Fleet's Top 10 Summer Gems

Well, so much for the Great British summer. What started as a few sporadic outbursts of rain seems to have evolved into a fully-fledged ‘grey out’ across much of the South East- including Fleet. Can you remember what a sunny day looks like? Us neither.

But fear not. For while the weather may be more of a let down than England’s World Cup performance, there’s still plenty of ways to make the most of Fleet this summer. Read on for Fleet-People’s top ten summer gems- and let us know if we’ve missed any!

1- Go For A Ramble Round Fleet Pond.

A ubiquitous part of Fleet life it may be, but the pond is still a wonderful place to clear your mind and your lungs, and is a must-visit this summer. As the biggest body of water in Hampshire, it’s home to some of the best sunset and sunrises around. Read more about Fleet Pond’s Clear Water campaign here.

2- Sample Some Local Bevvies At Beerfest

 

Run by the Fleet Lions, this annual community knees-up offers the perfect antidote to the drizzle, and is a great way to raise money for charity to boot. It’s happening today (August 14th ) at the Ancell’s Farm Community Centre. More info is available here.

3- Bring Out Your Inner Maestro

 

Whatever your taste in music, Fleet has the facilities for you to develop your playing skills this summer. Len Tyler’s Da Capo Winds is a popular local orchestra that performs three concerts annually and regularly practices. Players of all ages and abilities are welcome- find out more here.

If that doesn’t strike a chord, check out Clive’s easylearn pop music school, which opened in Fleet this March. Aimed at young people, the music classes even offer a free taster. Finally, if you’re just looking to kill an afternoon, Fleet-People recommends a trip to the Kingfisher Music Company, Fleet’s long-standing musical mecca. While you’re there, see if you can spot their Wayne’s World tribute.

4- Pamper Yourself In Style

Fleet and the surrounding areas has no shortage of top-quality hotels for those hankering after a luxurious evening stay. The Lismoyne, The Elvetham and The Four Seasons in Dogmersfield are all great places to let your hair (and your bank balance) down. Based on personal experience, The Elvetham offers a particularly fantastic afternoon tea service.

5- Say ‘Pollock’ To The Rain

A few hours at Fleet’s own Just Ceramics studio on the high street is a perfect way to get your artistic juices flowing. Choose which piece of pottery you want to paint and take home, with prices starting at just £4. Open to all ages, you can find out if your kids are budding Picassos or meet like-minded people at one of their adults only Late Night Thursdays, which take place monthly. Find out more here.

6- Stretch Your Legs On The Canal

The Basingstoke Canal offers a beautiful walking route for those in the mood for a wander. Keep an eye out for the World War 2 pill-boxes, built in anticipation of a Nazi invasion but never used. Ideal for a lazy picnic on a Sunday afternoon (weather permitting).

7- Enjoy The Best Of The Local Pub Scene

Nobody can accuse Fleet of lacking pubs- the town and its surrounding areas are bursting at the seams with them! In the centre, stylish bars Propaganda and Emporium offer a mix of drink deals and live music, while further afield The Falkners Arms and The Fox and Hounds in Church Crookham offer the relaxed vibes you’d expect from good country pubs. Special mention also has to go to The Heron on the Lake, which offers punters a stunning view across Fleet Pond.

8- Take A Peek Into the Past

Why not take a dip into the Hart district’s history with the Fleet and Church Crookham Local History Group? These local ‘history detectives’ possess a wealth of knowledge about the local area, offering talks, walks and visits and much more for those who want to explore the legacy of the town. More information is available here.

9- Take In One Man’s Artistic Response To Fleet

While Fleet isn’t exactly renowned for its art galleries (hint- there aren’t any), one local man has been painting for over 60 years. His name is Colin Tophill, and he regularly hosts exhibitions of his work in the Hart Shopping Centre. With a fantastic array of watercolours on display, Colin is always willing to chat to people about the local area and his gallery upstairs at the centre is well worth a visit.

10- Get Your Friends To Join Fleet-People!

Sorry guys...I had to get this in SOMEWHERE. Fleet-People is YOUR local community site, brimming with the news, info and coverage of local events that matter to you. Whatever the weather, there's always loads of stuff to discover on the site, so if you haven't signed up what are you waiting for? Join today!

What do you make of Fleet-People's top ten list? Do you think we've hit the nail on the head, or have we missed out any vital summer activities? Comment below and let us know- if your suggestion is good enough we might even revise the list to include it!