Sandleheath lies between the New Forest and the Cranborne Chase AONB. The village’s history is reflected in buildings made from local bricks and in memories of its brickworks. The shared village common and a cycle route in the northern part of the Sandleheath Neighbourhood Area also give the place its distinctive character.

Bricks, architectural styles and village history

Sandleheath Village Hall was built from Sandleheath bricks in the Arts and Crafts style in 1907; it had previously been St Aldhelm’s Church Mission Hall. Sandleheath Uniting (Methodist & Anglican) Church was first built in 1884 and extended in 1934. Both dates offer a glimpse into the development of local building history, while Waltham House is linked to the brickmaking industry: built in 1902/03, it provides an important link to the history of Sandleheath’s brickworks.

Other buildings add their own historical and architectural details. Coronation Terrace is a group of terraced houses that opened in 1911 and was named after the coronation of King George and Queen Mary. The houses have three storeys, or four if the attic rooms are included. Victoria House is a Victorian example of local architecture, built of red brick; a name plaque commemorates the year it was built, 1897. Cabin Cottage is thought to be one of Sandleheath’s oldest homes and has largely retained its original design.

The Ladies Walk Gates also reflect the history of the place. The wrought-iron gates are the only visible link to Sandle Manor and have significant historical associations. The date 1936 is believed to commemorate when the gates were erected. They once formed an entrance from the Main Road to Sandle Manor; the path behind the gates is private.

The common and paths in the Neighbourhood Area

Sandleheath Common is shared village land, maintained by Sandleheath Parish Council. A seam of blue clay runs beneath the common and was associated with five brickworks. In the first quarter of the 20th century, these brickworks employed around 100 people. The common and the village’s building history thus connect a local open space with the former brickmaking industry.

For cyclists, the Fordingbridge Off-Road Cycle Route is a useful point of reference: it runs through the northern part of the Sandleheath Neighbourhood Area and along its boundary. The area also has public rights of way, including footpaths and bridleways. This information relates to the Neighbourhood Area; it does not necessarily describe a single continuous route.

Bus service and locally produced flour

There are only two bus stops in the Sandleheath Neighbourhood Area. Both are at the junction of Court Hill, Station Road, Alderholt Road and Rockbourne Road. They provide access to Damory route 49, which runs only on Tuesday mornings and serves, among other places, Ashford, Fordingbridge, Whitsbury and Salisbury. Check the current timetable before travelling if you plan to use this service.

Alderholt Mill is at the southernmost end of the village of Sandleheath. Flour is produced there and is available for making bread and cakes. If you would like to include the flour in your travel plans, check its availability in advance.

The village’s history can therefore be explored from several perspectives: through its architectural styles and dates, through the common and the brickworks, or through today’s cycle route and limited bus service. When choosing a holiday rental, these different points of interest can help you organise your plans for a stay in Sandleheath.

Discover more destinations: Rotherwick, Nursling, Hythe, Rockbourne, Micheldever, Cadnam, Alton, Bransgore.

For the wider travel guide: Hampshire.