Buriton combines walking trails, distinctive scenery and traces of its local history. The parish spans three landscape types: a large chalk escarpment, the Greensand terrace and wooded estate downland. The South Downs provide the scenic backdrop. When planning a trip, you can explore routes through fields and valleys, as well as village history and nature.
Scenery and Walking Routes Around Buriton
The Hangers Way passes through small fields and shallow, hidden valleys into the village. The Shipwrights Way runs along Bolinge Hill Lane and Petersfield Road to Buriton. The two routes have different landscape features: one passes through fields and valleys, while the other follows named roads. Check the latest guidance on the Shipwrights Way before setting out on a walk.
The “Buriton through woods and fields” route starts and finishes at the Halls Hill public car park. It leads through woodland on the slopes; along the way, there are views across the village and east along the Downs. Another walk, “Buriton following the Shipwrights Way”, also starts at the Halls Hill car park. Parking information may change, so check locally before you travel.
A footpath leads from Buriton Pond to Coulters Dean Nature Reserve, passing through the meadows behind the church, along the old cart track called Milky Way, and up onto the South Downs. The reserve combines a small woodland with chalk grassland and provides a refuge for rare butterflies and plants. Wildlife varies with the seasons. Check local path and access conditions before visiting.
Village History and Historic Walks
The Church of St Mary has a 12th-century nave and a 13th-century chancel and vestry. The unmarked grave of 17th-century botanist John Goodyer lies in the churchyard of St Mary's Church. The Manor House is also a notable part of the area's architectural history: the building in Buriton is protected as a listed building and is designated Grade II*.
The lime works offer a glimpse into Buriton's industrial history. Chalk was quarried and burned there before being shipped to factories to make “Pug” mortar and cement. The lime works along Kiln Lane were important for more than 70 years, up to the Second World War. The combination of processing and shipping shows the role chalk played in local industry.
“Walks Through Time” offers six guided walks through the parish, with historical information. Availability of the publication may change; check in advance whether it is available for your visit. Another way to combine the place with literary history is the Buriton Literary Walk. Its main route is 2.5 miles long, and a shorter shortcut is also available. The current walking leaflet can help you choose the right route option.
Starting Points and Practical Information
The Buriton Literary Walk starts at Buriton Pond, opposite St Mary's Church. There is a public car park for the walk at the junction at the lower end of Kiln Lane. Check this parking information locally before you travel, too. Petersfield station, the nearest railway station, is 2 miles from the start of the Literary Walk. Check train services and connections before travelling.
Buriton's local history exhibition, “Bygone Buriton”, takes place annually, usually in September. Dates and the programme vary from year to year. If you want to plan your stay around the exhibition, check the dates for the relevant year rather than relying solely on the usual month.
Discover more destinations: Bransgore, Micheldever Station, Aldershot, Monk Sherborne, Fair Oak, Twyford, Oakley, Winchester.
For the regional travel overview: Hampshire.
