Hampshire &amp; Isle of Wight


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why">WHY?</h2>



<p>Tucked in the lush, leafy district of Hart (named as one of the UK’s happiest places to live in surveys), Hook gives you space to breathe without sacrificing amenities. You’ve got excellent schools, great pubs and gorgeous green spaces right on your doorstep – all less than an hour from London Waterloo.</p>



<p>One of the largest villages in the area, Hook is an ideal spot for families looking to upsize, professionals craving a work-life balance, or downsizers wanting village vibes with easy access to modern amenities. Add to that a strong sense of community, stunning countryside, excellent pubs and great transport links.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/08/MuttonatHH-min.jpg" alt="The Mutton at Hazeley Heath Hook Hampshire Best Places to Live" class="wp-image-34625" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/08/MuttonatHH-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/08/MuttonatHH-min-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/08/MuttonatHH-min-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/08/MuttonatHH-min-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: The Mutton at Hazeley Heath</figcaption></figure>



<p>How’s this for a local? Voted Hampshire’s Best Destination Pub two years’ running at The Muddy Awards, The <a href="https://themuttonathazeleyheath.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mutton at Hazeley Heath</a> has beautiful views and a large garden and shepherd’s hut, cosy open fire, seasonal gastro menu and fantastic wine, gin and craft beer selection.</p>



<p>Beside the park and much-loved community centre, <a href="https://hartlettscafe.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hartletts Café</a> is Hook&#8217;s go-to for slap-up breakfasts and treats for the kids. Or head for the <a href="https://www.newlyns-farmshop.co.uk/visit-us" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">café at Newlyns Farmshop</a> for tasty coffee and treats along with breakfasts and lunches featuring super-fresh local ingredients.</p>



<p>For a bite that hits the spot, head to <a href="https://www.greeneking.co.uk/pubs/hampshire/raven-hotel" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Raven Hotel</a>, a popular old coaching inn. <a href="https://www.hooktandoori.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hook Tandoori</a> is a local legend for curry aficionados. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1657" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/07/Dummer-Down-Farm-Taproom.jpg" alt="Tap Room at Dummer Down Farm Hook Hampshire Brewery" class="wp-image-37922" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/07/Dummer-Down-Farm-Taproom.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/07/Dummer-Down-Farm-Taproom-724x800.jpg 724w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/07/Dummer-Down-Farm-Taproom-905x1000.jpg 905w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/07/Dummer-Down-Farm-Taproom-768x848.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/07/Dummer-Down-Farm-Taproom-1390x1536.jpg 1390w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: The Tap Room at Dummer Down Farm</figcaption></figure>



<p>Over in nearby Rotherwick, <a href="https://www.thecoachrotherwick.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Coach and Horses</a> oozes rural charm with real ales and a garden made for lazy summer afternoons. <a href="https://www.brunningandprice.co.uk/leatherbottle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Leather Bottle</a> in Mattingley is all low beams, muddy boots and cosy corners – the kind of quintessential country pub you stumble upon and never want to leave. And if you love local and fancy yourself as a bit of a beer aficionado, try and buy at the tap room at nearby <a href="https://www.dummerdownfarm.com/brewery-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dummer Down Farm</a>, open on weekends.</p>



<p>The Grade II-listed <a href="https://www.tylneyhall.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tylney Hall</a> does a splendid afternoon tea. Or few minutes away by car, <a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/the-elvetham/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Elvetham</a> is another magnificent, historic country manor hotel perfect for a smart, date-night meal or afternoon tea treat. (If you&#8217;re dining, get there early and grab a drink in the fabulous, fiery-red Gloriana bar first). For super-fine dining, <a href="https://www.fourseasons.com/hampshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Four Seasons</a> and Michelin Green Star award-winning <a href="https://www.heckfieldplace.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Heckfield Place</a> are also close.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1440" height="1440" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/07/Cashmere-Goose-Hartley-Wintney.jpg" alt="Cashmere Goose Boutique Hartley Wintney near Hook Hampshire" class="wp-image-37925" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/07/Cashmere-Goose-Hartley-Wintney.jpg 1440w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/07/Cashmere-Goose-Hartley-Wintney-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/07/Cashmere-Goose-Hartley-Wintney-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/07/Cashmere-Goose-Hartley-Wintney-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/07/Cashmere-Goose-Hartley-Wintney-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/07/Cashmere-Goose-Hartley-Wintney-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/07/Cashmere-Goose-Hartley-Wintney-1100x1100.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Cashmere Goose</figcaption></figure>



<p>You’ll need to travel slightly for a serious fashion fix but Hook’s lovely indie lifestyle store <a href="https://www.justlovestudio.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Just Love Studio</a> does have a smattering of clothes, accessories, homewares and gifts. Find more boutique homewares and clothes at <a href="https://cashmeregoose.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cashmere Goose</a> and <a href="https://www.mimi-hw.com/pages/mimi-hartley-wintney" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MiMi</a> boutiques, both in nearby Hartley Wintney. And for big-brand retail therapy, you&#8217;re just minutes from Basingstoke’s <a href="https://www.festivalplace.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Festival Place.</a> Provisions-wise, you can stock up on loads of lovely local produce at <a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/farm-shops-hampshire-isle-of-wight/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Newlyns Farm shop</a>. Two words: Cheese. Room.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<p>No shortage of green spaces in Hook and right on the doorstep, too like <a href="https://hook.gov.uk/community-facilities/parks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hartletts Park</a>, <a href="https://www.hart.gov.uk/whitewater-meadows" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Whitewater Meadows</a> and <a href="https://hook.gov.uk/community-facilities/bassetts-mead" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bassetts Mead</a>. If your chakras need realigning or your glutes need reminding, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/afbasingstoke" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anytime Fitness</a> in Basingstoke has 24/7 access and a good class schedule. And for a spa day, <a href="https://www.tylneyhall.co.uk/wellness-tylney-hall-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tylney Hall</a> in nearby Rotherwick brings all the grandeur.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1113" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/07/Hook-Eagle-Morris-dancers.jpg" alt="Hook Eagle Morris Dancers" class="wp-image-37924" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/07/Hook-Eagle-Morris-dancers.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/07/Hook-Eagle-Morris-dancers-800x594.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/07/Hook-Eagle-Morris-dancers-1000x742.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/07/Hook-Eagle-Morris-dancers-768x570.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Hook Eagle Morris Dancers</figcaption></figure>



<p>Hook thrives on its friendly community spirit. There’s a busy local Facebook group, community centre events and a summer Village Show. The annual <a href="https://hookfunrun.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hook Fun Run &amp; Road Race</a> is practically a rite of passage (and a perfect excuse for post-run tipple or two) and there&#8217;s plenty of other great local events like the annual <a href="https://www.hohwl.uk/hookvillageshow.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hook Village Show</a> and <a href="https://hookinbloom.org/village-show/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hook Flower &amp; Produce Show</a>. Like to sing, dance or fix things?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hohwl.uk/hookvillageshow.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hook Choral Society</a>, <a href="https://hookeagle.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hook Eagle Morris Dancers</a> and <a href="https://therestartproject.org/groups/north-hampshire-repair-cafe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">North Hampshire Repair Cafe</a> are among the many local groups here.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</h2>



<p>For big-ticket acts and shows, you’re not far from <a href="https://www.anvilarts.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Anvil</a> and <a href="https://www.anvilarts.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Haymarket</a> in Basingstoke. Hook Players, the town’s own drama group, puts on proper laugh-out-loud pantos and shows that bring the whole community together. And Odiham’s High Street is dotted with galleries and historic spots.</p>



<p>Held over a fortnight in early summer, <a href="https://www.basingstokefestival.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the Basingstoke Festival</a> brings music, culture, dance and theatre to the streets, kicking-off proudly with a big parade celebration and the free <a href="https://www.hampshireculture.org.uk/willis-museum-and-sainsbury-gallery" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Willis &amp; Salisbury</a> local history museum has changing exhibitions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Odiham-Castle-HR.jpg" alt="Odiham Castle Hampshire Basingstoke Canal Hook " class="wp-image-30931" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Odiham-Castle-HR.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Odiham-Castle-HR-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Odiham-Castle-HR-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Odiham-Castle-HR-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Odiham-Castle-HR-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Odiham Castle</figcaption></figure>



<p>A real slice of history discoverable on a Sunday stroll, King John&#8217;s <a href="https://www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/countryside/finder/odihamcastle" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Odiham Castle</a> sits quietly on the banks of the Basingstoke Canal just outside Hook. Just 10 mins drive away, kids can dress up, explore the gardens, and get stuck into family-friendly trails at the stunning Tudor ruins at <a href="https://www.hampshireculture.org.uk/basing-house" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Basing House</a>. And there&#8217;s <a href="https://www.westgreenhouse.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">West Green House Gardens</a>, one of the loveliest walled gardens you&#8217;ll ever see, with an <a href="https://westgreenhouseopera.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">opera festival</a> in summer and a stunning illuminated garden at Christmas. Both grand days out, <a href="https://wellingtoncountrypark.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wellington Country Park</a> is just over 10 mins away and National Trust headliner <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/the-vyne" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Vyne</a> is reachable in around 20 mins.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-prices">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICES</h2>



<p>The average property price in Hook hovers around £470,000, with detached homes commanding closer to £650,000. (Slightly more affordable than Fleet or Hartley Wintney but with many of the same perks).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1339" height="885" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/10/Hook-house.jpg" alt="House for sale Hook Hampshire Best Places to live property " class="wp-image-38647" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/10/Hook-house.jpg 1339w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/10/Hook-house-800x529.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/10/Hook-house-1000x661.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/10/Hook-house-768x508.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1339px) 100vw, 1339px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A 4-bed detached house in walking distance to the train station and village centre. <a href="https://www.bridges.co.uk/property/4-bedroom-property-for-sale-ravenscroft-hook-hampshire-hub253168/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">On the market for £825,000</a>.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries">NURSERIES</h2>



<p>The town has plenty of good childcare options with <a href="https://hookvillagenursery.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hook Village Nursery</a> and <a href="https://www.kzarchildcare.co.uk/locations/oaklea-house-day-nursery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oaklea House Day Nursery</a> both popular choices with local parents and both rated &#8216;Good&#8217; by Ofsted. For Pre-School, <a href="https://heather-rabbit.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Heather Rabbit Nursery</a> for littlies aged 3-5 has an Outstanding rating with Ofsted and plenty of time spent in the great outdoors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools">SCHOOLS</h2>



<p>Hook <a href="https://www.hookinfants.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Infant</a> and <a href="https://www.hook-jun.hants.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Junior</a> Schools are both rated Outstanding by Ofsted and beloved locally. For secondary, <a href="https://www.rmays.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Robert May’s School</a> in Odiham (just a short drive away) is consistently oversubscribed and Outstanding. </p>



<p>Independent options include <a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/wellesley-prep-hook/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wellesley Prep</a>, part of the 7,000-acre Wellington Estate, for children aged 2-13, <a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/sherfield-school-hook/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sherfield School</a> in Sherfield on Loddon for 3 months to 18 years&nbsp;and <a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/lord-wandsworth-college/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lord Wandsworth College</a> a day and boarding senior school, all offering top-tier education in glorious countryside settings. Also in easy striking distance are <a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/st-nicholas-church-crookham/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Nicholas’ School</a>, Fleet (a day school for girls from nursery-16 and boys up to 7) and <a href="https://www.yateleymanor.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yateley Manor School</a>, a co-ed through school for nursery to seniors in nearby Yateley.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret">BEST KEPT SECRET</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1028" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/Red-arrows.jpg" alt="The Red Arrows" class="wp-image-33976" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/Red-arrows.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/Red-arrows-800x548.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/Red-arrows-1000x685.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/Red-arrows-768x526.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: The Red Arrows</figcaption></figure>



<p>Nearby Odiham&#8217;s RAF base is home to the famous Chinook helicopter. Each year in August, their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rafodiham/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RAF Families Day</a> features a fantastic airshow. The event isn&#8217;t open to the public but mark it in the calendar anyhow – locals just need to look up to catch a dazzling Red Arrows display.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>London Waterloo in 55 mins from Hook Station, with direct trains running regularly. You’re also minutes from the M3 and A30 and Heathrow is just a 40-min drive – ideal for frequent flyers.</p>



<p><em>View the full <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/">Top 260 Best Places to Live</a></em>.</p>


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