Whitchurch

Situated on the River Test and surrounded by picturesque rolling countryside, Whitchurch is Hampshire’s smallest town. Early settlements here date from around 400BC, and there is also evidence of a Roman presence with archaeological excavations unearthing ancient tools and pottery.

Whitchurch has had a church since the 9th century and it is thought that the name may originate from the Old English Witcerce, thought to mean White Church with connections to a chalk construction or to white-washing. The present All Hallows building is grade II* Listed and although the exterior is mostly Victorian, there are remains from the 12th, 15th and 17th centuries. 

Much of this charming town is a conservation area and contains many listed and notable buildings. The River Test has had a significant role in the town’s history, and led to some of its earliest industries with five mills being built in the area for grain, wool and paper production. The Portal family took over the lease at Bere Mill in the early 18th century and in 1724 began producing paper for the Bank of England. Near the centre of the town is Britain’s only working Silk Mill, still operating in its original building. The building dates from 1815 and started producing silk soon afterwards; it is now home to a popular visitor attraction.

Walking in Whitchurch

There is an attractive waymarked walk known as The Mill Trail along the River Test which passes five historic mills, including the Silk Mill. River crossings allow short cuts to create walks of 2, 3.5 or 4.5 miles.

Whitchurch is the Gateway to the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This beautiful open countryside sits on the northern edge of the town and is home to Watership Down, immortalised in the famous book of the same name. In fact, the author of Watership Down, Richard Adams lived in Whitchurch until his death in 2016. In 2022, a 24-mile circular Watership Down Trail was launched to mark the 50th anniversary of the book publication.