Where to visit
A little exploring.
A lot to enjoy.
Country walks, cosy pubs and days out together. Here are some ideas for making the most of your stay at No8.
Find your favourite table.
The Crown Inn
A historic coaching inn on The Square, for a meal or a drink in the heart of Bishop’s Waltham.
Menus & bookings →The Barleycorn Inn
An oak-beamed pub with home-cooked food, real ales and vegetarian and vegan choices.
Menus & bookings →The Hampshire Bowman
A country-pub destination on Dundridge Lane. Paths through Dundridge Local Nature Reserve lead from the town towards the pub—a lovely outing with a stop along the way. Check the route and wear footwear suited to muddy paths.
Pub information →Pull on your walking boots.
The nature walk
A three-mile circular route from Central car park, taking in local nature reserves. Use the published directions to plan your walk.
Route & directions →The heritage walk
A four-mile walk starting at Station Roundabout, following parts of the area’s historic landscape. The route includes stiles.
Route & directions →The country walk
A five-mile circular countryside walk starting at Central car park. A good option for a longer outing.
Route & directions →West Walk, Forest of Bere
Woodland trails near Wickham for a change of scenery. Check Forestry England’s trail and parking information before you travel.
Plan your visit →A gentler local outing
The parish council has information about local walks, including an easy-access route linking Priory Park and the railway path. Check whether it suits your group.
Local walking information →Dundridge & the Bowman
Explore the local nature reserve and plan a walk towards the Hampshire Bowman. The reserve information explains the local paths; it is not a complete turn-by-turn pub route.
Nature reserve information →History, gardens & a slower day.
Bishop’s Waltham Palace
Discover the remains of the medieval residence of the Bishops of Winchester, right here in town.
Plan your visit →Bishop’s Waltham Museum
Explore the town’s story in the surviving palace farmhouse. Check the museum’s seasonal opening arrangements.
Plan your visit →Hinton Ampner
A National Trust house, gardens and estate: an inviting combination for a Hampshire day out.
Plan your visit →Days out to remember.
Marwell Zoo
Plan a day among animals and parkland, with time to explore at your own pace.
Plan your visit →Winchester Science Centre
Hands-on science and a planetarium—an option for a family outing when the weather turns. Check the current programme and ticket options.
Plan your visit →Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Discover historic ships and maritime stories. Check what your chosen ticket includes before booking.
Plan your visit →Three ways to spend a day.
Stay local
Coffee in town, a visit to the palace and a relaxed pub meal.
Head into the countryside
Choose a walk, pack suitable footwear and leave time for a leisurely lunch.
Make it a family day
Pick Marwell, the Science Centre or the Historic Dockyard to suit your group.
Check opening times, tickets, access and dog policies on the official websites before setting off. Walking links provide the route details; this page is an overview. Information checked September 2026.
Your Hampshire base
Come home to No8.
After a day exploring, return to a cosy cottage in the heart of Bishop’s Waltham.
About the cottage