Discover Overton: Trails, History and the River Test

Overton combines literary history, trails through the countryside and notable historic buildings. Anyone looking for a holiday cottage in Overton can plan their stay according to their preferred pace of travel: short circular routes for a manageable excursion, longer routes for an active day and cultural destinations to complement their travel ideas.

Walking and cycling on the Jane Austen trails

The Overton Jane Austen Trails comprise a 2.5-mile walking route, a 6.5-mile walking route, a 9-mile walking route and a 12-mile cycling route. This makes it possible to explore the surrounding area in different ways. The circular route “Overton in Jane Austen's Time” is 2.5 miles long and leads along country lanes, roads and pavements. At a leisurely pace, this loop takes one hour – a manageable option if you would like to leave time for further discoveries in addition to a walk.

The signposted circular walking route from Overton to Steventon is 9 miles long. Along the way, it passes the site of Steventon Rectory and St. Nicholas Church. Its historical connection comes from the history of the Austen family: Jane Austen's brother James Austen was appointed curate in Overton in 1790. Those interested in literary history and local landscapes can therefore combine the route with a themed excursion without limiting themselves to a purely museum-based visit.

The River Test, country lanes and circular routes

The countryside itself also offers different impressions. The Overton, Ashe and Deane walking route follows the River Test to its source in Ashe. The cycling route from Overton to Steventon begins in Overton, initially follows the River Test and then continues along single-track country lanes. This difference may play a role when choosing your accommodation: a trip focused on walks, literary history or cycling does not require the same daily rhythm.

Overton has interconnected paths, bridleways and byways that allow circular walks of various lengths from the town centre. The Overton picnic walk may be impassable during and after winter; in this case, a road alternative is available. This restriction should be included in your daily planning, especially if you intend to make a specific walk a fixed part of your stay.

Historic buildings in Overton

For more leisurely excursions, Overton offers several historic points of interest. The Church of St Mary is a Grade II* listed building. On High Street, buildings 7, 9 and 11 date from the late 15th or early 16th century. They are constructed with timber frames and wattle-and-daub infill. The timber frame is particularly well preserved at number 7 and concealed at the right-hand end of number 11. Details such as these give a walk through the town a tangible historical dimension.

Other buildings include Southington Mill, a Grade II listed building. The footpath in front of Quidhampton Mill over the watercourse consists of three brick arches with side walls. The old timber-framed mill building of Quidhampton Mill and Mill House is attributed to the 17th, 18th and mid-19th centuries. For families, this can create a varied town walk combining architectural history, the watercourse and the experience of walking.

Nature and getting there

Little Meadow was converted into a wildlife reserve and opened in May 2007. The site adds another nature-focused activity to the longer walking and cycling routes. For travel by train, Overton station is served by South Western Railway; it is located on the route from Exeter to London Waterloo. Anyone choosing a holiday cottage as a convenient and easily planned base for excursions can take this rail connection into account when preparing their trip.

More destinations for trip planning

If you would like to compare other places as well as Overton, you can find Fair Oak, Wolverton, Ellingham, Wickham, Liss, Shedfield, Yateley and Eastleigh here.

For the overarching travel overview: Hampshire.