One of my favourite ways to spend a lovely, lazy day is venturing no further than my beautiful village of West Meon. First port of call is Tazzina, the local café (inside the West Meon Village Shop on the high street) where my regular order is a frothy cappuccino and a piece of delicious homemade cake or a quiche fresh from the oven.

Next I’ll pop into Harriots the butchers and, taking in one of his witty window displays, pick up a crumbly pasty to take on one of the many local walks. Favourites routes include the old railway track which goes from West Meon to Wickham and beyond, or up to the most amazing views from the Iron Age fort of Old Winchester Hill. On a clear day you can see all the way to the sea and if you’re lucky you’ll catch Dave at the top with his binoculars. Being the local expert, he’ll be able to tell you what birds and wildlife are out and about that day!

Upon descending, it’s off to the welcome arms of The Thomas Lord pub. With its open fires and Hampshire Fayre food it’s ever so easy to while away a good few hours

Photo courtesy of HerryLawford on Flickr