Hockley Viaduct
A magnificent Victorian railway viaduct offering scenic walks, cycling routes, and historical insights amidst the beautiful Itchen Valley.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden light, fewer crowds
Hockley Viaduct
Best Time
Golden light, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magnificent Victorian railway viaduct offering scenic walks, cycling routes, and historical insights amidst the beautiful Itchen Valley.
"A lovely historic, former railway bridge, Hockley Viaduct is interesting and has some good views across the water meadows."
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
Explore the meadows and hills with ease. Trainers or walking shoes are best for the surrounding terrain.
📸 Capture the Sunset
The viaduct offers stunning sunset views, especially when captured with a drone.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Arches
Beneath the Viaduct
Marvel at the impressive brick arches that once supported a vital railway line. A true feat of Victorian engineering.
St. Catherine's Hill Hike
Adjacent to the Viaduct
Ascend this scenic hill for panoramic views of the Itchen Valley and Winchester. A perfect complement to your viaduct visit.
Itchen Way Walk
Surrounding Meadows
Follow the well-signed Itchen Way path for a beautiful riverside stroll, offering different perspectives of the viaduct.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Footwear for the Viaduct
Embrace the History and Scenery
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
Explore the meadows and hills with ease. Trainers or walking shoes are best for the surrounding terrain.
📸 Capture the Sunset
The viaduct offers stunning sunset views, especially when captured with a drone.
☕ Refuel at Handlebar Cafe
Enjoy food and drink at this popular cafe near St. Catherine's Hill after your walk.
🚲 Cycle the National Route 23
Experience a car-free section of this cycle route that crosses the viaduct.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
Explore the meadows and hills with ease. Trainers or walking shoes are best for the surrounding terrain.
📸 Capture the Sunset
The viaduct offers stunning sunset views, especially when captured with a drone.
☕ Refuel at Handlebar Cafe
Enjoy food and drink at this popular cafe near St. Catherine's Hill after your walk.
🚲 Cycle the National Route 23
Experience a car-free section of this cycle route that crosses the viaduct.
👂 Listen to History
Imagine the trains passing by; some visitors can almost hear them.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hockley Viaduct is praised as a lovely historic landmark with good views and a pleasant walking experience. Visitors appreciate its well-preserved state and the surrounding natural beauty, particularly the Itchen Way and St. Catherine's Hill. Some find the viaduct walk itself a bit stark, suggesting the true beauty lies in the surrounding meadows and arches viewed from below. +1
"A lovely historic, former railway bridge, Hockley Viaduct is interesting and has some good views across the water meadows.
A good place to start a walk up St Catherine's Hill and on into Winchester along the river.
There's a great café (Handlebar Café) at the other side of St Catherine's Hill, with both indoor and outdoor seating, which offers a good choice of food and drink."
Karen Harris
"The Viaduct is nicely preserved.. the walk across is a little bleak and would look lovely lined with some pot plants or something to give it some colour.. the beauty of course is in the arches which can only be viewed on another part of the walk entirely. There are, however, lovely walks surrounding the viaduct and some nice river spots for wild swimming.. a busy and vibrant place. Nice to read about the viaduct’s history and it’s clearly looked after by the locals. Worth a stroll across but for a prettier walk you’re better served walking through the meadows."
Beth Polak
"a super walk, well signed posted, good walking surface and relatively flat, with stunning views over the valley and a lovely ending on the viaduct! look out for the info boards telling you about the life of the viaduct"
dahtal michaels
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hockley Viaduct is accessible via walking and cycling routes. National Cycle Route 23 passes directly over it. For those driving, parking can be found near St. Catherine's Hill, from where you can walk to the viaduct.
While there isn't dedicated parking directly at the viaduct, parking is available near St. Catherine's Hill, which is a short walk away.
The nearest major town is Winchester, which has good public transport links. From Winchester, you can walk or cycle to the viaduct, or take a local bus service that may drop you nearby.
Drone photography offers unique perspectives of the viaduct, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Yes, Hockley Viaduct can be a pleasant day trip from London, especially when combined with exploring Winchester. The train journey to Winchester is straightforward.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Hockley Viaduct is a public landmark and there are no admission fees. You can visit and explore the area freely.
As an outdoor landmark, Hockley Viaduct is accessible at all times. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment.
The walking trails around Hockley Viaduct, including the Itchen Way and access to St. Catherine's Hill, are free to access.
There are no specific entry restrictions, but visitors are encouraged to respect the historical nature of the site and the surrounding environment.
While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to lack of lighting and potential safety concerns on the surrounding trails.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
You can walk or cycle across the viaduct, explore the surrounding water meadows and Itchen Way, hike up St. Catherine's Hill for views, and learn about its history from information boards.
Great photo opportunities exist from beneath the arches, from the surrounding meadows looking up, and from St. Catherine's Hill looking down. Drone shots offer unique aerial perspectives. +1
Yes, it's a great spot for families. Children can enjoy the walk, the open spaces, and learning about the viaduct's history. Supervise them closely near the river and on the hill.
Yes, there are nice river spots for wild swimming in the surrounding areas, though always exercise caution and be aware of local conditions.
Information boards along the route detail the viaduct's construction for the Didcot, Newbury, and Southampton Railway and its use during WWII.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Handlebar Café, located near St. Catherine's Hill, is a popular spot offering food and drinks with indoor and outdoor seating.
Yes, the surrounding meadows and riverbanks are ideal spots for a picnic. Remember to take all your litter with you.
The Handlebar Café offers a good choice of food and drink, suitable for refueling after a walk or cycle.
Winchester has a variety of restaurants and pubs. Many visitors enjoy dining in the city center after exploring the viaduct and its surroundings.
It's unlikely that food delivery services operate directly to the viaduct itself. It's best to visit a local cafe or bring your own food.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful golden light, making them ideal for photography.
Yes, drone photography is popular here, offering unique aerial views. Ensure you comply with all drone regulations and fly responsibly.
Focus on the scale of the arches, the surrounding natural landscape, and the viaduct's integration with the Itchen Way and National Cycle Route 23.
The view from the meadows below, looking up at the arches, is classic. The top of St. Catherine's Hill provides a panoramic vista.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the scale of the viaduct and its surroundings. A telephoto lens can be good for details on St. Catherine's Hill.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The surrounding meadows offer space to run around, and the hike up St. Catherine's Hill, while a bit of a climb, provides a sense of adventure and rewarding views. Pack a picnic to enjoy in the scenic surroundings. 🚴 Cyclists
Consider combining a ride over the viaduct with a loop through the Itchen Valley or a longer journey into Winchester. The Handlebar Café nearby is a perfect pit stop for refreshments. 🚶♀️ Walkers & Hikers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Hockley Viaduct
+1During World War II, the viaduct played a vital strategic role. It was part of the network used to transport vast numbers of troops and supplies to the coast in preparation for D-Day. The railway line's importance during this period highlights the viaduct's historical significance beyond its initial purpose. While the railway line is now disused, the viaduct stands as a testament to its past, with information boards detailing its history for visitors to learn from.
Exploring the Surroundings: Itchen Way & St. Catherine's Hill
Adjacent to the viaduct is St. Catherine's Hill, a prominent local landmark. A hike up this hill rewards visitors with stunning panoramic views over the Itchen Valley and towards Winchester. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists, offering a different perspective of the area and a chance to connect with nature. The combination of the historic viaduct, the gentle river walk, and the rewarding hill climb makes for a diverse and enjoyable outdoor experience.
Cycling and Walking Routes
For walkers, the Itchen Way provides a delightful path that meanders through the water meadows, offering peaceful strolls and excellent views of the viaduct. Many visitors find the walk across the viaduct itself to be a pleasant experience, with some noting that if you close your eyes, you can almost hear the trains of the past.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit