Hampshire &amp; Isle of Wight


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why">WHY</h2>



<p>Characterful, olde worlde Wickham has charm and history in equal measure. Dating back to the Domesday Book of 1086, this former Roman military post and Saxon settlement is on the southern-most edge of the Meon Valley. Best known for having one of England’s largest surviving village market squares, timber-framed buildings sit alongside handsome Georgian facades. Antiques and treasures await in a warren of shopping arcades in the market square, which also has sweet little boutiques and a multitude of tearooms. Around the corner, there’s more history (and cake) at Chesepeake Mill and the impressive St Nicholas&#8217; Church.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1016" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/08/Quob-Park-Hotel-exterior-min-1.jpg" alt="Quob Park Old House Hotel Wickham Hampshire rose spa" class="wp-image-34706" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/08/Quob-Park-Hotel-exterior-min-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/08/Quob-Park-Hotel-exterior-min-1-800x542.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/08/Quob-Park-Hotel-exterior-min-1-1000x677.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/08/Quob-Park-Hotel-exterior-min-1-768x520.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Quob Park Hotel and Restaurant 1707</figcaption></figure>



<p>Wickham certainly isn’t lacking when it comes to cafés and tearooms. Head upstairs at Warwick Lane arcade where <a href="https://wickhamcoffeehouse.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wickham Coffee House</a> serves up some of the best coffee in town with homemade cake. Elsewhere, locals also rate <a href="https://baytreewalk.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Meon Valley Tea Room</a> in the back of the cute Bay Tree Walk arcade and <a href="https://www.quobpark.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Old House Tea Room</a>, now part of the Quob Park family. Just a few minutes’ walk from the Square, there’s also <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CrumbsatChesapeake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Crumbs Tearoom</a> at Chesapeake Mill which does a slap-up cream tea.</p>



<p>Once the last coach house on the London to Portsmouth route, for a treat-yourself meal the historic <a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/quob-park-hotel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quob Park Hotel and Restaurant 1707</a> has a fine dining menu serious wine list (with over 1,000 bottles!), including their own top-notch English Sparkling produced just down the road at <a href="https://www.quobpark.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quob Park vineyard</a>. Just down the road in Whiteley, <a href="https://www.solenthotel.co.uk/food-drink/fyr-grill" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Solent Hotel &amp; Spa’s FYR</a> restaurant cooks up gourmet steaks and burgers on an open flame grill. Or head to the nearby <a href="https://www.newplacehotel.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Place Hotel</a> for a posh afternoon tea on the terrace.</p>



<p>Pubs-wise, <a href="https://www.kingsheadwickham.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The King’s Head</a> in the square has bags of character and a nice little garden tucked away in the back. Nearby, <a href="https://www.theblackdogwalthamchase.co.uk/page1.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Black Dog</a> at Waltham Chase has a strong rep for cask ales, Sunday Roasts and seriously good homemade puds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/09/Meon-Valley-Butchers-WIckham.jpg" alt="Meon Valley Butchers Wickham Hampshire" class="wp-image-35289" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/09/Meon-Valley-Butchers-WIckham.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/09/Meon-Valley-Butchers-WIckham-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/09/Meon-Valley-Butchers-WIckham-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/09/Meon-Valley-Butchers-WIckham-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Meon Valley Butchers</figcaption></figure>



<p>For fashion, you’ll want to head for the big stores at <a href="https://www.whiteleyshopping.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Whitely</a> and Hedge End, (both a 15 min drive). But if you like a rummage, you’ll love the Wickham’s antiques, collectibles and curios shops. like Bay Tree Collectables, tucked away in the <a href="https://warwicklane.com/shops-wickham/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bay Tree Walk</a> arcade, where there’s also an art gallery, Sienna’s Baby Boutique and Wickham Boutique. Not to mention <a href="https://warwicklane.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Warwick Market Antiques</a>, which spans two levels of <a href="https://warwicklane.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Warwick Lane</a>. Just beyond the square, local landmark <a href="https://thechesapeakemill.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chesapeake Mill</a> is an old water mill constructed with timbers from the US frigate Chesapeake, captured by the Royal Navy during the War of 1812.</p>



<p>Provisions-wise, Wickham has a <a href="https://www.meonvalleybutchers.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Butcher</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Village-Bakery-100059654451874/?locale=en_GB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Village Bakery</a>. You can get the rest at The Co-Op, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NaturesNookRefillery" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature’s Nook Refillery</a>, <a href="https://www.johnsonsfish.com/mobile-fish-stall" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johnson’s Fish Stall</a> on Thursdays and cheese, veg, fish and pies at weekly ‘<a href="https://www.visitwickhammarket.co.uk/markets-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mini-markets</a>’ in the square. Keeping it local, <a href="https://www.westlandsfarmshop.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Westlands Farm Shop</a> just one mile from town has a butchery and loads of fresh produce from countryside growers and makers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<p>Wickham is surrounded by beautiful countryside, with lots of places to take ride or take Sunday constitutional through woods, fields and water meadows. Highlights include the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forestryengland.uk/west-walk/forest-bere-trail-west-walk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">West Walk&nbsp;in the Forest of Bere</a>, the 10 mile <a href="https://www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/countryside/finder/meonvalleytrail" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Meon Valley trail</a> which starts in Wickham and runs up to West Meon along the disused railway track&nbsp;<a href="https://www.southdowns.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/South-Downs-Leaflet-Meon-Valley.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p>



<p>Tending &#8216;tresses, <a href="https://wispers.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wispers Salon</a> hairdresser and nail salon and <a href="https://www.streamsalon.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stream Hair and Beauty</a> are both close to the square. If you’re in need of tweakments, there&#8217;s <a href="https://www.lifeshouldbebeautiful.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Face &amp; Skin Clinic Wickham</a>, a non-surgical beauty clinic. Treat yourself to a spa day at <a href="https://www.quobpark.com/spa/treatments/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Rose Spa at Quob Park Hotel</a> (be sure to book a Caudalíe Vinothérapie treatment which &#8211; appropriately &#8211; combines natural active ingredients from vines and grapes). </p>



<p>Another top local spot for pampering, the The Solent Hotel at Whitely has an <a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/solent-hotel-and-spa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">award-winning spa</a>, with pool and hot tub, eight treatment rooms and mani/pedi stations featuring Caudalíe and Temple Spa products. If you&#8217;ve a golfer in the family, the <a href="https://www.britanniahotels.com/hotels/meon-valley-hotel-country-club" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PGA course</a> at the nearby <a href="https://www.britanniahotels.com/hotels/meon-valley-hotel-country-club/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Meon Valley Hotel</a> will suit them to a tee – and there&#8217;s a <a href="https://www.britanniahotels.com/hotels/meon-valley-hotel-country-club/health-leisure" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spa and health club</a> here, too.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p>Traditional and proud of it, there’s always something happening in Wickham, from Morris Dancers to tractor runs and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tasteofwickham" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Taste of Wickham foodie festival</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</h2>



<p>One of the biggest events in the Hampshire music calendar, the annual <a href="https://www.wickhamfestival.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wickham Festival</a> is known for its folksy vibe (think the Levellers, Suzi Quatro and Tony Christie). The nearest theatres are <a href="https://www.ashcroft.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ashcroft Arts Centre in Fareham</a>, an art gallery, dance studio, art studio and café bar and Hampshire’s brilliant new <a href="https://trafalgartickets.com/fareham-live-fareham/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fareham Live</a> community arts and theatre venue. Wickham is also in easy striking distance of <a href="https://www.mayflower.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Mayflower Theatre</a> and MAST Studios in Southampton (less than 30 min drive).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1215" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/08/porchester-castle.jpg" alt="Porchester Castle Hampshire English Heritage" class="wp-image-31735" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/08/porchester-castle.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/08/porchester-castle-800x648.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/08/porchester-castle-1000x810.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/08/porchester-castle-768x622.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/08/porchester-castle-648x525.jpg 648w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">English Heritage Porchester Castle</figcaption></figure>



<p>Storm the keep at nearby <a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/portchester-castle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Porchester Castle</a> and take in some seriously awesome views at <a href="https://royalarmouries.org/fort-nelson" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Armouries Fort Nelson</a>. Discover why Hampshire one of the best places to make English Sparking wine as you quaff your way around&nbsp;<a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/hambledon-vineyard-hambledon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hambledon Vineyard</a>, England’s oldest commercial vineyard in the pretty hamlet of Hambledon. Or book a tour of Wickham’s own <a href="https://www.quobpark.com/visit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quob Park Estate</a>. A beautiful spot on or by the water The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/countryparks/rhcp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">River Hamble Country Park</a>&nbsp;is just eight miles down the road.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-prices">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICES</h2>



<p>A slice of quintessential Hampshire (for a fair bit less than elsewhere in the pricey Meon Valley). Properties in Wickham averaged £455,162 over the last year. Detached homes sold for £628,462, semis £466,071 and terraced houses £332,000.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="701" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/09/Wickham-House-1000x701.jpg" alt="Character Property for sale in Wickham, Hampshire" class="wp-image-35285" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/09/Wickham-House-1000x701.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/09/Wickham-House-800x561.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/09/Wickham-House-768x538.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/09/Wickham-House.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This 4 bed Grade II-listed character cottage. <a href="https://www.byrnerunciman.co.uk/property/brwic_678801/wickham-hampshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">On the market for £650,000</a>.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries">NURSERIES</h2>



<p>Taking littlies from 9 mths – 5 yrs, <a href="https://www.kidslovenature.co.uk/wickham" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kids Love Nature</a> Montessori Kindergarten has the run of 18 acres of the Park Place Pastoral Centre. Also nearby, there’s <a href="https://www.happymindz.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Happy Mindz Nursery</a> and <a href="https://wickham-preschool.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wickham Pre-School,</a> within Wickham Church of England Primary School.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools">SCHOOLS</h2>



<p><a href="https://wickham-primary.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wickham Primary School</a> and <a href="https://www.stjohnthebaptistprimary.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St John the Baptist Primary School at Waltham Chase</a> are rated Good by Ofsted. Secondary <a href="https://www.swanmore-school.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Swanmore College of Technology</a> in nearby Swanmore is also rated Good. Popular with families in the area, <a href="https://www.boundaryoakschool.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boundary Oak</a> in Fareham is a co-ed through school with a friendly, inclusive feel and takes children from 2 yrs right through to GCSE.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret">BEST KEPT SECRET</h2>



<p>Hey, sweetie! <a href="https://www.confiserieverdonk.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Confiserie Verdonk</a> at Bay Tree Walk is an absolutely delightful shop selling over 100 types of Belgian chocolate along with pick and mix Jelly Belly Beans and Dorset Fudge.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>Wickham is an easy drive to&nbsp;Portsmouth,&nbsp;Southampton and Winchester&nbsp;(around 15 mins&nbsp;for the first, and 30 mins for the latter two). Those heading into London can then catch a train from&nbsp;Petersfield, Southampton Airport Parkway and Winchester.&nbsp;It’ll take well over 2 hrs whichever you choose, so not one for the regular Big Smoke commuter.&nbsp;</p>



<p><em>View the full <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Top 300 Places to Live</a></em>.</p>


Wickham

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