Finchampstead

This richly-wooded parish provides some of the most charming scenery in the southern counties. There are splendid roads through the woodlands, and the celebrated Nine Mile Ride and equally notable avenue of Wellingtonia, which leads to Finchampstead Ridges, are particularly impressive. Finchampstead prides itself on its network of footpaths covering over 30 miles. A warden is employed to keep them in good condition.

St James church

The parish church of St James was built soon after the Norman Conquest and occupies the site of a prehistoric encampment and nearby are traces of a road made nearly 2,000 years ago, connecting to the Roman city of Silchester ten miles to the west. In medieval times all of this area formed part of the vast Royal Chase of Windsor Forest.

Finchampstead Ridges

Finchampstead Ridges, a local beauty spot, is a common of heather and bracken which provides a splendid panorama over Hampshire and Surrey. Sixty acres of this ridge are now owned and preserved by the National Trust.

Leisure facilities and parks

Other areas of note include Simons Wood, off Wellingtonia Avenue, which leads to the attractive site of Heath Pool. There are also a number of open spaces in the Parish such as Finchampstead Memorial Park, home of the Finchampstead Sports Club which regularly hosts county and international cricket matches. The Rides Community Centre has established playing fields and the site of the newly opened Waverley School offers a similar facility. Modern housing development has taken place in the north of the parish. California Country Park is set in attractive woodlands around Longmoor Lane - parking fees are charged. Longmoor Bog, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, has Nature Trails so that the public can experience its rich fauna and flora.

View an interactive map of Finchampstead for more details.