Around Wellow Mead

The rural dream

As its name suggests, Wellow Mead (meadow in Old English) sits on the edge of the New Forest in a peaceful oasis, surrounded by open countryside and not a building in sight. Yet it’s just minutes from the New Forest, and the M27 is within easy reach, with Southampton 9 miles away and Winchester around 30 minutes away. It’s a ten-minute walk to the local bus stop, which takes you to the historic market town of Romsey, and the Cathedral city of Salisbury.

Gaze at the deer from the bluebell wood at the end of Sheep Field and meander down the country lanes at your leisure. There are myriad walks to enjoy here.

Schools are well catered for, including several excellent preparatory and independent schools; Embley School (originally Embley Park, the home of Florence Nightingale), Stroud School, Godolphin School and King Edward VI School, to name a few.

Local life

There are some lovely pubs and restaurants within easy reach. Le Frog Bistro and The Lamb Inn, both in Nomansland, are firm favourites, as is The Rockingham Arms in the quiet hamlet of Canada, and the thatched Royal Oak in Fritham. Carlo’s Ice Cream Parlour and Tea Rooms is close by and a wonderful place to enjoy an authentic Italian sundae or light lunch.

East Wellow church, the burial place of Florence Nightingale, is well worth a visit, and there are riding stables and golf courses galore. There’s even a spectacular fishing lake, within five minutes’ walk.

The Isle of Wight is also readily accessible with regular ferries from Lymington, Southampton and Southsea.

• Pubs: Le Frog Bistro and The Lamb Inn, both in Nomansland, are firm favourites
• Walks: Endless rambling opportunities
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