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Sitting between Andover and Basingstoke, Whitchurch makes for a great day out with gorgeous river walks, some lovely coffee spots and some fascinating history. What’s more? Whitchurch has excellent rail and bus links, making it easy to get to.
Here are our top things to do in Whitchurch:
Whitchurch Silk Mill
Arguably the most famous building in Whitchurch, Whitchurch Silk Mill is a 19th century water mill that weaves English silk fabrics using 19th century machinery.
Whether you are interested in silk production, industrial heritage or just fancy a day out, you will be sure to enjoy a visit to the mill. During peak times, guides will take you on a tour and will explain more about the history of the building and some of the weaving that still goes on today.
Be sure to explore the Mill’s gardens which sit adjacent to the gin-clear River Test. Younger visitors will also love feeding the ducks from just outside the café.
The Riverside Café
This cafe is part of Whitchurch Silk Mill although you don’t need to be a Silk Mill visitor to eat or drink here. Enjoy views of the River Test as you relax over a spot of tea and cake or a light lunch. Local produce is a speciality here and you’ll find many of the items on the menu come from local artisans.
Browse Whitchurch’s indies
Although compact, there are some amazing independent shops in the heart of Whitchurch.
Search out collectables at The Little Chapel antiques shop or purchase some lovely items from Daisy Down Gifts.
Whitchurch Silk Mill also has a small gift shop selling silk scarves, children’s gifts and locally-sourced cards.
The Whitchurch Mill Trail
Follow waymarked trails as they lead you beside the River Test. The Mill Trail is up to 7-miles, although you can take shortcuts along the way. If you choose to do the 7-mile circular route then you’ll pass five different historic mills (Whitchurch Silk Mill being the only one in use as a mill to this day).
Along the way you can expect not only beautiful views but the opportunity to spot wildflowers and birdlife too with perhaps the turquoise flash of kingfisher as it flies by.
Test Valley Circular
If cycling is your thing, then be sure to take on the 30-mile, Test Valley Circular. Starting from Whitchurch railway station, follow this predominantly road route as it skirts along the banks of the River Test through some charming Hampshire villages.
The King’s Arms
Dog-friendly and complete with its own Whiskey Bar, The King’s Arms pub sits just off the centre of Whitchurch. This 16th century building has an interesting past and was used by King Charles I’s troops during the English Civil War in 1664.
Today, you can expect traditional pub fare with some vegetarian and vegan dishes too.
Bombay Sapphire Distillery
Just two miles from Whitchurch, Bombay Sapphire Distillery is the location for the production of the classic Bombay Sapphire gin and other Bombay varieties.
Take a self-guided or a guided tour of the distillery to find out more about gin production and the history of the distillery buildings. Or why not book onto a gin experience such as a cocktail making workshop and rustle up your own favourite drinks?
Watership Down Trial
This 24-mile circular walking route follows in the footsteps of Whitchurch resident and author of Watership Down, Richard Adams. Explore the stunning north Hampshire landscape that inspired and featured in the book.
The Watership Down Inn
Sitting just outside Whitchurch, The Watership Down Inn offers food, drink and accommodation. Featuring local ales and locally-sourced food, where possible, bookings are strongly encouraged to avoid disappointment.
Kudos Coffee Shop
Catch all of the action at the heart of Whitchurch by making a stopping point at Kudos Coffee Shop.
Pop in for speciality coffee (the coffee beans are ground at nearby Winchester), breakfast, brunch or a light bite and watch the world go by from the large windows.
Find out more about Whitchurch
Find places to stay in and around Whitchurch
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A gem of industrial heritage in beautiful, rural Hampshire, Whitchurch Silk Mill is a 19th century water mill that weaves English silk fabrics using 19th century machinery. The Mill is open to the public and is one of Hampshire's hidden gems.
Our award-winning Riverside Café is situated in the picturesque grounds of Whitchurch Silk Mill, on the banks of the River Test.
The Mill Trail is up to 7-miles, although you can take shortcuts along the way. If you choose to do the 7-mile circular route then you’ll pass five different historic mills (Whitchurch Silk Mill being the only one in use as a mill to this day).
This is a lovely circular ride that combines pretty Hampshire market towns, with chalk streams and local food. This route starts from the Railway Station in the pretty market town of Whitchurch, home to the oldest silk mill in the UK and Richard Adams, author of Watership Down (which is also real place close to the town).
The Kings Arms is an attractive and historic 16th Century property built in c.1575. It became an inn in 1675. During the civil war, troops of King Charles I were billeted at the Kings Arms in October 1664 before the second battle of Newbury.
The Bombay Sapphire Distillery based at Laverstoke Mill in rural Hampshire, just 15 miles from Winchester and 10 miles from Basingstoke. The Distillery is in a conservation area with over 1000 years of history. The distillery showcases the care, skill and artistry behind every drop of Bombay Sapphire, and allows you to discover the flavours of the botanicals which make Bombay Sapphire gin so unique.
This trail explores the landscape immortalised in Richard Adam's classic novel "Watership Down".
A beautiful pub with rooms, situated in the pictureque Test Valley, on the outskirts of the village of Whitchurch.
