The Grange at Northington
New Alresford
Children will enjoy exploring the exterior of this former mansion on this walk.
Exploring the exterior of The Grange
The Basics
Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Distance: 6.42 km / 4 miles
Terrain: Occasional gentle slopes, majority of paths well surfaced with just one uneven path through woodland.
Pushchair: This route is not suitable for pushchairs.
Dogs: Dogs are welcome on the walk but must be on leads at The Grange.
Refreshments: There are no refreshments on the walk, but we enjoyed a picnic on the steps, overlooking the river.
Toilets: There are no public toilets.
Public Transport: Cresta Coaches route 41 stops at Swarraton Bus Shelter mentioned in section 5 of the route below. It runs between Alresford and Basingstoke on Wednesdays and Fridays only.
Parking: You can park at the The Grange (Postcode: SO24 9TG - W3W: ///fizzled.guarding.playfully)* or there is a very small amount of roadside parking in Abbotstone (Postcode: SO24 9TE - W3W: ///conceals.focal.riots)**
*The entrance just off the B3406 can be confusing as next to the English Heritage sign, there is also one saying ‘private property’. This is the correct entrance and you may drive up this track. You will find The Grange and a visitor’s car park at the end. The car park opens at 8:00 am and is locked automatically at 6:30 pm.
**We prefer to park here, rather than The Grange, as it leaves the highlight of the walk for a midway interest/rest stop. There is a photo below of where we park, but please make sure you do not block the field gates. You will find it on Abbotstone Road around 50 metres east of a grassy triangle with a sign for Abbotstone Farmhouse, Garden Cottage and Abbotstone Barn.
Please note: The Grange is open to visitors to explore the exterior every day of the year except for performance days on the following dates in 2026:
2nd August, 9th August, 16th August,23rd August, 30th August
6th September, 13th September, 20th September, 27th September
15th November
The exterior of The Grange is free to explore
Tucked away in the countryside just north of Alresford is the splendid mansion, The Grange. Resembling a Greek temple and in a picturesque riverside setting, the building is cared for by English Heritage. Visitors are free to come and explore the exterior of the building and can then complete our circular walk.
The Route
After exploring the exterior of The Grange, walk down the access track away from the house. At the first junction, turn right and walk over a pretty stone bridge over the river. Continue along the track until you reach the lane. Turn left and you will almost immediately reach the road. Turn right at the road.
Walk along a small section of grass verge. Just past the bus shelter, take the path on your right going parallel to the road between fences. When you reach an access drive, cross it, and re join the footpath on the other side by walking between the fences. You will soon reach another access drive which you should also cross. On the other side, signs and posts will guide you along the footpath as it begins to enter woodland. Walk through the trees with fields to your left. Keep dogs on leads as to the right of the path is a range used for pheasant shoots. After this, the path will become fenced on both sides and you should follow it until you emerge into a large field.
Walk straight ahead down the right hand edge of the field. At the bottom of the field you will reach a cross path. Turn right, passing the remains of an old barn to your right. Walk along the farm track in a straight line until you get to a metal barrier. Walk around the metal barrier and continue until you reach a finger post with a weather vane on top, just before the farm house. Turn right and walk along the long straight path which will eventually lead you back to the entrance pillars to The Grange.
If you want to start this walk from the parking spot in Abbotstone, leave your car and walk down the lane, taking a stony track on your right after a few metres. At the bottom, turn right and you will soon reach the finger post with the weather vane as described in step three. From here follow the straight track until you nearly reach the road. You will see the gateposts for The Grange on your left. Walk along the track, cross the river and follow the signs to The Grange. Once you have enjoyed the exterior of the house, follow the walk from step one until the weather vane in step three.
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Did you know?
The Grange is one of the best examples this country has of Greek Revival architecture. Between 1809 and 1816, William Wilkins transformed a 17th century house into something looking like it came straight from Ancient Greece. In the last century the building fell into disrepair and was scheduled for demolition until public outcry saved it. The house inside is largely unrestored and is now under the management of English Heritage. There are occasional open days when you can see inside but The Grange is best enjoyed during one of its summer opera performances in a special theatre built inside the conservatory.
View of the parking at Abbotstone
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