Waterlooville: Forest, History and Leisure

Waterlooville combines a local history connected to travellers, art in the town centre, an ancient woodland at the heart of the town and a range of leisure activities. Topics range from the Forest of Bere and the history of a small settlement that grew around the junction of London Road and Hambledon Road in Waterlooville, to public swimming, fitness classes and a cycling map. Waterlooville is therefore defined both by its history and by the leisure opportunities available today.

Queen's Inclosure and the woodland

At the heart of Waterlooville, Queen's Inclosure is a fragment of the ancient Forest of Bere. This places the specific site within the wider woodland; Queen's Inclosure is also ancient woodland in its own right. The Woodland Trust highlights its abundant wildlife and mentions clearly marked paths. Nature lovers can therefore enjoy two distinct aspects: the wildlife and the ease of finding their way through the woodland. If you would like to take the town’s natural character into account when planning your trip, Queen's Inclosure is a clearly identified highlight.

Town history, from an inn to art

In 1815, Charles Matthews built an inn in the area now known as Waterlooville, as a stopping place for travellers and their horses. A small settlement grew around the junction of London Road and Hambledon Road. The inn connects the area with travel, while the junction marks the place around which the settlement developed. Artworks installed throughout Waterlooville town centre highlight historical, social and technological factors that have shaped the town. The inn and the artworks offer different ways to explore local history: one through its role as a stopping place, the others through the influences that have shaped Waterlooville.

Swimming, fitness and cycling

Horizon Waterlooville offers public swimming in its pool. The Horizon Waterlooville gym has a 10 m sprint track. Horizon also offers classes ranging from strength training to cycling. The sprint track is a specific feature of the gym, while the classes cover various forms of training. The class programme may change; if a particular class is important to your plans, check the latest information.

There is also a useful planning resource for cycling enthusiasts: the 2024 edition of Havant Borough Council’s cycling guide includes a detailed map of the cycling network around Waterlooville town centre. The map focuses on the network near the centre, complementing the individual sporting activities with an overview of the area.

Jubilee Park in Waterlooville is another local park. In March 2023, Havant Borough Council announced a refurbishment programme for public park tennis courts; Jubilee Park was listed as one of the locations included in the announcement.

If cycling is part of your plans, the map adds an overview of the network around the town centre. You can then tailor your stay to the interests that matter most for your trip.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Abbotts Ann, Hamble-Le-Rice, Herriard, North Waltham, Gosport, Fordingbridge, Kingsclere, Winchester

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