Attractions and Places To See around Northington - Top 20

The Northington area is rich in history. You can visit St Catherine's Hill, an Iron Age hillfort and nature reserve offering panoramic views of Winchester. Another significant site is Wolvesey Castle (Old Bishop's Palace), the ruins of a once-powerful medieval palace managed by English Heritage. Additionally, Avington Park Mansion and Lake is a historic country estate with a manor house dating back to the late 17th century.

Yes, the region offers several beautiful natural spots. The Weirs, Winchester provides a serene walkway along the River Itchen, a chalk stream, perfect for enjoying local wildlife. You can also experience pure nature along The River Itchen at Fallodon Nature Reserve, which is suitable for hiking or paddling. The Candover Stream also flows near Northington, contributing to the picturesque rural landscape.

The Northington area is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find numerous routes for mountain biking, running, and road cycling. For example, there are moderate MTB trails like the 'Abbotstone Down – The Queen Inn, Dummer loop'. Runners can explore running trails such as the 'Abbotstone Down – The Woolpack Inn loop'. For road cyclists, there are scenic road cycling routes including the 'Avington Park Mansion and Lake – View of Avington Park and Lake loop'.

The Grange at Northington is a significant example of Greek Revival architecture in Europe, set within a landscaped park. Originally a 17th-century mansion, it was transformed in the early 19th century. While the interiors are generally not open to the public (it's often used for The Grange Festival opera performances), the grounds are managed by English Heritage and are open for exploration. For more details on visiting, you can check the English Heritage website.

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Weirs, Winchester offers an easy, pleasant walk along the river where children can enjoy watching swans and ducks. The River Itchen at Fallodon Nature Reserve is also family-friendly, providing opportunities for gentle hikes or paddling in shallow areas. The ruins of Wolvesey Castle are free to enter and offer informative boards, making it an engaging historical visit for all ages.

Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of history and natural beauty. Many enjoy the serene atmosphere of The Weirs and the opportunity to see wildlife. The exceptional views of Winchester from St Catherine's Hill are also a highlight, as is the chance to explore the well-preserved ruins of Wolvesey Castle. The peaceful paths along the River Itchen, whether for hiking or paddling, are also highly rated for experiencing pure nature.

While Northington itself is a small village, the nearby area offers options. The Woolpack Inn in Totford, close to Northington, is a local point of interest for dining and drinks. Additionally, Avington Park Mansion and Lake has a cafe, and the surrounding towns and villages like New Alresford and Winchester provide a wider selection of cafes and pubs.

Yes, there are several easy walking options. The Weirs, Winchester offers a pleasant, flat footpath along the river, suitable for a leisurely stroll. The River Itchen at Fallodon Nature Reserve also features an accessible path along the river, perfect for an easy walk to enjoy nature. For those seeking slightly more, the path up St Catherine's Hill can be accessed via a more gradual route in addition to steps.

The best time to visit Northington's attractions largely depends on your interests. Spring and summer (April to September) are ideal for enjoying the natural beauty, with warmer temperatures perfect for walks along the River Itchen and exploring the grounds of The Grange. Summer also brings rare butterflies and an abundance of birds to St Catherine's Hill. The historical sites like Wolvesey Castle are typically open from April to October.

Parking availability varies by attraction. For St Catherine's Hill, visitors often park on Five Bridges Road nearby for easy access. For attractions within Winchester, such as The Weirs and Wolvesey Castle, public car parks are available in the city center. For The River Itchen at Fallodon Nature Reserve, you can use the East Winchester park & ride.

Northington is a small village, so direct public transport links might be limited. However, you can typically reach the larger nearby town of Winchester by train or bus, and from there, local bus services or taxis might connect to Northington or other specific attractions. For example, the East Winchester park & ride offers bus services to the city center, which is a good starting point for walks along the Itchen.