Railway Adventures on the High Teas

Camping near the village of Alfriston at the foot of the South Downs Way. We will have campfires and barbecue. Alfriston is one of the most historic and scenic villages in the country with National Trust gardens, the "cathedral of the South Downs" plus many award-winning inns and tea shops. The campsite has full facilities including new shower block.

On Saturday we plan to join the South Downs Way for one of the best walks in southern England. After crossing some meadows of wild flowers and several hamlets we will hike the famous Seven Sisters trail along the coast to Beachy Head. The walk is 11 miles from site and has great views along the coast from the summits along the route. Tea shop and ice creams at Birling Gap towards the end of the main walk. We return to camp via the coastal bus. Plan barbecue and campfires in the evening.

On Sunday options to explore the famous Clergy House (the first National Trust property) plus the Rathfinny vineyards next door. Footpaths criss cross the huge expanse of vines on the south facing slopes, tasting sessions of the award winning sparkling wine can be arranged. Also can visit Eastbourne for the beaches and music at the renovated Victorian Pier and the art deco style bandstand on the promenade above the beaches. Cookoo trail cycle path nearby as well.

Refreshments-Self-catering on site. Village with shops, pubs and tea shops next to campsite. We plan barbecue on Saturday.

Travel -Nearest station is Polegate (4 miles from site). Taxi to site. Car share via others booked. Can also arrange lifts from station with those attending (booked in advance).

For those new to camping, we have spare tents and stoves etc. to lend out to people booking.

Cost of event, £38 per person for 2 nights camping. Includes 2 guided walks, and option to borrow tents etc. Cost includes contribution for all gas and wood purchased for cooking & campfires plus all other incidental expenses. Cost also includes full group membership for 12 months, all day walks free for all members for whole 12 month period. Reduced price for existing members. For all questions please mail meetup@hawog.org.uk

Please book via paypal link. Full campsite address to everyone booking

Railway day out using the very scenic Wessex line through the perfect English countryside of Surrey & Hampshire.
We will alight at Alton to travel on the Mid Hants Steam Railway “The Watercress Line”. The railway has great views along the edge of the South Downs National Park in Hampshire. Opened in 1865, the railway was soon nicknamed for its early role in transporting Watercress to the markets in London and beyond. We will travel to the historic town of Alresford. It has a charming Georgian town centre with independent shops, picturesque river walks and the medieval Fulling Mill.

This weekend features the 1940s festival on the railway. Each of the four station has period displays, military re-enactments and wartime station cafes. there will be a wide collection of re enactment groups, vehicles and vintage fairs. Plus 1940s style bands playing with the chance to learn & dance Lindy Hop & Jitterbug. Period dress advisable if you can find it in your wardrobe Option to easy 3 mile scenic walk between tow of the stations to explore the Hampshire countryside

Meet at Benugo coffee shop on balcony by the station clock from 9.40am. We will have Adventures on High Teas book on table to identify group. People can combine to arrange saver tickets. Also option to buy in advance via SW trains website for advance offer. We will take 10.07 service to Alton ( calls at Clapham and other station son route if easier) £2 to organiser on the day for meet up fees. A good knowledge of English history is required for event.

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We are camping at a very scenic location in the Cotswold Hills. The site is just 1 mile from the historic town of Charlbury and has great views of the Evenlode Valley. We have our own group field and benefit from own washrooms, and fully equipped kitchen / cabin. We will have campfires and barbecues. Site also has vintage gypsy wagons and camping pods for hire.
Early arrivals on Friday will walk to Charlbury to explore the town including impressive medieval church, manors, inns and the wonderfully preserved Brunel designed GWR railway station.
On Saturday we plan a 10 mile linear walk through the Oxfordshire Cotswolds visiting several delightful stone villages on route. We follow part of the River Evenlode; its soft, easy hills and fertile countryside inspired Tolkien's Hobbit Shire. We will explore the villages of Chadlington, Sarsden, Churchill and Kingham. At Kingham we will stop for tea before catching train back to Charlbury. Barbecue and campfires in the evening.
On Sunday we plan to do a walk around the nearby picturesque Cotswold market town of Chipping Norton. The historic town has many outstanding 17th and 18th century stone buildings, impressive church, almshouses, plus pubs and tea shops.
Refreshments
Farm shop on site, self-catering facilities. We have spare camping stoves to use. Nearby pubs, plus shops on route of walks.
Travel
Nearest train station Charlbury, 1 mile from venue.
Cost of event, £55 per person for 2 nights camping. Includes 2 guided walks. Plus full membership of group ( all future day events are FREE).
For glamping options mail us on meetup@hawog.org.uk for full details. Reasonable knowledge of English history required for event. To book & for all questions please mail meetup@hawog.org.uk