Walking Through Stories: Jane Austen & Watership Down

Meeting Locations & Times

Our meeting point is:

Premier Inn Basingstoke West
Basingstoke Leisure Park
Worting Road
Basingstoke
RG22 6PG

You can check into your room from 15:00 on Friday.

Your Large Outdoors guide will welcome everyone in the hotel bar from 18:00, with a group dinner planned for approximately 19:00.

If you're arriving later, please let us know in advance. You may need to make your own arrangements for dinner.

Travelling by Train

Basingstoke railway station has regular connections with London Waterloo, Reading, Southampton and other destinations.

We offer a complimentary collection from the station on Friday evening, so there's no need to arrange a taxi to the hotel if you're using our pickup.

Station Pickups

Friday: Complimentary collection from Basingstoke railway station at 18:00.

Sunday: Complimentary return transfer to Basingstoke railway station after our final walk, usually between 15:00 and 17:00.

Please select the station pickup option when booking if you'd like to use this service.

Travelling by Car & Parking

You're welcome to drive directly to our hotel.

Parking is available at Premier Inn Basingstoke West. Please check any applicable parking arrangements or charges with the hotel before travelling.

You won't need to use your own car during the organised weekend.

Transport During the Trip

Transport to and from both guided walking routes is included in your booking.

Our Large Outdoors vehicle will take the group from the hotel to the walking locations and return us afterwards.

You can therefore enjoy the entire weekend without needing your own car.

Ferries & Boat Transfers

There are no ferry journeys or boat transfers involved in this weekend.

Departure & Return Travel

Our final guided walk takes place on Sunday, exploring the countryside around Watership Down.

We aim to finish the weekend between 15:00 and 17:00, including our return journey to Basingstoke.

The exact time may vary depending on the walking route, weather, group pace and any refreshment stops.

If you're travelling home by train, we recommend booking a flexible return ticket or allowing plenty of time for your onward journey.

Important Travel Information

This is one of our car-free walking weekends, with complimentary station pickups and transport to our guided walks included.

Please remember that travel to and from Basingstoke itself is not included.

Accommodation Location

We'll be staying for two nights at:

Premier Inn Basingstoke West
Basingstoke Leisure Park
Worting Road
Basingstoke
RG22 6PG

The hotel provides a comfortable and convenient base for exploring Hampshire, with local restaurants and facilities nearby.

Accommodation Type

Our accommodation is a comfortable Premier Inn hotel, where we'll stay for both nights of the weekend.

There's no need to move accommodation or pack up between walking days.

Bedrooms & Sleeping Arrangements

We offer a choice of shared and private hotel bedrooms, depending on your preference and availability.

If you're joining on your own, you can choose to share with another guest of the same sex or book a room for sole occupancy.

All bedrooms have their own en-suite bathroom.

Room Options

Shared Male Room – Share a room with another male guest, with separate beds.

Shared Female Room – Share a room with another female guest, with separate beds.

Twin Room – A private room with two separate beds for two guests booking together.

Double Room – A private room with a king-sized double bed for two guests booking together.

Sole Occupancy Double Room – A private room with a king-sized double bed for one guest.

All room options are subject to availability when booking.

Bathrooms

All bedrooms have their own en-suite bathroom.

Guests booking shared rooms will share the bathroom with their roommate.

Bedding & Towels

All bedding and towels are provided by the hotel.

You'll just need to bring your own toiletries and personal items.

Breakfast

Breakfast is included on both mornings.

We'll enjoy the hotel's cooked breakfast buffet before heading out for our guided walks.

Packed Lunches

Packed lunches aren't included.

We'll arrange an opportunity to stop at a local shop to purchase lunch before our walks, but you're welcome to bring your own.

We recommend carrying a packed lunch, walking snacks and a reusable water bottle on both days.

Evening Meals

Evening meals aren't included in the trip price.

On Friday, we'll meet in the hotel bar before heading out for a relaxed group dinner at a local restaurant.

We'll also arrange an opportunity to eat together on Saturday evening after our walk.

Meals and drinks are paid for individually, giving everyone the freedom to choose what they'd like from the menu.

Accommodation & Meals

Included

• Two nights' accommodation at Premier Inn Basingstoke West.

• Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday.

• Bedding and towels.

• Tea and coffee-making facilities in your bedroom.

Not Included

• Packed lunches and walking snacks.

• Evening meals on Friday and Saturday.

• Drinks and additional refreshments.

Guiding & Support

Included

• Two days of guided walking with an experienced Large Outdoors guide.

• Approximately 9 miles exploring the Overton Jane Austen Trail on Saturday.

• Approximately 9 miles exploring the countryside around Watership Down on Sunday.

• A small, sociable group of no more than eight guests.

• Pre-trip information and support from the Large Outdoors team.

Not Included

• Personal walking clothing and equipment.

Transport & Transfers

Included

• Complimentary collection from Basingstoke railway station at 18:00 on Friday, if requested when booking.

• Return transfer to Basingstoke railway station after Sunday's walk, if requested.

• Transport between the hotel and our planned walking routes throughout the weekend.

Not Included

• Travel to and from Basingstoke.

• Any personal transport arrangements outside the organised itinerary.

Additional Costs & Exclusions

Not Included

• Personal travel insurance.

• Purchases from cafés, pubs, restaurants and shops.

• Admission to attractions or museums unless specifically stated in the itinerary.

• Optional activities and other personal expenses not specifically listed as included.

Walking Grade

Leisurely

Our Walking Through Stories weekend is graded Leisurely, with two enjoyable days exploring the Hampshire countryside at a relaxed, sociable pace.

Both walks are approximately 9 miles, but the terrain is generally straightforward, with established countryside paths, gentle hills and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the surroundings.

Saturday takes us along the Overton Jane Austen Trail, while Sunday explores the rolling countryside around Watership Down.

Although the distances are reasonably long, neither day is intended to be particularly strenuous. We'll take our time, with breaks for refreshments, photographs and discovering the area's literary connections.

Terrain & Conditions

Most of our walking follows established public footpaths, grassy tracks, countryside trails and quiet rural lanes.

We'll encounter gently rolling hills, with some uphill and downhill sections, but there are no particularly demanding climbs planned.

Some paths may be uneven or muddy, especially after rain, and there may be stiles, gates and occasional rougher sections.

Comfortable walking footwear with good grip is recommended.

Fitness & Experience

You don't need to be an experienced walker to enjoy this weekend, but you should be comfortable walking approximately 9 miles in a day.

The pace will be relaxed and sociable, with regular opportunities to stop and enjoy the countryside.

If you enjoy longer countryside walks and are happy spending several hours on your feet, this should be a suitable break for you.

You don't need any knowledge of Jane Austen or Watership Down either. The literary connections simply add another interesting dimension to our walks.

Seasonal Conditions

Hampshire's countryside can be enjoyed throughout the year, although walking conditions will vary with the seasons.

After wet weather, field paths and woodland trails can become muddy or slippery. In warmer weather, some sections may be exposed to sunshine with limited shade.

We recommend bringing suitable walking footwear, waterproof clothing and layers appropriate for the forecast.

Our guide may adjust the planned routes if weather or ground conditions make this necessary.

Walking Clothing & Footwear

Our Jane Austen & Watership Down weekend involves two days of Leisurely countryside walking, mostly following established footpaths, grassy tracks and rural trails.

We recommend bringing:

• Comfortable walking boots or sturdy walking shoes with good grip.

• Waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers.

• Comfortable walking trousers and breathable walking tops.

• Warm layers, such as a fleece or lightweight jacket.

• Walking socks.

• Hat, gloves or sun protection, depending on the season.

Some paths may be muddy or slippery after rain, so suitable walking footwear is important.

What to Carry on Walks

You'll need a comfortable day rucksack with enough space for:

• Packed lunch and walking snacks.

• Plenty of drinking water in a reusable bottle.

• Waterproof clothing and an extra warm layer.

• Any personal medication you may need.

• Mobile phone.

• Payment card or some cash for refreshments.

• Sun cream and sunglasses when appropriate.

Both walks are approximately 9 miles, so make sure you have enough food and water for a full day outdoors.

Clothing for Accommodation

Bring comfortable casual clothing and footwear for relaxing at the hotel and heading out for evening meals with the group.

Bedding and towels are provided, so there's no need to bring these.

Trip-Specific Extras

Walking Poles – Optional, but useful if you appreciate extra support on uneven paths or gentle hills.

Camera or Phone – There'll be plenty of opportunities to photograph Hampshire's villages, countryside and views across the North Wessex Downs.

A Little Literary Curiosity – You certainly don't need to have read Jane Austen's novels or Watership Down before joining us, but you're welcome to bring along your favourite book or share your knowledge of the stories.

Full Kit List

We've put together a useful walking kit list to help you prepare for your holiday.

View our full walking kit list here →

Booking Confirmation

Once you've booked, you'll receive a confirmation email with your booking details and our full booking terms.

Deposits & Balance Payments

If you've paid a deposit, we'll automatically email you a reminder when your remaining balance is due. Balances are normally due 12 weeks before departure.

Your Trip WhatsApp Group

Ahead of your trip, we'll invite you to join a dedicated WhatsApp group for your holiday.

It's a great way to say hello to your fellow walkers, ask questions and get to know everyone before you arrive. Most of our guests join us on their own, so it's a nice way to break the ice.

Joining is entirely optional.

Final Details

A couple of days before departure, we'll send you a final reminder with your guide or host's name and contact number, along with any important last-minute information.

Keeping Up to Date

Everything you need to plan your trip, including meeting locations, times, accommodation and travel arrangements, is provided on this page.

We recommend checking back here from time to time before departure, as we'll update the page if any arrangements change. You don't need to wait for your final email to organise your travel.

Can I join this walking weekend on my own?

Absolutely! Most people who join Large Outdoors come on their own, so you'll be in good company.

With a maximum of eight guests, it's a friendly, sociable weekend and a lovely opportunity to meet fellow walkers while exploring Hampshire's countryside.

Do I need to be interested in Jane Austen or Watership Down?

Not at all! Although the literary connections are a lovely part of the weekend, you don't need to have read Jane Austen's novels or Richard Adams' Watership Down.

Our walks are just as enjoyable for anyone who loves beautiful countryside, interesting places and a little history along the way.

Is this weekend suitable for someone new to guided walking?

Yes! You don't need any previous experience of guided walking holidays.

Our walks are graded Leisurely, with generally straightforward countryside paths and gentle hills. However, both days are approximately 9 miles, so you should be comfortable spending several hours walking.

Will we visit Jane Austen's house or a museum?

Our weekend focuses on exploring the Hampshire countryside and places connected to Jane Austen's early life, including the area around Steventon.

We'll discover some of the locations associated with her upbringing, but this isn't a museum-based sightseeing trip, and admission to Jane Austen's House in Chawton isn't part of the itinerary.

Will we actually walk on Watership Down?

Our Sunday walk explores the countryside around Watership Down, including the rolling hills and landscapes associated with Richard Adams' famous novel.

We'll discover the area's literary connections while enjoying a guided walk through the North Wessex Downs National Landscape.

Can I join without bringing a car?

Yes! This is one of our car-free walking weekends.

We offer a complimentary collection from Basingstoke railway station on Friday evening, and transport to and from our guided walks is included.

We'll also provide a return transfer to Basingstoke railway station after Sunday's walk if required.

What happens if the weather is bad?

We'll still aim to enjoy our walking weekend, although the planned routes may be adjusted if necessary.

Hampshire's countryside can be muddy after rain, so suitable walking footwear and waterproof clothing are important.

Your guide will assess the conditions and make any necessary changes to keep the walks enjoyable and safe.

Can I skip a walk if I'd prefer a quieter day?

Of course. You're welcome to take some time out and relax at the hotel or explore independently.

Just let your guide know in advance. Please remember that any independent travel arrangements would be your responsibility.

Can I book with a friend or partner?

Definitely! You're welcome to join with a friend or partner.

Twin and double rooms are available for guests booking together, subject to availability, and you'll still be part of the wider group for our walks and sociable evenings.