Bishop's Waltham: Discover history and nature

A trip to Bishop's Waltham can be shaped around specific interests: the history of the Palace and the Church of St Peter, objects in the museum, wildlife watching or the different trails. Each place and route has its own historical or scenic focus.

Palace, church and museum

Bishop's Waltham Palace was a residence built in the 12th century for a magnate and remained in use until it fell into ruin during the Civil War. A moat surrounds the inner courtyard, which is accessed through a gatehouse. The site thus combines a history as a residence with a clearly defined architectural layout.

The Church of St Peter stands on an older site. Its construction dates back to Henry de Blois in 1136, and the building is Grade II* listed. Bishop's Waltham Museum displays objects from Bishop's Waltham and the surrounding region, spanning from prehistory to the modern era. The historical connections therefore differ: the Palace and church focus on architectural history and medieval milestones, while the museum collection covers a much broader period.

Nature and wildlife

Bishop's Waltham The Moors is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This unusual habitat is of national importance. Kingfishers, little grebes and emperor dragonflies can be spotted at Mill Pond. Bishop's Waltham Railway Line provides a habitat for treecreepers, chiffchaffs, goldcrests and blackcaps.

The Bishop's Waltham nature walk is a circular route that starts in the town. It passes through local nature reserves and areas belonging to the Woodland Trust and the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. Its destination is the source of the River Hamble at the Sand Boils. The route thus links its starting point in Bishop's Waltham with a specific destination in the countryside.

Trails with different characteristics

An accessible circular route connects Priory Park with the Railway Footpath Local Nature Reserve. In addition, a 1 km section of the former railway line between Botley and Bishop's Waltham is now a publicly accessible path where use is permitted. This section forms part of the King's Way and the Pilgrims Trail.

The Bishop's Waltham heritage walk also follows a section of the Pilgrims Trail and passes sites associated with the history of Bishop's Waltham Palace. The Bishop's Waltham and South Downs route starts at St George's Square and uses a mix of roads and off-road paths. Depending on your interests, you can choose between a circular walk, a section along a former railway line, a trail associated with the Palace's history, and a route with different surfaces.

Getting there and finding your way

Regular bus services from Winchester, Southampton, Eastleigh, Botley and Fareham pass through Bishop's Waltham. Routes and services may change; check the current connection before travelling. Bishop's Waltham Country Market takes place at Jubilee Hall, Little Shore Lane, Bishop's Waltham, SO32 1ED.

Discover more destinations: Stroud, Botley, Hayling Island, Exton, Penton Mewsey, Sherfield English, South Hayling, Fareham

For the main travel overview: Hampshire.