The small Hampshire town of Bishop’s Waltham, roughly equidistant from Southampton, Fareham and Winchester, has a lengthy history that can be traced in some of the buildings in and around the settlement. Its Saxon origins are not reflected in any remaining monuments, the Normans who followed, however, recalled in the fabric of St Peter’s Church there – itself a replacement of the previous Saxon structure - and of the now ruined episcopal palace that gives the town part of its name. That palace was built in the 12th century by Henry of Blois, brother of King Stephen, and was a country residence of the bishops of Winchester. It received many royal visits, monarchs said to have stayed there including Richard I and Henry II. After a minor engagement of the Civil War the palace burned down, and in the usual way of the times thereafter provided building stone for many locals. Luck and/or good management have ensured that Bishop’s Waltham has retained a great deal of character, especially in the picturesque High Street where various independent shops remain. There are several good Georgian buildings, and some rather older, and the overall impression is of well-kept red-brick solidity, with no small charm about the place, that red-brick aspect down to the brickworks that once thrived here. The River Hamble has its source only a half mile from Bishop’s Waltham, and the countryside around is very pleasant, with hills to the north and east – Stephen’s Castle Down – and the ground sloping rather steeply to the south and west.
Attraction
Market
Bishops Waltham Country Market
Restaurant
Banks Bar Bistro
Restaurant on the Square
Places to Stay near Bishops Waltham
The Crown Inn (0.04 miles)
New Place (2.43 miles)
Set within 32 acres of idyllic parkland, this grade 1 listed Edwin Luytens designed Manor House is full of period charm and sits within easy reach of Portsmouth and Southampton ... More
Botley Park Hotel, Golf & Country Club (3.29 miles)
Set at the heart of a 176-acre exclusive Championship golf course, the luxurious Macdonald Botley Park Hotel Golf & Country Club's extensive leisure facilities and health spa make this the perfect short break retreat. Within ... More | visit website
Upland Park Hotel (3.33 miles)
Set in ten acres of Meon Valley Countryside on Main A32 route between Alton and Fareham. Close to Winchester, Portsmouth and Southampton. Very pretty and quiet location. Ideal for business ... More
Old House Hotel and Restaurant (3.83 miles)
Georgian house with boutique style luxury bedrooms. Located close to Chichester, Southampton, New Forest, Winchester & Portsmouth. Very popular AA award winning restaurant with friendly, professional service. The Old House ... More
Marwell Hotel (4.08 miles)
Botleigh Grange Hotel (4.14 miles)
The Legacy Botleigh Grange Hotel is situated in an idyllic location, one mile from Junction 7 of the M27 motorway, one hours drive from London. This traditional Hotel is set in stunning ... More
Town or Country - Foxfields (4.82 miles)
Holiday Inn Express Southampton – M27 Jct7 (5.16 miles)
Solent Hotel & Spa (5.29 miles)
The luxurious Solent Hotel provides a haven of peace and tranquility for both business and leisure guests. Surrounded by landscaped gardens featuring mature trees and ancient meadowland, the hotel offers a true country house welcome. ... More | visit website
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