Built-up area in East Hampshire, Hampshire, England
| Coordinates: | 51.155, -0.976 |
|---|---|
| OS grid ref: | SU 71 40 |
| Population: | 16,584 |
| Dialling code: | 01420 |
Alton is a market town in the district of East Hampshire, in Hampshire, England, situated on the north‑western edge of the South Downs. It has a compact town centre with independent shops and markets, a mix of light industry and services, and many residents who commute to nearby centres such as Basingstoke and Winchester.
The town is well known for its literary and rural connections: Chawton, where Jane Austen lived and wrote, is a short drive away and attracts visitors, and the preserved Mid‑Hants "Watercress Line" heritage railway runs from Alton to Alresford, echoing the area’s history of watercress growing. With medieval market origins and notable Georgian and Victorian buildings, Alton combines a strong community life, local festivals and easy access to walking routes and countryside attractions.
GU34 2QF, GU34 2NR, GU34 4BP, GU34 2BA, GU34 1HE, GU34 2SF, GU34 2TP, GU34 1GQ, GU34 2QY, GU34 2RT