What’s it like to live in Bishops Waltham? Read our Bishops Waltham area guide to find out more, or contact our agent Robin Watts for more information.
South-East of Winchester lies the beautiful market town of Bishop’s Waltham. Locals enjoy traditional shopping, excellent pub lunches, exploring Bishop’s Waltham Palace’s remains and taking in the beautiful South Downs scenery nearby.
The bishop of the title was Henry of Blois, the brother of King Stephen, who founded Bishop’s Waltham Palace in the 12th century. An important residence of the powerful Winchester bishops, the palace hosted many royal visitors including Mary Tudor. At the same time, she waited for the arrival of her future husband, Philip II of Spain, before their marriage. The palace was destroyed in 1644 under Cromwell’s orders, but the extensive ruins are worth visiting.
The town itself boasts a Norman church, plus a host of boutiques and award-winning restaurants housed in 17th and 18th-century buildings. There’s also a vineyard and a working mill nearby.
Bishop’s Waltham has many interesting connections with the Napoleonic Wars; prisoners of war were once held here, including the French admiral at the Battle of Trafalgar.
There are some fantastic restaurants in the town and surrounding areas, notably;
- The Anvil – A popular breakfast spot with the locals
- Banks Bar Bistro – A modern British restaurant with a calendar of live music
- Julia’s Kitchen – The best sandwiches in town
- Georgio’s Mediterranean Restaurant & Bar – A highly reviewed restaurant serving classic Mediterranean dishes
Travel
The nearest train station in Botley has direct trains to Winchester in just over 20 minutes and direct trains to London Waterloo in just over 1 hour 30 minutes.
Robin Watts, our Local Property Professional, says “I choose to live in Bishops Waltham as it such a beautiful area, so many lovely dog walks, fantastic country pubs and some of the architecture is stunning.”
For more information about Bishops Waltham, please go to ‘Visit Bishop Waltham Area Guide’ here.
If you want to sell your home in Bishops Waltham, click to arrange a home valuation.
