Hartland Village

There is an excellent choice of educational opportunities for children and young people of all ages in the local area.

Schools and colleges close to Hartland Village reach high standards. Fleet Infant School is Ofsted rated Outstanding, and Calthorpe Park School, for older children, is Good.

Independent schools, all with an ISI Excellent rating, include St Nicholas' School, Farnborough Hill and Salesian College. Farnborough College of Technology provides a very wide range of courses: degrees, apprenticeships, vocational and technical studies, adult education, GCSEs and short courses.

Within a few miles of Hartland Village are villages that have been established for generations, and where a traditional way of life continues in its timeless fashion.

Historic and picturesque, these are places that epitomise the quintessential village lifestyle, with their welcoming communities and more relaxed pace of life. Pubs of course are a traditional focus of village life, and there are plenty to try. Hartley Wintney has The Shoulder of Mutton and The Phoenix Inn, and Crookham Village has The Exchequer and The Fox and Hounds, all of which serve great food.

History can be glimpsed at King John's Castle and the Norman church in Odiham, or in the many old buildings of Greywell's Conservation Area. Hartley Wintney has a village pond with a quaint thatched duck house, and is home to the oldest cricket club in Hampshire. They are all beautiful places to visit and explore with family and friends.

The Basingstoke Canal, whose own history goes back to the 18th century, passes through Greywell, Odiham and Crookham Village, giving the opportunity for towpath strolls and leisurely boat trips.

Charming cafés, welcoming gastropubs, independent eateries, cocktail bars and casual bistros: the local dining scene has something for all tastes.

Between them, Fleet, Farnborough, Camberley and the outlying villages offer an excellent choice of dining out. Local cafés serve traditional breakfasts, light lunches, wickedly tempting cakes, pastries and expertly made coffee.

For an evening out or dinner with friends, there are upmarket gastropubs such as The Exchequer in Fleet, Bel & The Dragon in Odiham and The Swan in Farnborough. Choose between family favourites such as Brasserie Blanc and Bill's in nearby Farnham, independent restaurants of different nationalities such as Trattoria La Casa in Fleet, and a sophisticated night out at The Aviator, Farnborough's luxury hotel with an award-winning brasserie and cocktail bar. Whatever the occasion, you will have plenty to tempt you.

Local shops include original choices and independent businesses, where you're sure to find exactly what you're looking for.

You might start your search at Packhouse, between Farnham and Guildford, a former hop kiln that's now a treasure house of vintage finds, antiques, original fashion accessories and gifts, with the emphasis on British design. It's unique and intriguing. For more comprehensive retail therapy and top high street brands, there is Guildford with its extensive range of shops. Large department stores in the area include John Lewis at Home just outside Basingstoke, and M&S at The Meadows near Camberley.