Local recommendations Blackwood Forest
Pubs and restaurants
Places to visit
Book tickets online and take a 30-minute drive to explore the house of one of Britain's most famous writers.
Stonehenge
Why not visit Stonehenge? It's closer than you think – only a 44-minute drive to see this famous spot.
The New Forest
The New Forest is just a 35-minute drive away. Head there for more trails, activities and incredible views.
Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium
Explore even more about the sky above in the Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium, a 23-minute drive from the forest. Great for a rainy day out.
Bombay Sapphire Distillery
Tour the world-famous Bombay Sapphire Distillery, a 17-minute drive from your cabin.
Walking trails
Alfred's Ancient Capital | 5.6km
Explore the historic town of Winchester on Alfred’s Ancient Capital walk. This 5.6km walk starts at the statue of King Alfred, who made Winchester the capital of Wessex. Enjoy breathtaking views of the cathedral, riverside, meadows, and the 12th Century Hospital of St. Cross. Also in Winchester is St. Catherine’s Hill, a small hill with lovely views over the town, the River Itchen and part of the South Downs. This is an excellent summer walk, when the wild flowers are alive with many species of butterfly.
Buriton walk | 5km
There are many beautiful walks in the South Downs National Park, most based around the South Downs Way, a 160km National Trail which stretches from the cathedral city of Winchester to Beachy Head at Eastbourne, almost all of which is off-road. The circular walk around Buriton takes you past Buriton Chalk Pits and through the 'springline' village of Buriton.
East Meon walk | 13km
The second circular walk on part of the South Downs Way, and near to Winchester, is a little more challenging. The East Meon walk takes you past a Norman Church in East Meon and the clear, chalk-filtered waters of the Meon River. Discover the wildlife havens created by the regeneration of the old chalk pits.
Overton to Steventon (Jane Austen trail) | 9 miles
A 9 mile way-marked circular walking trail from Overton to Jane Austen’s birthplace and home for 25 years, at Steventon. This route is part of the Overton Jane Austen Trails, celebrating the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen, who was born and raised nearby in Steventon.
St Mary Bourne | 3km
The North Wessex Downs is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the easy 3km walk around St Mary Bourne gives you an insight into how the landscape was formed and why it has the AONB designation. Walking up the sides of the valley, the lanes and tracks you see are remnants of a medieval ladder farming system. At the top of the hill, the view back is of a picture-perfect English village, complete with bowling green, stone church and thatched roofs.
The Itchen Way | 8km (partial route)
The Itchen Way is a 52km walk along the length of the River Itchen. Keep it local by taking the 8km stretch from Itchen Abbas, arriving at Winchester in time for a well-deserved lunch. You might spot all kinds of wildlife along the route as you follow the crystal-clear waters though the Hampshire countryside.
Overton, Ashe and Deane (Jane Austen trail) | 6.5 miles
A 6.5 mile circular walking trail from Overton exploring Hampshire countryside that Jane walked in her 25 years living in Steventon. This route is part of the Overton Jane Austen Trails, celebrating the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen, who was born and raised nearby in Steventon.
'Overton in Jane Austen's Time' trail | 2.5 miles
A 2.5 mile circular walking trail exploring Overton in Jane Austen’s Time. Following country lanes, streets and pavements, allow one hour at a leisurely pace. This route is part of the Overton Jane Austen Trails, celebrating the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen, who was born and raised nearby in Steventon.
Cycling trails
Overton, Ashe and Deane (Jane Austen trail) | 12 miles
A 12 mile circular cycle trail from Overton exploring the Hampshire countryside that Jane knew in her 25 years living in Steventon. Following bridleways, country lanes and roads, allow around 65 minutes at 12.5mph. This route is part of the Overton Jane Austen Trails, celebrating the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen, who was born and raised nearby in Steventon.
Burley Hill Fort Loop | 15km
From the folklore of witches to the legend of smuggling, explore the intriguing village of Burley.
Watership Down Trail | 27km or 17km
If you're a keen cyclist, take the Watership Down Trail through the North Wessex downs. It’s a challenging ride through some of Hampshire’s best scenery, beginning on a quiet country lane. A challenging off-road climb then continues along the ridge of Watership Down – made famous by Richard Adams’ novel. You can also take a shortcut, shaving ten kilometres off the ride.
Winchester to New Arlesford | 16km
This is a nice, easy ride along National Cycle Route 23 and the River Itchen, from Winchester to New Arlesford. It begins at Winchester Cathedral and heads east to New Arlesford along a series of country lanes, passing Itchen Abbas and Ovington on the way. Highlights on the route include Avington Park country house and the riverside sections along the River Itchen.
Dog-walking trails
Take a beautiful loop walk with the paws through Blackwater Arboretum. Experience the Forest through touching tactile sculptures to discover the wellbeing benefits of time spent in nature. Located around the short, circular route these sculptures depict the seeds from a sycamore, oak, Douglas fir and redwood, inspired by the ancient and ornamental woodlands along Rhinefield Ornamental Drive.
Go Ape
Take a trip through the trees, full of adventure! Save 10% on your Go Ape experience when you stay with us, including on Saturdays.
Look out for our emails with offers and activities to book before your stay – they'll include your unique discount code. Go Ape Bracknell is a 45-minute drive away, where you can experience:
- Go Ape segway | from £38
- Go Ape tree top adventure | from £21
- Go Ape tree top adventure plus | from £26
- Go Ape tree top challenge | from £36
Activities nearby
Discover local activities and adventures just beyond the forest and explore the Hampshire area.
- Hampshire vineyard tour | from £25
- Clay Pigeon Shooting | from £55
