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Ultimate guide to East Meon: A village with history and pubs
Located on the eastern side of the county near Petersfield, it is less than an hour's drive away from more populated locations in Southampton and Winchester.
While it is quite a small place, there is still enough to do in exploring all of its historical facets and the surrounding scenic beauty.
Plus, there are also a couple of "delightful" pubs for those who want to relax with a pint.
Why is East Meon worth visiting?
The beauty of the village and the surrounding area is one reason to travel to East Meon, with Visit Hampshire describing it as a "picturesque" spot surrounded by the South Downs National Park.
As a result, there are plenty of walks you can embark on if you fancy, such as the East Meon circular, which takes between one and two hours.
The village also has a lot of history to it, as there are bronze age burial barrows within the parish which date back to around 2,000 BC.
Visit Hampshire adds: "The village was part of a Royal Manor belonging first to King Alfred the Great, and later to William the Conqueror as recorded in The Domesday Survey of 1086."
There are a number of ancient buildings in the village, such as the Norman All Saints Church.
According to its website, the historian Nikolaus Pevsner described it as "one of the most thrilling village churches in Hampshire".
The original building was completed in 1150, which is still identifiable from its "round-topped Norman arches or Romanesque style in the West and South doorways".
Major additions were made in 1230 with the South Aisle and Lady Chapel, with the spire also likely being added around this time.
Opposite the church is The Court House, which is said to have a medieval hall from the 14th century.
According to the East Meon History website, it is the best preserved of the residences of the Bishops of Winchester.
It also has the distinction of being the highest village in the Meon valley, with some quality B&Bs to stay at, such as Belmont Barn and Pound Orchard Bed & Breakfast.
What are house prices like in East Meon?
According to Rightmove, house prices in East Meon have had an overall average of £521,250 over the past year.
It added: "Overall, the historical sold prices in East Meon over the last year were 14% down on the previous year and 70% down on the 2019 peak of £1,713,571."
What pubs can you find in East Meon?
East Meon has two well-regarded pubs, one of which is Ye Olde George, which is described as a "delightful 15th century coaching inn" on its website.
Food at this establishment is made using locally sourced ingredients wherever possible, and its menus change seasonally.
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The pub has retained its open fires and wooden floors, and there are five bedrooms for people to stay in.
There is also the Izaak Walton, which at the time of writing is currently closed until further notice.
When open, this pub has a large garden for guests to sit in and a number of quality ales on tap.
