Cheriton: Battlefield History, Trails and the Itchen

Cheriton combines impressive history with trails through a varied landscape. The village is particularly suitable for travellers who want to combine culture, walks and regional features when choosing their holiday accommodation. The Cheriton Battlefield Walk plays an important role: it runs mainly along well-trodden footpaths and trails, but includes many hilly and uneven sections. This terrain is part of the practical planning of a day in Cheriton.

Following in the Footsteps of the Battle of Cheriton

The Battle of Cheriton was fought on 29 March 1644 and proved to be a turning point in the English Civil War. The Cheriton Battlefield Walk follows the route taken by troops to Cheriton Battlefield on 29 March 1644. For visitors interested in history, this makes the walk a special combination of physical activity and historical orientation.

On a hill stands the memorial to those who fell in the Battle of Cheriton. From there, visitors have the best view of the battlefield. The church of St Michael and All Angel’s is also part of the village’s history: it was built in the 12th century. St Michael’s has six bells, which attract bell-ringing groups from across Hampshire. The church also hosts the Cheriton Talks, which have become an established event in the local calendar.

Walking Routes Between the Church and the Itchen

Those wishing to explore Cheriton on foot will find further options in addition to the Battlefield Walk. The circular walk near Cheriton begins at the Village Hall, leads to the church and then joins the Itchen Way. Along a three-mile section of the upper Itchen, five footbridges cross the river; they can be used for a circular walk. This allows historical sites and waterside paths to be included in personal day planning without treating the different routes as identical.

One of the three main sources of the River Itchen lies immediately south of Cheriton. The watercourse and banks of the Itchen are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, or SSSI. Travellers who value landscape and proximity to the river when planning their trip can take this character into account alongside the cultural and historical attractions.

Discover Local Features

The local history is also reflected in small, specific details. Watercress was one of Cheriton’s industries over the past 150 years. Shepherds Cottage is a Grade II listed house dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. The Flower Pots Brewery produces cask ales in small batches in Cheriton at the source of the River Itchen. Alongside walks and battlefield history, these different facets provide further points of interest for a trip.

When looking for holiday accommodation in Cheriton, you can therefore first consider what you want your trip to focus on: historic routes, the church and the Cheriton Talks, walks along the Itchen or the village’s local features. The hilly and uneven character of the Battlefield Walk should be taken into account, as should the various options for circular walks.

Further Places to Consider for Travel Planning

To compare other destinations, you can also view Bordon, Alton, Breamore, Froxfield, Lee-On-The-Solent, Fareham, Fordingbridge and Milford On Sea.

For the higher-level travel overview: Hampshire.