Marwell Zoo

Owslebury SO21 1JH
Tel: 01962 777407

From meerkats to snow leopards, world-famous Marwell Wildlife is home to over 200 species of animals and birds. The new café graze overlooks the stunning African Valley, home to giraffe, ostrich, zebra and waterbuck. Look out for events throughout the year on the website at www.marwell.org.uk

Marwell Zoo

Marwell Outdoor Activity Centre

Marwell Outdoor Activity Centre

Owslebury, Winchester SO21 1EZ
Tel: 01962 777547

Marwell Activity Centre is one of the south’s leading outdoor and indoor activity centres with 25 years experience in outdoor pursuits. Offering a wide range of year round activities for children and adults, our highly experienced, qualified team deliver activities and events of your choice in a challenging but safe environment.

Old Winchester Hill

Reached via stunning walks with views across the Hampshire countryside, old Winchester Hill has an iron Age Hill fort enclosing a Bronze Age cemetery at its summit. The fort is believed to have Celtic origins. In World War II the hillside was used as a testing range, meaning some areas remain out of bounds to walkers (free ranging sheep are testament to the fact that the risk of finding an unexploded bomb is reassuringly low). The hill plays host to a wide range of butterfly and bird species. OS grid reference: Su 643 205.

Photo: Tim Mills

Upperford Cross in the Forest of Bere (Photo: Peter White)

Forest of Bere

Escape from any trace of modern life with a trip to this ancient woodland. At 350 hectares, West Walk is the largest remaining fragment of the former forest – ideal for a complete day out with plenty of walking and cycling trails, adventurous playgrounds for children and several quiet picnic areas.  OS grid Reference: SU 597 122.

Wickham

Located just 4 miles south of Bishop’s Waltham is the equally beautiful market town of Wickham.  With its handsome Square, beautiful historical architecture and quirky shops and eateries, you can easily while away an afternoon here.  Water meadows, antique shops and  shopping lanes all add to the charm, while Wickham’s restaurants will leave you spoiled for choice.  (Accessible by bus from Bishop’s Waltham, see “getting here” page.)

© Paul Carter

Photo: SDNPA

South Downs National Park

Bishop’s Waltham is located just on the edge of the South Downs National Park and is therefore an ideal base from which to explore its beautiful landscapes and wildlife.  This is the countryside which inspired novelist Jane Austen and naturalist Gilbert White, and the National Park is Britain’s newest.  The wooded hills and hidden valleys are perfect for walking, cycling and horse riding, and it’s easier than you might think to get around by public transport so get yourself out there and explore.  For more information and ideas of where to visit see www.southdowns.gov.uk