. At the end of the day, find something to eat at the local eateries on the High Street. Locals down by the coast in Portsmouth can hop on a train directly to Haslemere in about 50 minutes, while Londoners can take a train from Waterloo Station and arrive in just over an hour. While perfect for a day trip, travelers can also extend their stay in town at accommodations like The Georgian, an upscale boutique hotel with spacious rooms for a relaxing getaway.

Delve into Haslemere's long history with a visit to the Haslemere Educational Museum. Tucked within a rather unassuming white building, the museum features displays covering everything from ancient fossils and dinosaur skeletons to Roman coins and even an Egyptian mummy, along with rotating temporary exhibitions. "Honestly blown away by the diversity and quality of the collections for such a small museum," says a previous visitor on Google Maps, while another review calls the museum "a real hidden gem." An array of special events for children means families can also stop by to have some quality fun together.

While culture fiends are exploring the museum, eager shoppers can wander around the High Street for a spot of retail therapy. Thrifters in search of new clothes should stop at the Plum Dress Agency, a secondhand clothing store tucked inside a rustic brick storefront. The shop stocks an array of brand name items ranging from footwear and outerwear to casual tops and trousers, handbags, and accessories. Next, stop at Anya just down the street, another independent clothing store with racks of stylish blouses, dresses, and shoes.

For fun souvenirs and home decorations, stop by Sass & Spirit, a local gift shop featuring a delightful half-timbered facade and a busy window display. "I literally spent an hour browsing [and] left with a rather bigger bag than I expected," says a previous customer on Google Maps. Poke around for everything from luxury bath products and scented candles to woolly socks and tote bags, while bookworms will even find stationery sets and local guidebooks here. What's more, adults and children alike will no doubt be delighted by the array of Jellycat plushies available. Visitors can continue their shopping adventures just 30 minutes away in Midhurst, a charming town with quaint shops and historic ruins.

When you start feeling hungry, Haslemere offers an array of tasty flavors to choose from. On the High Street, right by the town square, is The White Horse, a local pub and hotel. "Really enjoyed the twist on pub classics with this menu," says a previous customer on Google Maps. The weathered, red-brick facade beckons weary travelers inside, where the plank floors and booth seating create a cozy atmosphere. Main dishes include bacon cheeseburgers and chicken schnitzel, along with traditional fare like fish and chips. For dessert, try the apple crumble or sticky toffee pudding.

For Mediterranean flavor, head over to Carlo's Independent Italian Restaurant just off the High Street. Also highly rated on Google, previous reviews have mentioned the friendly atmosphere and tasty offerings. "Very authentic Italian experience," says another customer. Choose from appetizers like bruschetta or calamari, paired with pasta dishes like crab ravioli or spaghetti carbonara, or perhaps just a simple Margherita pizza instead. Try the tiramisu or affogato for dessert, while the drinks menu includes hot chocolate and even milkshakes.

Dine amidst an upscale, minimalist atmosphere at MOMA Restaurant. Plain walls and leafy foliage decorate the interiors, with large windows offering diners a view overlooking the street. The menu is a fusion of Mediterranean and Japanese dishes, with options like lobster linguine, teriyaki salmon, and an array of sushi rolls and sashimi. For a sweet treat, pair dessert wines with crème brûlée or chocolate fondant. After you've spent enough time in Haslemere, continue your adventures in nearby Shere, a historic English village that looks like the set of a romantic comedy. Another great spot to explore is Henley-on-Thames, a charming river town with shops and tasty restaurants.