Attractions and Places To See around Eastham - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Eastham provide a blend of historical sites and natural landscapes. This region, characterized by its rural setting, features ancient churches, historic bridges, and scenic common lands. Visitors can explore a variety of historical landmarks and enjoy the tranquil environment of the Teme Valley. Eastham offers opportunities to discover local heritage and natural beauty.
Best attractions and places to see around Eastham
- The most popular attractions is Kingswood Common, a forest that offers well-kept footpaths through woodlands and along the River Teme. It provides views of the Teme Valley, particularly vibrant in spring.
- Another must-see spot is Stanford Bridge Over the River Teme, a historical bridge. This bridge, built in 1905, replaced an earlier structure from 1548 and offers views of the River Teme.
- Visitors also love St Peter's Church, Martley, a religious building with Norman origins and work from several later periods. The church features a 15th-century tower and notable wall paintings from the 15th century.
- Eastham is known for its historical churches, scenic rivers, and common lands. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient ruins to vibrant town centers.
- The attractions around Eastham are appreciated by the komoot community, with 11 upvotes and 12 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
St Peter's Church, Martley
Highlight • Religious Site
Parish church. Early C12, early C13 and circa 1315, restored 1875, 1884 and 1909. Last restoration by Sir Charles Nicholson. Ashlar, plain tile roof. Nave and chancel continuous, west tower, north vestry of 1875, south porch of 1184.
Chancel: three bays, north wall early C13 with two lancets, north vestry; east window: restored Decorated of early C14, three trefoiled lights; south wall: eastern window Decorated with two trefoiled lights, other two larger each with two ogee trefoiled lights, formerly looked into Mortimer chapel (consecrated 1315, demolished), they flank a three-centred-headed priest's door; stepped right angle buttresses to corners.
Nave: three bays, all windows restored: decorated each with two trefoiled lights in both walls. Restored early C12 south door with timber porch of 1884; blocked north door more complete and similar in design; doorway projects c150mm from wall face, with decorated semicircular head and consecration cross; wall has five bays defined by a series of early C12 pilasters, top four courses of naves walls are of alternate bands of red and white sandstone.
West tower: C15 in three stages divided by moulded string, moulded plinth, embattled parapet with pinnacles of 1909 to diagonal corner buttresses. C15 Perpendicular west window with three cinquefoiled lights; first stage has single trefoiled lights, bell chamber has windows with two cinquefoiled lights under two-centred head.
INTERIOR: chancel: double aumbry in north wall, piscina in south wall with priests head to label stop; nave: entrance to rood stairs and above rood left door, stairs were in an external projection, now lost; tower arch of two chamfered orders with moulded abaci at springing.
Roofs: similar over nave and chancel, slightly lower pitch to chancel, collar-rafter roof with straight braces from rafter to collar and ashlar pieces, five tie beams in nave, two in chancel, probably early C14. A framed tympanum divides the nave from the chancel roof, probably C17.
Fittings: wall paintings in nave of C15 including St Martin on horseback dividing his cloak for the beggar; in chancel wall paintings of late C13 and C15, including C15 canopy design on east wall, and a C15 Annunciation group on the south wall. A few late C15 Malvern tiles in chancel floor; early C20 screen, font, pulpit and organ. Late C15 recumbent effigy of alabaster against north wall of chancel, ridged coffin lid to south with traces of incised cross and pastoral staff. The two eastern windows in the south wall of the nave and central window in north wall are of circa 1915 by Walter E Tower.
Source: britishlistedbuildings
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Tenbury Wells Town Centre
Highlight • Pub
there are a large number of listed buildings in Tenbury including several of the iconic 17th century half timber construction.
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Kingswood Common
Highlight • Forest
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Stanford Bridge Over the River Teme
Highlight • River
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Ruins of St Michael's Church, Abberley
Highlight • Historical Site
The church and tower are built of sandstone ashlar, faced externally and internally, except that the chapel walls are partly covered internally with a thin coat of plaster. The tower, nave and western portion of the chancel date from the early 12th century; about a hundred years later the chancel was lengthened eastwards, while the south chapel was added c. 1260, and the south aisle towards the end of the same century. Very little seems to have been done to the fabric till modern times, with the exception of the buttressing of the north wall of the nave in the 14th century and the insertion of a window in this wall in the 15th century. By the middle of the 19th century the fabric had been allowed to fall into considerable disrepair, and was abandoned, a new church being erected in 1852 on a site about a quarter of a mile to the north-west. In 1908 the chancel and chapel were put into a state of repair, and are now used for services. The nave and aisle are roofless and in a very ruinous condition, the walls being overgrown with ivy, while, with the exception of the north and east walls, only the lower stage of the tower, now covered with a pent roof, remains.
The chancel has a three-light east window with original internal jambs and a wood frame of the early 19th century. The gable has been rebuilt in brickwork. At the north-east are two early 13thcentury lancets placed close together, forming twin lights; they have internal labels with head-stops, and stepped sills. To the west of these can be seen a straight joint in the walling, showing the junction between the work of the 12th century and that of the succeeding century. To the west of this again is an early 12th-century single-light window with a round head and stepped sill. High in the wall above can be seen the lines of two blocked clearstory windows. The easternmost window on the south side is a wide single light with a pointed head, plastered internally; this has evidently been formed out of twin lights similar to those on the north, the central jambs having been removed, probably in the late 16th century, while the outside has been rebuilt at a modern period in brick with rounded edges. About the middle of the wall is the east jamb of an early 12th-century light similar to that on the north. This was doubtless blocked in the 13th century, when the arch to the south chapel was pierced. This last is a low two-centred drop arch of two chamfered orders on the chancel side and plain on the side towards the chapel. The east respond has an impost moulding at the springing of the arch, enriched with the dog-tooth and having a king's head at the southern angle, while on the chancel side there is a small engaged round shaft with capital and base. Above the arch are the lower parts of two wide clearstory windows, now inclosed below the aisle roof. The jambs, which are of mediaeval character, have no grooves for glazing, and are now covered by the wall-plate of the chancel roof. There is an old plain square-headed aumbry near the centre of the north wall, and another aumbry opposite to it on the south. The wide two-centred chancel arch is probably of the 13th century. It is now blocked, the only part exposed being plastered. In the blocking is reset an early 12th-century doorway taken from the north wall of the nave and now very much weatherworn and decayed; the jambs have each a single engaged shaft with a rudimentary leaf capital and plain chamfered abacus, but no base. The semicircular head is enriched with cheveron ornament and has a simple chamfered label.
At the east end of the south wall of the south chapel is an original window of two wide plain pointed lights under a two-centred head. To the west of this is a plain semicircular-headed doorway, probably of the early 18th century; the wide singlelight window on the west is formed by the modern filling in of the flying arch by which the chapel must have originally opened to the aisle. In the north wall of the nave is a late 15th-century window, originally, no doubt, of two lights, but the tracery has now gone. To the west of this is a wide gap in the wall, from which the doorway in the chancel arch has been taken. This wall is strengthened in the centre by a large 14th-century buttress, and by one of the same period at the west end, while two modern flying buttresses have also been added; the western part beyond the gap is further retained by a solid block of masonry. Of the south arcade, which was of three bays, only the two pillars and the east arch remain, the latter held in position by an iron tie. The pillars are circular with square plinths and circular moulded capitals; the remaining arch is pointed and of two chamfered orders, springing from twin corbels upon the east respond. The work dates from the late 13th century, but is very much weatherworn and decayed. The west wall at a modern period has had an additional 1 ft. 10 in. added to its thickness on the inside, which has been carried to a short distance above the tower doorway; this doorway has a semicircular arch with a simple splayed edge, and is probably of 14th-century date.
There are three windows in the south wall of the aisle. The arch of the easternmost is broken away and the jambs are too much defaced to indicate its date; the other two are of the late 13th century and are each of two trefoiled lights under a square head. Both are very much weatherworn, but the western one is the more perfect. Between them is the 12th-century south doorway which was moved out from the south wall of the nave on the erection of the aisle; it has a semicircular arch of two moulded orders, a plain tympanum with strapwork border, and two engaged shafts in the jambs, with capitals which have evidently been carved, but no bases; all is very much decayed and the outer order of the arch has been partly broken away.
The tower remains intact only in the lower stage. There is an original 12th-century round-headed light in the south wall, but above this the wall has been cut away to follow the slope of the roof which now covers in the remaining portion of the tower. On the west side is the lower part of a similar window, the arch of which with the wall above has gone, while the outer stonework of the jambs has been defaced. Below this window is a blocked doorway. The north wall remains up to the second stage of the tower. There is a double-chamfered string-course at the level of the window sills of the first stage, the lower chamfer of which on the north side is relieved with checker ornament.
The chancel is covered by a trussed oak roof of the late 14th century, with foiled wind-braces and principals having collars and spandrel pieces. The aisle has a lean-to plaster ceiling. The east window is filled with early 19th-century heraldic glass, and in the south window of the chancel is a shield, Gules five wings saltirewise argent, for Porter, quartering Argent three helmets sable for Miniett, and Barry argent and sable three cotton hanks or, for Haywood. There is an 18th-century oak chest in the chapel. The eastern part of the chapel is screened off by a good 18th-century iron screen with plain vertical bars.
On the south wall of the chancel is a marble monument, with two inscribed tablets, divided and flanked by Ionic columns resting on consoles and supporting an entablature crowned by a segmental pediment. The first tablet is to Elizabeth, wife of William Walshe and daughter of Sir George Blount of Sodington, who died in 1645, and above it is a shield charged with the fesse and martlets of Walshe impaling the barry wavy of Blount. The other tablet is to Ann, wife of George Walshe and daughter of John Collins of Suffolk, who died in 1679. The shield above bears the arms of Walshe impaling a griffon for Collins; the shields in both cases are uncoloured. Near the chancel arch, on the south wall, is a small oval monument, much worn, to John Chapman, rector, who died in 1690, and at the west end of the chancel is a slate tablet to John Brasier, who died in 1683. On the north wall of the chapel are monuments to Thomas Bury, who died in 1769, and Ann his wife, who died in 1761, and to Thomas Severn, who died in 1780, while on the south wall is a monument to Thomas Bury, who died in 1778. There are several 18th-century floor slabs in the chapel to the Walshe family, and one to Stephen Marsh, 'coroner of this county,' who died in 1705. Standing detached on the sill of one of the north windows in the chancel is a diminutive recumbent effigy of a knight in armour of circa 1400. The little figure is of a light sandstone, and measures 9 2/8 in. by 2¼ in. The head rests upon a horse's head and the feet upon a dog, and the hands are in the attitude of prayer; the lower part of the right leg, the left foot, and the right elbow are broken away.
There is one old bell, cast at York, which is now cracked and placed on a wood frame in the chapel. It dates from the 15th century, and was probably the tenor, and is inscribed 'Ave Gracia Plena Dominus Tecum.' The initials are crowned, and the maker's stamp, three bells on a shield, is four times repeated.
The plate consists of a silver stand paten of 1714, given by Elizabeth Walshe in 1715, and a modern chalice and cover paten and flagon.
The registers before 1812 are as follows: (i) baptisms and burials 1559 to 1804, marriages 1559 to 1754; (ii) containing marriages 1754 to 1792 is missing; (iii) baptisms 1805 to 1813, burials 1805 to 1836, marriages 1792 to 1813.
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Tips from the Community
Fine church with lovely grounds, made from the local sandstone.
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A secluded nature reserve alongside the Teme, quite open at one end and enclosed and overgrown at the Martley end.
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Well kept footpaths through the woods. Trail along the Teme bank, or higher up the valley. Off road shoes essential, mind your step for some tree roots.
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Quite a busy bridge on B-road to Tenbury. However, water in River Teme is brilliant as always, so may be worth stopping right before the bridge.
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Little, though lovely town, on the border of Shropshire and Worcestershire counties. Very beautiful high street with some cafés
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Great to stop for a coffee or lunch, plenty of pubs and little cafes on the high street. Pembroke House or the Fountain Inn have some really good lunch menus. If you fancy a hill challenge you can take the road from Tenbury to Clee Hill.
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A large village church with 12th century Norman origins and work from several later periods. The tower is 15th century. The church was restored in 1909 by Sir Charles Nicholson. There is an excellent west window by Tom Denny, 1999. Parish church. Early C12, early C13 and circa 1315, restored 1875, 1884 and 1909. Last restoration by Sir Charles Nicholson. Ashlar, plain tile roof. Nave and chancel continuous, west tower, north vestry of 1875, south porch of 1184. Chancel: three bays, north wall early C13 with two lancets, north vestry; east window: restored Decorated of early C14, three trefoiled lights; south wall: eastern window Decorated with two trefoiled lights, other two larger each with two ogee trefoiled lights, formerly looked into Mortimer chapel (consecrated 1315, demolished), they flank a three-centred-headed priest's door; stepped right angle buttresses to corners. Nave: three bays, all windows restored: decorated each with two trefoiled lights in both walls. Restored early C12 south door with timber porch of 1884; blocked north door more complete and similar in design; doorway projects c150mm from wall face, with decorated semicircular head and consecration cross; wall has five bays defined by a series of early C12 pilasters, top four courses of naves walls are of alternate bands of red and white sandstone. West tower: C15 in three stages divided by moulded string, moulded plinth, embattled parapet with pinnacles of 1909 to diagonal corner buttresses. C15 Perpendicular west window with three cinquefoiled lights; first stage has single trefoiled lights, bell chamber has windows with two cinquefoiled lights under two-centred head. INTERIOR: chancel: double aumbry in north wall, piscina in south wall with priests head to label stop; nave: entrance to rood stairs and above rood left door, stairs were in an external projection, now lost; tower arch of two chamfered orders with moulded abaci at springing. Roofs: similar over nave and chancel, slightly lower pitch to chancel, collar-rafter roof with straight braces from rafter to collar and ashlar pieces, five tie beams in nave, two in chancel, probably early C14. A framed tympanum divides the nave from the chancel roof, probably C17. Fittings: wall paintings in nave of C15 including St Martin on horseback dividing his cloak for the beggar; in chancel wall paintings of late C13 and C15, including C15 canopy design on east wall, and a C15 Annunciation group on the south wall. A few late C15 Malvern tiles in chancel floor; early C20 screen, font, pulpit and organ. Late C15 recumbent effigy of alabaster against north wall of chancel, ridged coffin lid to south with traces of incised cross and pastoral staff. The two eastern windows in the south wall of the nave and central window in north wall are of circa 1915 by Walter E Tower. Source: britishlistedbuildings
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular attractions around Eastham?
Visitors to Eastham frequently enjoy exploring Kingswood Common, known for its well-kept footpaths through woodlands and along the River Teme, offering beautiful views of the Teme Valley. Another popular spot is Stanford Bridge Over the River Teme, a historical bridge built in 1905. Many also appreciate St Peter's Church, Martley, a large village church with Norman origins and notable 15th-century wall paintings.
Are there historical landmarks to visit in Eastham?
Eastham is rich in history. You can visit St Peter's Church, Martley, which dates back to the 12th century with Norman origins and features a 15th-century tower and wall paintings. The Stanford Bridge Over the River Teme is another significant historical landmark, with records of a bridge on the site since 1548. Additionally, the Ruins of St Michael's Church, Abberley offer a glimpse into medieval architecture, with parts dating from the early 12th century.
What natural features can I explore near Eastham?
The area around Eastham is characterized by its natural beauty, particularly the Teme Valley. Kingswood Common is a highlight, offering woodlands, a privately owned nature reserve, and scenic paths along the River Teme. The River Teme itself is a prominent natural feature, providing picturesque views and opportunities for riverside walks.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Eastham?
Yes, several attractions around Eastham are suitable for families. Kingswood Common offers well-kept footpaths through woodlands, perfect for a family ramble. St Peter's Church, Martley, with its historical significance, can also be an interesting educational visit for older children. The Tenbury Wells Town Centre provides a pleasant environment for a stroll, with cafes and pubs for refreshments.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
Eastham and its surroundings offer various outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling on routes like the 'Teme Bridge, Tenbury Wells – Tenbury Wells Town Centre loop' or more challenging options. For gravel biking, explore routes in Wyre Forest. Running enthusiasts can find trails such as the 'Tenbury Wells Pump Rooms – The Royal Oak Inn loop'. For more details on these activities, visit the Cycling around Eastham, Gravel biking around Eastham, and Running Trails around Eastham guide pages.
Are there good walking paths or hiking routes in Eastham?
Absolutely. Kingswood Common features well-kept footpaths through its woodlands and along the River Teme, suitable for rambles. The area around the Stanford Bridge Over the River Teme also offers pleasant riverside walks. For more structured routes, consider the running trails available in the region, which often double as excellent walking paths.
What do visitors enjoy most about Eastham?
Visitors particularly enjoy the tranquil environment and the blend of historical and natural beauty. The scenic views of the Teme Valley, especially from places like Kingswood Common, are highly appreciated. The historical significance of sites like St Peter's Church, Martley, and the charm of Tenbury Wells Town Centre also receive positive feedback.
Can I find places for refreshments or dining near the attractions?
Yes, the nearby Tenbury Wells Town Centre is an excellent spot for refreshments. It offers a variety of pubs and little cafes on its high street, making it a great place to stop for coffee or lunch after exploring the surrounding attractions.
Are there any viewpoints in the Eastham area?
Yes, Kingswood Common is noted for its beautiful views of the verdant Teme Valley, which are particularly vibrant in spring. The paths along the River Teme also offer picturesque vistas of the surrounding landscape.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in Eastham?
While specific wildlife is not detailed for every attraction, areas like Kingswood Common, with its woodlands and nature reserve along the River Teme, provide habitats for various local flora and fauna. Birdwatching and observing woodland creatures are common activities in such natural settings.
What is the best time to visit Eastham for outdoor activities?
The Teme Valley, particularly around Kingswood Common, is described as especially vibrant in spring when fruit trees and flowers are at their most colourful, making it an ideal time for rambles and enjoying the natural scenery. However, the well-kept footpaths and historical sites are accessible year-round, offering different charms with each season.
Most popular attractions around Eastham
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