Lying at the base of Watership Down, surrounded by glorious walks, the historic village of Kingsclere is just a short drive away from attractions such as Highclere Castle, Sandham Memorial Chapel and The Vyne. Heckfield Place near Hook and The Wellington Arms in Baughurst are among the spoiling hotels and restaurants nearby. 

Below are a few suggestions for walks and places to eat, stay and visit. Please confirm directly with any business or organisation before planning a visit. 

 
 
Walks

Beacon Hill and Highclere Walk

Highclere Castle Walks
Kingsclere and Hannington Walk
North Hampshire Downs Walk

Sandham Memorial Chapel Walk

Watership Down Walk

Wayfarer's Walk

 
 
Places to eat or stay

 

The Wellington Arms, Baughurst, thewellingtonarms.com

Heckfield Place, near Hook, heckfieldplace.com

Malverleys, near Highclere, malverleys.co.uk 

Bel & the Dragon, Kingsclere, belandthedragon-kingsclere.co.uk

The George Inn, St Mary Bourne, georgeinnstmarybourne.co.uk

The Woodspeen, near Newbury, thewoodspeen.com

 
 
Places to visit

 

Englefield House and Gardens (HHA, RHS), englefieldestate.co.uk
Highclere Castle (HHA), highclerecastle.co.uk
Houghton Lodge House and Gardens, Stockbridge (HHA, RHS), houghtonlodge.co.uk
Mottisfont House and Gardens, near Romsey (NT), nationaltrust.org.uk/mottisfont
Sandham Memorial Chapel, Burghclere (NT), nationaltrust.org.uk/sandham-memorial-chapel

Stratfield Saye House and Grounds (HHA), wellington.co.uk/stratfield-saye-house

Winchester Cathedral, winchester-cathedral.org.uk

The Vyne, Sherborne St John (NT), nationaltrust.org.uk/the-vyne

 

Local market towns include Winchester, Alresford, Hungerford, Newbury, and Stockbridge.

Updated 27 March 2024