Attractions and Places To See around Southwick And Widley - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Southwick And Widley include historical landmarks, natural features, and recreational points of interest. This civil parish in Hampshire, England, offers serene landscapes and historical significance. The area features ancient ruins, significant historical buildings, and extensive outdoor spaces. Visitors can explore Iron Age forts, country parks, and scenic trails.
Best attractions and places to see around Southwick And Widley
- The most popular attractions is Old Winchester Hill, a climb that offers expansive views from its summit. This historical site features an Iron Age hill fort with visible remnants of flint excavations and Bronze Age tumuli.
- Another must-see spot is Hayling Billy Trail, an other natural feature that follows an old railway line. This well-kept gravel trail offers scenic spots and is suitable for cycling and walking.
- Visitors also love Queen Elizabeth Country Park, a trail with over 2,000 acres of downland and forest. The park features extensive walking and cycling paths, including a dedicated bike park with mountain bike trails.
- Southwick And Widley is known for its historical sites, natural viewpoints, and diverse trails. The area provides a range of attractions to see and explore, from ancient forts to country parks.
- The attractions around Southwick And Widley are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 370 upvotes and 48 photos shared.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
Queen Elizabeth Country Park
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Woodland Trails in Queen Elizabeth Country Park
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Old Winchester Hill
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Hayling Billy Trail
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When you get to the end of the trail at the old Hayling Station, either cycle straight ahead to the sea front or turn right to cycle along to the ferry port. From there, (furthest east point opposite Langstone harbour) you can cycle on well marked trails all the way to the east point of the island.
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Meon Valley Trail
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The trail is lovely, leading through the Meon Valley and into the South Downs National Park. There are lots of routes to the local villages en-route. You follow the river and go through some beautiful forest areas – you will be up at old Winchester Hill in no time! It's a great route.
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Tips from the Community
A really nice varied route. The fast majority of it is really wide too. Very quiet on an overcast autumn week day.
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This was on the last leg of the King Alfred’s Way for me and was one of the few descents in the whole trip i walked, dry conditions but on a loaded gravel - the descent was more treacherous than i was prepared to risk / but amazing views from the top and a fast through the fields ride from the bottom.
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With over 2,000 acres of open-access woodland and downland to explore, Queen Elizabeth Country Park is a great place to start. From here, you have access to Butser Hill, the highest point on the South Downs, the visitor centre with its shop and cafe, and plenty of parking.
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Hayling Island Billy Trail is a cycling and walking trail that runs along the old railway line between Havant and Hayling Island, in Hampshire, England. The trail is a permissive route used by walkers, cyclists and equestrians. The path is about 8 km long and offers beautiful views of the coast and nature. The trail follows the route of the Hayling Billy Train, which carried passengers and goods between Havant and Hayling Island from 1867 to 1963. The train got its nickname from the noise it made when traveling over the wooden bridge over Langstone Harbour. The train was discontinued due to declining demand and the bridge's high cost of maintenance. The path starts at Havant station and follows a clearly marked cycle path to New Lane. From there the path follows the old railway line, passing under the A27, onto the A302 road to Hayling Island at Langstone. The trail crosses the road and continues along the west coast of Hayling Island, passing fields, woods and marshes. The trail ends at Hayling Island station, which is now a theatre.
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The trail south of Wickham is drier than the northbound section although the southern most section comes to an abrupt end with the mainline railway to Southampton. Hopefully in time this will change .
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The Queen Elizabeth Country Park facilities are really handy for South Downs Way walkers. We arrived too early in the day for the café but the toilets were open and it was nice to have breakfast on the benches in the sheltered courtyard. There's a fresh water tap outside too.
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Lovely compact earth trail, suitable for gravel bikes and even road bikes with slightly thicker tyres. Some picnic benches at the end of the trail for a nice pit stop
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore in Southwick and Widley?
The area is rich in history. You can visit the ruins of Southwick Priory, an ancient Augustinian site, or explore Southwick House, famous as Eisenhower's D-Day headquarters. Nearby, Portchester Castle offers a glimpse into Roman and medieval history, and the Manor Cottage Heritage Centre showcases local heritage. Don't miss St James' Church, a Grade-I listed parish church with early medieval origins.
Where can I find natural landscapes and viewpoints around Southwick and Widley?
For expansive views and natural beauty, head to Old Winchester Hill, which also features an Iron Age fort. Queen Elizabeth Country Park offers over 2,000 acres of downland and forest, including Butser Hill, the highest point of the South Downs. You can also enjoy the scenic coastal views along the Hayling Billy Trail.
Are there family-friendly attractions in the area?
Yes, several attractions are great for families. Queen Elizabeth Country Park has plenty of space for children to run around and explore. The Old Winchester Hill Iron Age Fort is a fun historical site with great views. The Hayling Billy Trail is a flat, well-maintained path suitable for family walks and bike rides. For a full day out, Paultons Park Home of Peppa Pig World is also within a reasonable distance.
What kind of hiking trails are available near Southwick and Widley?
You'll find a variety of hiking trails. The Meon Valley Trail is popular for walkers and cyclists, stretching up to the South Downs Way. Queen Elizabeth Country Park offers numerous paths through its downland and forest. For easy walks, consider routes like the Southwick Brewhouse loop or the Southwick Priory Ruins loop. You can find more details on these and other trails on the Easy hikes around Southwick And Widley guide or the general Hiking around Southwick And Widley guide.
Where can I go cycling or mountain biking?
The Hayling Billy Trail is a well-kept gravel path perfect for cycling, offering scenic coastal views. For mountain biking, Queen Elizabeth Country Park features an excellent bike park with various trails, including blue intermediate and red advanced options. You can find more cycling routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Southwick And Widley guide.
Are there any beaches close to Southwick and Widley?
Yes, Southwick and Kingston Beaches are located on the south side of the Shoreham Port lock gates. These beaches are popular spots for families, walkers, and cyclists, with Kingston Beach being near the lighthouse and Shoreham Lifeboat Station.
What are some lesser-known or 'hidden gems' to discover?
Beyond the main attractions, consider visiting the Manor Cottage Heritage Centre for a deeper dive into local history. The ancient ruins of Southwick Priory, while historically significant, offer a quieter, reflective experience. The local Southwick Green is also a charming open space used for community events.
What is the best time of year to visit Southwick and Widley?
The spring and summer months (April to September) are generally ideal for visiting, offering pleasant weather for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and exploring historical sites. The natural landscapes, such as Old Winchester Hill and Queen Elizabeth Country Park, are particularly vibrant during these seasons. Autumn also brings beautiful foliage, while winter can be good for crisp walks, though some trails might be muddy.
Are there dog-friendly places to visit around Southwick and Widley?
Many of the outdoor areas are dog-friendly. Queen Elizabeth Country Park and the various walking trails, including the Meon Valley Trail and Hayling Billy Trail, are popular with dog walkers. Always check specific site rules, especially for nature reserves like Old Winchester Hill, and keep dogs on leads where livestock or wildlife are present.
Where can I find refreshments or pubs near the attractions?
In Southwick village, you'll find historic pubs like The Golden Lion Inn and The Red Lion Inn, both listed buildings. Queen Elizabeth Country Park also has a café, which is a perfect stop for refreshments during a long ride or walk. Many nearby villages along the trails also offer local pubs and cafes.
What other significant regional attractions are easily accessible from Southwick and Widley?
From Southwick and Widley, you can easily access major regional attractions such as Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, home to the Mary Rose Museum and HMS Victory. The Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth offers panoramic views, and The D-Day Story in Southsea provides further insight into WWII history. For a unique historical experience, visit Royal Armouries: Fort Nelson.
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