Odiham Castle
Before you take a trip out of town, make sure you visit one of Hook's more local attractions. Odiham Castle is a short and scenic walk away from the town centre. Leave your hotel and follow the path out of town along the River Whitewater.
If you're lucky, or have an amateur ornithologist in your company, you may be able to spot some of the rare and beautiful birds that call this riverbank their home. Those with a keen eye may see mandarin ducks, mallards, swans, herons and, if you are really lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a goldcrest.
The anglers among you will be pleased to hear that the river is also teeming with brown trout, and is a lovely place to spend a day fishing. Once you reach the castle, stroll among the well-kept ruins, or have a picnic on the grass next to the river.
Adventure balloons
For those of you looking for a slightly higher octane experience, Hook is also home to Hampshire's largest hot air balloon tour operators. Just to the north of the town is Adventure Balloons and, though you may have to wait a while for optimum weather conditions, once you are up in the sky, chances are you won't want to come down in a hurry.
West Green House
Once you have seen Hook's natural beauty from the air, come back down to earth with a visit to the West Green House Garden. This stunning ten-acre garden and its greenhouses have been restored to their former Victorian glory by designer Marylyn Abbott.
Take a stroll among the beds of exquisitely planted English and Australian flowers, and make sure you visit the charming vegetable garden as well. There is also a cosy tea room and shop, where you can have a restorative cuppa and pick up a souvenir of your visit.
If you are in the area in July, every year the gardens play host to the West Green House Season of Music and Opera. The event comprises a week of high-quality operatic performances as well as a programme of less formal ‘fringe' events. Bring a picnic to have by the lake as you enjoy the magical scenes emanating from the glass-sided auditorium.
The food of love
After a day of adventure you'll be in need of some hearty food, and maybe some drink as well. Never fear, for Hook and its surrounding villages are home to some top-notch pubs and restaurants. The Derby Inn, in Bartley Heath, is a traditional gastropub that has its own microbrewery, allowing it to serve up the most local of local beer you will find. You must also be sure to try some of the kitchen's excellent food made using locally sourced produce.
Beautiful Hampshire
Your Hook hotel is the perfect place from which to visit all that the great county of Hampshire has to offer. Within easy day trip distance are the historic cities of Winchester and Southampton and even closer is the town of Basingstoke, meaning during your holiday in Hook, you will never be short of things to do.
