Attractions and Places To See around Tunworth - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Tunworth, Hampshire, offer a range of historical sites and natural landscapes. The region features a mix of ancient ruins, stately homes, and religious buildings. Visitors can explore areas with significant historical importance and enjoy walking trails through woodlands and parklands. The diverse attractions provide opportunities for various interests.
Best attractions and places to see around Tunworth
- The most popular attractions is Odiham Castle Ruins, a historical site that sits on the edge of the Basingstoke Canal. This 13th-century castle, one of King John's three, has a significant history and is free to visit.
- Another must-see spot is The Vyne, a 16th-century country house. Visitors can expect to see its Tudor chapel, classical portico, and explore extensive grounds with woodland and wetland walking trails, making it a family-friendly activity Tunworth.
- Visitors also love Alton Abbey, an Anglican Benedictine monastery. This religious building, founded in 1884, features architecture modeled after Tintern Abbey and offers retreats and courses to the public.
- Tunworth is known for its historical sites, religious buildings, and stately homes. These attractions offer a variety of experiences, from exploring ancient ruins to walking through landscaped parklands.
- The attractions around Tunworth are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 100 upvotes and over 40 photos shared.
Last updated: May 21, 2026
Odiham Castle Ruins
Highlight • Historical Site
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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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All Saints Church and The Pest House, Odiham
Highlight • Religious Site
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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Mattingley Church
Highlight • Historical Site
The walls are of vertical timbers with brick nogging (where the gaps between the timbers are filled in with brickwork) in herring-bone fashion and plastered on the inside.
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St Mary’s Church, Hartley Wespall
Highlight • Religious Site
The first Rector was Edmund de Bedewyn. He was given charge of the Church on 2’’ January, 1286 by Isabella de Cadurcis, Prioress of Hartford Priory.
In 1868 the church underwent a major rebuild in honour of John Keate a Canon of Windsor and rector of the parish for 24 years. His tomb is in the church. As part of this work the bell tower was moved from the west wall to its present position, thus exposing the fine timberwork of the west wall.
The north wall window is dedicated to William Grant Broughton who was Curate here in 1818. On the recommendation of the Duke of Wellington he was selected to travel to Australia in 1829 later becoming the first Bishop of Sydney and eventually, the first Archbishop of Australasia.
Two of the three bells are original, being cast between 1439 and 1450. The third dates from 1688. The organ is by Hedgeland and dates from 1873 with the casing by George Gilbert Scott. The pulpit is Jacobean.
Ref.:
- hartleywespallpc.org/history/village-church
- explorechurches.org/church/st-mary-blessed-virgin-hartley-wespall
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Tips from the Community
Nice church - however closed until 27/10/2023
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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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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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I have ridden this lane on many occasions, up from Hartley Wespall towards Turgis Green. A generally very quiet lane, if a little messy towards the top, under the trees. My preferred route is down from Rotherwick/Lyde Green, via Mill Lane rather than Rotherwick lane, which can be a little precarious due to the volume of traffic on a road which just isn't wide enough other than at the numerous tight passing places.
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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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Nice quiet road, but the surface breaks up quite a bit as you go uphill under the trees.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some family-friendly attractions around Tunworth?
For families, The Vyne is an excellent choice, offering extensive grounds with woodland and wetland walking trails, and they host various concerts, plays, and family events throughout the year. Odiham Castle Ruins is another great spot where kids can explore a historical site right on the Basingstoke Canal.
Are there historical sites to explore near Tunworth?
Yes, Tunworth is rich in history. You can visit Odiham Castle Ruins, a 13th-century castle with significant historical importance, possibly linked to King John and the Magna Carta. The Vyne is a 16th-century country house with a Tudor chapel and classical portico. Additionally, Alton Abbey, founded in 1884, offers a glimpse into Anglican Benedictine monastic life with architecture inspired by Tintern Abbey.
Can I bring my dog to attractions in the Tunworth area?
Yes, at The Vyne, dogs are welcome in the grounds (on leads), and can be off-lead under direct control in Morgaston Woods and the Organic Parklands. For other attractions, it's advisable to check their specific dog policies before visiting.
What kind of walking trails can I find near Tunworth attractions?
Many attractions offer walking opportunities. The Vyne features woodland, wetland, and parkland walking trails within its extensive grounds. Odiham Castle Ruins is situated on the Basingstoke Canal, providing pleasant walks along the towpath. For more dedicated hiking, explore the various routes available in the area by checking out the Hiking around Tunworth guide.
Are there any religious buildings of interest in Tunworth?
Yes, the area features several notable religious buildings. Alton Abbey is an Anglican Benedictine monastery known for its unique architecture. You can also visit Mattingley Church, a Grade-I listed timber-framed church dating back to the 15th century, and St Mary’s Church, Hartley Wespall, which boasts evidence of a 13th-century timber-built nave and historical bells.
What outdoor activities can I do near Tunworth attractions?
Beyond exploring the attractions themselves, the Tunworth area offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, including easy and moderate options, by consulting the Cycling around Tunworth guide. For mountain biking enthusiasts, there are also several trails available, detailed in the MTB Trails around Tunworth guide.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Tunworth?
Visitors particularly appreciate the historical depth and natural beauty. Many enjoy the opportunity to explore ancient ruins like Odiham Castle Ruins and the extensive grounds of stately homes such as The Vyne, which offers pleasant woodland walks. The peaceful atmosphere of places like Alton Abbey is also highly valued.
Are there any easy walks suitable for all abilities near Tunworth?
While specific 'easy' or 'all abilities' trails are not detailed for every attraction, the grounds of The Vyne offer varied walking paths that can be enjoyed at a leisurely pace. The paths along the Basingstoke Canal near Odiham Castle Ruins are generally flat and accessible for a relaxed stroll. For more options, check the 'easy' rated routes in the Hiking around Tunworth guide.
What are some lesser-known or 'hidden gems' to discover in the Tunworth area?
Beyond the main highlights, consider visiting Mattingley Church, a unique Grade-I listed timber-framed church with a rich history, or St Mary’s Church, Hartley Wespall, which features a rare 13th-century timber-built nave. These offer a quieter, more intimate historical experience.
Is there parking available at Tunworth attractions?
Most major attractions like The Vyne typically provide visitor parking. For smaller sites such as Odiham Castle Ruins, parking may be available nearby or in designated areas along the canal. It is always recommended to check the specific attraction's website for detailed parking information before your visit.
Are there any attractions with natural features like lakes or forests?
Yes, The Vyne offers extensive grounds that include large woodlands and a wetlands nesting site, home to swans and redshanks, providing beautiful natural landscapes to explore. The Basingstoke Canal, adjacent to Odiham Castle Ruins, also offers a scenic waterside environment.
Most popular attractions around Tunworth
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