Liss: Walks, Churches and Green Spaces

Liss lies in the wooded valley of the Upper River Rother, within the Western Weald. The river and its surroundings, green spaces and walks give the village a variety of landscape features. The River Rother and its surroundings are designated as a SINC (Site of Importance for Nature Conservation) throughout the parish. Hillier Fields, on the Riverside Walk, and the centrally located parish church of St Mary’s are also useful landmarks for finding your way around.

Green spaces and walks around Liss

Hillier Fields is a 12-acre natural green space on the Riverside Walk. North of the village, the Riverside Railway Walk is in the South Downs National Park and is about 1.8 km long. A railway platform and buffer stop from the old railway are still visible along the route. This short walk therefore combines a landscape route with a tangible reminder of the former railway. Conditions and access arrangements for the Riverside Railway Walk may change; check the latest information before planning your visit.

The Shipwrights Way offers two different sections as points of reference: from Liphook to Liss, it follows a disused military railway track alongside the River Rother and leads into the centre of Liss. This section is open to walkers, cyclists and horse riders. The section from Liss to Petersfield is open to walkers and cyclists. At the northern level crossing, it is well suited to pushchairs and mobility aids. The permitted uses therefore differ: horse riders are listed for the Liphook-to-Liss route, while the level crossing’s suitability for pushchairs and mobility aids is stated for the section to Petersfield. Conditions on both sections may change, so check the latest route information before setting out.

Churches and architectural history

The Church of St Peter in West Liss is a Grade II* listed building. The chancel, nave and west tower date from the 13th century. There is also a south porch dating from 1639, and the church was restored in 1864. Its different structural elements and dates make the building interesting for travellers who would like to explore historic architecture as well as walks and scenery during a stay in Liss.

St Mary’s Church is the parish church near the centre of Liss. Its services include worship for all age groups, contemporary services and BCP Holy Communion services. If you plan to attend a service, check the latest times and arrangements, as the services offered may change.

Collection and talks

The Liss Collection includes archival records, objects and photographs. It can be viewed by arrangement with the Liss Area Historical Society. Visitors are also welcome at the society’s talks. Talk dates and visitor arrangements may change, so enquire in advance about a suitable date and visiting arrangements. The collection and talks offer a distinct way to explore local history, while the churches reveal both architectural history and the functions of today’s congregations.

Getting here by train

Liss has a railway station on the main line, with direct services to London Waterloo and Portsmouth. This connection can be an important consideration when choosing a destination and planning your arrival or departure. Train services and timetables may change, so it is advisable to check the latest travel information. In Liss, the walks, riverside setting and historic buildings offer different focal points for a stay; which one matters most to you depends on whether you want to focus primarily on the landscape, the route or local history.

Discover more destinations: Whitsbury, Buriton, East Meon, Brockenhurst, Plaitford, Waterlooville, Hamble-Le-Rice, Tadley

For the main travel overview: Hampshire.