Titchfield Abbey
Children will enjoy playing around the abbey ruins and then playing in the replica abbey at the park on this walk.
The Basics
Time: 30 mins
Distance: 1 km each way
Terrain: Grassy paths, stony tracks and some pavement
Pushchairs: Yes
Dogs: Yes, but not in the play area and on leads at the abbey
Refreshments: The Fisherman’s Rest pub opposite the entrance to the abbey
Toilets: None
Parking: Free car park beside play area, off Cartwright Drive (Postcode: PO15 5RJ - W3W: remarks/prowling/logbook)
There are two abbeys for children to explore on this short walk. One is the glorious ruin of Titchfield Abbey and the other is a wooden play structure inspired by the former and set in a brand new park, Abbey Meadows.
The Route
With the gate between the play area and car park behind you, turn right and walk along the grassy path towards the care home. When you reach the building, go through the gate and onto the footpath, passing the grounds of the care home on your right.
The footpath goes in a straight line, passing some information boards about the local flora and fauna. Continue slightly down hill until you reach The Great Barn on your right.
Cut across the parking area, heading to the left hand corner where there is a gap in the fence. The footpath continues down the track to your right, passing by a garden centre.
The path will come to a road, where you should turn left and walk along the pavement to the entrance to the abbey. This English Heritage property is free to explore (open daily, 10am-5pm Apr to Sep and 10am-4pm from Oct to Mar).
To return, retrace your steps. After you have passed The Great Barn and then some pony paddocks on your right, you will see a gate on your right into Abbey Meadows. You can follow this grassy path as it curves around the meadow back to the play area.
We suggest viewing the interactive map as a ‘Trails Map’ to ensure all the paths show up:
Did you know?
Titchfield Abbey, built in the 23th century, was originally the home of Premonstratensian canons. After the dissolution of the monasteries, Sir Thomas Wriothesley, Earl of Southampton, transformed the buildings into a grand Tudor mansion called Place House.
If you enjoyed this walk…
…try this walk at Netley Abbey, another English Heritage, free to explore ruin.
