This "vibrant" medieval market town is where history lives on and new stories begin.
Set at the source of the River Hamble in Hampshire and partly within the South Downs National Park, Bishop's Waltham is known for its rich heritage and welcoming atmosphere.
It is home to the ruins of Bishop’s Waltham Palace, a Scheduled Ancient Monument managed by English Heritage, as well as a well-preserved high street filled with listed buildings and independent shops.
Here is everything to know about the town and why it is worth a visit.
History of Bishop’s Waltham
Bishop’s Waltham has long been a place of historical importance, with roots dating back to around 640 AD when the first recorded church was built in the area.
The town’s name is Saxon in origin, combining "wald" (forest) and "ham" (settlement).
It became "Bishop’s Waltham" in 904 AD when King Edward the Elder, son of Alfred the Great, granted the land to Denewulf, Bishop of Winchester, in exchange for land in Portchester.
Despite being destroyed by Danish invaders in 1001 AD, the settlement recovered and grew to become one of Hampshire’s largest villages.
By the time of the Domesday Book in 1086, it was home to around 600 people across 115 households.
The town has strong historical ties to the church and royalty.
Henry of Blois, Bishop of Winchester and brother to King Stephen, founded Bishop’s Waltham Palace in the 12th century.
The palace became a key residence for the powerful bishops of Winchester and hosted many royal visitors, including Mary Tudor.
She stayed at the palace while awaiting the arrival of her future husband, Philip II of Spain, before their marriage.
The palace was destroyed in 1644 under the orders of Oliver Cromwell, but its extensive ruins remain a focal point for visitors today.
The town also has connections to several naval figures, including Admiral Edward Vernon and Admiral Lord Andrew Cunningham.
During the Napoleonic Wars, it served as a "parol town" for captured French Admiral Villeneuve.
Things to do in Bishop’s Waltham
Bishop’s Waltham offers a range of attractions and activities for visitors and residents alike, with Visit Winchester describing it as a "vibrant and historic market town".
The town’s Norman church, high street boutiques, and award-winning restaurants are set in charming 17th and 18th-century buildings.
There is also a vineyard and a working mill nearby.
The ruins of Bishop’s Waltham Palace are open to the public and include a great hall, dry moat, and a three-storey west tower.
The Bishop’s Waltham Museum, located in a historic farmhouse on the palace grounds, showcases local history through rotating exhibitions.
Nature lovers can explore The Moors, a nearby nature reserve of fen and meadowland featuring the Mill Pond.
The area is ideal for spotting kingfishers, dragonflies, and spring wildflowers.
The high street offers independent shops and antique stores, including the UK’s largest magic shop, the Merchant of Magic.
Just a short drive away is Marwell Zoo, a 140-acre attraction home to more than 500 animals from 145 species.
Bishop’s Waltham is home to TV and radio legend
Bishop’s Waltham is also the current home of television and radio presenter Jeff Stelling.
Mr Stelling lived in Alresford for many years before moving to Bishop’s Waltham with his wife Liz and their three children.
Originally from Hartlepool, he is best known for hosting Gillette Soccer Saturday on Sky Sports from 1994 to 2023.
He also hosted the Champions League between 2011 and 2015.
Mr Stelling is an ambassador for Prostate Cancer UK and serves as president of Hartlepool United.
His career as a journalist started on the Hartlepool Mail and as a broadcaster for Middlesbrough FC on Radio Tees in the 1970s.
He later worked on LBC Radio’s Sportswatch and BBC Radio 2’s Sport on 2.
Mr Stelling also presented the game shows Countdown and Alphabetical, and has made appearances in the Apple TV comedy Ted Lasso.
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He started hosting Talksport’s breakfast show every Monday and Tuesday in December 2023.
He has been named Sports Broadcaster of the Year four times by the Sports Journalists’ Association.
Jeff and his son Matt have recently been revealed as one of the four new celebrity pairings set to take on the ultimate adventure in Celebrity Race Across The World, due to air soon.
Have you visited Bishop's Waltham before? Let us know in the comments.
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