Set in the Hampshire countryside that inspired Richard Adam's beloved tale of adventurous rabbits, The Watership Down Inn offers stylish accommodation, freshly prepared seasonal dishes, and a carefully curated selection of drinks.
In the heart of the North Hampshire countryside, at the foot of the North Wessex Downs, our location offers both tranquillity and convenience. Basingstoke, Andover, and Newbury are all within easy reach, while the village of Overton and the small town of Whitchurch sit right on our doorstep. Nearby attractions include Hardy’s Cottage Garden Plants, the Bombay Sapphire Distillery, and Whitchurch Silk Mill, with Highclere Castle and Thruxton Circuit just a short drive away. The River Test flows past our doorstep, with plenty of beautiful walks to enjoy throughout the surrounding countryside.
The main building has stood here since the 1830s, gradually growing with later additions. In the bar, a welcoming log burner makes winter nights feel wonderfully snug. The bar and restaurant open gently into our bright conservatory (now with a solid roof), forming a cosy, welcoming space where you can settle in and truly relax. Soft lighting and calm, natural tones make it easy to feel at home and stay a little longer. Our chefs cook with the seasons, using fresh ingredients and local produce whenever they can. The menu brings together modern cooking and the comforting spirit of a traditional pub, offering everything from elevated classics to creative dishes inspired by what is fresh that week. Clean flavours, thoughtful presentation, and a love of local ingredients shape our approach, making every meal feel relaxed, welcoming, and just a little bit special.We love welcoming well behaved dogs into the restaurant. All we ask is that they stay on a lead and are not left on their own. You will find water bowls and treats ready for them too.
We love welcoming well behaved dogs into the restaurant. All we ask is that they stay on a lead and are not left on their own. You will find water bowls and treats ready for them too.
Our rooms are all tastefully decorated with the Watership Down theme throughout. We have two main types of room - Garden Rooms and Inn Rooms.
Located above the bar and restaurant, our three rooms offer distinct character and comfort. Bigwig showcases exposed brick walls and a quirky raised en suite. Hazel is a cosy double with lovely views toward the Test and a modern en suite. Pipkin enjoys the inn’s standout view and a compact, well designed en suite.
Completed in 2019, our garden annex is an eco friendly, single storey building featuring a living roof and underfloor heating powered by an air source heat pump. The rooms are modern and spacious, with tiled floors and a sleek contemporary finish. Blackberry and Fiver are our pet friendly double rooms, both of which can be arranged as twins. Each offers a generous bathroom with a walk in shower and twin basins, widescreen smart TV, tea and coffee facilities, and outdoor seating for enjoying the peaceful garden on warm evenings. Clover mirrors the layout and style of Blackberry and Fiver but is kept pet free.
Dandelion, our spacious family room, is also pet-friendly and features a super king bed and two singles separated by a partition wall; the double can also be set as a twin making the room suitable for groups of friends. A comfortable sofa makes it ideal for relaxing with a film on the smart TV, and the bathroom includes a bath with shower over and twin basins. With outdoor seating and a position furthest from the main building, Dandelion offers a particularly tranquil stay.
Garden Rooms 4 to 6
Superking bed or made up as twin beds. Ensuite with twin sinks and
walk-in showers.
Garden Family Room 7
This is a much larger room with a sofa to watch television on. Superking bed
or made up as twin beds, plus two additional single beds. Ensuite with twin sinks and a
shower over a bath.
Rooms 1 and 3
Both have kingsize beds and can be made up as twins, with modern ensuites and showers.
Room 2
Kingsize bed and ensuite with modern ensuite - no option for a twin layout.
Step into our welcoming restaurant, where a quarry tiled hard floor dining area blends seamlessly with a bright, airy conservatory—creating a warm, inviting space that encourages you to relax, unwind, and savour every moment. From the soft natural light to the comfortable atmosphere that surrounds you, every part of our setting is designed to make you feel at ease, linger a little longer, and truly enjoy your time with us.
We are dog-friendly and welcome well-behaved dogs in the restaurant, we ask that they are kept on a lead at all times and that they are not left unattended. We have water bowls available for our canine guests.
We are wheelchair accessible and have a disabled toilet, please ask a member of staff if you require any assistance.
Some of our favourite photos.......
We are always looking for photos to add to our gallery, so if you have any photos of your time with us, please send them to us at enquiries@watershipdowninn.com
We are also on Instagram, so if you would like to tag us in your photos, please do so @watershipdowninn
We are perfectly positioned for mny types of events - from a quiet drink with friends, to a family celebration, to a corporate away day.
Please contact us to discuss your event requirements and availability on enquiries@watershipdowninn.com.
These are our opening hours for the restaurant, bar and our rooms.
Please bear this in mind when booking tables, rooms, or just coming for a drink.
| Day | Lunch Open | Lunch Close | Dinner Open | Dinner Close |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 12:00 | 18:00 | — | — |
| Tuesday | 12:00 | 18:00 | — | — |
| Wednesday | 12:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
| Thursday | 12:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
| Friday | 12:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
| Saturday | 12:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
| Sunday | 12:00 | 18:00 | — | — |
** Last ticket into the kitchen 15 mins before close **
| Day | Bar Open | Bar Close |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 12:00 | 20:00 |
| Tuesday | 12:00 | 20:00 |
| Wednesday | 12:00 | 23:00 |
| Thursday | 12:00 | 23:00 |
| Friday | 12:00 | 23:00 |
| Saturday | 12:00 | 23:00 |
| Sunday | 12:00 | 20:00 |
** During inclement weather, drinks hours may be subject to change **
| Day | Check In | Check Out |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 14:00 | 11:00 |
| Tuesday | 14:00 | 11:00 |
| Wednesday | 14:00 | 11:00 |
| Thursday | 14:00 | 11:00 |
| Friday | 14:00 | 11:00 |
| Saturday | 14:00 | 11:00 |
| Sunday | 14:00 | 11:00 |
** Outside of hours may incur a further charge and will need to be agreed beforehand **
| Day | Breakfast Open | Breakfast Close |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 08:00 | 10:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 | 10:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 | 10:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 | 10:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 | 10:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 | 10:00 |
| Sunday | 08:00 | 10:00 |
** Non Residents welcome **
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