Cheriton

A pretty Hampshire village that was also the site of an English Civil War battle where the streets ran with blood. Today, thankfully and less gorily, it is just the pretty River Itchen that runs through the village, with ducks bobbing on its surface and trout swimming below.

It is home to a 12th-century church which sits atop an ancient barrow. In spring, the churchyard is alive with wondrous-named wildflowers – hairy watercress, mouse ear hawkweed, sow thistle and pignut.

Parking: SO24 0QA (on street)