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Greywell

Attractions and Places To See around Greywell - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Greywell include a blend of historical landmarks and significant natural features in this picturesque Hampshire village. The area is known for its ancient churches, historic canal tunnel, and important natural reserves like Greywell Moors. Visitors can explore a landscape shaped by the Basingstoke Canal and the River Whitewater, offering both cultural insights and natural beauty. Greywell provides a tranquil setting for exploring historical sites and diverse ecosystems.

Best attractions and places to see around Greywell

  • The most popular attractions is Odiham Castle Ruins, a historical site that was built for King John in the early 13th century. This spectacular ruin sits on the edge of the Basingstoke Canal and holds significance as a potential departure point for King John to sign the Magna Carta.
  • Another must-see spot is The Vyne, a 16th-century country house and man-made monument. This National Trust property features a Tudor chapel, classical portico, and extensive grounds with woodland and wetlands, offering various walking trails.
  • Visitors also love St Mary’s Church, Hartley Wespall, a religious building with evidence of a timber-built Nave from the 13th century. The church underwent a major rebuild in 1868 and retains original bells cast between 1439 and 1450.
  • Greywell is known for its historical sites, ancient churches, and natural features like the Greywell Tunnel and Greywell Moors. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from medieval ruins to nationally important fenland.
  • The attractions around Greywell are appreciated by the komoot community, with 108 upvotes and 47 photos shared across the highlights.

Last updated: May 5, 2026

Odiham Castle Ruins

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Little castle to visit down the canal

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The Vyne

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The Vyne is a 16th-century country house outside Sherborne St John near Basingstoke in Hampshire, England.

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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All Saints Church and The Pest House, Odiham

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All Saints Church is an Anglican church in the village of Odiham, Hampshire. It is situated near to Odiham's high street, 9.5 miles (15.2 km) away from Basingstoke. English Heritage has designated the church as a grade I listed building.

By the 11th century there was a church on this site, as recorded in the Domesday Book. The oldest visible parts of the present church are the chancel and the base of the tower, dating from the early 13th century. Between the chancel and tower, the nave has been altered and extended into side aisles, in two stages, and the upper parts of the tower completely rebuilt in the 17th century.

The present church has a nave with gabled aisles of similar height, which extend to flank the western tower. The chancel projects to the east, and is flanked with gabled chapels. The walls are of flint with some rubble included, with the later parts, including the upper stages of the tower, being red brick. The roof is of tiles.

Cit. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_Saints_Church,_Odiham

The church underwent some internal renovation work a few years back, with some opposition from locals concerned about the potential impact on the historical and architectural perception of the church. See basingstokegazette.co.uk/news/14957690.all-saints-church-in-odiham-given-a-modern-look-after-consistory-court-ruling

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All Saints Church, Crondall

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All Saints Church is an Anglican parish church in the village of Crondall, Hampshire, England. It is a Grade I listed building and stands at the highest point in the village.

Much of the church dates from the Norman period, although the original central tower was replaced by a brick one at the north-east corner in 1659 and some alterations, particularly to the fenestration, the nave arcades and transepts, and the north porch, were made in two stages during the 19th century.

[...] An Anglo-Saxon church from the 9th century was built on the site of the current Norman church.

[...] Archaeological work carried out under the nave arcade uncovered an earlier Norman church built on the foundations of the Anglo-Saxon church than the one we see today, constructed at roughly the same time as the Norman motte and bailey at Barley Pound. The current church was built in around 1170 on the order of Henry of Blois, Bishop of Winchester and King Stephen's half brother, possibly with the help of masons who had completed their work on Winchester Cathedral.

Cit. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_Saints_Church,_Crondall

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Mattingley Church

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Mattingley Church is a Grade-I listed timber framed church. The building of the present church was probably started towards the end of the 15th Century.

The walls are of vertical timbers with brick nogging (where the gaps between the timbers areΒ filled in with brickwork)Β in herring-bone fashionΒ and plastered on the inside.

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Tips from the Community

DavidWoods
August 13, 2023, The Vyne

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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Dating back to the 11th century and mentioned in the Doomsday book. The oldest visible parts of the present church are the chancel and the base of the tower, dating from the early 13th century

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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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JerryR
July 18, 2021, The Vyne

Nice little spot to stop for a break.

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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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All Saints Church is an Anglican parish church in the village of Crondall, Hampshire, England. It is a Grade I listed building and stands at the highest point in the village. Much of the church dates from the Norman period, although the original central tower was replaced by a brick one at the north-east corner in 1659 and some alterations, particularly to the fenestration, the nave arcades and transepts, and the north porch, were made in two stages during the 19th century. [...] An Anglo-Saxon church from the 9th century was built on the site of the current Norman church. [...] Archaeological work carried out under the nave arcade uncovered an earlier Norman church built on the foundations of the Anglo-Saxon church than the one we see today, constructed at roughly the same time as the Norman motte and bailey at Barley Pound. The current church was built in around 1170 on the order of Henry of Blois, Bishop of Winchester and King Stephen's half brother, possibly with the help of masons who had completed their work on Winchester Cathedral. Cit. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_Saints_Church,_Crondall

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All Saints Church is an Anglican church in the village of Odiham, Hampshire. It is situated near to Odiham's high street, 9.5 miles (15.2 km) away from Basingstoke. English Heritage has designated the church as a grade I listed building. By the 11th century there was a church on this site, as recorded in the Domesday Book. The oldest visible parts of the present church are the chancel and the base of the tower, dating from the early 13th century. Between the chancel and tower, the nave has been altered and extended into side aisles, in two stages, and the upper parts of the tower completely rebuilt in the 17th century. The present church has a nave with gabled aisles of similar height, which extend to flank the western tower. The chancel projects to the east, and is flanked with gabled chapels. The walls are of flint with some rubble included, with the later parts, including the upper stages of the tower, being red brick. The roof is of tiles. Cit. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_Saints_Church,_Odiham The church underwent some internal renovation work a few years back, with some opposition from locals concerned about the potential impact on the historical and architectural perception of the church. See https://www.basingstokegazette.co.uk/news/14957690.all-saints-church-in-odiham-given-a-modern-look-after-consistory-court-ruling/

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Mattingley Church has always been associated with Heckfield, apart from the years 1863 to 1949 when it was a completely separate Parish with its own Vicar. Rotherwick joined Heckfield and Mattingley in 1974. The first church or chapel on the present site was probably built towards the end of the l4th century. In 1425 Pope Martin granted a licence for a cemetery at the Chapel because the inhabitants found it inconvenient to carry their dead to Heckfield; the land between the two places being frequently flooded. The building of the present church was probably started towards the end of the 15th Century; the bricks which are made as parallelograms and not oblongs seem to have been designed specifically for herringbone work and may well have been "burnt" on Hazeley Heath. Up to 1837 the whole building was the same width as the present chancel but in 1837 the Nave was widened and the porch in its present form added. The Church has no patron saint - possibly because the original building on the site was, to start with, a moot hall - that is, a place where meetings were held. On the other hand it may have been because it was, in the early days, a "chapel of ease" to the Parish Church of St. Michael and All Angels, Heckfield. Cit. https://www.hugofox.com/community/mattingley-parish-council-10113/parish-church/

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Frequently Asked Questions

What historical sites can I explore in Greywell and the surrounding area?

Greywell and its vicinity are rich in history. You can visit the medieval ruins of Odiham Castle Ruins, built for King John in the early 13th century. The village also features the ancient St Mary's Church with Norman origins and 16th-century features. Another significant historical landmark is the Greywell Tunnel, part of the Basingstoke Canal, which served as a commercial waterway.

What natural attractions are there to see in Greywell?

Greywell boasts several important natural features. The Greywell Tunnel is notable as the largest winter bat roost in the UK and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). You can also explore Greywell Moors, a nationally important fenland and SSSI, featuring diverse ecosystems, rare chalk streams, and abundant wildlife. The upper reaches of the River Whitewater also flow through the village, adding to its scenic beauty.

Are there family-friendly attractions around Greywell?

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Odiham Castle Ruins is a great place for kids to explore history. The Vyne, a 16th-century country house, offers extensive grounds with woodland and wetlands, perfect for family walks and often hosts family events. Many of the local churches, such as St Mary’s Church, Hartley Wespall, are also welcoming for visitors.

What outdoor activities can I do near Greywell's attractions?

The Greywell area is popular for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy walking and cycling along the Basingstoke Canal, near Odiham Castle Ruins, and through the Greywell Moors. For more structured routes, you can find numerous options for cycling, road cycling, and mountain biking around Greywell.

Are there good walking or hiking trails around Greywell?

Absolutely. Greywell offers numerous trails through its pastoral landscapes, meadows, forests, and waterways. Popular options include walks along the Basingstoke Canal and through Greywell Moors, which has a recommended loop walk of about 1.6 miles. You can find a variety of cycling and walking routes that cater to different difficulty levels.

Can I bring my dog on walks around Greywell?

Yes, many areas around Greywell are dog-friendly. For example, the grounds of The Vyne welcome dogs on leads, particularly in Morgaston Woods and the Organic Parklands. The numerous public footpaths and canal towpaths are generally suitable for dogs, provided they are kept under control.

What is the best time of year to visit Greywell for outdoor activities?

Greywell is beautiful year-round, but spring and summer offer the most pleasant weather for walking and cycling, with the countryside in full bloom. Autumn provides stunning foliage. Even in winter, the area offers tranquil walks, though some paths might be muddy. The Greywell Tunnel is particularly significant in winter as a bat roost.

Is there parking available in Greywell village or near attractions?

Parking in Greywell village is generally available, though it can be limited in some areas due to its conservation status. For specific attractions like Odiham Castle Ruins, there might be designated parking nearby. It's advisable to check local signage or specific attraction websites for detailed parking information.

What is the Greywell Tunnel and can I visit it?

The Greywell Tunnel is a historic tunnel, part of the Basingstoke Canal, built in the late 18th century. It's famous as the largest winter bat roost in the UK and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). While the tunnel itself is blocked and not accessible to the public for passage, you can visit the western portal and the short, water-filled section of the canal leading to it, which is maintained as a nature reserve.

What makes Greywell Moors a significant natural area?

Greywell Moors is a nationally important fenland and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It's recognized for its diverse ecosystem, including wet grassland, carr woodland, and calcareous fen habitats. The area is home to rare chalk streams, unique aquatic plants, and a variety of mosses, liverworts, rushes, sedges, and orchids, as well as abundant insect and bird life, and grass snakes.

Are there any notable churches or religious buildings to visit?

Yes, Greywell is home to St Mary's Church, a 12th-century church with Norman origins, featuring flint walls and an early 16th-century carved oak rood-screen. Nearby, you can also visit St Mary’s Church, Hartley Wespall, which has evidence of a timber-built Nave from the 13th century, and Mattingley Church, a Grade-I listed timber-framed church dating from the late 15th century.

What do visitors enjoy most about Greywell?

Visitors often appreciate Greywell's blend of historical charm and natural beauty. The picturesque village, with its fine old buildings and conservation area, offers opportunities for leisurely strolls and photography. The historical significance of sites like Odiham Castle Ruins and the tranquility of natural reserves like Greywell Moors are frequently highlighted. The area's walking and cycling routes are also a big draw for outdoor enthusiasts.

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