Hinton Ampner Garden


Route overview:

The battle of Cheriton was a major turning point in the English Civil War and resulted in an important Parliamentarian victory that helped shape the future of England. This trail follows in the footsteps of the men who fought on both sides of this important battle.

Start: Hinton Ampner Church.

1) Start off at the Church in the grounds at Hinton Ampner then walk down Hinton Hill towards the A272

2) Cross the main road onto a farm track directly opposite (which then leads to a footpath)

The eve of battle

It's the morning of the 29th March 1644. The village is dark and eerily misty. Leaving Cheriton to its fate, you walk on towards the fields appearing on your right. The Parliamentary forces are gathered nearby, 10, 000 strong. You are close enough to smell the horses and hear the shouts of command...

3) After a short walk up the hill you will reach a crossroads of footpaths. Turning right, continue for about a mile.

You have attempted to avoid the Parliamentary forces, but you can now hear the sounds of the approaching Royalists, 7,000 strong. They are directly in front of you, though it's impossible to tell how far. You need to exit the battlefield, but it may already be too late.

4) Just before you reach the road veer left, following the margin of the field to the top right-hand corner. Then go through the gap in the hedge onto a farm track, turn left and walk up the hill.

As you reach the end of the lane, you hear the sound of musket fire mingled with shouts: the battle has begun. Curiosity gets the better of you. This is your chance to see history in the making.

5) Continue on for a mile and a half with Cheriton Wood on your right-hand side.

During the night the Parliamentary commanders tried to outflank the Royalists. A successful counter attack is launched with 1,000 Royalists pushing the Parliamentary troops back away from their lines. You continue on to the relative safety of the Royalist position.

6) You now join up with a road. Follow it round to the right, walking towards the site of a memorial commemorating the troops from both sides who lost their lives during the battle.

This high ground, occupied by the Royalist forces, offers the best view of the battleground. Cheriton Wood, now in Royalist hands, can be seen to the left, although the main Parliamentary army is obscured by the East Down in the middle distance. The Royalists are now moving forwards and you decide to follow.

7) Retrace your steps on Badshear Road, walking for a mite then turn left off the road past some barns and back onto a farm track and footpaths.

An unwise attack from a Royalist commander results in many casualties...

8) At the top of the ridge (half a mile walk from the road) turn right then follow the ridge for half a mile before turning left down the footpath.

The Royalists are now losing the advantage of the high ground, as the Parliamentarian forces advance. The Royalists are forced to send in their last resort, the cavalry.

9) At the next footpath crossroads head straight down into Cheriton village.

The terrain makes it difficult for the cavalry to be victorious. The Parliamentary troops are waiting for them. Outnumbered, the Royalists are forced to give ground.

10) On reaching the village road, turn left and continue until you reach the main road (A272). Turn left, passing the pub - The Hinton Arms - on your right, and on to the entrance of our parkland.

The battle rages in the fields above. As many as 500 men may have died, with many more wounded. The Royalists have been pushed back to their original position, with their leader Lord Hopton, retreating to Basing House. Our story of the Battle of Cheriton is now over.

End: Hinton Ampner visitor reception

Facilities: Refreshments are available in the tea-rooms near visitor reception.

Toilet facilities are located next to the tea-rooms, 30 metres from visitor reception. Dogs are welcome, but we ask that they be kept on a lead at all times.

Contact us Telephone: 01962 771305