Wixford lies in the Arrow Valley on the Roman road Icknield Street, also known as Rynkeld Street. The River Arrow flows through the village, and the Heart of England Way also runs through Wixford. The landscape, walking route and architectural history offer different starting points for planning a trip: the river and paths shape the landscape, while the churches, bridge and historic houses offer specific insights into the area’s architectural history.
Walking route and cycle tour
The Heart of England Way is a 104-mile recreational walking route. It runs from Milford on the northern edge of Cannock Chase to Bourton-on-the-Water in the Cotswolds and passes through Wixford. Part of the route follows the former railway line at Wixford. The former station was built by the Evesham & Redditch Railways Company in September 1866 and closed in January 1950; it no longer survives. The route and station represent different chapters in the village’s history: the walking path uses part of the former railway line, while the station’s history is tied to when it was built and closed.
The Wixford Wonder is a 23-mile, moderately hilly cycle tour that mainly follows quiet roads. It starts and ends at Evesham railway station and passes through the valleys of the River Avon and the River Arrow. Compared with the Heart of England Way, it offers a different distance and activity: a cycle tour starting and ending in Evesham, and a considerably longer recreational walking route that passes through Wixford. The routes can thus be distinguished by their length, mode of transport and stated starting points.
Architectural history from the 15th to the 18th century
The south chapel of the Church of St Milburga dates from around 1400. Inside the chapel, a fine brass memorial on a chest tomb commemorates Thomas de Cruwe, who died in 1411, and his wife. The churchyard cross by the church is also a 15th-century feature: it consists of a limestone base and stump standing on three square steps. The chapel, tomb and cross represent different forms of architectural and commemorative heritage.
The horsehouse at St Milburga’s Church dates from the 18th century. It is made of wattle and gorse and has a thatched roof. It was built to shelter the riding horses of visiting clergy. The building’s recorded purpose thus differs from the church’s religious and memorial features.
Moor Hall was originally a hall house and was extended to form an irregular U-shaped plan. Its surviving historic features include a 16th-century door made of vertical boards with a frame, as well as part of a 17th-century panelled door. These details, as well as the house’s later floor plan, reveal how it developed over time.
Wixford Bridge dates from the late 18th century. Its masonry is made of red brick with stone dressings. It has a single, almost semicircular arch, circular flood openings at both ends and a cambered roadway. The combination of materials, arch and roadway gives the bridge a clearly defined architectural character.
A 40-minute communion service is held at the Church of St Milburga at 8 a.m. every fourth Sunday. If you plan to attend during your trip, check the service schedule before you travel.
Discover more destinations: Newton Regis, Ansty, Curdworth, Coleshill, Baginton, Ratley, Great Alne, Long Compton
Return to the regional travel overview: Warwickshire.
