Set amid the shops on Alton's main street "Not to be confused with Alton (the home of Alton Towers) in the Midlands" the Swan Hotel is a historical building that dates back to 1377. It offers a free car park, full English breakfasts in the modern restaurant, and free Wi-Fi. The comfortable en suite bedrooms come with a TV and tea and coffee facilities. The restaurant serves a varied menu until 22:00, every day. The bar and lounge offer bar meals, cask ales, premium lagers and fine wines. Swan Hotel is less than 2 miles from Jane Austen’s Cottage in Chawton. The cottage is where 'Sense and Sensibility' and 'Pride and Prejudice' were written. The Watercress Train Line runs from New Alresford to Alton and is home to Thomas the Tank Engine.