Attractions and Places To See around Medstead - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Medstead include a blend of historical landmarks and natural landscapes within Hampshire, England. The village offers scenic walks through rolling countryside and access to heritage sites. Medstead is characterized by its historical buildings and proximity to significant cultural points of interest. The area provides opportunities to explore its past and enjoy the surrounding natural environment.
Best attractions and places to see around Medstead
- The most popular attractions is St Nicholas' Church, Chawton, a religious building dedicated to Saint Nicholas. This church is free to enter and features many Knight and Austen family burials in its cemetery.
- Another must-see spot is Jane Austen's House Museum, a historical site. This Grade-I listed house was Jane Austen's home for the last eight years of her life and now functions as a museum dedicated to the author.
- Visitors also love St John the Baptist Church, New Alresford, a historical site. Originally built in the 13th century, this elegant church in the heart of New Alresford was almost entirely rebuilt in 1898 and is a Grade II-listed building.
- Medstead is known for its historical sites, religious buildings, and cultural attractions. The region offers a variety of places to see and explore, from ancient churches to literary museums.
- The attractions around Medstead are appreciated by the komoot community, with 54 upvotes and 18 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Jane Austen's House Museum
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St John the Baptist Church, New Alresford
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St Mary's Church, Itchen Stoke
Highlight • Religious Site
St Mary is the third church to have been built in the village of Itchen Stoke. The first was built before 1270 on a site near the River Itchen, but it suffered from damp, became dilapidated and was pulled down around 1830. Some traces of it remain.
The second church which replaced it was built on land in the centre of the village which was donated for the purpose by Lord Ashburton, who held the advowson. Charles Ranken Conybeare, son of the geologist William Daniel Conybeare, became the incumbent in April 1857, but he took a dislike to the church, complaining that it was cold and damp, and that remedying these defects would be more expensive than demolishing and replacing it.
Consent for the demolition was given by the Bishop of Winchester and the new Lord Ashburton, and the present church was erected on the same site in 1866.
The architect of the new church was Charles Conybeare's younger brother Henry Conybeare, a civil engineer with an interest in Gothic architecture, who had designed the Afghan Church in Colaba, Mumbai, where he had also been responsible for improving the city's sanitation.
Cit. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Mary%27s_Church,_Itchen_Stoke
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St Nicholas' Church, Chawton
Highlight • Religious Site
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Alton Abbey
Highlight • Religious Site
The community was founded by the Revd Charles Plomer Hopkins in 1884, as the Society of Saint Paul, in Rangoon (Burma) and Culcutta (India) to work with destitute or distressed merchant seafarers and their chaplains. The first house was opened in 1894 in Barry Dock, South Wales (now closed) to continue this work.
A quieter house was needed and the site in Beech was acquired in 1895. This was initially used to care for retired or ill seamen in temporary wood and metal buildings. The current buildings were designed by Sir Charles Nicholson, using Tintern Abbey as a model.
The first monks did much of the construction using local flint, including a flint and brick Gatehouse (1901). The Abbey church, designed by John Cyril Hawes (flint and brick, built 1901-07), is dedicated to "Our Lady and Saint John". Having observed the Rule of St Benedict from 1893 the community formally adopted it on 28 January 1981.
In 1989 another charity undertook the society's work with seafarers. The community now runs retreats and courses for the public in guest rooms.
Cit. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alton_Abbey
A more extensive version of the Abbey's history can be found on its official website at altonabbey.com/history-of-alton-abbey
Coming from Beech towards Winchester (i.e. travelling in a south-westerly direction) the Abbey is at the top of a climb with gradients from 5% to 13%, with the steepest part just before a right bend that conceals the Abbey to the right.
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Tips from the Community
This church looks amazing. It has a very unique style. I'm so glad I visited.
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In quarter-hour film segments for a German-language television series, Tilmann Spengler introduces the lives and works of important writers and authors from all eras to culture-loving viewers. One of the women he honors as "classics of world literature" is the British author of "Pride and Prejudice" (to name her most famous work): * JANE AUSTEN (1775 to 1817). The segment (in German) can be found in the ARD Media Library at the following link =>> https://www.ardmediathek.de/video/klassiker-der-weltliteratur/jane-austen-stolz-und-vorurteil/ard-alpha/Y3JpZDovL2JyLmRlL3ZpZGVvL2NiOGJhYTI3LTkxYzMtNDRiNi05NjNlLTRlYzg2NDNmY2E5Ng
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In the lovely village of Chawton - great pub and coffee shop
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Saint NICHOLAS, Bishop of Myra, to whom the church in Chawton is dedicated, is – alongside Saint Martin, Bishop of Tours in France – one of the most popular saints of all. His feast day in the calendar of saints, December 6th, is probably known to almost every child. On the eve of this day, children used to put their shoes or boots – which had of course been carefully polished – outside the door so that Saint Nicholas could fill them with gifts during the night. In more agricultural areas, it was also customary for children to put out a small gift of food for the donkey, Saint Nicholas's mount (according to another tradition, it was a white horse).
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In 15-minute film contributions from a German-language television series, Tilmann Spengler introduces the culture-loving viewer to the life and work of important writers and authors from all eras. One of the ladies he honors as a "classic of world literature" is the British author of "Pride and Prejudice" (to name her most famous work): * JANE AUSTEN (1775 to 1817). The contribution (in German) can be found in the ARD media library at the following link: https://www.ardmediathek.de/video/klassiker-der-weltliteratur/jane-austen-stolz-und-vorurteil/ard-alpha/Y3JpZDovL2JyLmRlL3ZpZGVvL2NiOGJhYTI3LTkxYzMtNDRiNi05NjNlLTRlYzg2NDNmY2E5Ng
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Opening hours: Wed to Sun 10:00 - 17:00 last entrance at 16:00.
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Known throughout the world as one of the most important English-language writers of all time, Jane Austen was a pioneer in literature and her six completed novels are still cherished and widely read today. This stunning house in Chawton was her home during the last eight years of her life alongside her sister Cassandra, their mother, and a friend. Part of the Chawton Estate was owned by Jane's brother Edward, but the house was purchased in the 1940s by Mr T. E. Carpenter. He turned it into a museum to Austen and a memorial to his son Phillip, who was killed during the Second World War. You can visit the house, restored to an interior in keeping with Austen's era, and see how she would have lived. The building is Grade-I listed and contains a fascinating collection of Austen's belongings.
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Free church to enter with many of the Knight and Austen families buried in the cemetery (Chawton House).
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I visit in Medstead and the surrounding area?
Medstead offers a rich history with several notable sites. You can explore the Norman St Nicholas' Church, Chawton, which features burials of the Knight and Austen families. Nearby, Jane Austen's House Museum in Chawton provides insight into the author's life. Other historical churches include St John the Baptist Church, New Alresford, and the Grade II*-listed St Mary's Church, Itchen Stoke. Within Medstead itself, St Andrew's Church dates back to 1160, and you can find the Medstead & Four Marks Railway Station, part of the heritage Watercress Line.
Are there natural attractions or outdoor spaces to explore near Medstead?
Yes, Medstead is surrounded by beautiful Hampshire countryside. You can visit King's Hill, one of Hampshire's high points, offering elevated views. Chawton Park Wood provides various walking options and retains remnants of its medieval past. The area is known for its rolling countryside, often referred to as 'the Alps,' with numerous public footpaths and bridleways perfect for walking and cycling, featuring wildflower meadows and diverse wildlife.
What family-friendly activities are available around Medstead?
Families can enjoy a visit to Jane Austen's House Museum in Chawton, which offers an engaging historical experience. The heritage Watercress Line, with its Medstead & Four Marks Railway Station, provides a scenic steam railway journey that children often love. Many of the local churches, such as St Nicholas' Church, Chawton and St John the Baptist Church, New Alresford, are also considered family-friendly and free to enter.
Where can I go for a walk or hike near Medstead?
Medstead is an excellent base for walking and hiking. You can find numerous trails, including those through Chawton Park Wood. For more options, explore the Hiking around Medstead guide, which features routes like the 'Jane Austen's House Museum – Cassandra’s Tearoom loop from Four Marks' and various woodland paths.
Are there cycling routes suitable for road bikes around Medstead?
Absolutely. The rolling countryside around Medstead is popular with road cyclists. You can find routes like the 'Moon Roast Café – Lovington Lane loop from Medstead' or longer rides such as the 'Longwood Dean Lane Tree Tunnel – Old Winchester Hill loop from Medstead'. For a comprehensive list, check out the Road Cycling Routes around Medstead guide.
What cultural experiences does the Medstead area offer?
Beyond historical sites, the Medstead area offers unique cultural experiences. You can visit the Hattingley Valley Winery for tours and tastings of English sparkling wine. Alton Abbey, an Anglican Benedictine monastery, offers retreats and courses. The Watercress Line provides a journey back in time with its heritage steam and diesel locomotives, connecting to the historic town of Alresford.
What are some lesser-known or 'hidden gems' to discover in the Medstead area?
While not widely publicized, Medstead has some charming local spots. The Victorian wheelhouse with a working donkey wheel near Southdown Old Farmhouse is a unique historical feature. The village website also mentions an Iron Age fort. For a delightful stop during a walk, The Cowshed Café in Soldridge is a welcoming spot known for refreshments and homemade treats.
Can I find running trails near Medstead?
Yes, there are several running trails available. The Running Trails around Medstead guide lists options such as the 'Chawton Park Singletrack – Chawton Park Wood loop from Four Marks' and the 'Lye Copse – Gaston Wood loop from Medstead', catering to various distances and difficulties.
Are there any places to eat or drink that are popular with visitors?
While specific restaurants aren't detailed, the area offers charming spots. The Cowshed Café in Soldridge is highlighted as a welcoming place for refreshments on local walking routes. Additionally, the village of New Alresford, accessible via the Watercress Line, has numerous cafes and shops where you can take a break and grab a bite to eat.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Medstead?
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical depth and natural beauty. The historical sites, like Jane Austen's House Museum, are praised for their cultural significance and immersive experience. The local churches, such as St Nicholas' Church, Chawton, are noted for their unique style and historical connections. The scenic countryside and opportunities for walking and cycling are also highly valued by the komoot community.
Is there a good time of year to visit Medstead for outdoor activities?
The rolling Hampshire countryside around Medstead is beautiful throughout the year. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for walking, cycling, and enjoying wildflower meadows. Autumn brings vibrant colors to the woodlands, while winter hikes can be crisp and refreshing. The heritage Watercress Line operates year-round, with special events often held during holidays.
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