Winkfield: Church, Country House and Landscape

When choosing a destination for a stay, people often consider the themes that define the place. Winkfield offers several specific points of interest: the Grade II* parish church of St Mary, the Grade II country house Ascot Place, the historic White Hart Public House and the Moated site at Winkfield Lane. A parkland landscape, an old meadow and various activity details also contribute to the picture. Winkfield can therefore be viewed through its built heritage as well as its landscape and leisure activities.

Historic Buildings and Local History

The Church of St Mary is a parish church in Winkfield and is listed Grade II*. Ascot Place is a Grade II country house in Winkfield. The White Hart Public House is also Grade II, an inn dating from the late 16th century and now a pub. Together, these three places illustrate different aspects of the built heritage: a church, a country house and an inn that now serves as a pub. Their functions and designations give you specific points of distinction if you are considering Winkfield primarily for its architectural and local history.

At Ascot Place, the building and landscape go together: the country house is set in parkland with a large lake and a grotto. Another landscape covers 110 hectares. A stream runs through it from east to west and has been enlarged to form several lakes. Its area, course and bodies of water are specific features that help characterise the landscape alongside the country house itself.

The Moated site at Winkfield Lane is particularly significant because it is well preserved and has a varied range of features. Where the ditch is still visible, it reaches up to 12 metres wide and up to 1 metre deep. These are maximum measurements: they represent the greatest stated dimensions, not a uniform measurement for the entire ditch. Its state of preservation and the form of its ditch make it a different point of interest from the church, country house or pub.

Landscape and Activities

Chawridge Bank, in the parishes of Warfield and Winkfield, is a sloping old meadow with large anthills, a variety of wildflowers and an abundance of insects. Its slope, plants and insects make it a different landscape from the parkland at Ascot Place: here, the focus is a meadow and its natural features; there, a country house with a lake, grotto and extensive grounds. If you are choosing Winkfield for nature and landscape interests, this distinction offers a specific point of reference.

A circular walk in Winkfield starts at the car park of the parish church of St Mary. This starting point gives you a specific reference when planning a walk. Check the current parking arrangements before travelling.

The 2024 edition of the Winkfield & Warfield Annual Cycle Ride was a free, 10-mile circular ride through the country lanes of Winkfield and Warfield. The two activity details help with different planning questions: the walk starts at the car park at St Mary’s, while the cycle ride’s distance and circular route are specified. If taking part is an option for your stay, check current dates and arrangements.

Discover more destinations: Crowthorne, Sandhurst, Winkfield Row, Binfield, Bracknell.

For the broader travel overview: Bracknell Forest.