Micheldever Wood brings nature-watching and archaeology together in a tangible setting. The Archaeological Trail includes Bronze Age burial mounds and Iron Age farmsteads and takes approximately 30 minutes. The woodland also provides a habitat for a diverse range of birds and insects. Micheldever Wood is open 365 days a year, from dawn to dusk. There is a small car park on Northington Lane with no parking charges. Opening and parking arrangements may change; check the latest information before your visit.
Layers of history in the woodland and at the Cross Dyke
A multi-period site in Micheldever Wood is protected as a nationally important monument. Its exceptionally well-preserved archaeological remains date from prehistory to the Middle Ages. At the eastern edge of the woodland lies a Bronze Age Cross Dyke. Over the centuries, it has served as a landmark and boundary feature; today, it forms part of the parish boundary between Micheldever and Northington.
Norsebury Ring: the Iron Age and far-reaching views
The hillfort of Norsebury Ring is a Scheduled Monument of national importance and dates from the Iron Age, from 700 BC to AD 43. It offers far-reaching views in every direction except east. This gives Norsebury Ring a different focus from the Archaeological Trail: here, the hillfort setting and the views go together, while the trail covers Bronze and Iron Age sites and takes approximately 30 minutes.
St Mary the Virgin: access and history
The footpath to St Mary the Virgin in Micheldever starts on Church Street opposite the school and follows a tree-lined path to the west door. Vehicle access is from Sloe Lane, along a track to a small car park mainly used for accessible access, wedding vehicles and hearses. Check local access arrangements before you travel. Services are held at St Mary’s Church every Sunday; if you would like to plan your visit around a service, check the current schedule in advance.
The present-day St Mary’s Church is at least the third church on this site. Its nave was rebuilt in an octagonal shape in 1806. The chancel contains memorials to members of the Baring family, including one by Flaxman. In the local architectural interpretation, the church is regarded as England’s only rural rotunda. Its design, the long history of the church site and the chancel memorials offer different ways to explore the area’s church history.
Micheldever Station and railway history
Micheldever Railway Station was built around 1840 by Sir William Tite for the London & Southampton Railway. On 11 May 1840, the first passenger train from London to Southampton passed through Micheldever Station. The construction date and the first train’s passage are two specific milestones in this railway’s history.
Walks along local byways
Walks organised by Sue Bell take place on the first Sunday of each month, offering a chance to explore local byways in Micheldever. As the schedule may change, check the latest information if you would like to plan your visit around a walk.
Discover more destinations: Swanmore, Rotherwick, Totton, East Tisted, Liss, Aldershot, Hedge End, Eversley.
See the main travel guide: Hampshire.
