Welcome to Alton Chamber of Commerce
Alton is a thriving Market Town set in the heart of the countryside in north-east Hampshire in southern England, UK. The local economy is made up of a wide range of businesses, including a good variety of shops, commercial companies and home-workers.
Alton is within easy distance of Basingstoke, Winchester, Petersfield and Guildford. We have a direct train service to London and it's not too far to drive to the coast. This makes our town popular for its accessibility and comparative affordability for both businesses and residents alike. Alton is home to Alton College and Treloar College, both known for their high educational standards. The town has much to offer the visitor, be it our many independent shops, interesting Georgian architecture or the surrounding countryside.
Alton is a stone's throw from Chawton, where Jane Austen lived for the last nine years of her life. More than 30,000 people visit Jane Austen's House Museum each year. Nearby is Chawton House Library, a delightful historic country house and estate once owned by Jane Austen's brother. The building and grounds were extensively restored in the late 1990s and now house a library collection of womens' literature. The house and grounds are open to the public and are well worth the visit.
The Watercress Line runs steam trains over a ten-mile railway from Alresford to Alton, another very popular local attraction. Not too far away is Selborne village where one can visit Gilbert White's house and Oats Museum, another interesting house and garden to enjoy. Alton's town centre has an annual programme of events to draw people into the town, as well as the long-established Alton Show that is held at Froyle.
We invite you to explore our website to find out more about Alton and the many and varied local businesses who all contribute to the wellbeing of the local economy.