Sandleheath between the New Forest and Cranborne Chase AONB

Sandleheath lies between the New Forest and the Cranborne Chase AONB. The village brings together architectural history and traces of the former brick industry, along with routes in the Sandleheath Neighbourhood Area. When looking for a hotel for your stay, you can consider these as distinct planning priorities: the village’s historic character, walking routes and limited bus services. The buildings do not tell a single, uniform story; their dates range from the 19th to the 20th century.

Buildings and Village History

Sandleheath Village Hall was formerly St Aldhelm’s Church Mission Hall. Built in 1907, the building is in the Arts and Crafts style and made of Sandleheath bricks. Sandleheath Uniting (Methodist & Anglican) Church was first built in 1884 and extended in 1934. These two notable buildings therefore present different histories: the Village Hall’s former use and the church’s two dated construction phases.

Victoria House is a Victorian example of the area’s historic architecture. Red brickwork defines the house, and a name plaque recalls its construction in 1897. Coronation Terrace is also precisely dated: the row of houses, opened in 1911, was named after the coronation of King George and Queen Mary. The houses have three storeys, or four when the attic rooms are counted. Waltham House was built in 1902/03 and is an important link to the history of the brickworks. Cabin Cottage is considered one of Sandleheath’s oldest homes; its design has largely been preserved in its original form.

Bricks, the Common and Historic Connections

Sandleheath Common is village land held in common and maintained by Sandleheath Parish Council. A blue clay seam runs beneath the Common and was associated with five brickworks. These brickworks employed around 100 people in the first quarter of the 20th century. The history of brickmaking can therefore be seen both in the buildings and in the village’s former industry.

The Ladies Walk Gates are also part of the area’s history. The wrought-iron gates bear the year 1936, which is thought to commemorate their construction. The gates once formed an entrance from the Main Road to Sandle Manor; in Sandleheath, they are the only visible link to Sandle Manor. The path beyond the gates is private.

Walking Routes and Bus Services

The Fordingbridge Off-Road Cycle Route runs through the northern part of the Sandleheath Neighbourhood Area and along its boundary. The same area has public rights of way, including footpaths and bridleways. The cycle route’s location is specific: it concerns the northern part of the area and its boundary, while the rights of way are identified as being within the Neighbourhood Area.

There are only two bus stops in the Sandleheath Neighbourhood Area. They are at the junction of Court Hill, Station Road, Alderholt Road and Rockbourne Road. From there, Damory route 49 provides connections to places including Ashford, Fordingbridge, Whitsbury and Salisbury, but runs only on Tuesday mornings. If you plan to travel using this route, check the current timetable in advance.

Flour from Alderholt Mill

Alderholt Mill is at the southernmost end of the village and produces flour. Flour for making bread and cakes is available to buy. Check current product availability before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Houghton, Micheldever, Swanmore, Yateley, East Meon, Hambledon, Winchester, Fleet.

For the main travel overview: Hampshire.