Sandham Memorial Chapel – Short Walk

Walk in Stanley Spencer’s Footsteps

and enjoy refreshments at the Vintage Tea Room in Sandham Memorial Chapel

Start and end at National Trust Sandham Memorial Chapel
Harts Lane, Burghclere, near Newbury, Hampshire RG20 9JT Grid ref: SU463608
A gentle circular walk through the countryside and settings that inspired one of Britain’s greatest war artists

Trail Overview

Distance: 2.5 miles / 4 km Duration: Approx. 1 hour 30 mins  Difficulty: Easy (shorter route available)

Terrain: Footpaths, paved roads, grassy fields, and a footbridge with steps. Some muddy sections in wet weather.

Dog Friendly: Dogs on short leads welcome on the walk, gardens, and orchard. Only assistance dogs inside the chapel and exhibition.

Accessibility: Uneven paths and slopes make the full walk challenging for some, but a shorter paved alternative is available.

Sandham Memorial Chapel © John Hammond

Sandham Memorial Chapel © John Hammond (NT)

Walk Directions:

  1. Begin at the Chapel
    Admire Spencer’s murals inside the chapel before starting the trail. Open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday from 11am – 3pm. Further details: Sandham Memorial Chapel
  2. Cross the Railway Bridge
    Turn left outside the chapel. Cross the brick-bordered bridge over the old railway. Take the first left down Pound Lane. Spot Sandham House (second on the right).
  3. Ox Drove Track
    Continue to the end of Pound Lane, curving onto the Ox Drove. Walk straight for 100 yards until a kissing gate appears on your right.
  4. Footpath to Church
    Go through the gate and follow the tree-lined path across fields to the Church of the Ascension.
  5. Route Options
    – Shorter Route: Exit churchyard via the main gate onto Harts Lane. Turn left to return to the chapel.
    – Full Trail: Exit near the war memorial. Follow the path behind the church, through fields and gates, down Jacob’s Ladder, and over the footbridge. Arrive at Spring Lane.
  6. Old Station House
    Return up Spring Lane. See Old Station House on your left.
  7. Return to Chapel
    Turn left at the top, cross the bridge, and finish your walk back at the chapel.