Walk the Basingstoke Canal
The towpath is flat and peaceful, great for spotting kingfishers and herons, and an easy stroll with or without the dog.
Odiham · Hampshire
Things to do in Odiham, Hampshire: a local's guide
Hello, we're Adam & Yvonne. We live in Odiham and look after Laurel Cottage, our little holiday cottage a short walk from the High Street. This is our guide to the village we love: easy walks along the Basingstoke Canal, dog-friendly pubs, the Friday market and our favourite places to eat, plus a few things to do near Hook.
Our favourite things to do in Odiham
Odiham is one of Hampshire's prettiest villages, with a historic High Street and the Basingstoke Canal right on the doorstep. These are the things we always tell friends to do.
Hot chocolate at The Folly
Treat yourself to a hot chocolate at The Folly Coffee Bar on the High Street. Their homemade cakes are worth a try, too.
The Mill House walk
Head out to North Warnborough and, once you're past the ford, keep an eye out for the Highland cows grazing in the fields behind the Mill House, a pub in a historic watermill.
Odiham's Friday market
Every Friday from 8am to 1pm, stalls line the High Street with fruit and veg, fresh bread, cheese and more. Pick up something for lunch, then stop for a coffee.
The Fox & Goose, Greywell
A welcoming, dog-friendly village pub in Greywell, close to the western end of the canal walk.
Dog walks and dog-friendly pubs in Odiham
Odiham is a lovely place to bring a dog. The canal towpath is flat and easy, and there's woodland to explore on Odiham Common.
Odiham Common
Woodland pasture and a Site of Special Scientific Interest, with the canal along one edge and free parking at Colt Hill Wharf. It's dog friendly, but gets very muddy after rain, so bring wellies.
Walk the Basingstoke Canal
The towpath runs for miles in both directions, so you can make a walk as long or as short as you like. Head west towards Greywell or east towards Colt Hill and the Waterwitch.
Dog-friendly pubs nearby
- The Fox & Goose, Greywell: a welcoming village pub, close to the canal.
- The Waterwitch: dogs are welcome in the big canalside beer garden.
- The Derby Inn: a family-run country pub at Bartley Heath that's happy to see four-legged guests.
Where to eat and drink in Odiham
For a village, Odiham does food and drink really well, from historic pubs on the High Street to Italian, Indian and crêpes.
The Red Lion
A Grade II-listed pub and inn on the High Street, open 7 days a week. Food is served from noon every day, with breakfast from 9am Friday to Sunday.
Bel & the Dragon at the George
A Grade II-listed former inn with roots dating back to 1540, right on the High Street. There's an excellent beer garden out the back.
The Waterwitch
A Grade II-listed pub on the banks of the canal, with a sprawling beer garden stretching down to the water. Dogs are welcome in the garden.
The Derby Inn
A family-run, dog-friendly country pub at Bartley Heath, with local ales and heated booths outside. Open 7 days a week, with food from noon every day.
El Castello
A friendly Italian Mediterranean restaurant on the High Street. Booking is a good idea, as it fills up fast.
Odiham Tandoori
Indian and Bangladeshi cooking on the High Street. Eat in, take away, or have it delivered.
La Creperie
Crêpes, galettes and great coffee, tucked away in a peaceful garden off the High Street.
Fountains Coffee Shop
Cakes and coffee in Fountains Mall on the High Street, and brilliant for a cooked breakfast or lunch.
On the Basingstoke Canal
Colt Hill Wharf, at the eastern end of the village, is the place to get out on the water.
Galleon Marine
Hire a rowing boat, kayak, canoe or electric boat by the hour and potter along the canal. There's a coffee bar at the boatyard, too.
John Pinkerton canal cruises
A relaxing trip of about two and a half hours on the canal, with a bar on board. Public trips leave from Colt Hill Wharf and need booking.
Shops and getting around
Everything you need is close by, and Hook, just up the road, has a big supermarket and the nearest station.
Co-op
Handy for the basics, on the High Street and open 7am to 10pm every day.
Tesco, Hook
A bigger supermarket in Hook for a proper shop.
Hook station
The nearest station, with direct trains to London Waterloo in about 55 minutes.
Stay with us at Laurel Cottage
If you're planning a visit, our self-contained cottage is a short walk from the High Street, and dogs are welcome too. Book direct for our best price.
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