Hinton Ampner Walk
Explore the beautiful gardens surrounding this stately home near New Alresford in Hampshire.
Here you will find cloud topiary, a walled garden, a sunken garden and fabulous views over the South Downs. You can also extend your walk into the wider estate. Head east towards Joan's acre wood where you will find ancient woodland and an abundance of wildlife.
You could also pick up the Itchen Way or Wayfarer's Walk which run past the estate.
Head west and you can explore the South Downs on our Cheesefoot Head Walk.
Postcode
SO24 0LA - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsPlease click here for more information
Hinton Ampner Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Hinton Ampner Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Hinton Ampner OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Hinton Ampner Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
There's a good on site cafe where you can enjoy some refreshments after your walk. It's located in one of the oldest buildings on the estate which was formerly a stable.
If you fancy a pub lunch head into nearby Cheriton and pay a visit to The Flower Pots.
The attractive red brick building dates back to the 1830s when it was originally a farmhouse. They serve fine food and have a lovely large garden area to relax in.
You can find them at Brandy Mount, SO24 0QQ.
The pretty village is a pleasant place for a stroll too. There's a 13th century church some picturesque thatched cottages and the site of the Battle of Cheriton which took place as part of the English Civil War in 1544. This is located about a mile east of the village near Cheriton Wood where there's some peaceful woodland trails to enjoy.
Dog Walking
The estate is a great place to bring your dog for a walk so you'll probably see plenty of other owners on your visit. They must be on leads and are not allowed in the formal gardens though. The tea rooms mentioned above are also dog friendly.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
Just to the north you can pick up the Alresford Walk which uses two of the area's waymarked trails to create a circular route through the area.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Hampshire Walks, South Downs Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Lime avenue and obelisk, Hinton Ampner
Hinton Ampner House. The grounds of Hinton Ampner house are now managed by the national trust and are open to the public. Up until 2005 the house was a private residence and was open to the public for only a few days each year. The house became vacant in 2005 and the trust may be opening the house more frequently in the future.
All Saints church. A noteworthy Grade 2* listed building erected in the 11th century.
Gatehouse at Hinton Ampner House. This is the entrance to the grounds of Hinton Ampner House from the A272 road. The cattle grid prevents sheep escaping from Hinton Ampner park. The road leads (in the opposite direction) to the house and the National Trust car park.
The Walled Garden, Hinton Ampner House. The Walled Garden at this National trust property has been opened to the public this year (2006). Looking east towards the parish church of All Saints.
Avenue of Beech trees near Hinton Ampner Although pretty substantial, these trees are not shown at all on the 1:25,000 OS map. The avenue is obviously planted deliberately but it does not lead directly to any big house. It lies mid way between Hinton Ampner and Kilmeston, so it may possibly be connected either with Hinton Ampner House or with Dean House, Kilmeston.
Lime tree in Hinton Ampner Park. A footpath crosses the northeast part of Hinton Ampner park, an area which is grazed by sheep in the grounds of Hinton Ampner House. This tree (as far as I can tell) is a common lime (tilia x europaea) - a hybrid between the large- and small-leaved lime, which is commonly planted in parks and gardens. The sheep gather to shade under trees like this in the park.
Hinton Ampner House Garden. The terrace walk in Ralph Dutton's famous garden passes a classical grotto. Ampner comes from almoner - the Middle Ages manor belonged to the Bishop of Winchester and was given to the almoner of St Swithun's to pay debts.