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East & West Meon

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Distance from the South Downs Way: East Meon – One mile

Distance from the South Downs Way: West Meon – Three miles

East Meon is only a mile from the South Downs Way and is well worth the half-hour or so detour if you want to explore the local area as part of your itinerary.

A pretty and historic village, East Meon sits in the famous Meon valley, around 19 miles along the South Downs Way from Winchester. There are records of a settlement in East Meon dating as far back as 400 AD. The 12th-century All Saints church, built after the Norman conquest and the 14th-century courthouse add plenty of fascinating historic interest and are both definitely worth a look.

West Meon is a thriving village with a history dating back to the Iron and Bronze ages. Sitting on the headwaters of the River Meon, West Meon enjoys a picturesque location with lots going on all year round. In nearby Lippen Wood, there are the remains of a substantial Roman Villa. This area boasts a number of walks around the village and surrounding countryside along the South Downs Way.

Getting Here & Home Again

By Train & Bus

There is a bus service (number 67) connecting East to Winchester and Petersfield. The M5 bus service runs from West Meon to Winchester. The closest railway station is in Petersfield, around 8-9 miles away, with direct trains to London Waterloo (1 hour) and Portsmouth (30 mins).

By Car

East and West Meon are just off the A3, providing easy links from the South Coast, London and the M25. The A272 passes close to both villages, travelling from east to west right across East Sussex, West Sussex and Hampshire, connecting it to Winchester and Midhurst. In East Meon, there is a car park providing in the centre of the village on Workhouse Lane. In West Meon, there is limited on-street parking.

Amenities

Both villages have a charming ambience and a selection of amenities to enjoy. You’ll find two pubs, a post office and a local convenience store in East Meon, while West Meon is well served by a friendly pub, village shop, cafe, butchers and post office.