Selborne is one of the many villages in rural part of East Hampshire and has a population of about 650. It is famous for its association with the 18th-century naturalist , Gilbert White ( 1720 – 1793 ), who wrote The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne. First published in 1789 , the book has not been out of print in over 200 years, and is one of the most widely published works in the English language after the Bible , the works of Shakespeare and Pilgrims Progress. Whites home, The Wakes, has been converted into a museum, known as Gilbert Whites House.

Farringdon, with a population of just under 500 is situated about four miles south of the town of Alton on the A32, Fareham road. The village is in two parts, Lower and Upper Farringdon, linked by Shirnall Hill, a tree covered lane that rises from the east side of the A32.

All Saints Church supplies the spiritual needs of the residents, while two pubs and an ornate village hall supply other essential services to both villagers and visitors.

Kingsley is a village in the East Hampshire. The village has a community centre and an inn, the Cricketers. The Victorian parish church of All Saints Is a Grade II listed building.

Other areas of the Alton Rural are the villages of Bentley, Bentworth, Binstead, Froyle and Lasham where there are thriving rural communities.