Old Basing And Lychpit
Old Basing And Lychpit
Attractions and Places To See around Old Basing And Lychpit - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Old Basing And Lychpit offer a blend of historical landmarks, natural beauty, and cultural points of interest. This area in Hampshire, England, features significant historical sites such as Basing House and St Mary's Parish Church. The River Loddon flows through both communities, providing picturesque riverside walks. Visitors can explore a variety of landscapes, from historical ruins to natural riverbanks and woodlands.
Best attractions and places to see around Old Basing And Lychpit
- The most popular attractions is Odiham Castle Ruins, a historical site that sits on the edge of the Basingstoke Canal. This 13th-century ruin was one of King John's castles and is possibly where the king rode out from to sign the Magna Carta.
- Another must-see spot is Calleva Atrebatum: Roman town and city walls, a man-made monument that originated as an Iron Age settlement before becoming a significant Roman town. Visitors can explore the crumbling Roman walls and amphitheatre, which remain well-preserved.
- Visitors also love The Vyne, a 16th-century country house near Basingstoke. It retains its Tudor chapel with stained glass and offers woodland and wetland walking trails within its grounds.
- Old Basing And Lychpit is known for its historical sites, natural landscapes, and cultural points of interest. The area provides a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient ruins to scenic river walks.
- The attractions around Old Basing And Lychpit are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 100 upvotes and 40 photos shared.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
Odiham Castle Ruins
Highlight • Historical Site
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Calleva Atrebatum: Roman town and city walls
Highlight • Monument
Today, the site is managed by English Heritage. You can visit the crumbling Roman walls and amphitheatre. Entrance is free.
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The Vyne
Highlight • Monument
The Vyne was built for Lord Sandys, King Henry VIII's Lord Chamberlain. The house retains its Tudor chapel, with stained glass. The classical portico on the north front was added in 1654 by Inigo Jones's pupil John Webb. In the mid-eighteenth century, The Vyne belonged to Horace Walpole's close friend John Chaloner Chute, who designed the Palladian staircase, whose magnificent apparent scale belies its actual small size.
The Vyne was bequeathed by its final Chute owner, Sir Charles Chute, to the National Trust in 1956.
Each year a number of concerts, plays and family events are run.
The grounds contain large woodland and a wetlands nesting site populated by swans and common redshanks. There are a number of woodlands, wetland and parkland walking trails. Dogs are welcome into the grounds (on leads), in Morgaston Woods and the Organic Parklands (under direct control).
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Vyne
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Little London Climb
Highlight (Segment) • Forest
The road through the village of Little London at the top offers traffic-calming measures, which means that drivers are normally a little more patient.
Also, who'd want to go into London, when you can cycle to its Little sibling? ;-)
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Amphitheatre
Highlight • Historical Site
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Tips from the Community
Nice way of getting to silchester, road surface wasn’t great if coming from the Bramley Road, but once you clear the first few houses and start the climb it starts to improve.
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Our local NT place we go here often. Morgaston woodland walks out of the back gate where you will also find a hide overlooking wetlands. Secure bike parking limited. Suggestion attach to wooden fence by reception and we will keep an eye on it but can’t be responsible. Highlight for us in this house is the chapel. Lovely lake but rebuilding work to a bridge in progress at the moment
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Accessed via the towpath on the Basingstoke Canal, which makes for a pleasant walk, if sometimes a little busy, Odiham Castle is interesting to walk around. The towpath can get a little muddy!
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Calleva originated during the Iron Age and became the centre of the kingfom of the Atrebates. After Roman invasion in 43AD, the town was enlarged. It thrived throughout Roman rule, but, upon their departure, the town was slowly abandoned. Today, the site is managed by English Heritage. You can visit the crumbling Roman walls and amphitheatre. Entrance is free.
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Coming up into Little London is good from both directions. And, of course, there's the Plough at the top of the hamlet/village (although the last time I went in, it struck me very much as a local's pub). The ride down Frog Lane is good too - narrow, single track ad a little mucky towards the bottom. If you come up Frog Lane from the opposite direction, it's a nice little tester of a climb. It's apparently only 5-6% but feels harder!
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The roads surrounding the old Roman city of Calleva Atrebatum are all pleasant to ride. Some narrow and a little 'messy' but all passable on a road bike. Very little traffic, but be aware of cars on Church Lane - the road is wide enough for one car but not much more!
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One of King John's three castles, this spectacular ruin sits on the edge of the Basingstoke Canal around halfway between Windsor and Winchester castles. Odiham Castle was built at the very beginning of the 13th century and was possibly where the king rode out from to sign the Magna Carta at Runnymede. Extended during the later 13th century, over the next 200 years it was sometimes used as a prison. King David II of Scotland was incarcerated here for over a decade although was allowed to keep a household, so it was possibly quite a pleasant stay. Used as a hunting lodge in the 15th century and ruined by 1600, the castle has a significant history. Today, you can visit for free.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore in Old Basing and Lychpit?
The area is rich in history. You can visit the ruins of Basing House, a nationally significant site that played a crucial role in the English Civil War, featuring a 16th-century Great Barn and a recreated 17th-century garden. Also, explore St Mary's Parish Church, a Grade I listed building with Tudor brickwork and visible bullet holes from the siege of Basing House. Don't miss Oliver's Battery, the site where Parliamentarian siege guns were positioned.
Are there any Roman ruins or ancient sites nearby?
Yes, you can explore Calleva Atrebatum: Roman town and city walls, an English Heritage site featuring the well-preserved crumbling Roman walls and amphitheatre of an Iron Age settlement that became a significant Roman town. It offers a unique glimpse into ancient history.
Where can I enjoy nature walks or cycling in the area?
The River Loddon flows through both Old Basing and Lychpit, offering picturesque riverside walks and opportunities for wildlife spotting. The path of the Basingstoke Canal can also be followed through Old Basing, marked by distinctive cuts and surviving canal bridges. For specific routes, you can find many options for easy hikes and general hiking around the area, as well as MTB trails.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Old Basing and Lychpit?
Many of the historical sites are suitable for families, such as exploring the ruins of Basing House or the Roman walls of Calleva Atrebatum. The area also hosts annual community events like the Old Basing Carnival in June and the Old Basing Village Show in September, which offer family entertainment, crafts, and local produce. Easy walks along the River Loddon are also great for families.
What is the best time to visit Old Basing and Lychpit?
The area is enjoyable year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for exploring the outdoor historical sites and enjoying walks along the River Loddon and Basingstoke Canal, especially with events like the Old Basing Carnival. Autumn offers beautiful scenery, while winter walks can be peaceful. Check local event schedules for specific dates if you wish to attend the carnival or village show.
Are there places to eat or drink near the attractions?
Yes, Old Basing has traditional local inns like The Crown and The Bolton Arms, which offer a glimpse into the village's social history. In Lychpit, Barton's Mill, an old water mill on the River Loddon, now functions as a public house and restaurant, providing a scenic spot for a meal or drink.
What is Odiham Castle Ruins and its historical significance?
Odiham Castle Ruins is a 13th-century ruin that was one of King John's castles. It is historically significant as it's possibly where the king rode out from to sign the Magna Carta. The castle also served as a prison for over a decade for King David II of Scotland. Today, you can visit the ruins for free and explore its rich past.
Can I find easy walking trails suitable for all fitness levels?
Absolutely. The area around Old Basing and Lychpit is well-suited for easy outdoor activities. You can find numerous easy hikes and walks, perfect for all fitness levels and family outings. For specific routes, explore the Easy hikes around Old Basing And Lychpit guide, which includes trails like the River Loddon Trail loop.
What is The Vyne and what can I do there?
The Vyne is a 16th-century country house managed by the National Trust, located near Basingstoke. It features a Tudor chapel with stained glass and extensive grounds. Visitors can enjoy woodland and wetland walking trails, explore the historic house, and attend various concerts, plays, and family events held throughout the year.
Are there any local community events or festivals in Old Basing?
Yes, Old Basing hosts two notable annual community events. The Old Basing Carnival is held every June at the Old Basing Recreation Ground, featuring a parade, arena events, craft tents, and a fun fair. The Old Basing Village Show typically takes place in early September, showcasing locally grown produce, baked goods, and handicrafts.
What natural features can I see along the River Loddon?
The River Loddon offers picturesque riverside walks and is a great spot for wildlife enthusiasts. You might be able to spot kingfishers, especially near Barton's Mill in Lychpit. The riverbanks and surrounding fields also provide habitats for various local flora and fauna, making it a pleasant area for nature observation.
What is the Park Pale in Lychpit?
The Park Pale in Lychpit consists of visible remains of a medieval hunting park. It is also thought to have been part of a Roman road that connected Silchester with Chichester, adding another layer of historical interest to the landscape.
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Most popular attractions around Old Basing And Lychpit
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