Hamble Valley Visitor Magazine 2014

FREE VISITOR MAGAZINE

2014

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Where is the Hamble Valley?

Follow the Hamble Valley on Twitter www.twitter.com/HambleValley

Hamble Valley travel information The Hamble Valley is accessible to all.

By Road The M3 provides easy access from London and the North. The Hamble Valley lies to the east, between Junctions 5 and 8 of the M27.

By Air Southampton International Airport offers excellent UK domestic and international flights.

Southampton International Airport www.southamptonairport.com

By Rail Hamble, Bursledon and Netley rail stations are located on routes between the Southampton and Portsmouth line. Wickham is located a short bus journey from Fareham station which is on the London to Portsmouth line. For train timetable information visit www.nationalrail.co.uk.

Botley and Hedge End have regular services to Portsmouth, Eastleigh, Winchester and London, whilst trains from Fareham serve these destinations and also Southampton, Chichester, Brighton, and Gatwick Airport.

By Bus The area is well connected by buses, with various services connecting to Southampton, Eastleigh, Winchester and Fareham as well as providing local services in and around the Valley area.

Bluestar No.3 | Southampton-Hedge-End-Botley Brijan No.8 | Eastleigh-Hedge End-BotleyBishops Waltham First 4/4A/X4 | Southampton-BursledonFareham/Gosport/Portsmouth First No.6 | Southampton-Netley-Hamble Stagecoach No.69 | Winchester-Bishops Waltham-Wickham-Fareham Local bus & rail partnership www.threeriversrail.com National Rail enquiries 08457 48 49 50 | www.national rail.co.uk Public Transport Enquiry Service To help plan your journey using public transport 0870 608 2608 | www.traveline.org.uk Bus Services Blue Star 023 8061 8233 | www.bluestarbus.co.uk First 023 8022 4854 | www.firstgroup.com

The Hamble Valley brand and Strawberry logo are trademarks owned and managed by The Marketing Collective Ltd. and their unauthorised use is an infringement of copyright law. All rights reserved. Hamble Valley Visitor Guide 2013 Š Compiled and published

by The Marketing Collective Ltd. Designed by Tina Scahill Design. Printed by Halcyon Print Management. Photography by The Marketing Collective Ltd. and available for use subject to licensing. Information in the guide was correct at the time of going to press. The Marketing Collective Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies or omissions, and users are strongly advised to contact advertisers and events prior to making any arrangements.

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Whenever you make your visit to the Hamble Valley, you can guarantee to be pleasantly surprised by the beautiful landscape from coast to countryside - full of places, faces and spaces to enjoy...

Welcome to Hampshire’s Hamble Valley – If you are looking for the perfect mix of beautiful countryside and stunning riverside vistas, look no further than the Hamble Valley - the perfect destination for a holiday, short break or day visit.

Encompassing 25 miles of Hampshire’s Solent coastline and including the River Hamble and 1,500 acres of unspoilt countryside, it’s easy to see why the area known as the Strawberry Coast is so popular with locals and visitors alike.

You can visit charming towns and villages with beautiful waterside locations, amble through woodland, marshes or meadows on one of the many walking trails and enjoy delicious homemade food made with local produce at one of the many restaurants, pubs of cafes.

The Hamble Valley welcomes families and is a child-friendly destination with plenty of free and low cost activities to keep the young and young at heart entertained.

With so much to see and do in the Hamble Valley, you may discover a day visit just isn’t long enough. If you do decide to rest a while, there are plenty of hotels, bed and breakfasts, self-catering and campsites all offering a warm and friendly welcome.

Contents

p 4 Riverside Hamble p 8 Outdoors Itiinerary - What shall we do? p 10 Morning Itinerary p 12 Netley Abbey p 14 Marwell zoo p 17 Walks and trails p 18 Strawberry Trail p20 Hamble Rail Trail p22 Cobbet Trail p26 WW1 Events p28 Fork and Cork p30 Romanic trail Itinerary p31 Afternoon Itinerary p32 Cycle Trail p34 Where to stay p36 Competition time

Virtual Tour

Whatever the length of your visit – or if you already live Hampshire – we hope you will keep coming back to the Hamble Valley for many years to come.

For more information, events diary, news and ideas for days out visit

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See more of the Hamble Valley with our tour.

Water Riverside Tales – Get Down to the River Hamble It doesn’t matter whether you are a seasoned sailor or a laid back landlubber, the Hamble River is the place to be.

For those who prefer to stay on dry land there are plenty of bars, cafes and restaurants along the length of the river where you can watch the world go by.

There’s the famous Jolly Sailor pub – immortalised in BBC TV’s Howard’s Way in the 1980s – and well worth a visit for Sunday lunch or a quick pint.

Banana Wharf bar and restaurant at Port Hamble marina is the perfect spot to meet, eat and drink by the water. The exciting menu mirrors the flagship Ocean Village restaurant

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blending tropical and oriental dishes with great seafood, traditional favourites, pizza, pasta and a fabulous breakfast selection.

While the Bugle is a Grade II listed village inn with an AA rosette for dining and an entry in Michelin’s Eating Out in Pubs guide.

Voted the best Yachting Bar in Europe in 2011, the King & Queen in Hamble is affectionately known as the Rum Pub because it has such an impressive selection of the sunshine drink.

The Boat House at Swanwick Marina offers everything from freshly prepared sandwiches, panini’s, pizzas, salads and grills during the day with an ever changing bistro menu on Friday & Saturday evenings. Stop by for a coffee and enjoy stunning views of the river.

The double tides, deep water and ease of access to the Solent make The River Hamble ideal for sailing - from weekend excursions or as a departure point for destinations further afield.

Events and regattas Hamble River events take place throughout the year and attract yachtsmen and racing enthusiasts throughout the sailing world who use the river Hamble as a base when competing; these include Hamble Week, the Hamble Winter & Spring Series, Bursledon Regatta and national World Series competitions.

The eccentric Brambles Cricket Match has taken place in the middle of the Solent for the past 50 years. As the tide reveals a 200-metre long sandbank,

Relaxing Walks

Jolly Sailor pub

members of the Royal Southern Yacht Club and Isle of Wight’s Island Sailing Club dash out in cricket whites to play a frantic 40 minute game before the bank sinks back under the sea!

Hamble is home of the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) www.rya.org.uk the UK’s national body for all forms of boating including sailing, motor-boating, powerboat racing, personal watercraft and windsurfing, and offers a range of courses, open days, clubs and schools.

The jetty in Hamble

The Pink Ferry

Berthing on the River Hamble

Getting around the River Hamble

Available at several marinas, boatyards and yacht clubs (contactable on VHF CH.80) and advance booking is advisable.

The Harbour Authority operates pontoon and pile visitors’ berthing. Short stay berths for the landing or embarking of crew, passengers and stores is available at Warsash and Hamble quays. Landing by dinghy is also permissible at the public hards at Bursledon, Swanwick and Hamble foreshore and Warsash.

The pink Hamble-Warsash ferry operates all year round and has done since the reign of King Henry VII (Read more here about the Martime History of the River Hamble) carrying foot and bicycle passengers across the river between Warsash Hard and Hamble Pontoon. The ferry has always carried a maximum 12 passengers and today provides a taxi service covering the whole of the river.

The popular and historic Jolly Sailor public house also has a jetty for the use of its customers arriving on smaller vessels.

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Enjoy the Jolly Sailor and reminisce about Howards Way!

Watch the boats at Hamble Quay

Crabbing on Hamble Quay.

Ride the pink Hamble to Warsash Ferry

Water A catch on the River Line fishing can be enjoyed on the River Hamble, restricted only by the right of access. Please remember to be courteous and if fishing of jetties or pontooning, do get permission first and move boats and yachts. Pick up a copy of the Bait Collectors Code, a voluntary code of conduct available from the Harbour Masters Office at Warsash (01489 576387)

History Being Uncovered on the River Hamble The Hampshire and Wight Trust for Maritime Archeology (HWTMA) have been investigating the maritime archeology of the Hamble River for several years.

Wrecks, wharfs, jetties, shipbuilding sites, oyster beds and bridges.

Hamble River Heritage Lottery Fund Project A grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund has enabled a programme of recording and investigation of the remains of watercraft and other maritime infrastructure on the River Hamble. The Hamble River logboat was discovered in 1888 during the construction of a new boathouse on the estate of the

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Fairthorne Manor, at the junction of the Hamble River and Curbridge Creek. The logboat measures 4m long by 0.76m wide and is formed from a single oak tree.

The discovery of the logboat was reported in the Hampshire Chronicle in 1888 in the following way: “An archaeological discovery of the greatest interest has been made this week in the tidal river Hamble. At the point of junction of the Curbridge Creek with the river, some considerable distance above the still existing wreck of the Danish man-of-war, a boat house is being built and in order to make sufficient waterway the workmen removed the mud and alluvial soil. Something hard was encountered and, thanks to one of the workmen having an intelligent taste for antiquities, the obstruction was carefully uncovered, and proved to be a portion of a possible pre-historic canoe, certainly pre-Roman. It is a few feet higher up the river than the old Roman hardway or landing place, and was evidently sunk close on shore.”

The boat is now kept in the SeaCity Museum Store.

HWTMA has begun to investigate the history of the logboat and

most importantly to find out the date of the vessel as a way to guide further research. The vessel is made from oak and is therefore suitable to be dated using dendrochronology. Funding for this was provided by the Roman Research Trust and was carried out by Nigel Nayling of Lampeter University.

David Evans David Evans is Marine Director and Harbour Master on the Hamble River. In his own words, he tells us what makes it such a special place.

“I’ve been a keen sailor for as long as I can remember and sailed the Hamble on and off since the age of 19.

“When this job came up – I thought ‘yes I’ll have that’. My key role is to ensure the harbour is as safe as it possibly can be and we carry out regular patrols of the river.

“It is the sheer volume of traffic and the variety of craft that makes the Hamble River so different – we have everything from sailing boats, motor boats, canoes, jet skis and paddle boats. There are even a few swimmers too.

“The highest ever figure we recorded for movements on the river was 400 boats passing our office in an hour.

“There are 3,261 boats afloat on the river but obviously only a small percentage are in use at any one time.

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HARBOURMASTER REQUEST

“At peak times we would expect 150 boats to be moving somewhere on the river.

As with any water-based activity please ensure the following:

“It would be remiss of me not to point out, we do have a speed limit of six knots.

• Get an accurate and upto-date weather forecast.

“Quite a lot of the boats are pretty impressive from a hi-tech point of view or just their sheer size and I do enjoy watching them.

“To my mind the best part of the river is above the M27 and there is a lovely walk you can take along the Warsash side.

“As far as wildlife goes, we have a harbour seal who we see quite often and we get Kingfishers perched on our railings.

“There are also White Egrets to be seen and while for the most part its just Grey Mullet, we do have some more unusual fish too.”

• Check tide tables and the accessibility of your recovery site.

• Find out about by-laws and local hazards.

• Tell someone where you are going and when you are expected back.

• Wear an appropriate, well-fitted buoyancy aid or life-jacket.

• Have some means of calling for help.

For more information on River Safety, visit www3.hants.gov. uk/hambleharbour

all h S t a h W ? y a d o T o We D Itinerary : 1

New for 2014, our itineraries are packed with ideas for making the most of your time in the Hamble Valley.

Whether you are planning a romantic escape to the country, a day in the great outdoors or the perfect afternoon tea , we’ve got ideas galore.

Spend the Day

With more country parks than anywhere else in Hampshire, the Hamble Valley is a year-round haven for countryside lovers and a great place for children to explore and take part in regular activities.

Planning a Day in the Hamble Valley is a great excuse to get outdoors and enjoy stunning scenery and a more relaxed pace of life.

From the Moors Local Nature Reserve where the River Hamble rises, to the mouth of the river on Southampton Water, the stretching coastline provides plenty of open space and walking trails to connect you with the flora and fauna throughout the year.

Or take in the views of the Solent at Royal Victoria Country Park where the 200 acres of open spaces is perfect for picnicking and games. Explore the park and trails through woodland visiting the military cemetery, sensory garden and duck pond before taking a ride on the Royal Victoria Railway which runs rides throughout the school holidays.

Stop for coffee (and perhaps a tempting cake) in one of the Hamble Valley’s beautiful villages

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such as Wickham or Bishops Waltham.

Soak up some history at Manor Farm Country Park where you experience the sights, sounds and smells of the delightful Victorian working farm, which was the setting for the BBC’s Wartime Farm.

All this exploring is bound to make you peckish. Why not stop for lunch in picturesque Hamble.

The aptly named Water’s Edge is set on the River Hamble with attractive views and it is the ideal place to enjoy a meal and drink.

The Olde Whtye Harte on the High Street is the oldest pub in Hamble (circa 1563) and offers a traditional menu and an open fire for cosy Sunday afternoons and for modern European cuisine visit the River Rat Cellar and Kitchen who host a number of events and special menus throughout the year.

You can spend your afternoon meandering through meadows at Lakeside Country Park or enjoy fishing and water-sports on the lakes before taking younger children on the Eastleigh Lakeside Steam Railway.

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in the Great Outdoors ...

Finish your day back by the water at a riverside pub such as the famous Bugle (remembered for its starring role in the 1980s BBC hit show Howard’s Way) or check out the menu at the Boat House at Swanwick Marina.

Exploring nature in the great outdoors Experts agree the Hamble Valley is an important natural oasis.

Within the Upper Hamble Estuary & Woods (Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)), a dozen different types of ancient broad-leaved woodland can be found.

an outstanding array of nationally scarce coastal plants.

At Itchen Valley Country Park explore 440 acres of beautiful water meadows, woodland and meadows which have been recognised with a Green Flag award. The Visitor Centre has a variety of nature-based displays on the many habitats and species that can be found at the park.

Young visitors can get closer to nature during school holidays with activities such as pond dipping, woodland activity days and bushcraft skills.

Swanwick Lakes is managed by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Where the Hamble River joins Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve and the Solent you will find extensive is a beautiful place to walk and intertidal muds with a fringe of grassy shingle, saltmarsh, reedbed, explore particularly during the summer when butterflies and marshy grasslands, soft rock dragonflies are in abundance. cliffs and deciduous woodland.

The site is an integral part of To the west of Netley, lies Southampton Water which is Westwood Woodland Park with of international importance ancient woodland, streamside for over-wintering dark-bellied walks and rolling grassland Brent geese, and of national perfect for walks and family importance for three species of games. wildfowl (great-crested grebe, teal and wigeon) and five species of wader (black-tailed godwit, dunlin, grey plover, ringed plover, redshank). The area also supports

Let’s Share!

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or 2014 visitor itinerar ies

Itchen Valley Country Park With 440 acres of woodland and meadows to explore, the Park is an ideal place for a family day out. Waymarked trails will help you enjoy the natural beauty of the park.

Trails, picnic sites, visitor centre, cafe play areas, events.

For further details call 023 8046 6091

Find us at...

Allington Lane, Southampton, SO30 3HQ, M27 Junction 5 or 7.

Email: ivcp@eastleigh.gov.uk www.eastleigh.gov.uk/ivcp

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Share your days out in the Hamble Valley by using the hashtag: HambleValley

#

Or tell us how you like to spend your days out by emailing info@hamblevalley.com

Itinerary : 2

Rise and Shine – spending a morning in the Hamble Valley

Finish your day back by the water at a riverside pub such as the famous Bugle (remembered for its starring role in the 1980s BBC hit show Howard’s Way) or check out the menu at the Boat House at Swanwick Marina.

Exploring nature in the great outdoors Experts agree the Hamble Valley is an important natural oasis.

Within the Upper Hamble Estuary & Woods (Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)), a dozen different types of ancient broad-leaved woodland can be found.

Where the Hamble River joins the Solent you will find extensive intertidal muds with a fringe of grassy shingle, saltmarsh, reedbed, marshy grasslands, soft rock cliffs and deciduous woodland. The site is an integral part of Southampton Water which is of international importance for over-wintering darkbellied Brent geese, and of national importance for

three species of wildfowl (great-crested grebe, teal and wigeon) and five species of wader (black-tailed godwit, dunlin, grey plover, ringed plover, redshank). The area also supports an outstanding array of nationally scarce coastal plants.

At Itchen Valley Country Park explore 440 acres of beautiful water meadows, woodland and meadows which have been recognised with a Green Flag award. The Visitor Centre has a variety of nature-based displays on the many habitats and species that can be found at the park. Young visitors can get closer to nature during school holidays with activities such as pond dipping, woodland activity days and bushcraft skills.

Here Boy ... advice for dog walkers when visiting sites run by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.

Taking note of the signs and notices: Wildlife Trust nature Share the fun with your best friend reserves have different policies for dog walking and some do not permit dogs. Please look reserves have red dog bins, but if out for the appropriate signs at you can’t find a bin, please take the the entrance and around the waste home with you to dispose reserve. Always picking up after of safely or use a nearby litter bin. your dog: A selection of nature 10

Swanwick Lakes is managed by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve and is a beautiful place to walk and explore particularly during Keeping your dog close to you and in sight or on a lead: If your dog is off lead and out of sight, they may well be causing disturbance to local wildlife which can cause a reduction in breeding success and ultimately a decrease in population numbers.

Being aware of grazing animals: Many sites are managed with the help of grazing animals so please keep your dog on a lead in these areas for your own safety and to avoid distress to the livestock.

Considering other visitors: If you see other visitors up ahead, please put your dog on a lead whilst you are walking past them.

For more info go to www.hiwwt.org.uk

Reader Review...

Charley Takes to the Treetops ...

Hampshire singing sensation Charley Macauley spent the day at Go Ape at Itchen Valley Country Park at West End. - and here’s what she thought: “I have to say that doing something as active as this with zip wires and things, wouldn’t ordinarily be my thing.

“But I absolutely loved my time at Go Ape in Itchen Valley Country Park.

The place is so beautiful and peaceful and just a short drive away from bustling urban life.

“Swinging from the trees was such a laugh, I loved getting a totally different perspective of the forest.

“If someone was to ask me should I have a go – I’d say too right, you’ll love it.”

Charley’s album ‘All I Know’ is available on iTunes & Amazon for digital download OR www.facebook.com/charleymacaulay for a hard copy.

Twitter - @CharleyMacaulay | Facebook - CharleyMacaulay

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Itchen Valley Country Park

Netley Abbey The buildings that now comprise Netley Abbey ruins were first known to the monks of the Cistercian order who lived in the Abbey for over three hundred years, commissioners of King Henry VIII, the first Marquis of Winchester. For over two thousand years the curious have visited Netley Abbey and today the ruins are in the care of English Heritage for everyone to enjoy.

It’s also full of literary heritage and makes a great site for a picnic with the kids.

As expected, Netley Abbey has its legends, ghosts and of course a curse which is said to date from the time of the dissolution of the monasteries. One of the Abbey Monks, ‘Blind Peter’ became the

guardian of Abbey’s treasure against Henry VIII. In an attempt to find the treasure, a gentleman named Mr Slown arrived at the Abbey and began to dig a hole.

Moments later he ran away screaming, and collapsed within minutes from a heart attack uttering his dying words, ‘For God’s sake, block it up’.

Another victim of ‘the curse of Netley Abbey’ was local builder Walter Taylor. In 1700, when Taylor was intent on removing stones from the site to use in a town house, he had a terrible nightmare. In the dream, he was visited by a monk who warned him of great mischief if he was to continue with his plans. He saw a large stone falling on him,

which fractured his skull. Taylor discussed his dreams with Dr Isaac Watts who suggested that he should keep out of the way during the demolition. However, contrary to this advice, Taylor took part in the demolition and in the course of tearing down a board, he loosened a stone that fell and fractured his head. The wound was not considered mortal but, during the operation to remove the splinter, the surgeons instrument slipped, entered into Taylors brain and caused instant death.

For a copy of a leaflet about Netley Abbey contact 023 8000 1655 or visit www.hamblevalley.com Opening times: Netley Abbey is open daily for visitors between Easter and October and weekends out of season.

Telephone English Heritage: 023 9237 8291

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Be inspired to write your own poetry at the Abbey ruins?

Climb the 166 steps of the RVCP chapel tower

Trails and woodland allow children to run free

Visit Hampshires only working windmill

Set in 140 acres of beautiful Hampshire landscape, Marwell Zoo is a chance to get close to the wonders of the natural world – and play a big part in helping to save them.

From ring-tailed coatis to poison arrow frogs, wonderful white rhinos to Amur leopards, cottontop tamarins to meerkats and giraffes there’s more than 170 exotic and endangered species to see.

Visitors can explore the play parks, take a trip on the train, listen to fascinating animal talks and watch the animals being fed.

The zoo has plenty of special events to keep the family busy too, including an Easter Egg Hunt, Bird of Prey shows and an epic Rise of the Dinosaurs trail with an array of frightening prehistoric characters.

SKY WARRIORS bird of prey show 5-6th April and 12-13th April

Together with Liberty’s owl, raptor and reptile centre Marwell Zoo is inviting guests to enjoy a spectacular bird of prey show.

Watch the agile birds duck, dive 14

and swoop over your heads and learn fascinating facts about these incredible Sky Warriors.

Easter & Dino Egg Hunt From 5th April to 21st April

Marwell will be celebrating Easter by hosting FREE fun crafts every day for all the family.

What’s more, during the Easter weekend from April 18th to the 21st, the hugely popular Easter Egg Hunt will return, but this time with a Dino twist! Don’t miss your chance to take part, collect your chocolate egg and meet the Easter Bunny.

Rise of the Dinosaurs 23rd May – 2nd September

This summer Marwell Zoo will be transformed into a Jurassic Jungle. Be enthralled by awesome dinosaurs as they come to life with animatronics, roaring or spitting at anyone who dares to get near them.

For more information about what’s on at the zoo and to discover more about Marwell Wildlife’s charity work visit www.marwell.org.uk

Terrifying tyrants such as the flying Quetzalcoatlus, armoured Triceratops, spiked Edmontonia, the plated Stegosaurus and the king of them all, the deadly Tyrannosaurus Rex will be taking up residence in Marwell.

25th October – 2nd November

13th June and 5th July

Get ready to be spooked at Marwell’s Halloween Festival!

Enjoy a trip on the zoo’s ghoulish ghost train, design a pumpkin for carving and watch the animals explore and eat their tasty pumpkin treats.

Marwell’s Sunset Party in the Park is back by popular demand! Visit the zoo for a party to remember!

Christmas at Marwell.. be enchanted!

Visitors will have out of hours access to the Rise of the Dinosaurs event, be able to see the animals at sunset and enjoy special talks.

Party at the inflatable’s area, jump on the bouncy castle and challenge the inflatable bungee run, all this and more fun for all the family.

Marwell’s infamous Christmas event returns to the zoo. Let them take you on a magical journey through Marwell Hall. Take part in spellbinding storytelling, Christmas themed crafts and meet Santa, Mrs Claus and their attentive elves!

Sunset party in the park-

Plus, to keep the party swinging, choose between two nights of incredible performances and entertainment including fire shows, giant animal characters and live bands.

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Halloween Festival

22nd November – 24th December

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Earth Walk this way Whether you have the full Strawberry Trail Cobbett Trail The long- distance circular route Travel in the footsteps of Botley’s day or just a few hours (15 miles) is a popular trail which most famous and radical resident to spare, there is only leads you through some of the on the Cobbett Trail (4.5 miles). one way to experience the highlights of the Hamble Valley Starting at the Market Hall in beautiful scenery of the including the historic villages of the centre of Botley, the heritageHamble Valley and that Botley, Bursledon, Hamble and based trail provides fascinating Netley through country parks and insight to the lives and times of is to explore one of the along much of the River Hamble Botley residents as well as the many walks and trails. shoreline. historic buildings.

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Strawberry Trail Full Day Walk

Hamble Rail Trail

Guided Walks

A pleasant and relatively easy walk(4.5 miles) linking Hamble Common with Royal Victoria Country Park using part of the Solent Way and overlapping with the Strawberry Trail. The trail which runs adjacent to a disused railway track that was once used to transport aircraft from Manchester.

Why not combine a walk with some fascinating history and join a Hamble Valley Heritage Guide on a seasonal guided walk through the parishes and villages of the Hamble Valley. The popular walks provide an insight into the history of the area with famous associations, the impact of local industry and local peculiarities, stories and legends. A full programme of walks can be found at www.hamblevalley.com

Hamble Rail Trail Morning Walk

Cobbett Trail Afternoon Walk

Turn the page to start Walking.....

Strawberry Trail A long distance circular walking trail through the countryside and villages of the Hamble Valley. The distance to Netley from Botley is approximately 8 miles, and the total circular route is approx. 15 miles.

It includes several stiles and should take about 8 hours to complete.

The trail is waymarked by circular red markers depicting a strawberry.

To download a full description of the trail with points of interest visit www.hamblevalley.com

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tarting from Botley, leave the S village square to south along Church Lane until you reach the entrance to Manor Farm Country Park. Turn left and enter the park, passing the old workshops. Continue straight ahead through the gate along the main footpath by the hedge. At the corner of the field, do not take the first right hand path, but go through the gate and turn right to follow the parallel field edge path alongside a hedge. ollow the waymarkers along through F the woods to the river until a left turn is reached at a creek. Cross the creek over a stile and follow the path waymarkers across the field, cross over two more stiles and follow the tarmac roads alongside the river until arriving at A27 Bridge Road. Take care crossing this busy road into Church Lane, then turn left into Station Road and left again into the Station car park.

Turn right taking the steep footpath up the hill, and then round to the left following the High Street through Old Bursledon. Pass Salterns Lane junction then turn left down a narrow path alongside the cottage.

Follow markers down the hill and up through the woods at Mallards Moor until eventually reaching Satchell Lane, Hamble. alk along twisting Satchell Lane W (taking great care) until after a sharp bend take a path to the right leading along the edge of old Hamble airfield. Continue along the footpath passing a children’s play area until reaching High Street opposite St. Andrew’s Church.

T urn left and follow High Street downhill to Hamble Quay. From the Quay by the public toilets go up the short steep hill (Green Lane) turning left at the top across a graveled area. Follow the path through the woods, across the salt marsh flats and meadows of Hamble Common to the foreshore.

Cross the road and walk through the beach car park, past the gun battery and along the path over heath land.Follow the waymarkers on this section of what is also part of The Solent Way, continue along past the BP Terminal and Westfield Common to reach Royal Victoria Country Park. hilst in the Country Park, take time W to visit the Heritage Centre, Royal Victoria Railway or continue along the shorefront, following The Solent Way to visit the ruins of Netley Abbey.

T o continue on The Strawberry Trail, follow the path to the Cedar Tearooms and toilets then follow The Hamble Rail Trail, taking the left hand path when you reach the railway boundary fence out to Hound Road. Turn right and follow Hound Road to the T-junction at the end.

Cross the main road near the bus stop and pick up the trail path which goes to the right through the kissing gates. ontinue along the straight path C turning right into the recreation ground at the end of the fields. Walk straight across and along a short stretch of road to the traffic lights on Hamble Lane.

For the Strawberry Trail route map and more walks in the Hamble Valley visit www.hamblevalley.com

ross Hamble Lane into C Chamberlayne Road, turning right turn toward the church, take the tarmac path down the hill past the shops. Follow Woodlands Way then turn left into The Acorns. Go downhill to the end and, straight ahead following footpath to where it crosses the Hungerford Lane. Continue across the lane up the footpath to top of hill.

T urn right along Kew Lane a short distance, then left into a path leading to Church Lane. Turn left at end of path, walk along the lane continuing until the junction with School Road. Cross over School Road and follow the path to end turning right down the bank to Church Lane. Walk down Church Lane to the church, following the markers around the back of the churchyard. t the bottom of the steps follow the A path to the right, then at the fork take the left side path down to Station Hill. Turn left and continue straight ahead along Station Road and Church Lane to the A27. Cross over A27, retracing your steps following the waymarkers back to Manor Farm Country Park. After crossing the bridge over the creek, take the left path leading to a tarmac small road.

Turn left along it for about 50 yards and then right along a path. Follow this until a crossroads of footpaths, turning right along a broad bridleway, which eventually returns you to Manor Farm roadway. Cross the roadway and turn left back to Manor Farm museum buildings, past the farm and out onto Church Lane.

Turn left and follow the lane, taking the path on the right hand side across fields. Go through a couple of kissing gates, across a bridge before taking the right hand fork in the path which brings you back to Botley village.

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HAMBLE RAIL TRAIL This is a pleasant, relatively easy 7.2km (4.5m) walk linking Hamble Common with Royal Victoria Country Park and ties in with a section of the long distance Solent Way to provide a circular route.

The trail overlaps the long distance Strawberry Trail in places, and passes through open parkland and countryside, woodland, coastal heath and alongside pebble beach.

Allow two hours, plus time for any desired stops.

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he Hamble Rail Trail runs adjacent to a disused railway track which was built towards the end of WWI to transport aircraft from Manchester to Hamble. A siding was also constructed to serve the famous flying boat factory in Hamble. The war ended before the line could be put into use, and it was purchased for the storage and transportation of oil. The line was last used in 1986 to bring crude oil from Wytch Farm in Dorset, and a 56 mile pipeline now does the job. BP still maintains the option for possible future use of the railway. Today the trail links Royal Victoria Country Park with Hamble Common then ties in with a section of the Solent Way to provide a circular trail.

A good place to start this walk is at Royal Victoria Country Park on the edge of Netley village. If you come by car, it is easy to park within the park – head for the nearest car park to the Empire Tea Room, also close to the Royal Victoria Miniature Railway which is located where the hospital station once stood. Do remember to buy a parking ticket. If you are travelling by public transport, Netley railway station, on the Southampton – Portsmouth line is only 10 minutes walk from Royal Victoria Country Park (there is a cut through, signed footpath), or catch the bus to Netley village. You can also take the foot passenger ferry from Warsash across Hamble River to Hamble, and begin your walk from Hamble Village.

Covering more than 200 acres of open parkland, coastline and mature woods, Royal Victoria Country Park holds the moving story of Britain’s first purpose built hospital, demolished after little more than 100 year’s service to wounded and sick soldiers. The walk starts and ends here, and it is worth spending some time within the park too, if you can, to enjoy the scenery and absorb the fascinating heritage of this site.

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tart your walk from The Cedar Tearooms within Royal Victoria Country Park. This building was presented to Royal Victoria Hospital by the British Timber Trades Federation which donated wood from 100 rare tree species from all over the British Empire, hence its name. Opened in 1940, it was used by the YMCA to provide entertainment for patients and staff. Take the road to the right of the Empire Room, and behind the toilet block, for 100yds. Continue along a narrower grass path on the other side of the road when you reach the road junction.

This was the cutting along which the railway line ran from Netley Station to the hospital.

Cross the road which enters the Hampshire Police Training College and enter the orchard. This orchard was established by the Itchen Hamble Countryside Project in 1995 and contains around 90 trees of mainly old English cider and eating apple varieties, plus some pear and plum varieties, and including delightful names such as Howgate Wonder, Bess Pool and Bloody Ploughman!

Follow the path through the orchard and turn right alongside the mainline Portsmouth – Southampton railway line.

Further on you can see where the old disused line could link into the main line if it were needed. A narrow path tapers off left which goes to Hamble railway station, approximately 200m away. However, continue along the main path, where you can see the overgrown disused railway line to your left. Cross a footbridge over the pond (which may well be dried up in summer). Over to your left, across the railway line, you should be able to see an old pillbox – a brick building about the size of a large shed – which was a defensive position during WWII. This has been converted to a bat roost to help ensure the survival of both bats and the pillbox!

Pond

Military Cemetery

Hamble Primary School

Bench Kissing Gate

Mount Pleasant Recreation Ground

Sailing Club

Hamblecliff House

Playing Field

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Netley Chapel Museum & Heritage Centre

Kissing Gate

Pelican Crossing

Hamble Airfield (disused)

Hamble Court Business Park

Bench

Works

Recreation Ground

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Spitfire Way

Kissing Gate

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Victoria House Police Training College

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Barbecue Site

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Royal Victoria Country Park

Sports Ground

Hamble La

Cedar Tearooms & WC

Hamble Station

Orchard

Satchell Lane

Kissing Gate

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r e ross the road to the pillbox defensive Ba Bench entrance of Victoria position on your WW2 Gun Battery House, the Hampshire left, believed to be High Str R Bench ou eet Police Training College. This was called such because t Ensign Way Westfield Hamble originally the mental asylum for Business Park Quay of their similarity in Common Ha shape to medicinal Kissing Gate Royal Victoria Hospital, where it is W Hamble-le-Rice m ay ble FP e -W boxes. Continue believed that at least 15,000 servicemen pill La an ar n d e St Bench WORKS were treated for shell shock during WWI. alongsashere before h ra Fe wb rry er In the 1960’s it also became the main Navy joining the tarmac ry Hamble Tr Copse a il psychiatric hospital and the training centre path past Hamble Pond and Bench Hamble Totem Sculpture for RMN psychiatric nurses from the Army, Cliff apartments on River from Navy and RAF, before finally closing in 1978. your left, and the the Quay at the Pass Hamble Primary School on your right restored building, Hamble Bench bottom of the High and you come out onto Hamble Lane. For Hamble Cliff Common Street. Otherwise, your own safety, as this can be a very busy Stables, on your turn left and find a safe road, please use the pelican crossing 200m right. Walk place to cross Hamble Lane south to access the trail route opposite past the boat to continue down Copse Lane. this exit. Rejoin the trail path. The disused pound on your WW2 anti-aircraft gun Hamble Point Opposite Copse Lane Surgery railway line is now on your right. On your left left. The path Marina turn right onto the footpath is Hamble Airfield, where during the 1920s opens out to into Hamble Copse, which passes through and 30s Hamble Aeroplane Club flourished a panoramic woodland. Here you will pass a Totem Pole with members including RJ Mitchell, who view of Royal sculpture, close to a pond. This was carved designed the Spitfire, Amy Johnson, one Victoria Country Park with

by Russell Franklyn, of Winchester School of the foremost female aviators and Bert Netley Chapel ahead and Royal Victoria of Art. Continue along the path to Hamble Hinkler, the first pilot to fly solo to Australia.

Railway to your right. The Chapel contains Common, following waymarks to Hamble Today it is home to abundant wildlife, a heritage exhibition of the hospital’s Point. Much of Hamble Common is a site of including barn owls, kestrels, goldfinches, history from Florence Nightingale to today, special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and has a stonechats and skylarks. Along the way you and is worth a visit if open. At the edge of wealth of history with evidence of life dating will pass a wooden seat designed by artist the path is an information board which back to the Iron Age. In 1543 Henry VIII had Alison Crowther as part of the Millennium highlights the points of interest within the St Andrews Castle built here, one of several sculpture project. The trail then opens park, including, off to the right, the peaceful sited along the Solent to defend against out onto housing and roads, with Hamble military cemetery which contains 3500 possible French invasion. Today, all that Parish Pavilion and Spitfire Way on your graves of military and also wives and staff of remains are a few foundation stones at low left. Head right and cross over the railway the hospital. Royal Victoria Country Park also tide. Upon reaching the pebble beach to your hosts a host of seasonal events throughout lines embedded in the road to follow the left is Hamble Point Marina, and just before pedestrian path below which a pipeline the year. this is an anti aircraft Bofors gun, which was transports products from the Esso refinery positioned to protect Southampton and the at Fawley (which is located on the other side nearby oil terminals during WWII. of Southampton Water). Along the left of this path, meadow planting is a blaze of colour in ollow the beach to the right, joining summer, attracting butterflies and insects. the Solent Way. At high tide, you of

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urn left onto Hamble Lane where the disused railway terminates. This is a good opportunity to stop and buy refreshments if you carry on down Hamble Lane (0.5km/0.3m) to Hamble village, which is packed with pubs, tea rooms and restaurants. Hamble is a delightful old maritime village with superb views over

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can take the footpath raised on concrete which runs above the beach. At low tide, you may see wading birds such as oystercatchers, turnstones and ringed plovers, feeding on shellfish and worms from the mud. Along the right you pass reed beds and Westfield Common. Take the narrow grass path alongside the beach passing a

The Cobbett Trail

William Cobbett (1763-1835) was a radical politician and one of the foremost political journalists of his age.

Today he is best remembered for such books as ‘Cottage Economy’, ‘Advice to Young Men’ and, his most famous work, ‘Rural Rides’.

William Cobbett

(COURTESY OF THE WILLIAM COBBETT SOCIETY)

The Cobbett trail is designed to guide visitors around the village of Botley, in the footsteps of William Cobbett and to identify some of the places associated with him or which he would have known.

1. The Market Hall (Formerly known as The Market House)

Botley received its first market charter in 1267 which was given to John de Botele, lord of the manor and relative of William of Wykeham, who obtained a charter from Henry III. In the early 19th century, a fortnightly corn market was started in 1829, and a cattle market the following year, which often included numerous cattle, horses, pigs and sheep.

The Market Hall with its four Tuscan Portland stone columns was built in 1848 with funding from the Warner family and the Hall was leased to trustees at a nominal rate of 1 shilling per annum for 1000 years to be used for the purposes of Botley Market.

It was the venue for Farmer’s Club dinners where one of the delicacies served was Botley Plum Pudding. Punch was served from large jugs covered in ships and pictures. Contemporary cartoons of Cobbett sometimes depict him with a glass of Botley Ale in his hand.

2. Botley Mills

There has been a mill here since at least Domesday.

The mill was formerly owned by the Duke of Portland between 1536-1775 and the oldest part dates from 1770. The mill came into James Warner’s hands in 1833. In the early 19th century,

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the mill also included a coal wharf.

As Cobbett makes clear, milling was an important part of the local economy – along with farming and the timber and underwood trades – during the years he lived at Botley, with corn, and flour being brought to and from the mill by the navigable Hamble river. He notes that the men of the parish were almost all “farmers, farmers’ men, millers, millers’ men, millwrights, publicans who sell beer to the farmers’ men and the farmers; copse cutters, tree strippers, bark shavers, farmers’ wheelwrights, farmers’ blacksmiths…. and, in short, nothing but persons belonging to agriculture”. The mill is currently being restored by its present owners, the Appleby family.

Come out of the courtyard of the Mills to the pavement and then turn left. After a very short distance there will be found on the left:

3. Sherecroft

In Cobbett’s day, this house was called ‘Botley Hill’ and was rented by Cobbett along with 106 acres of farmland on his release from Newgate prison in 1812. He lived there until 1817.

Retrace your steps towards Botley Mills. As you approach the river, look across to the lawns on the far side. On the grounds above the lawns was the site of Cobbett’s house – Botley House – where Cobbett lived when he came to Botley. A contemporary of Cobbett described Botley House as being, “large, high, massive, red, and square, and perched on a considerable eminence”,

and it would have been an imposing sight with a clock tower on top.

In his paper, The Political Register, Cobbett attacked land speculation in 1806 but from 1805 he arrived in Botley intent on investing in property – despite having no reserves of capital. He acquired Cock Street Farm at Droxford, Fairthorn Farm, the coppice on Curdridge Common, 87 acre Hounsden Estate, and the farms of Raglington and Lockhams. In total he spent £27,000 on over 500 acres. He introduced new breeds and new farming equipment to his lands. As for his workforce, Cobbett was generally considered to be a fair employer, though even the champion of reform was accused by some of his people of expecting a month’s work to be completed in a week.

Cobbett enjoyed country life and sports, and thought that contests such as boxing, wrestling and bull-baiting were character building. In October 1805, he promoted a single-stick match in Botley.

This consisted of two contestants fighting one another with cudgels, with the winner being the one who drew blood from his opponent’s head.

As Harriet Lewin recorded in her reminiscences: “The celebrated Mr Cobbett, who presided on the platform and gave prizes… out of his own pocket” Proceed back up the Mill Lane to the top, taking great care, cross to the left to go along Church Lane.

4. Botley House Outbuildings

Botley House was demolished not long after Cobbett left Botley but some of the outbuildings survived. These are on the left hand side of Church Lane, and can be seen behind the property called Cobbett’s Cottage. Part of the garden wall still remains standing, as does the stable block, which is now called Cobbett’s House. Further along Church Lane is Hamblewood and a good vantage point is to proceed right down to the end of this road and look back at the buildings.

View of the main street Botley, from Mudie's Hampshire (1838) (Three years after Cobbett’s death)(COURTESY OF HAMPSHIRE RECORDS OFFICE)

5. Steeple Court

High Street

(Now known as Steeple Court Manor)

Retrace your steps and, on leaving Hamblewood, follow Church Lane down the hill, past the old Bark Store, which together with the stone quays that survive is a legacy of the river-port that existed during the years Cobbett was at Botley. Continue along Church Lane and you pass Steeple Court Manor. This was owned by the Warner family, who were the lords of the manor in Cobbett’s time and related by marriage to him. Cobbett’s sister-in-law Eleanor Reid married James Warner a major local landowner and benefactor and whose portrait you might have seen in the Market Hall. Although a supporter of the old poor laws, Cobbett himself did not see it as his responsibility to give additional money to the poor, he felt that should be done by the State. “It is good that we should be daily exposed to accidents and infirmities …. every individual should rely upon himself only”.

Botley Bugle Memorial Dolphin Stone

Church Lane

St Bartholomew’s Church, listed as Grade II originally called All Saints was rededicated in 1836 after the new church was built in the village.

The Rector of St Bartholomew’s in Cobbett’s day was Richard Baker, sarcastically referred to by Cobbett as ‘that delectable creature, the Botley Parson’. Cobbett and Baker were full of quarrels with one another and Cobbett delighted in recording practical jokes played on the parson.

On a day in early July 1812, Baker must have felt a sense of satisfaction. Cobbett had been imprisoned for 2 years in 1810 for publishing a treasonable libel. Released on 9 July 1812 he made his way through Alton where he was received by the ringing of the church bells but at Botley

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Hamblewood

Bark Store

Brook Lane

Church Lane becomes a country lane; please proceed carefully as there are no pavements.

Follow the road round to the entrance to Manor Farm and on the left you will see St Bartholomew’s Church.

6. St Bartholomew’s Church

Cobbett’s House

Marks Farm

cracking of whips!”

Church Lane becomes Brook Lane; the lane will eventually bring you out to a junction with the main road, where you turn right to come back into Botley village. On the right hand side you will find ALL SAINTS CHURCH.

Manor Farm

there were no bells. Baker pocketed the keys to the church and refused to hand them over to the villagers who wanted to ring the bells.

7.The Old Rectory 8.All Saints Church Go back to Church Lane and carry on walking, you will pass one of the last strawberry producers in Botley on the left. Strawberries were developed in Botley after the 1860s. By 1897, 1013 tons of fruit had been despatched from Botley station to the markets and restaurants of London. On the right hand side you will find THE OLD RECTORY. It ceased to be the rectory when a new one was built in the village by the new church.

This was the home of Richard Baker and Cobbett mentions in his ‘Rural Rides’ how on a return visit to Botley in 1826 he and his companion tried to provoke Baker into making an appearance by riding close to his house and by “hallooing and by

When the old church was no longer large enough, and the village centre had moved to the north, a letter was sent to the Bishop of Winchester complaining that when there was a funeral the corpse had to be carried over fields and across four stiles or gates. In response James Warner provided land for the new Church to be built.

This church was built in the 1830s, after Cobbett had left Botley. The clock was originally part of Botley House and was given to the Church when All Saints was built. Two of Cobbett’s daughters were baptised in the old font which was moved here from the original parish church of St Bartholomew’s. Cobbett’s old adversary, Richard Baker is buried in the churchyard.

Sponsored by the Hedge End, West End and Botley Local Area Committee

Information produced by The Marketing Collective © Botley Parish Council. All rights reserved

A view of Mr Cobbett’s House, Botley, Hampshire (COURTESY OF THE HAMPSHIRE RECORDS OFFICE TOP37/2/2)

History in the Making The Hamble Valley has a wealth of fascinating local heritage connections and attractions which tell of years gone by and the role that the area has had in the history of southern Hampshire.

There are plenty of attractions across the Hamble Valley where the past comes to life. Discover Eastleigh’s past at Eastleigh Museum, which tells the story of a locomotive engine driver in the 1930s and has a regular programme of exhibitions, workshops, talks and family friend events and activities during school holidays.

See a fine example of the county’s agricultural heritage at the beautifully restored Bursledon Windmill. Built by Phoebe Langtry in 1813-14 and in full working order, you can have a go at grinding the flour and purchase a bag of the high quality flour to take home.

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Bursledon Brickworks Industrial Museum at Swanwick was founded in 1897 and produced 20 million bricks a year in its heyday.

Open on Sundays, visitors can explore the brick workings and museum and see demonstrations of steam and pug mill engines.

Regular open days and events provide exhibitions from historic cars to traditional crafts, along with a wildlife garden and coffee shop.

Westbury Manor Museum in Fareham tells the history of Fareham’s past including the ‘Fareham Reds’ which were locally produced bricks that built much of Victorian England; the largest export was The Royal Albert Hall, in London. There are local displays and events and activities for children, along with a Victorian public garden.

Visit the Heritage Centre within the Chapel at Royal Victoria Country Park, Netley and discover the history of largest military hospital. Opened by Florence Nightingale in 1863, Royal Victoria

Hospital was over a quarter-mile long with 138 wards and around 1000 beds for the casualties of the Crimean War (1854- 56). Netley was also the home of the Army Medical School and one of its most famous doctors was Dr Watson, the partner of Sherlock Holmes. His connections with Netley are mentioned on the first page of ‘A Study in Scarlet’ the first Sherlock Holmes book.

Maritime Memories There have been people living and working on the banks of the River Hamble for over two thousand years. Archaeology has shown that the Salterns, on the river edge near Bursledon, were in use from c100BC - 100AD

The ships Henry V’s flagship the Grace Dieu was brought to the Hamble at Bursledon during the 100 Years War with France, but caught fire after being hit by lightning. Her wreck (one of many in the River Hamble) can be seen at low tide from Manor Farm Country Park.

Convalescence at Ne tley

dmill Bursledon Win

The Elephant, Nelson’s flagship in the Battle of Copenhagen was built on the River Hamble.

It was during this battle that Nelson ignored the command to withdraw putting his telescope to his blind eye and remarking to the ship’s captain “You know Foley, I have only one eye, I have the right to be blind sometimes, I really do not see the signal” After the battle Nelson was promoted to Admiral.

The Elephant also saw service in the 1812 war against the USA when she was under the command of Jane Austen’s brother Frank and featured in her novel ‘Mansfield Park’ was built on the River Hamble.

History of flig

ht

The Hamble Valley Heritage Guides run Hamble based walks which bring to life these trades.

Smuggling King John set up a customs collection service in 1203 which collected one fifteenth of all imports and exports, many people wanted to avoid paying so smuggling was born. Hamble’s sheltered waters were ideal for the landing of illicit cargo.

Smuggling was established from there from 1235 when 11 ships were caught smuggling herring.

ble

m ver Ha T he Ri D-Day

1944 saw Hamble as busy as it had been during the 100 Years War and there are several plaques and memorials along the river to commemorate the extraordinary activities that took place in the lead up to D-Day.

Shipbuilders Walking around Hamble Square and the High Street there are many indications of the past trades of those associated with boats, including Rope Walk.

Families of ship builders include The Ewers of Bursledon, Moody Janverin and Deacon’s Boatyard.

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Attend an open day at Bursledon Brickworks

Step back into history at Royal Victoria Country Park

Buy a bag of flour from Burlsedon Windmill

Visit Eastleigh Museum

WE SHALL REMEMBER...

Events Taking Place to Mark 100th Anniversary of World War 1 Southampton was the main port of military embarkation for more than eight million troops and their equipment departing for mainland Europe. A steady flow of refugees, prisoners of war and over one million wounded came back to England via Southampton.

Young men and women from across Hampshire, Britain and the wider British Empire journeyed across the county by train or on foot and horseback to gather in transit camps in and near Southampton; where they waited their turn to board the troopship that would carry them far away from the world they knew. Too few returned and many of the injured were treated in hospitals throughout Hampshire.

Commemoration events marking the 100th anniversary will be taking place throughout the county. Visit www3.hants.gov. uk/1914 for more details.

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Here are just a few dates for your diary: From Empire to Armageddon :Royal Victoria Country Park :10am 3rd May2014.

A day of fascinating facts and stories relating to Royal Victoria Military Hospital and the way it operated during the war. Suitable for 16+ years.

Time: 10am to 4pm in the Heritage Centre Price: £6 per person. Tickets available from the shop.

Call 023 8045 5157.

Commemorate the Start of the Great War :Royal Victoria Country Park : 27th July 2014.

Witness a short wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph and take part in a guided walk around the cemetery, a talk by renowned local author Philip Hoare and tower tours operating throughout the afternoon.

Free entry to events – car park is pay and display.

Call 023 8045 5157 for more details.

A Father’s Memorial to a Much Loved Son Who Died in the Great War. John Willis Fleming built the Stoneham War Shrine in 1917 to mark the death of his son Richard and 36 men from the North Stoneham parish who also perished.

Richard Willis Fleming was killed in Egypt on 4 August 1916, the day after his twentieth birthday.

The shrine that marks his passing is one of an identical pair – the other can be found on the Isle of Wight.

The shrine, which is situated in the 13 acre Avenue Park has been restored as part of a major project.

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Fork & Cork

Good food and drink is always on the menu in the Hamble Valley and local produce features prominently with a rich heritage from strawberries in Botley, to cherries in Chandlers Ford and oysters from the River Hamble.

Hamble The Water’s Edge is set on the River Hamble with attractive views to enjoy a meal and drink.

With a large bar and conservatory, plus an outside terrace and large patio area, there are plenty of places to sit and enjoy the view and soak up the atmosphere.

The Olde Whyte Hart on the High Street is the oldest pub in Hamble offering a traditional bar menu with daily specials including fresh fish and speciality steaks.

For modern European cuisine visit the River Rat Cellar and Kitchen who host a number of events and special menus throughout the year.

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Warsash

The Jolly Farmer Country Inn in Warsash offers a delicious menu every lunchtime and evening.

Among the choices are succulent steaks, locally caught seafood dishes and a daily specials board.

Eastleigh Unwind in the relaxing atmosphere of Artisan Coffee and Wine Bar, offering authentic Turkish cuisine. La Fenice offers the finest Italian cuisine with freshly caught fish being their speciality. The Swan Centre complex offers a number of restaurants with a variety of tastes and flavours, from Italian Prezzo to New York Italian Frankie and Benny’s, the legendary Portuguese Nando’s , The Harvester and The Break Bar which offers serves mouthwatering traditional British food.

For a relaxing meal in a unique and elegant setting, discover The Point’s Cafe Bar and restaurant; whether it’s simply a glass of wine after work or a delicious fine dining experience or hearty lunch, there is a wide variety of superb

seasonal dishes made from locally-sourced produce.

Housed in a beautifully renovated Victorian school house, The Concorde Club boasts a finedining restaurant, The Moldy Fig wine bar serves mouth-watering menus and is also home to regular supper and dinner clubs, plus a distinguished wine society.

The Hampshire Food Festival July 1st -31st Events include farm tours, local food-themed festival menus and celebration dinners, hands-on cookery, chocolate and jammaking workshops, butchery master classes, brewery tours, vineyard tours and wine tasting, cookery demonstrations, barbecues, an ox roast and barn dance, vegetable carving workshops, an orchard walk and juice tasting and more.

The free Hampshire Food Festival programme is available from May. Find out more at www. hampshirefare.co.uk where you can also sign up to receive the latest Festival news, as well as competitions, offers and events all year round.

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Itinerary : 3

Let’s Get Romantic...

I’m in the mood for Lurve!…

They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach – so sampling some local produce from the Hamble Valley is sure to make your mood more loving...

Buy some delicious local produce from a farm shop or deli for a Romantic picnic and head to the Hamble Valley.

Bonne Bouche in Hamble is a member of Hampshire Fare and stocks a wide variety of local produce. Garson’s Farm Shop in Titchfield has a selection of more than 80 cheeses amongst other award winning produce with free samples available most weekends.

The Hampshire Delicatessen in Wickham is renowned for its range of fine Hampshire produce and rest of Britain. Roll out your picnic blanket in the shade of the ruins of Netley Abbey. The most complete surviving

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Cistercian monastery in southern England, with almost all the walls of its 13th-century church still standing, along with many monastic buildings.

Even in ruins, the abbey continued to be influential, inspiring Romantic writers and poets.

Or head to the Royal Victoria Country Park,for a tranquil stroll along the seashore to admire the stunning views that can be seen across the Solent.

Finally watch the sun going down at a marina bar such as Banana Wharf Bar and res Inspirational sailor Geoff Holt recommends a romantic spot for a picnic.

“One favourite spot was where I would take my girlfriend when we were 15 years old. We would walk from Bursledon station, along Blundell

Lane, continuing straight along the footpath, past Aladdin’s Cave barge, under the newly built M27 where it crosses the Hamble, past the farm with their field of cows and along the river footpath, through the woods to where you suddenly emerge into a field, right on the edge of the river, overlooking the water, in total peace and quiet. We would lie on the grass, looking skyward, listening to the skylarks, sun shining and eating our picnic.”

Enjoy the taste of the Hamble Valley at home by visiting our recipe pages From Banoffee pie to Strawberry Savarin - there are plenty of mouth-watering dishes.

Exciting menu Tropical & oriental dishes with great seafood, pizza & pasta Full breakfast menu Great selection of beers & wines Large heated and covered terrace area Unobstructed views of the marina and the river Hamble

Convalescence at Ne tley visit google play itunes or scan to download our app

find

follow

C M Itinerary : 4

www.bananawharf.co.uk

When the clock strikes three – everything stops for tea...

An afternoon in the Hamble Valley.

You are never far from a cup of tea and a slice of homemade cake; whether out on a family walk, a spot of boutique shopping or simply to indulge in something sweet, there are plenty of tea-rooms, coffee shops and cafes across the Hamble Valley.

The Woodland Cafe in Itchen Valley Country Park, The Cedar Tearooms in Royal Victoria Country Park and The Pantry in Manor Farm Country Park all serve delicious local refreshments.

In Wickham, enjoy a cream tea at Chesapeake Mill with the soothing sound of running water or delicious lunches and high teas at Lilly’s Tea and Coffee House situated in the Square. Taking the time to enjoy a little retail therapy could be the perfect way to end your day in the Hamble Valley.

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Banana Wharf Hamble Port Hamble Marina, Hamble, Southampton S031 4QA T: 023 8045 6622 E: hamble@bananawharf.co.uk

From high street favourites to independent shops, the area has an abundance of shops, stores and boutiques to suit every pocket.

At Hedge End, there is the dual delight of Marks and Spencer and Sainsburys – both stores are a showcase for food, fashion and so much more.

Swan Centre in Eastleigh has a host of big high street names under one roof and a convenient car park too.

If you like to support independent retailers Wickham, Botley and Hamble should be on your shortlist to visit.

The traditional setting of Wickham makes it the perfect place for a mooch around the shops followed by afternoon tea. The medieval market square is the second largest of its kind in England with pretty

15th century cottages and grand Georgian residences.

Bay Tree Walk, Warwick Lane and Chesapeake Mill are a real delight with plenty of unusual gift ideas presented in a really attractive setting.

There’s a real feeling of nostalgia as you wander around these shops with everything from vintage prams, jewellery and clothing on sale.

Hamble maybe relatively bijou in size but what it lacks in scale it makes up for in quality. The independent shops are well worth seeking out – take a walk down the cobbled high street and take in the views down by the riverside.

Cycling the Hamble Valley way Here you will find a really enjoyable cycle route that takes in the history and sights of the Hamble Valley.

Visit our interactive map which makes it easy to locate the cycle routes: eastleigh.pindarcreative.co.uk

Woolston-Hamble: 8 km/ 1- 1.5 hours with a few stops Start from Woolston Station.

From either platform head to the Southampton end of the station, down the hill to Bridge Road. Then proceed south from Bridge Road, across the crossroads, into Victoria Road and south though the new Centenary Quay development area.

Take care of traffic at the crossroads and past the shops on Victoria Road. The road gets quieter once you pass this area.

The area of new development is the site of the former Vosper Thorneycroft shipyard.

Keep heading south on Victoria Road and turn right into the access road to the sailing club/ boatyard. From here, keep following the cycle path straight ahead for several miles. The route runs through a park and along Weston Parade. Most days during the summer and at weekends you can grab 32

an ice cream from the van at Weston Shore.

Keep following the path ahead (marked as NCN 2) as it bears off from the road to the right, running parallel to the beach. Keep following the path ahead past Netley sailing club and the “castle” on your right, and up the hill into Netley.

The route then joins Victoria Road (Netley) after a short stretch of shared use pavement/ cycleway. The road here is relatively quiet and fairly wide. The route passes through the village centre on the left, and recreation ground and access to the beach on the right.

There are opportunities for food and drink in Netley including at the Prince Consort pub which the route passes.

Continue ahead into Royal Victoria Country Park, Following signs for NCN2 as you pass the chapel and its 46m tall viewing tower. As you reach some woodland at the eastern end of the park,

you will need to turn left , and then bear right 50m later. Make sure you look out for the signs here!

Keep following this path ahead (the path runs along an embankment through a forest, before running parallel to a playing field). Eventually you emerge at Hamble Lane.

Turn right and use the shared pavement/ cycle path to head into Hamble town centre- note that for the final 300 or so metres after the level crossing of the old railway, you will need to ride on the road, and whilst the road isn’t too busy, some care does need to be taken. Shortly you will arrive at Hamble Square- note the Gold Postbox, for Olympic goldwinning cyclist and local hero Dani King.

For those who aren’t lured by pubs, ice cream and boats into staying a while at Hamble, you can extend this route a further 12km by continuing to Botley.

Continue to Botley:... Hamble to Botley: 1.5 to 2.5 hours allowing for a few stops | 12km First continue up Satchell Lane until you pass a house on the right named Wessex Manor look out for the nameplate on the wall.

Turn right onto the bridleway that heads into the woods at this point.

Follow this path ahead, over the railway bridge and continue on the path until it arrives at Bursledon. At one point the path crosses over a concrete surfaced road. Don’t take this road down the hill- instead keep looking on the left for the continuation of the path (signed by an arrow marker). The path eventually leads to a road. Follow this road up the hill.

Turn right at the top of the hill into school road; then immediately left into Church Lane. Ride past the school and recreation ground until you reach the junction with the main roadcross with care and ride up Blundell Lane, next to the river Hamble. Follow Blundell Lane round the corner; turn right when you arrive at Blundell Lane.

Ride along Blundell Lane as far as the junction with the main road.

Here, turn right and then immediately right again into Pylands Lane (signed for Manor Farm Country 33

Park). From here, ride down Pylands Lane. Follow the signs for Manor Farm itself at the junctions. There is an opportunity to get down to the river using some of these side roads.

At Manor Farm there is a café a good opportunity for a break if you need one.

Next, take the path along the west side of the Manor Farm building (through the gate and past a pond). At the next gate (marked as an entrance to the country park, and with St Bartholomews Church to the right) turn left and then a short distance later right onto Church Road. Then follow Church Road all the way to the southern edge of Botley- passing Botley Quay bark store on the way.

Upon reaching the houses at the southern end of Botley, the easiest option is to walk the bike straight ahead along the one way street and into Botley village centre.

There are various options for food and drink here.

Finally, to get to the station, head east along Botley High Street/ Mill Hill until you reach the station. You will pass Chesapeake Mill just after leaving the village centre. Note that this is a very busy main road and you may wish to avoid cycling until the road widens out beyond Chesapeake Mill.

Food & drink stops available: • • • • •

Woolston centre Netley (shops, 1 pub) Hamble (shops, various pubs & restaurants) Manor Farm Country Park (cafe) Botley (shops, various pubs & restaurants).

Places of interest passed on the route: • • • • • • • • • • • •

Woolston centre Centenary Quay development Weston Shore Netley centre Royal Victoria Country Park, Netley Hamble town centre Bursledon Manor Farm Country Park St Bartholomews Church-Botley Botley quay / bark store Botley Town Centre/ Chesapeake Mill Botley Station.

Key: = Be alert

= Places to eat = Ice cream stop

Sleep A range of room Four Winds options for every 17 Station Road, Park Gate, SO31 7GJ budget here are a few Southampton, t: 01489 584433 m: 07891147154 of the best located e: ruthrose1@btinternet.com www.fourwindsguesthouse.com within the Hamble Valley. For more accommodation see our website: www.hamblevalley.com Enjoy England ratings made easy: Simple, practical, no frills Well presented and well run Good level of quality and comfort Excellent standard throughout Exceptional with a degree of luxury

Bedrooms 1S, 1T, 2DE, 2TE Prices from (S)£40 (D)£65

7 , 4

The Bunney 11 Old School Close, Netley Abbey, Nr Southampton, Hampshire, SO31 5QJ t: 023 8045 7034 w: www.thebunney.co.uk e: sue_david@thebunney.co.uk Set in the idyllic location of Butlocks Heath village, near Netley Abbey.

This family friendly property offers warm, comfortable, well-furnished accommodation with plenty of space to relax and unwind. Within easy access to three cities, shopping centres, family attractions and it’s a beautiful area for walking, cycling and exploring. self catering. VE & EE



Bedrooms 1 Double, 1 Twin, 1 Cot Prices from £300 - £600 per week

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Enjoy a homely Hampshire welcome at our family-run guest house. Close to Junction 9 of the M27 - just off main A27 Porstmouth - Southampton road. Walking distance to Park Gate Village amenities and Swanwick Railway Station.

Eversley Guest House Kanes Hill, West End, Soton,SO19 6AJ t: 02380 464 546 e: eversleyguesthouse@yahoo.co.uk www.eversleyguesthouse.org.uk

A friendly and comfortable B&B in a location convenient for M27, Southampton airport and ferry terminals, and the Rose Bowl cricket ground.

A designated off-road parking space for each room. Within easy reach of Southampton, Winchester, Portsmouth and the New Forest. All rooms have flatscreen TV, en-suite shower room and free WI-FI. English or continental breakfast included in the room price.

Bedrooms 1 SE, 3 TE, 1 K/FE Prices from (S)£45 (T)£68 (K)£75 (F) £88

Heather Gables Dodwell Lane, Bursledon, Southampton, SO31 1DJ t: 023 80404925 e: Heather.Gables@talktalk.net www.heathergables.co.uk

Accommodation

Montana Guest House 90 Lower Northam Road Hedge End Southampton, SO30 4FT t: 01489 782797 www.montanabedandbreakfast.co.uk

Heather Gables has achieved a 4 star rating with Visit England and the AA and has an award for the breakfast it serves.

We offer two en-suit rooms as singles, doubles or twin and each has a private balcony overlooking a mature garden.

Off road parking is available and there is easy access to the M27 Jnc. 8.

Bedrooms 2DE Prices from (S)£55 (D/T)£75 Includes breakfast.

Primrose Cottage Allington Lane West End SO30 3HQ t: 023 8046 6348 e: primrosecottagebnb@gmail.com www.primrosecottagebandb.com

‘A home from home’. Excellent B&B accommodation, 3 bedrooms in self-contained annexe with own TV, lounge and bathroom. Also 2 double and a twin available in the main house. Large garden backing onto Country Park. Easy access for Airport & M27.

Bedrooms 3T, 1TE, 1D, 1Family room Prices from £45 to £70

Friendly run guest house offering excellent standards of service, food & cleanliness. Comfortable, well equipped bedrooms. Choice of breakfast. 2 minutes from M27 (J7).

Bedrooms 2S, 1SE, 1DE, 3T, 1TE Prices from (S)£38 (D/T)£55 (F) £85

Otters’ Green Botley Hill, Botley SO30 2DL t: 01489 797181 m: 07812740955 e: jean@ottersgreen.co.uk www.ottersgreen.co.uk

Otters’ Green is a relaxed and friendly B&B with a charming patio & veranda area to relax and enjoy.

Private parking, situated in a quiet conservation area and within a short walking distance of several pubs and restaurants in the charming village of Botley. An ideal base for enjoying the areas many attractions and activities.

(5) Bedrooms 1S, 1D, 1T & 1SC barn conversion, sleeps 4 Prices from (S)£55 (D/T)£70 Barn: price upon request.

Key to accommodation symbols:

Please tick:

(AGE) Children Welcome Dogs accepted by arrangement Licensed for sale of alcoholic drinks Residents’ Lounge Major credit cards accepted Tea/Coffee making facilities

BEST WESTERn Chilworth Manor

TV in all bedrooms Ground floor bedrooms Parking spaces on site Non smoking establishment Restaurant/dinner provided on request Welcome Host ‘Certificate holders’ Garden for residents Four poster bed Linen provided



Laundry facilities Showers Electric shaver points Open all year Public toilets Outside Water supply Microwave DVD player Local produce Internet facilities



Wireless Internet access Short stay Facilities for the visually impared Facilities for deaf or hard of hearing Disabled room facilities Disabled parking

Types of room B&B and Guest House: S Single Room; D Double Room; T Twin Room; F Family Room.

E En-suite bath/shower room; PB Private Bathroom not en-suite;

Set in 12 acres of landscaped grounds the Edwardian Manor House is steeped in history. There are 26 bedrooms in the Manor House and a further 69 in the Garden Wing. 11 meeting rooms.

Restaurant, Bar, Gardens and terraces.

The hotel also has a state of the art Health Club and Spa with ozone cleansed pool, sauna/steam room, well equipped gym and [comfort zone] beauty suite. Free car parking.

Easy location.

SUNNYDALE FARM CAMPING AND CARAVAN PARK

OPEN ALL YEAR Beautiful views over the Marina and River Hamble Excellent sailing, walking, fishing and horse riding nearby Serviced touring pitches Pine lodges and static caravans available to hire all year.

Situated 3 miles from Southampton City Centre.

Open all year for tents, motorhomes and caravans.

40 level fully serviced pitches (22 hardstanding).

Close to bus routes and Royal Victoria Country Park.

Modern toilets, showers & laundry room with indoor dishwashing facilities.

Telephone: 023 8045 7462 or 0788 305 8823 Sunnydale Farm, Grange Road, Netley Abbey, Southampton, SO31 8GD Email: enquiries@sunnydalefarm.co.uk Web: www.sunnydalefarm.co.uk

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★★★ Chilworth, Southampton, SO16 7PT t: 023 8076 7333 f: 023 8070 1743 e: reservations@chilworth-manor.co.uk

For more information visit www.bw-chilworthmanor.co.uk No. of rooms: 95 See website for best available rate

FREE Prize Draw Complete and return the questionnaire below to win: a two night short break at Best Western Chilworth Manor Hotel OR a Family Day pass to Marwell Wildlife

Best Western C

hilworth Manor

To enter the draw to win simply complete the questionnaire below and return it to: Freepost RSLC-TUYB-RHCB The Marketing Collective, The Point, Leigh Road, Eastleigh, Hampshire SO50 9DE 1. Have you visited the Hamble Valley area in the last 12 months?

Yes No 2. When you last visited, how long did you stay?

Day trip only

Overnight stay

Short stay

Please state number of nights 3. What was the motivation for your stay?

Family day out

Visiting Friends/Relatives

Short Break

Holiday

Special occasion

Business/conference

Other Please state

4. When you last visited, where did you stay?

Own home

With Friends/Relatives

B&B/ Guest House

Hotel/Inn/Lodge

Self catering

Campsite 5. If you stayed in local accommodation, please state the name of the establishment:

6. How did you find a place to stay?

Visitor Guide

Internet search engine

Establishment own website

Personal recommendation

7. During your last visit to the Hamble Valley, what activities did you participate in?

Dining out

Shopping

Sightseeing

Walking

Leisure cruising/sailing

Visiting local villages and towns please state

Attending local / special event please state

8. During your stay in the Hamble Valley, what attractions did you visit?

Go Ape Itchen Valley Country Park

Bursledon Windmill

Itchen Valley Country Park

Manor Farm & Country Park

Royal Victoria Country Park

Lakeside Country Park

Fleming Park Leisure Centre

The Point Theatre

The Berry Theatre

Wickham Vineyard

Eastleigh Museum

Bursledon Brickworks

Hedge End Retail Park

Pickwell Farm

Sir Harold Hillier Gardens

Marwell Wildlife

Westbury Manor Museum

The Swan Centre

The Concorde Club

Other Please state

9. W here did you pick up your copy of the Visitor Guide?

10. Which elements of this guide have been the most interesting or useful to you?

Hotel

11. H ow do you think this guide could be improved in future publications?

12. D uring your visit or stay, which towns and villages did you visit?

Bishops Waltham

Botley

Bursledon

Eastleigh

Hamble

Hedge End

Netley

Titchfield

West End

Wickham I am happy to receive news and offers from Best Western Chilworth Manor: Yes No Name Address

Postcode Telephone email Would you like to be added to your mailing list to receive FREE information on the Hamble Valley?

Yes No I am particularly interested in the following: Walking trails Local Heritage Events.

Thank you for your time and good luck!

COMPETITION DETAILS: The prize includes two nights accommodation with dinner, bed and breakfast (excludes drinks) for two adults at the Best Western Chilworth Manor Hotel, Chilworth, Southampton. The prize will be valid until

December 2015 and is subject to availability (excluding the Southampton Boatshow). By entering the competition you accept that your name, region and publicity photos may be required. Your details will be added to our confidential database and not passed to any organisation outside The Marketing Collective Ltd in accordance with the Data Protection Act (1998). The prize will be drawn after 13th December 2014 and notified by January 31st 2015. Marwell Wildlife: Family Day ticket prize is valid for 12 months from date of issue. Prize allows entry to Marwell Wildlife for one day for 2 adults and 2 children (aged 3-16).

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