Discover Twyford: Water Meadows and History

Twyford lies within the South Downs National Park. The water meadows along the Itchen, the Church of St Mary and Twyford Waterworks bring together landscape, architectural history and pumping technology as distinct themes for a stay. When planning, it helps to consider the countryside footpaths and the Waterworks’ visiting days separately.

Water landscape and the history of navigation

The River Itchen and much of Twyford’s water meadows are of European and national importance. The water-meadow system at Twyford Meads is characterised by channels and sluices through which water from the Itchen Navigation was directed across the meadows. Large parts of the Itchen Valley were managed as water meadows from around the 17th century until the 1930s. The channels and sluices define the local system; the long time span refers to the management of large parts of the valley.

The Itchen Navigation was created under an Act of Parliament in 1665. Compton Lock lies on the western side of Twyford Meads and was formerly also known as Twyford Lock. The management of fishing rights is also relevant to anglers: the Itchen Navigation Preservation Trust manages them on the east bank of the Itchen Navigation alongside Twyford Meads, from Compton Lock to Pub Bridge.

Local history and the Church of St Mary

Evidence of continuous settlement in Twyford may date back to the Bronze Age, around 2000 BC. The Church of St Mary was built by R. A. Waterhouse in 1875–1878, incorporating older materials. Thus, a cautiously dated early settlement history and a precisely dated church building stand alongside one another as distinct historical points of reference.

Twyford Waterworks and its pumping technology

Twyford Waterworks opened in 1898 and retains all its original buildings. The Edwardian pumping station lies in a rural, hilly landscape in the heart of Hampshire and includes a unique collection of buildings and machinery. The complete range includes steam and diesel technology, separate DC motors and modern submersible electric pumps. The machinery can be viewed by the public, and many of the machines can also be seen in operation.

Twyford Waterworks opens on certain days throughout the year. Group tours are available by prior arrangement. A visit on an opening day may include tours of the site and the chance to see the unique triple-expansion steam engine. Check the opening dates before travelling.

Walking to Twyford Meads and the Waterworks

Twyford Meads is open to visitors at all times and is accessible only on foot via various footpaths. From Shawford railway station, the towpath signposted “The Itchen Way” follows the Itchen Navigation about half a mile north to Twyford Meads. Visitors can park at the end of Church Lane, next to the Parish Church. From there, a footpath crosses a footbridge over the River Itchen to the Meads.

South Western Railway runs an hourly train service to Shawford on Sundays. From there, Twyford Waterworks is about a 30-minute walk. The information refers to different destinations: the Itchen Way leads to Twyford Meads, while the approximate walking time from Shawford applies to Twyford Waterworks. Check the timetable for your travel date.

Discover more destinations: Breamore, Shedfield, Stockbridge, Yateley, Exton, Netley Marsh, Bransgore, Whitehill.

For the broader travel overview: Hampshire.