White's Cafe - Alton

I absolutely love visiting this place! It features a beautiful house with engaging and interactive museum displays that appeal to both children and adults. The true highlight is the garden and its grounds—a stunning area that combines formal gardens with open parkland. While it's not huge, you can easily explore it in just a few hours. My kids enjoy the A-Z treasure hunt throughout the gardens, and I'm particularly fond of the new birdhouse and kitchen garden. The staff are really friendly, and there's a lovely little gift shop. We typically bring a picnic as there’s plenty of space to sit and enjoy our meal, but the café looks nice as well. Just a heads up—there doesn't seem to be a lift in the house, so I couldn’t take our buggy upstairs, but that wasn’t a problem since I just left it downstairs while we explored the upper levels. It’s also great value; we paid just £35 for a family year pass, which allows us to visit as often as we like throughout the year.

I was pleasantly surprised by this garden; I initially thought it would be quite small! Instead, I discovered a beautiful park filled with stunning trees and lush flower beds. I enjoyed a lovely morning exploring the garden and, to top it off, I had a delicious mac and cheese at the café on the premises. This place would be perfect for a visit!

The artifacts on display, along with thoughtful interpretations and captivating archival films and books, create an adventurous spirit that resonates with the tragic events that unfolded in the icy expanse of Antarctica. The gardens are charming, featuring quirky information plaques that highlight Oates's many interests. While the café prices may be on the higher side, the food is excellent. On sunny days, you can enjoy watching kites soaring overhead while leisurely walkers pass by on the promenade. Overall, it’s a delightful place to visit!

On June 18th and 19th, we typically attend the unique plate measurement event. We go every year, and it's a wonderful chance to see and purchase rare plants. The venue also offers delicious food and coffee, along with its own brewery. The house and gardens are perfect for children, and accessibility is great for those with limited mobility.

I only visited the café and took a stroll through the garden, which was quite lovely. The food and drinks at the café were enjoyable, and I found the restrooms to be clean. The staff was friendly, and the prices were reasonable. The parking is located a bit further down the road, and the satnav won't direct you there straight away, so you'll need to pay attention to the road signs. If you visit the museum or the café and spend over £5, parking is free for two hours. I also took a walk in the nearby zigzag path.