Watership Down Inn, Whitchurch (Hampshire)

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Watership Down Inn Whitchurch Exterior photo

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Key details

About the Hotel

Watership Down Inn Freefolk Priors, Freefolk, Whitchurch (Hampshire), United Kingdom, RG28 7NJ

Near the Bombay Sapphire Distillery

Great

8.7

/10

3.3

Loved by Watership Down Inn guests

Comfy beds
Hot shower
Friendly staff
Excellent breakfast
Nice view

"Just the location is enough for me to recommend the Inn, but to be fair it was a really good place to stay and eat too."

Lyndsey from United Kingdom

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"Our garden room was perfect, a large room, with a comfortable bed."

Sam W from United Kingdom

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"We had a really nice room in the main building."

Excursion401479 from United Kingdom

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4-star countryside retreat in Whitchurch

Rooms

Watership Down Inn offers well-appointed accommodations with a variety of room types, including double and twin rooms. Each room features modern amenities, designed for comfort during a countryside stay. Guests can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscapes from many of the rooms.

Dining

The hotel includes an on-site restaurant that serves a selection of locally-sourced dishes. Guests can savor traditional pub cuisine while enjoying a casual atmosphere. The bar offers a range of wines, spirits, and local ales to complement the dining experience.

Location

Watership Down Inn is conveniently located just a short drive from Whitchurch town center. The hotel is situated near Hurstbourne Tarrant, providing easy access to scenic walking and cycling routes. Guests benefit from the nearby attractions, such as the historic site of Andover and the River Test.

Amenities

The hotel offers free parking facilities for guests traveling by car. Garden areas provide a peaceful setting for relaxation, while pets are welcome to join in on the countryside experience. Function rooms are available for events and private gatherings.

Entertainment

Watership Down Inn features live music events that provide entertainment for guests in the evenings. Game nights and quiz events are regularly organized to engage visitors. The surrounding area offers various outdoor activities, including hiking and birdwatching.

Highlights

Location: Short drive from Whitchurch town center

Rooms: Double and twin rooms

Dining: Locally-sourced dishes

Entertainment: Live music events

“This countryside inn makes a fine base, especially for couples seeking a comfortable room with garden views. I'm particularly keen on its proximity to both the Bombay Sapphire Distillery and Highclere Castle. While a car simplifies travel, the warm welcome ensures a pleasant stay, making it a worthwhile choice in this Hampshire locale.”

Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Location: Perfect

9.1/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

DiningRoast Perfection

The Sunday roast, especially the pork hock, was a standout. Don't miss the caramelized pineapple with Chantilly cream!

Oliver from England

Review on

BathroomSpa-Like Retreat

The spacious bathroom featured his and hers sinks, funky lighting, super fluffy, large towels, and a powerful shower.

Samantha from Canada

Review on

Room FeaturesSpacious Comfort

The garden rooms are huge, bigger than my house! Beds were really comfy and well equipped with everything needed.

Chloe from Australia

Review on

Guest ParkingEasy Access

Good parking available! An ideal meeting place, and conveniently located just off the A303, easy access.

David from Wales

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Select your room type

Watership Down Inn offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Double or Twin Room Shower

2 persons

110 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Double or Twin Room

2 persons

110 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Double Room

2 persons

100 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Family Room Garden View

2 persons

325 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

Watership Down Inn offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Great

8.8/10Review score

General

Non-smoking rooms
Wi-Fi
Parking
Pets allowed

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area

Children

Cots

Spa & Leisure

Garden area

Room features

Sitting area
Patio
Terrace
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

The Watership Down Inn features a welcoming restaurant that embraces local flavors while catering to dietary preferences. With a family-friendly ambiance and options for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dining, this is the perfect spot to indulge in authentic meals throughout the day.

Watership Down Inn Whitchurch Restaurant photo

Restaurant #1

Local cuisine with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options

Ambiance

A family-friendly setting that invites warmth and togetherness, perfect for casual meals or celebrations.

Key Offerings

Signature dishes showcasing local ingredients, with an emphasis on accommodating various dietary needs. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner options available.

Reservation

Optional; reservations encouraged during peak times.

Monday to Friday: 08:30 - 22:30, Saturday: 08:30 - 10:30, Sunday: 08:30 - 18:30

Watership Down Inn Location

Watership Down Inn Freefolk Priors, Freefolk, Whitchurch (Hampshire), United Kingdom, RG28 7NJ

Map view

Watership Down Inn Freefolk Priors, Freefolk, Whitchurch (Hampshire), United Kingdom, RG28 7NJ

City landmarks

Landmark

Bombay Sapphire Distillery

3200 ft

Landmark

St Nicholas' Church

2000 ft

Landmark

Whitchurch Silk Mill

1.4 mi

Landmark

Laverstoke House

3800 ft

Landmark

Abra Barrow

1.5 mi

Landmark

The Bell Inn

1.4 mi

Cemetery

All Hallows

1.6 mi

Landmark

The Red Lion

2.0 mi

Landmark

Glebe Cat

2.0 mi

Landmark

Shirley Baker

2.0 mi

Landmark

Church of St Mary

2.0 mi

Church

St Mary's Tufton

2.0 mi

Church

St Mary's Overton

2.1 mi

Landmark

CarFest South

2.5 mi

Landmark

Mill Manor

2.6 mi

Landmark

Hurstbourne House

2.7 mi

Landmark

Test Valley Golf Club

2.9 mi

Church

Church of St Andrew

3.0 mi

Church

St Andrews Church

3.0 mi

Nearby

Church of St Mary the Virgin

1800 ft

Pro Driver Training

1300 ft

Explore Whitchurch (Hampshire)

Explore Whitchurch

St Nicholas' Church

8 minutes' walk

St Nicholas' Church features stunning architecture and rich history, making it a peaceful spot for reflection.

Bombay Sapphire Distillery

12 minutes' walk

Bombay Sapphire Distillery offers guided tours and tastings in a picturesque setting, showcasing gin production.

Whitchurch Silk Mill

25 minutes' walk

Whitchurch Silk Mill, a working museum, displays traditional silk-making techniques in a scenic riverside location.

Laverstoke House

14 minutes' walk

Laverstoke House is an elegant site with beautiful gardens, ideal for leisurely walks and enjoying nature.

Hiking at the Test Valley

10 minutes' drive

Hiking trails in the Test Valley offer stunning landscapes, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Wellness Sessions at Local Spas

5 minutes' drive

Local spas provide relaxing treatments and wellness sessions. Advance booking is recommended for peak times.

The Old Post Office

12 minutes' walk

The Old Post Office serves traditional British dishes in a cozy setting, known for its hearty pub classics.

Glebe Cat Restaurant

35 minutes' walk

Glebe Cat Restaurant offers a fusion of international cuisines, with a relaxed atmosphere and vegetarian options.

Local Live Music Venues

10 minutes' drive

Local venues host regular live music events, with genres ranging from jazz to folk. Check schedules for showtimes.

Whitchurch Community Cinema

10 minutes' drive

Whitchurch Community Cinema screens latest films in a friendly atmosphere, perfect for family outings and date nights.

Getting around

City Centre

Whitchurch (Hampshire)11 min · 3000 ft

Airports

Southampton (SOU)63 min · 25.9 mi

London Heathrow (LHR)125 min · 51.8 mi

Train

Whitchurch Railway Station26 min · 1.3 mi

Bus

Bus stop17 min · 6.8 mi

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 14:00-22:00

Check-out

from 02:00-10:00

Internet

Wireless internet is available in for free.

Breakfast

A full breakfast is served at the price of GBP15 per person per day.

Pets

Pets are allowed on request.

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Watership Down Inn from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

The Watership Down Inn is often praised for its spacious and comfortable garden rooms, some featuring modern bathrooms and underfloor heating. Its location near the Bombay Sapphire distillery and its generally quiet, peaceful setting are frequently mentioned as highlights. While the food, especially the eggs royale, is often described as exceptional, some guests have noted that the advertised hot breakfast may not be available on Mondays or Tuesdays, with only toast and cereal offered.

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Review score

Based on 264 verified reviews

8.7/10

Great

89%

Recommend

Paid Wi-Fi

10.0/10

Breakfast

9.5/10

Value for money

8.5/10

Facilities

8.8/10

Pros

Delicious evening meal

Comfortable room

Friendly staff

Cons

No electrical sockets

Poor breakfast

Samantha from United States

Family with children

Double or Twin Room

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: February 08, 2026

6/10

Acceptable stay overall

nice decorfriendly staffclean roomno signalsoft mattresslow heating

I loved the room decor! It was really nicely done. The staff seemed very friendly. I liked how clean everything was.

The TV in the room didn't work. It had no signal. The mattress was very soft. I didn't sleep well. the underfloor heating was too low and I couldn't adjust it.

0 Helpful

Ava from Ireland

Couple

Double or Twin Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 30, 2026

9.0/10

Excellent Stay Near Bombay Sapphire

ample parkingfriendly staffpleasant roomcrisp bedding

I found ample parking spaces upon arrival. The staff were consistently helpful and friendly . My twin room was pleasant and offered a nice view of the surrounding area.

The radiator wasn't very efficient, so the room felt a little chilly at times (it was a cold night though).

Rooms

9/10

The twin room was well-appointed and clean, with comfy beds and pillows. The ensuite bathroom was nicely presented and did not look worn. I found the room to be a restful space after a day of travel, it was really enjoyable.

Service

10/10

Staff members delivered an umbrella each when they realized we were going to a wedding in wet weather, which I thought was very thoughtful. The team were very friendly and helpful, and nothing was too much trouble. The housekeeper even made up an extra bed for us after a miscommunication.

Location

8/10

The hotel enjoys a convenient location on a quiet lane just off the main road, offering easy access. The bombay sapphire distillery is approximately a 15-minute walk from the hotel. The pub has an outside terrace set on staggered levels.

0 Helpful

Peter from United Kingdom

Family with children

family room garden view

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 05, 2026

9.7/10

excellent garden room experience

high-quality furniturelighting optionsgenerous bathroom

the room offered ample space along with high-quality furniture. the various lighting options provided a perfect ambiance. i liked the generous size of the bathroom, it featured an excellent shower. the outside seating area offered a relaxing space.

the underfloor heating was set at low, and i could not adjust it myself.

Facilities

9/10

the hotel offers convenient parking spaces close to the chalets, a feature i found very practical. a well-kept garden area provided a pleasant view, nice for a relaxed atmosphere just outside the room.

Dining

10/10

I dined at the hotel where i sampled the fillet steak, and my wife had toffee dessert. The food was glorious. the breakfast service was very efficient, it offered a range of choices and was prepared with fresh ingredients and care.

Service

10/10

the staff members were consistently pleasant and helpful, always ready to address inquiries. they accommodated my early check-in request without issue, which demonstrates their commitment to guest satisfaction. their attention to detail added to the quality of the stay.

0 Helpful

Reese from United States

Family with children

family room garden view

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 28, 2025

8.8/10

excellent family stay

amazing family roomcomfy bedpowerful showerenglish breakfast

The family room was amazing. It included a super king bed and two single beds. i slept really well because the beds were very comfy. the shower was hot and powerful, which i always appreciate. the full english breakfast was delicious, and i loved the coffee and pastry options.

the room i had was somewhat small, made navigating with luggage a bit tricky.

Service

9/10

The staff members were friendly and helpful. the team welcomed us warmly, and nothing was too much trouble for them. they responded quickly to all our requests.

Location

8/10

the inn has great parking facilities for all guests. there is a lovely circular walk accessible directly from the pub. i liked the convenient access to nearby attractions.

Rooms

9/10

the room i stayed in was spacious and beautifully tidy. it was also well equipped with several amenities. the beds were very comfortable, ensuring a good night's sleep.

Facilities

8/10

the inn offers a continental breakfast, filling and a great value for money. there are comfortable terraces available to use. i liked the outside seating area.

Dining

10/10

the evening meal was very good, and the restaurant has a pleasant atmosphere. the full english breakfast includes lots of coffee. the food was AMAZING!!!

0 Helpful

Parker from United States

Family with children

double room

4 nights in August 2025

Reviewed: November 05, 2025

6/10

an acceptable stay

clean bedcomfortable bedlarge cafetiereelectrical socketsweak radiatorcold room

the room was a good size. a very comfy and tidy bed was available. breakfast included a large cafetiere, which i appreciated.

i found no power from the electrical sockets. i could not charge my phone or have a hot drink. the room was also cold as the radiator was weak.

0 Helpful

Leo from Germany

Family with children

Deluxe Double or Twin Room Garden View

3 nights in October 2025

Reviewed: November 01, 2025

9.5/10

great stay near distillery

helpful staffgood foodgarden roomcozy feel

i visited the bombay sapphire distillery tour. this pub was near the site. the staff helped me and my family. the food was really good. i really liked the ale selection. the garden beautiful room was excellent. it had a cozy feel.

the bathroom extractor fan was broken. condensation made the floor slippery.

Location

9/10

the inn sits on a quiet lane near the main road. it provides convenient access to the bombay sapphire distillery, accessible by a short 15 minute walk. plenty of parking is available driving to the location.

Service

10/10

the staff were friendly and accommodating to my needs. they provided breakfast in my room when i asked. they looked after my every need. i had a warm welcome from the owners.

0 Helpful

Ruth from United Kingdom

Couple

Double Room

3 nights in June 2025

Reviewed: July 22, 2025

7/10

spacious roomwell decorated roombreakfast optionbad servicewaiter trainingpie order

The room was spacious and well decorated. Breakfast offered plenty of options. Oat milk was available in my room and at breakfast. The staff were very friendly.

I had lunch at the pub and the experience did not start well. The waiter had to ask about the soup and pie of the day. My wife is dairy free so we asked if the soup was dairy free and if she could have the pie without pastry but there were mistakes with the order.

0 Helpful