Attractions and Places To See around West Woodhay - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around West Woodhay include a blend of historical landmarks, natural features, and cultural sites. The rural village in West Berkshire, England, is known for its expansive open landscapes, including the eastern slopes of Walbury Hill, the highest point in South East England. Visitors can explore a variety of sites ranging from ancient monuments to significant historical buildings. The area offers opportunities to discover both natural beauty and centuries of history.
Best attractions and places…
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Combe Gibbet
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Ladle Hill Iron Age Hillfort
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Greenham Common Control Tower
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Kennet and Avon Canal Path
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Faccombe Road Climb Through Faccombe Wood
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Replacements and Legacy: The original gibbet from 1676 eventually deteriorated. The current gibbet is actually the seventh to stand on the site. Previous versions were replaced due to rotting, being struck by lightning, vandalism, or being blown down by strong winds. The current replica was erected in 1992. While the gibbet was only ever used for the display of George Bromham and Dorothy Newman, its grim history has made it a local landmark and a popular spot for walkers, hang-gliders, and paragliders, offering expansive views across Berkshire, Hampshire, and Wiltshire. The story of the murders even inspired a 1948 silent film called "The Black Legend," made by a young John Schlesinger.
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The Gibbet's Purpose: After their execution, their bodies were brought back to Inkpen and prepared for public display. A large, double gibbet was hastily erected on the long barrow. The bodies of George and Dorothy, bound in chains, were then displayed on either side of the gibbet on March 6, 1676, as a stark and gruesome warning to the local community to deter similar crimes. The location was chosen due to its prominence and being on the border of the two parishes, as there was a dispute over which parish should bear the cost of the gibbet.
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The Murders and Gibbeting: The Crime: George Bromham, a married farm labourer from Combe, and Dorothy Newman, a widow from Inkpen, were having an illicit affair. To be together, they murdered George's wife, Martha Bromham, and their son, Robert. Accounts vary, but it's believed they waylaid Martha and Robert and beat them to death with staves near where the gibbet now stands. One dramatic, though likely far-fetched, version suggests George killed his wife by thrusting her head into a hornet's nest. The Witness: The crime was reportedly witnessed by a villager known as "Mad Thomas," who alerted the authorities. Trial and Execution: George Bromham and Dorothy Newman were tried at Winchester Assizes. They were found guilty and hanged in Winchester on March 3, 1676.
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The hillfort on the top of the hill has never been excavated, but the land and ditch are sharply defined and well preserved. This Iron Age fort is roughly rectangular and enclosed seven acres within an embankment and ditch. There are two probable entrances to the east and west. The work seems to have been undertaken by several different labour forces, each working on a section of the defences, but for some reason the task was abandoned and the fort left unfinished. Great to walk along the unfinished ramparts, it's windy and flipping huge!!!
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Kennet and Avon Canal path is a lovely section with plenty of room to pass walkers, be respectful and use a bell
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This is a wonderful spot with a lovely display of seasonal wildflowers that bloom within the spring and summer months.
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Greenham Common Control Tower is a museum and visitor centre. The control tower has major historical significance, playing an important role in both the Cold War and WW2 era. Visitors can explore the rich history of this building whilst taking in panoramic views at the observation desk. There is a café on site too where you can grab a hot drink or bite to eat.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore around West Woodhay?
West Woodhay and its surroundings are rich in history. You can visit the Grade I listed West Woodhay House, known for its extensive gardens, or the 19th-century St Laurence's Church. The village also features the remains of a medieval cross and a medieval motte. Further afield, explore the ancient Combe Gibbet, the unexcavated Ladle Hill Iron Age Hillfort, and the historically significant Greenham Common Control Tower, which played a role in both the Cold War and WWII.
Are there opportunities for hiking or walking near West Woodhay?
Yes, the area offers numerous walking and hiking opportunities. You can find several easy hikes, including loops around Combe Gibbet, which offer wonderful views. The eastern slopes of Walbury Hill, the highest point in South East England, and West Woodhay Down, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, provide expansive landscapes for exploration. For more detailed routes, check out the easy hikes around West Woodhay guide.
What natural landscapes or viewpoints can I experience?
The region boasts significant natural beauty. You can enjoy striking views across a 200-foot chalk wall of the Downs, particularly from locations like Combe Gibbet and Ladle Hill Iron Age Hillfort. The eastern slopes of Walbury Hill offer expansive open landscapes, and the River Enborne has its main source within West Woodhay. Ladle Hill is also a calcareous grassland chalk downland habitat, known for its seasonal wildflowers.
Are there any family-friendly attractions in the area?
The Greenham Common Control Tower is a family-friendly museum and visitor center. It offers an engaging way to learn about its historical significance during the Cold War and WWII, with panoramic views from its observation deck and an on-site café. The open landscapes and easy walking routes around the area also provide great opportunities for family outings.
What cycling opportunities are available near West Woodhay?
Cyclists can enjoy the Kennet and Avon Canal Path, which offers a scenic route suitable for various cycling levels. For those interested in gravel biking, there are several routes around West Woodhay, including the 'Stitchcombe Switchback' and 'Crookham Common Gravel Trail'. You can find more details and routes in the gravel biking guide for West Woodhay.
Where can I find information about the history of West Woodhay House?
West Woodhay House is a Grade I listed building constructed in 1635, notably attributed to Inigo Jones. Its gardens are occasionally open to the public. For more detailed historical information and potential visiting hours, you can refer to the Historic Houses website.
What is special about Ladle Hill Iron Age Hillfort?
Ladle Hill Iron Age Hillfort is both a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Scheduled Monument. It features an unexcavated Iron Age hillfort atop the hill, set within a rare calcareous grassland chalk downland habitat. The fort's ramparts are sharply defined, and it's unique because the construction was abandoned, leaving it unfinished. It's a wonderful spot for sublime views and seasonal wildflowers.
Are there any running trails in the West Woodhay area?
Yes, there are several running trails available. You can find routes of varying difficulty, including those that take you around Combe Gibbet and Gallows Down. For a comprehensive list of options, explore the running trails around West Woodhay guide.
What facilities are available at Greenham Common Control Tower?
The Greenham Common Control Tower offers a museum, visitor center, and a café. It also provides bike parking facilities and both indoor and outdoor seating. The café is volunteer-run and serves a good range of hot and cold snacks. Tours of the tower and surrounding area are also available with knowledgeable guides.
What is the significance of Combe Gibbet?
Combe Gibbet is a macabre monument erected in 1676 on Gallows Down. It served as a public display for the bodies of George Bromham and Dorothy Newman, who were hanged for murder. Beyond its grim history, the site offers wonderful, expansive views across the landscape, making it a popular spot for walkers and sightseers.
Are there any lesser-known historical sites or 'hidden gems' nearby?
Beyond the main attractions, the area holds several intriguing historical sites. These include Wayland's Smithy, a Neolithic chambered long barrow, and the atmospheric sites of Uffington Castle – White Horse and Dragon Hill along the Ridgeway. Other historical points of interest include Silchester Roman City Walls and Amphitheatre, Donnington Castle, and Ludgershall Castle and Cross.
What is the Faccombe Road Climb?
The Faccombe Road Climb Through Faccombe Wood is a quiet and scenic road climb that sees little traffic, making it a pleasant route for cyclists. It's particularly pretty in autumn when the leaves change color. While not a long climb, it offers a nice challenge and is known for pheasants and deer in the area, so caution is advised on descents.
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