Signature - Walking & Gin Weekend
A unique weekend break combining feel-good guided walks in the Hampshire countryside, a Bombay Sapphire gin distillery tour, a gin cocktail masterclass, great food, and relaxation!
Experience Type: Multi-Day Experience
Duration: 2 nights
Accommodation: Country Inn
Group Size: Maximum 8
Level: Leisurely
Age: 18+
Dogs: No dogs, except trained assistance dogs
Public Transport: This trip is fully accessible by public transport, we include free collection from the local train station (Overton) and all travel during the trip. Please see the Meeting Location & Time section below for full details.
In a Nutshell:
Master the art of the perfect gin cocktail courtesy of Bombay Sapphire, and try out your delicious creations (don’t worry - we’ll do all the driving!)
Enjoy a tour of Bombay Sapphire’s famous distillery and discover the love and care that goes into your favourite tipple.
Gleefully tramp around beautiful Hampshire countryside with a lovely group of fellow walkers.
Gorge on fabulous pub food and stay in properly lovely accommodation.
Book today…
Gin and Countryside: A Hampshire Weekend Escape
Join Large Outdoors for a delightful weekend in Hampshire, where the serene countryside meets the vibrant world of gin. Settle into cosy accommodations and meet like-minded adventurers. Enjoy leisurely walks through picturesque landscapes, including the famed Watership Down, known for its rolling hills and enchanting woodlands. The highlight of the weekend is an immersive experience at the Bombay Sapphire Distillery, featuring a tour, a cocktail mixology class, and a tasting session.
With hearty breakfasts, charming local cafes, and evening meals at welcoming pubs, this weekend promises relaxation, adventure, and a touch of indulgence. Join us for a perfect blend of nature and gin delights!
Enjoying a group pub meal after our Bombay Sapphire Cocktail Masterclass
Suggested Itinerary
Here’s what we’ve got planned - of course, we may have to offer alternatives or make amendments if the weather misbehaves or other unexpected situations arise!
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You’re welcome to check in at the accommodation for the weekend from 3pm onwards before meeting your Large Outdoors host at 6pm in the bar. If you arrive early, feel free to explore the local area or get cosy in the bar with something refreshing!
Once the group has gathered, we’ll enjoy an evening meal (not included) and the chance for us all to get to know each other.
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After a hearty cooked breakfast we’ll head out for a walk of around 3 hours as, we’re sure you don’t need reminding, we’ve got some gin to attend to in the afternoon!
We’ll walk through some lovely Hampshire countryside, most likely heading to paths along the River Test today. We’ll amble through woods and parklands, keeping one eye out for rabbits - this is Watership Down country, after all.
Once we’ve finished our walk we’ll perhaps have time for a cuppa and some cake in a local cafe, before a quick change back at the accommodation. We’ll then drive you over to the Bombay Sapphire Distillery, where we’ll immerse ourselves in all things gin!
You’ll enjoy around three hours of fun, including a tour of the distillery and gin botanicals glasshouse, an interactive cocktail mixology class with Bombay Sapphire’s experts, sampling, and a complimentary drink in the bar.
We’ll drive you back to the accommodation afterwards, before we’ll all head out for another tasty evening meal at a local pub (not included). What a day!
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After another lovely breakfast, it’s time to pack up our stuff and check out of the accommodation. We’ll then head out for another walk around the glorious Hampshire countryside. We’ll explore Watership Down - made famous by local author Richard Adams and his tale of the rabbits living up on the downs. Think open fields, pretty woodlands, and rolling hills.
We’ll aim to finish in the early afternoon with the chance for light refreshments in a local cafe if desired, before its time to say farewell and head on home.
Ready for the gin cocktail masterclass at Bombay Sapphire Distillery.
Essential Information
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Meeting Time: from 3pm.
You can arrive any time from 3pm - the Large Outdoors host will be at the accommodation’s bar to welcome you from 6pm. Dinner will be booked around 7-8pm, so if you intend to arrive later than this, please ensure you have something to eat on the way.Meeting Location:
The Beach Arms
Clerken Green
Oakley
Basingstoke
RG23 7EPParking: There is parking available at The Beach Arms.
Pickups: This is one of Large Outdoors’ Car Free Experiences - we offer a courtesy Pickup at Overton Train Station at 6pm on Friday and can drop you back off there on Sunday after the walk (usually between 1pm-3pm). Please select this option when booking if required.
Public Transport: The Beach Arms is located 4 miles from Overton Train Station, with services to/from London Waterloo and Salisbury.
Finish Time: We aim to finish on the final day between 1pm and 3pm - the exact finish time may depend on the planned/chosen activity, group dynamic, weather conditions, whether the group chooses to grab a coffee or lunch together during/after, etc. If you’ve travelled via public transport, please ensure you book onward travel accordingly (i.e. an open return ticket), to allow for flexibility.
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We’ll be staying at The Beach Arms (Innkeeper’s Collection Basingstoke hotel) - the perfect place to rest your head after walking and gin sampling! Each en-suite bedroom comes with a comfy Hypnos bed, a desk, a TV with Freeview, complimentary toiletries, tea and coffee making facilities, free Wi-Fi, plenty of towels and hair dryer.
Accommodation Address:
The Beach Arms
Clerken Green
Oakley
Basingstoke
RG23 7EPRoom Types:
You can book one of the following options, subject to availability:
Bed in a Shared Female Room
Bed in a Shared Male Room
Twin/Double Room
Single Occupancy Double RoomThere are Shared Rooms, where you’ll be sharing a room one other participant (two single beds, bathrooms are en-suite). Twin/Double Rooms sleep up to two participants booking together (two single beds or one king-size double bed - please select your preference when booking - bathrooms are en-suite). Single Occupancy Double Rooms sleep one participant (king-size double bed, bathrooms are en-suite).
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Included:
Pickup (optional) from Overton Train Station - see the Meeting Location & Time section above.
2 nights’ accommodation at The Beach Arms.
A Large Outdoors host/guide to welcome you and deal with the logistics for your experience.
Guided walks on 2 days (Day 2 & Day 3) in lovely Hampshire.
Bombay Sapphire Gin Distillery experience: including a tour of the distillery and gin botanicals glasshouse, an hour-long mixology class with Bombay Sapphire’s expert mixologists, sampling, and a complimentary drink in the bar.
Travel from the accommodation to activity start points and back, where they don’t start from the door.
A hearty cooked breakfast each morning, prepared by the accommodation.
Complimentary tea/coffee, provided in your room at the accommodation, but please ensure you bring sufficient water bottles or carriers to fill up with tap water and take out with you.
The chance to make new friends and meet like-minded people - Large Outdoors is all about making outdoor adventures sociable.
Pre-event support from the Large Outdoors team - give us a shout if there’s any advice or information you need and check out our Blog for useful articles too.
Not included:
Travel to and from the meeting location (but please see the Meeting Location & Time section above for details of the Pickup available for those wishing to arrive via public transport).
Dinner each evening - we’ll book a table to enjoy dinner as a group and you can purchase whatever you fancy from the menu available.
Lunch on Days 2 and 3 - we’ll stop somewhere suitable as we explore the local area and you can purchase whatever you fancy from the menu available.
Any extra (i.e. not mentioned above in ‘Included’) excursions or activities that you may partake in which incur a cost.
Alcoholic drinks - the accommodation has a licensed bar if you wish to purchase alcohol.
Any food, drinks or goods you choose to purchase at any shops, restaurant, pubs or cafés visited.
Travel/activity insurance - we recommend having insurance to cover, at a minimum: cancellation and curtailment; medical and emergency expenses (including repatriation); personal accident; injury and death.
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Please see our Residential (Walking) Kit List.
The compulsory items are selected for your safety, which is of paramount importance to us at Large Outdoors. Each participant should be carrying the items listed.
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• What level of fitness is needed?
This trip is graded as Leisurely. Click here to see Large Outdoors’ Experience Levels.• Can I attend on my own?
Absolutely. The majority of our participants are solo travellers and adventurers. Plenty of fun, laughter and numerous long-term friendships (and a few marriages!) have begun on Large Outdoors experiences since 2008, so there’s no need to feel worried about your first experience, or indeed trying a new type of outdoor activity, with us.• I am currently on a specific diet / have an allergy - can you cater for me?
Unfortunately, we are generally unable to cater for a wide variety of diets or food preferences due to the nature and cost of our catered trips and/or the use of shared kitchens. However, we can offer vegetarian meals, vegan meals, provide meals with gluten* free ingredients, and/or provide dairy* free meals - these options can be selected when booking. *Please see our general FAQs for more information about dietary options.
This particular experience offers a little more flexibility catering wise, as evening meals are taken at local restaurants, so please contact us if you’d like to check whether it is suitable for your dietary needs.• What transport is provided during this trip?
We offer transport with a Pickup service (see Meeting Location & Time section above) and transfers from the accommodation to the activity start points.• Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are not allowed on this experience, except for trained assistance dogs. If you wish to bring your trained assistance dog, please let us know in advance of booking so we can discuss the itinerary and any activity/equipment/accommodation, and of course additional safety requirements or considerations that may be necessary.
This map is provided for guidance regarding the general location. For detailed meeting information, please refer to the 'Meeting Time & Location' section.
The North Wessex Downs National Landscape is a tranquil gem in southern England, offering walkers a chance to explore a diverse and unspoiled countryside. With its rolling chalk hills, peaceful woodlands, and winding rivers, this area is perfect for those seeking a relaxing escape into nature.
In the south-eastern part of the Downs, you’ll discover a mix of ancient pathways, secluded valleys, and panoramic views that stretch for miles. This corner of the landscape is dotted with charming villages, historic landmarks, and the renowned River Test, known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant wildlife.
The area’s rich history is evident as you walk past Neolithic burial mounds, Roman tracks, and hilltop forts that give glimpses into the past. Throughout the seasons, the landscape shifts dramatically: wildflowers and butterflies fill the grasslands in summer, while autumn brings golden hues to the trees and fields. Even in winter, the crisp air and quiet trails make for rewarding days outdoors.
With its blend of natural beauty, fascinating history, and serene walking routes, the North Wessex Downs offers a delightful experience for walkers of all levels. It’s a place to unwind, explore, and connect with the countryside at its finest.