Discover Wickham

Wickham offers a range of reasons to stay: historic architecture, maritime history and trails for outdoor activities. Wickham Square, Chesapeake Mill, the Meon Valley Trail, the Water Meadows and West Walk each represent a different aspect of the town. If you’re looking for a hotel in Wickham, what you want to focus on can guide your choice of destination: do you want your stay to centre on historic buildings, shopping or outdoor activities?

Architecture and History

Wickham Square is England’s second-largest medieval market square. The square includes 15th-century cottages and well-preserved Georgian houses. This brings together different periods of architecture around the square: the medieval market square provides the historic setting, while the houses from later centuries display other architectural features. St Nicholas Church has a Norman portal with a carved zigzag pattern. The portal adds an example of Norman design to the picture. For travellers interested in architecture, there are various historic details that may factor into choosing Wickham as a destination.

Chesapeake Mill: A Mill and Maritime History

Chesapeake Mill is a former grain mill dating from 1820 and is listed as a Grade II* building. Its main interior timbers are made of American longleaf pine; the wood came from the warship Chesapeake. The ship was captured by HMS Shannon on 1 June 1813. The mill thus brings together its former use for grain milling and maritime history. Visitors can shop there for antiques, home furnishings, gifts and jewellery. The shopping opportunities sit alongside the historic building fabric and the story behind the timber. If you plan to visit the mill, you can combine architectural history with a specific shopping experience.

Meon Valley Trail and Water Meadows

The Meon Valley Trail follows a disused railway line for 10 miles from Knowle to West Meon. In Wickham, it starts at Station Road. The route is open to walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Its length, endpoints and permitted users give you specific criteria for planning your trip: you can consider whether to include a route that can be used on foot, by bike or on horseback in your activities. Its course along a disused railway line connects today’s route with its former use for transport.

The naturally formed Water Meadows are suitable for walking, picnicking or relaxing by the water’s edge. You can reach the Water Meadows via Fareham Road, just off Wickham Square, or via the Meon Valley Trail. This lets you plan your visit using either of the two access routes; once there, you can walk, picnic or spend time by the water’s edge.

Leisure Activities at West Walk

West Walk offers walking trails, outdoor play areas and picnic spots. The Forest of Bere Trail at West Walk can be accessed from either the West Walk Car Park or the Woodend Car Park. These two access points provide a clear guide for anyone wishing to use the trail, while West Walk’s other facilities cater to different leisure interests.

When planning your activities, these options differ in terms of route and activity: the Meon Valley Trail runs for 10 miles and is open to several user groups; West Walk combines walking trails with play and picnic facilities, while the Water Meadows also invite you to relax by the water’s edge. This can help you consider whether a route, a range of outdoor activities or a natural waterside area should play a greater part in your stay when choosing your destination.

Discover more destinations: Overton, West Wellow, Clanfield, Damerham, Fareham, Heckfield, Barton on Sea, Bordon

For the wider travel overview: Hampshire.