Little Woodham, living history in Hampshire

Halfway between Portsmouth and Southampton on the south coast of England, we experienced what can only be described as a time slip and found ourselves wandering through the 17th century village of Little Woodham in Hampshire.

The thatched houses at Little Woodham 17th Century Village, Hampshire — *Thatched houses at Little Woodham © John Heinrich*

One minute we were in modern day Gosport, the next we were surrounded by thatched cottages, woodsmoke and the distant clang of a blacksmith’s hammer.

Costumed re-enactors welcomed us as we entered the village adding a touch of authenticity and enhancing the feeling that we’d stepped out of time.

A 17th century village in Hampshire

Gosport, sitting between Southampton and Portsmouth, is better known for its naval heritage and aviation history than for rural nostalgia. Yet tucked beside Alver Valley Country Park, in the ancient parish of Rowner, is a carefully reconstructed village set in the year 1642.

That date is important.

England is on the brink of Civil War. Charles I is locked in an increasingly bitter struggle with Parliament. Oliver Cromwell and the New Model Army are waiting in the wings. The Tudors are long gone, but their legacy still lingers.

Little Woodham represents an ordinary working village at this precise moment in history, just before the chaos of war begins to disrupt daily life.

Two 17th century coins — *Coins from the 17th century © John Heinrich*

The site was originally built in 1984 by the English Civil War Society as a temporary exhibition. Thankfully, local enthusiasts saw its potential and formed the Gosport Living History Society to preserve it. Today, the village is entirely volunteer run and maintained, which makes what they have achieved all the more impressive.

Because it is run by volunteers, Little Woodham is open seasonally, generally from spring to early autumn on selected weekends and event days. Opening times can vary, so it is always worth checking their official website before setting off.

Living history done properly

This is not a theme park. There are no scripts, no loudspeakers, and no choreographed performances.

The volunteers create their own historically grounded personas based on research into 17th century life. You can chat as much or as little as you like. If you prefer to wander quietly, that is perfectly acceptable. If you want to discuss the finer points of Civil War weaponry or herbal remedies, they are more than happy to oblige.

Each visit offers something different depending on who is in residence.

Female using cheese making equipment at Little Woodham 17th Century village, Hampshire — *Cheese making at Little Woodham © John Heinrich*

The potter may be firing up a 17th century style kiln, a rare working reconstruction that demonstrates traditional techniques. The blacksmith could be hammering out tools in the forge, sparks flying in the dim light. The wood turner shapes bowls and lanterns using methods that pre-date electricity by several centuries.

Brick replica of 17th Century pottery kiln at Little Woodham village, Hampshire — *Replica of a 17th Century pottery kiln © John Heinrich*

You might encounter a passing soldier willing to explain the realities of life on the brink of civil war, musket in hand. Or a sawyer demonstrating woodworking skills essential to village survival.

A selection of 17th-century physician tools at Little Woodham Hampshire — *The surgeon and his gruesome toolkit © John Heinrich*

In one cottage, the surgeon lays out his alarming collection of instruments. His tales of balancing humours and performing procedures without anaesthetic are both fascinating and mildly terrifying. He may demonstrate the ancient art of cupping and cheerfully inform you that he will charge if it works.

Demonstrating the ancient art of cupping at Little Woodham 17th Century Village in Hampshire — *Demonstrating the ancient art of cupping © John Heinrich*

Male in period costume demonstrating how cataracts were treated in the 17th Century, Little Woodham village, Hampshire — *Demonstrating the treatment of cataracts in the 17th Century © John Heinrich*

Linger too long, and he might offer to remove a limb in the name of medical advancement. We declined.

Meanwhile, the weaver is taking wool, dyed bright colours from plants, to create materials fit for Sunday best.

Dyed yarn in many different colours at Little Woodham 17th Century village, Hampshire — *© John Heinrich*

Male and female wearing period costumes at Little Woodham 17th Century village, Hampshire — *© John Heinrich*

Nearby, Mistress Anya tends the domestic sphere, dipping candles, preparing food and making lye soap.

Everywhere you go, there is the scent of woodsmoke and the steady rhythm of pre-industrial life. It feels authentic because it is carefully researched and quietly performed rather than theatrically staged.

Mistress Anya candle maker sitting by the fire at Little Woodham 17th Century village, Hampshire — *Mistress Anya candle maker sitting by the fire © John Heinrich*

Handmade bees wax and tallow candles, 17th Century-village Little Woodham, Hampshire — *Handmade bees wax and tallow candles © John Heinrich*

At the edge of the village, Mistress Eve sits under the trees making lavender bags for the gentry and talking to the wildlife who come, unafraid, to sit at her feet. Her gentle voice doesn’t even disturb the fairies who she knows lie hidden among the flowers and trees.

Mistress Eve sitting outside her house at Little Woodham 17th Century village, Hampshire — *Mistress Eve outside her house at Little Woodham © John Heinrich*

Mistress Eve making lavender bags at Little Woodhams 17th Century village, Hampshire — *Making lavender bags © John Heinrich*

Nearby, Mistress Nellie is hard at work making and mending clothes for the village children, telling tales of their naughtiness and adventures. She’s brisk and practical, helping the women of Little Woodham face the perils of child-rearing with determination and good-humour.

Mistress Nellie, the seamstress at Little Woodham 17th Century village, Hampshire — *Mistress Nellie the Little Woodham seamstress © John Heinrich*

Outside her tiny cottage, Master Christopher is turning wood for bowls, lanterns and delicate tools for the rest of the villagers.

Master Christopher the carpenter using a foot treadle lathe, Little Woodham 17th Century village, Hampshire — *Master Christopher the carpenter using a foot treadle lathe © John Heinrich*

Wood turning using a foot treadle lathe at Little Woodham 17th Century village, Hampshire — *Wood turning using a foot treadle lathe © John Heinrich*

In the ale house, always a popular spot, the hostess is preparing a hearty meal.

For lovers of living history, English Civil War enthusiasts, or anyone curious about 17th century village life in Hampshire, it is a thoroughly rewarding visit.

The cook explaining about the food inside the Ale House at Little Woodham 17th Century village, Hampshire — *Cooking demonstrations in the ale house © John Heinrich*

The Phoenix Ale House at Little Woodham 17th Century village, Hampshire — *The Phoenix Ale House © John Heinrich*

Little Woodham on screen

Little Woodham has attracted the attention of film and television producers over the years thanks to its remarkably complete 17th century setting.

It has been used as a filming location for television productions and historical documentaries, including adaptations and dramas set during the English Civil War period. Its atmosphere is convincing enough that modern intrusions are carefully controlled to preserve the illusion.

How long do you need at Little Woodham?

Little Woodham is not huge. You can walk around the entire village in an hour or two.

But if you enjoy talking to the villagers, watching demonstrations and absorbing the detail, you could easily spend most of the day there. We did, quite happily, suspended in 1642.

Getting to Little Woodham

Situated just off junction 11 of the M27, follow the A32 through Fareham until you reach Fort Brockhurst. Look for the signs for Alver Valley Country Park and the 17th Century Village Experience, but don’t be surprised, the route takes you through a housing estate!
Prices in 2026:
Adults – £7.00
Concessions and children under 16 – £5.00
Family (two adults and three children) – £20
Under three’s – Free
For up-to-date-opening times and events, see the Little Woodham website

Accessibility at Little Woodham

There is a free car park shared with Wildgrounds Nature Reserve, which is also worth exploring if you enjoy wildlife spotting. Kingfishers, dragonflies and foxes have all been seen in the area.
Wide gravel paths lead from the car park to the village entrance. The site itself is set within woodland, and while the ground can be uneven in places, there is generally good access around the village. Most buildings are accessible to wheelchair users and pushchairs, although surfaces are naturally rustic.
There is a small shop selling hot and cold drinks and light refreshments. You are also welcome to bring your own provisions and make use of the picnic area.

Entrance to Little Woodham 17th Century Village, Hampshire — *© John Heinrich*

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