Bowcombe

Newtown Old Town Hall

Newtown · 3.7 miles

It was built in 1699 & fell into disrepair in 1832, when Newtown lost its right to elect MPs with only 39 voters. The Ferguson Gang, a group with false names & disguises, saved it in 1930s & donated to the National Trust to restore threatened buildings

Newchurch Moors Nature Reserve

Newchurch · 6.2 miles

The rich tapestry of habitats, from floodplain meadow to grazed pasture, marshland, fen, river and woodland, creates a home for species such as barn owl, buzzard and dormice.

Compton Beach

Dunsbury · 6.2 miles

completely tidal beach at HWS

Sowley Pond

Sowley · 8.7 miles

Large private lake in the south of the New Forest.

Bembridge Fort

Brading · 9.9 miles

Built in the 1860s on the highest point of Bembridge Down (the Yarborough Monument had to be moved) on the orders of Lord Palmerston (Prime Minister), as part of a chain of defences designed to protect the naval docksyard at Portsmouth from Napoleon III

Culver Millenium Beacon

Hillway · 11 miles

Beacons were part of medieval early warning systems designed to respond to French invasion. They were updated prior to the Spanish Armada & used to pass messages by flame. It was lit on 2/6/2022 as part of the celebrations for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee