Guidebook for Whitchurch (and surrounding area)
City/town information
Situated on the River Test and surrounded by picturesque rolling countryside, Whitchurch is Hampshire’s smallest town; it is also the first Walkers are Welcome town in North Hampshire. Early settlements here date from around 400BC, and there is also evidence of a Roman presence with archaeological excavations unearthing ancient tools and pottery.
Whitchurch has had a church since the 9th century and it is thought that the name may originate from the Old English Witcerce, thought to mean White Church with connections to a chalk construction or to white-washing. The present All Hallows building is grade II* listed and although the exterior is mostly Victorian, there are remains from the 12th, 15th and 17th centuries.
Much of this charming town is a conservation area and contains many listed and notable buildings. The River Test has had a significant role in the town’s history, and led to some of its earliest industries with five mills being built in the area for grain, wool and paper production. The Portal family took over the lease at Bere Mill in the early 18th century and in 1724 began producing paper for the Bank of England. Near the centre of the town is Britain’s only working Silk Mill, still operating in its original building. The building dates from 1815 and started producing silk soon afterwards; it is now home to a popular visitor attraction.
There is an attractive waymarked walk known as The Mill Trail along the River Test which passes five historic mills, including the Silk Mill. River crossings allow short cuts to create walks of 2, 3.5 or 4.5 miles.
Whitchurch is the Gateway to the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This beautiful open countryside sits on the northern edge of the town and is home to Watership Down, immortalised in the famous book of the same name. In fact, the author of Watership Down, Richard Adams lived in Whitchurch until his death in 2016.
Whitchurch
Situated on the River Test and surrounded by picturesque rolling countryside, Whitchurch is Hampshire’s smallest town; it is also the first Walkers are Welcome town in North Hampshire. Early settlements here date from around 400BC, and there is also evidence of a Roman presence with archaeological excavations unearthing ancient tools and pottery.
Whitchurch has had a church since the 9th century and it is thought that the name may originate from the Old English Witcerce, thought to mean White Church with connections to a chalk construction or to white-washing. The present All Hallows building is grade II* listed and although the exterior is mostly Victorian, there are remains from the 12th, 15th and 17th centuries.
Much of this charming town is a conservation area and contains many listed and notable buildings. The River Test has had a significant role in the town’s history, and led to some of its earliest industries with five mills being built in the area for grain, wool and paper production. The Portal family took over the lease at Bere Mill in the early 18th century and in 1724 began producing paper for the Bank of England. Near the centre of the town is Britain’s only working Silk Mill, still operating in its original building. The building dates from 1815 and started producing silk soon afterwards; it is now home to a popular visitor attraction.
There is an attractive waymarked walk known as The Mill Trail along the River Test which passes five historic mills, including the Silk Mill. River crossings allow short cuts to create walks of 2, 3.5 or 4.5 miles.
Whitchurch is the Gateway to the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This beautiful open countryside sits on the northern edge of the town and is home to Watership Down, immortalised in the famous book of the same name. In fact, the author of Watership Down, Richard Adams lived in Whitchurch until his death in 2016.
Great tours and delicious cocktails
Based at Laverstoke Mill in Hampshire, 15 miles from Winchester and 60 miles from London, the Bombay Sapphire Distillery showcases the care, skill and artistry behind every drop of Bombay Sapphire, and allows you to discover the flavours of the botanicals which make their gin so unique.
For over 225 years, the Victorian and Georgian buildings set astride the crystal clear River Test produced bank note paper for the Bank of England and the British Empire. Now, Laverstoke Mill is a state-of-the-art sustainable distillery which produces every single drop of Bombay Sapphire gin.
Please book in advance on their website (https://www.bombaysapphire.com/distillery/) & plan your journey. The closest train stations to the distillery are Overton or Whitchurch which are serviced by trains originating from London Waterloo and Salisbury. The 76 bus from Basingstoke or Andover stops outside the distillery. Links to train and bus timetables can be found on their website – visit the “Plan your Visit” page.
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Bombay Sapphire Distillery
London RoadBased at Laverstoke Mill in Hampshire, 15 miles from Winchester and 60 miles from London, the Bombay Sapphire Distillery showcases the care, skill and artistry behind every drop of Bombay Sapphire, and allows you to discover the flavours of the botanicals which make their gin so unique.
For over 225 years, the Victorian and Georgian buildings set astride the crystal clear River Test produced bank note paper for the Bank of England and the British Empire. Now, Laverstoke Mill is a state-of-the-art sustainable distillery which produces every single drop of Bombay Sapphire gin.
Please book in advance on their website (https://www.bombaysapphire.com/distillery/) & plan your journey. The closest train stations to the distillery are Overton or Whitchurch which are serviced by trains originating from London Waterloo and Salisbury. The 76 bus from Basingstoke or Andover stops outside the distillery. Links to train and bus timetables can be found on their website – visit the “Plan your Visit” page.
History
A gem of industrial heritage in beautiful, rural Hampshire, Whitchurch Silk Mill is a 19th century water mill that weaves English silk fabrics using 19th century machinery. The Mill is open to the public and is one of Hampshire's hidden gems.
Whether you're machine-mad, an admirer of silk.
They also do light lunches and good cake.
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Whitchurch Silk Mill
28 Winchester StA gem of industrial heritage in beautiful, rural Hampshire, Whitchurch Silk Mill is a 19th century water mill that weaves English silk fabrics using 19th century machinery. The Mill is open to the public and is one of Hampshire's hidden gems.
Whether you're machine-mad, an admirer of silk.
They also do light lunches and good cake.
Highclere Castle is a Grade I listed country house built in 1679 and largely renovated in the 1840s, with a park designed by Capability Brown in the 18th century. The 5,000-acre estate about 8 miles from Whitchurch, 5 miles (8 km) south of Newbury, Berkshire, and 9.5 miles (15 km) north of Andover, Hampshire. It is the country seat of the Earls of Carnarvon, a branch of the Anglo-Welsh Herbert family.
Highclere Castle has been used as a filming location for several films and television series, including 1990s comedy series Jeeves and Wooster, and achieved international fame as the main location for the historical drama series Downton Abbey (2010–15) and the 2019 film based on it.
The house, Egyptian exhibition, and gardens are open to the public for self-guided tours during the summer months and at other times during the rest of the year, such as Christmas and Easter. The house also holds ticketed events, such as the Battle Proms picnic concert, and special guided tours throughout the year.
It's best to check the website for availability, but definitely worth a visit (they do excellent afternoon teas): https://www.highclerecastle.co.uk/
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Castello di Highclere
Highclere Castle is a Grade I listed country house built in 1679 and largely renovated in the 1840s, with a park designed by Capability Brown in the 18th century. The 5,000-acre estate about 8 miles from Whitchurch, 5 miles (8 km) south of Newbury, Berkshire, and 9.5 miles (15 km) north of Andover, Hampshire. It is the country seat of the Earls of Carnarvon, a branch of the Anglo-Welsh Herbert family.
Highclere Castle has been used as a filming location for several films and television series, including 1990s comedy series Jeeves and Wooster, and achieved international fame as the main location for the historical drama series Downton Abbey (2010–15) and the 2019 film based on it.
The house, Egyptian exhibition, and gardens are open to the public for self-guided tours during the summer months and at other times during the rest of the year, such as Christmas and Easter. The house also holds ticketed events, such as the Battle Proms picnic concert, and special guided tours throughout the year.
It's best to check the website for availability, but definitely worth a visit (they do excellent afternoon teas): https://www.highclerecastle.co.uk/
Food / drink
The Woodspeen is a Michelin star restaurant and cookery school, set in a lovingly restored 19th century farmhouse, nestling in the West Berkshire countryside. They serve seasonal dishes, inspired by homegrown ingredients. With a Michelin star, award-winning wine list and a relaxed atmosphere.
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The Woodspeen Restaurant
Lambourn RoadThe Woodspeen is a Michelin star restaurant and cookery school, set in a lovingly restored 19th century farmhouse, nestling in the West Berkshire countryside. They serve seasonal dishes, inspired by homegrown ingredients. With a Michelin star, award-winning wine list and a relaxed atmosphere.
The King’s Arms, which is next door but one, has a pizza oven and makes good pizza.
It is an attractive and historic 16th Century property built in c.1575. It became an inn in 1675. During the civil war, troops of King Charles I were billeted at the Kings Arms in October 1664 before the second battle of Newbury.
The pub has been subject to a substantial, yet sympathetic refurbishment by Red Oak Taverns, re-opening in September 2013. All areas of this period building have been updated, whilst retaining the original features and character of the pub. The commercial kitchen has been completely re-fitted and the pub will once again offer an exciting and affordable menu to our customers.
The Kings Arms is, at its heart, a traditional community pub designed to appeal to a broad cross-section of the local residents, whilst also welcoming the many visitors who frequent this historic town. The new pub layout allows for diners to eat in comfort whilst bar games can be played in the ‘bar and snug’.
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Kings Arms
42 High StThe King’s Arms, which is next door but one, has a pizza oven and makes good pizza.
It is an attractive and historic 16th Century property built in c.1575. It became an inn in 1675. During the civil war, troops of King Charles I were billeted at the Kings Arms in October 1664 before the second battle of Newbury.
The pub has been subject to a substantial, yet sympathetic refurbishment by Red Oak Taverns, re-opening in September 2013. All areas of this period building have been updated, whilst retaining the original features and character of the pub. The commercial kitchen has been completely re-fitted and the pub will once again offer an exciting and affordable menu to our customers.
The Kings Arms is, at its heart, a traditional community pub designed to appeal to a broad cross-section of the local residents, whilst also welcoming the many visitors who frequent this historic town. The new pub layout allows for diners to eat in comfort whilst bar games can be played in the ‘bar and snug’.
Blue Ginger
17 Bell StThe Blue Ginger is good for Indian food, eat in or take away.
Highly recommend Kudos across the road for coffee, milk shakes and breakfast things.
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Kudos Coffee
3 Church StHighly recommend Kudos across the road for coffee, milk shakes and breakfast things.
I haven’t yet tried Dennnings on Newbury Street as it is new but I have heard good things.
Dennings of Whitchurch
5 Newbury StI haven’t yet tried Dennnings on Newbury Street as it is new but I have heard good things.
The Watership Down Inn nestles at the foot of the North Wessex Downs, overlooking the head waters of the Test Valley. The renowned Watership Down lies to the north of the Inn.
Ideally situated in Freefolk Priors just outside Whitchurch it is within easy reach of Basingstoke, Andover, Newbury and Winchester. The M3, A34 and A303 are easily accessed making it the perfect location to meet friends and family.
The Watership Down Inn is also situated just a stones throw away from the Home of Bombay Sapphire Gin where you can go behind the doors of the famous distillery and uncover the care, skill and artistry behind every drop of the Gin.
The country style interior features oak and quarry tile flooring, wood burner and hardwood bar.
The pub dates back to the 1800s’ formerly called the Freefolk Arms, it then changed to the Jerry before becoming the Watership Down.
The Watership Down is open throughout the week serving delicious lunch and dinner every day, with the exception of Sunday evening. They offer a wide selection of local real ales and wines to complement your meal.
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Watership Down
The Watership Down Inn nestles at the foot of the North Wessex Downs, overlooking the head waters of the Test Valley. The renowned Watership Down lies to the north of the Inn.
Ideally situated in Freefolk Priors just outside Whitchurch it is within easy reach of Basingstoke, Andover, Newbury and Winchester. The M3, A34 and A303 are easily accessed making it the perfect location to meet friends and family.
The Watership Down Inn is also situated just a stones throw away from the Home of Bombay Sapphire Gin where you can go behind the doors of the famous distillery and uncover the care, skill and artistry behind every drop of the Gin.
The country style interior features oak and quarry tile flooring, wood burner and hardwood bar.
The pub dates back to the 1800s’ formerly called the Freefolk Arms, it then changed to the Jerry before becoming the Watership Down.
The Watership Down is open throughout the week serving delicious lunch and dinner every day, with the exception of Sunday evening. They offer a wide selection of local real ales and wines to complement your meal.
Tucked away in St Mary Bourne in the Hampshire countryside, the traditional family-friendly British pub has a large garden and serves local and seasonal British dishes.
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Bourne Valley Inn
Tucked away in St Mary Bourne in the Hampshire countryside, the traditional family-friendly British pub has a large garden and serves local and seasonal British dishes.
Neighbourhoods
There are lots of lovely walks in and around Whitchurch: (https://whitchurch.org.uk/whitchurch-walks/)
Winchester has loads more to visit if you want to travel. The walk to St Cross supposedly inspired Keats’ Ode to Autumn (https://www.visitwinchester.co.uk/app/uploads/2018/05/Keats-Walk-Leaflet.pdf)
Whitchurch
There are lots of lovely walks in and around Whitchurch: (https://whitchurch.org.uk/whitchurch-walks/)
Winchester has loads more to visit if you want to travel. The walk to St Cross supposedly inspired Keats’ Ode to Autumn (https://www.visitwinchester.co.uk/app/uploads/2018/05/Keats-Walk-Leaflet.pdf)