Whitchurch is Hampshire’s smallest historic market town and there are few towns that can boast a river as picture-perfect as the world-famous River Test chalk stream that winds its way through the town centre, connecting the heritage mills of the Upper Test.
Whitchurch is also the southern Gateway to the North Wessex Downs National Landscape, a protected landscape of rolling hills, chalk stream valleys and ancient woodlands. Follow in the footsteps of Richard Adams, author of Watership Down, along a 24-mile circular trail that visits some of the actual book locations and discover Whitchurch's role in securing the 'Right to Peaceful Protest' in 1890, a testament to its historical significance and commitment to civil liberties.
Whitchurch is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
Continuing the long tradition of welcoming people, in 2015, Whitchurch became the first town in Hampshire to achieve the criteria for accreditation to the National Walkers are Welcome Tourism Network.
Whitchurch Travel links
Whitchurch (Hampshire) is well-connected by train to other major cities and towns in the UK. There are direct train services from London Waterloo, and the journey typically takes around one hour.
Trains also run from other major centres like Basingstoke and Southampton
Before travelling, make sure you check Whitchurch railway station’s facilities.
Whitchurch Attractions
Whitchurch Silk Mill
Whitchurch Silk Mill Whitchurch Silk Mill is the UK's oldest silk mill still operating in its original building. It is a precious gem of industrial heritage located in the beautiful rural Hampshire. The Georgian water mill is responsible for weaving silk using 19th-century machinery. It doesn't matter if you are a machine enthusiast, a silk fabric admirer, a child learning about the Victorians, or simply looking for a delightful day out in Hampshire, Whitchurch Silk Mill has something for everyone.
Whitchurch Mill Trail
Whitchurch Mill Trail Discover the heritage mills on the upper reaches of the World-famous River Test chalk stream, the birthplace of modern of fly fishing. This scenic waymarked walk suitable for the whole family criss crosses the river, passing through peaceful farmland and species rich water meadows.
Bombay Sapphire Distillery
Based at Laverstoke Mill, just two miles from Whitchurch, the 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 Bombay Sapphire gin so unique.
Learn about the ten botanicals which make Bombay Sapphire so exquisite in the iconic glasshouses designed by Thomas Heatherwick. Chart hundreds of years of Laverstoke Mill's illustrious history, married with the fascinating heritage of gin and Bombay Sapphire.
Watch the production of gin behind the scenes in the Dakin Still House, and uncover the secrets of Bombay Sapphire's unique vapour infusion distillation process.
Hardy’s Nursery
Hardy’s Cottage Garden Plants is a small independent nursery based in the beautiful village of Freefolk, just 2 miles from Whitchurch. Winner over the years of 24 gold medals at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and recognised as one of the UK's leading plantsmen nurseries, Hardy’s stock over 1,200 plant varieties, including many rare and exciting species you'll simply never see in your average garden centre.
Eating out in Whitchurch
The Kings Arms
The Kings Arms is an attractive, historic 16th Inn; during the English Civil War, troops of King Charles I were billeted there before the second Battle of Newbury. Today the ‘Kings’ has a well-earned reputation for "Great Food, Fine Drinks and Good Times".
Watership Down Inn
This traditional country pub is dedicated to serving good quality food and drink and providing a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Watership Down Inn is located at Freefolk, just 2 miles from Whitchurch town centre and a 12-minute walk from the iconic Bombay Sapphire Distillery.
Blue Ginger Indian Restaurant
You can be assured of a warm friendly welcome at the Blue Ginger Restaurant where they serve the finest Indian and Bengali Cuisine; a mix of inventive modern dishes and classic curries.
Silk Mill Riverside Café
Silk Mill Riverside Café is situated on the banks of the River Test in the grounds of the adjacent Regency Silk Mill. The café provides indoor and outdoor seating in the attractive gardens and offers a seasonal menu of delicious sweet treats, snacks and light lunches made from locally sourced products.
Kudos Coffee
Kudos Coffee is a modern coffee house located in Whitchurch town centre, offering speciality barista coffee at its best, also quality teas, a selection of other beverages and light bites and cakes.
Accommodation in Whitchurch
White Hart Inn
White Hart Inn is located in Whitchurch town centre, this former coaching inn has been welcoming visitors and travellers for 800 years. A former visitor to the Inn was the author Rev. Charles Kingsley, a keen fisherman; he wrote, "I like this place and that is the truth.. I have had such a jolly day and the lamb chops are so good" a nod to the town’s past when large flocks of sheep gazed the meadows and surrounding downs.
Watership Down Inn
A trip to North Hampshire wouldn't be complete without a nod to those famous bunnies made famous in Richard Adam’s much-loved children’s classic. A traditional family run Watership Down Inn nestling at the foot of the North Wessex Downs and overlooking the head waters of the River Test Valley, the Inn has 7 well-appointed bedrooms, 3 in the original Inn and 4 lovely bedrooms located in the garden annexe, including a stunning family room.
Peak House Farm
Peak House Farm is a 120-year-old farmhouse with unspoiled country views in the North Hampshire Downs, an area of outstanding natural beauty. A successful and sought after B&B for over 20 years, offering a warm welcome, delightful, well-appointed en-suite rooms and a traditional farmhouse breakfast. Looking for a different overnight experience, then the newly acquired traditional shepherds hut might be just the thing.
Silk Mill Cottage
Nestled alongside the River Test, this former weaver’s cottage is set in the idyllic grounds of the historic Whitchurch Silk Mill, opposite the duck pond. Silk Mill Cottage is the perfect base from which to experience everything this lovely part of North Hampshire has to offer.
The Lawn
The Lawn is a charming property situated within spacious gardens, overlooking the picturesque River Test. It was once the residence of Lord Denning, who served as the Master of the Rolls.
The property is conveniently located just a 2-minute walk away from the town center, Whitchurch Silk Mill, and the Mill Trail. Additionally, it is only 2 miles away from the Bombay Sapphire Gin Distillery.
Guest fishing can be arranged upon request.
The Stables Wells-in-the-Field
The Stables Wells-in-the-Field is a delightful detached stables conversion situated in a peaceful rural location on the edge of Whitchurch.
It's an ideal retreat for a couple or small family, offering easy access to the nearby countryside, historic town of Whitchurch, and renowned River Test for fishing.
