Hart Community Page
Things to do in and around Fleet
King John's Castle Odiham
One of King John's three castles, this spectacular ruin sits on the edge of the Basingstoke Canal around halfway between Windsor and Winchester castles. Odiham Castle was built at the very beginning of the 13th century and was possibly where the king rode out from to sign the Magna Carta at Runnymede. Extended during the later 13th century, over the next 200 years it was sometimes used as a prison. King David II of Scotland was incarcerated here for over a decade although was allowed to keep a household, so it was possibly quite a pleasant stay. Used as a hunting lodge in the 15th century and ruined by 1600, the castle has a significant history. Today, you can visit for free.
Visit Hampshire website
Mattingley Church
Mattingley Church is a Grade-1 listed timber framed church. The building of the present church was probably started towards the end of the 15th Century. The walls are of vertical timbers with brick nogging (where the gaps between the timbers are filled in with brickwork) in herring-bone fashion and plastered on the inside.
The Whitewater Benefice website
Fleet Pond
Fleet Pond is the largest freshwater lake in Hampshire and the nature reserve has 54.6 hectares (141 acres) of varied habitats. The pond itself occupies approximately half of this area. The surrounding land features heathland, woodland, reedbed and marsh, and is home for many species of birds, butterflies, dragonflies and wild flowers. Fleet Pond is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI.) The area is managed by the Hart District Council Countryside Ranger Service in partnership with the Fleet Pond Society which provides generous support to the Countryside Rangers as well as offering exciting volunteer opportunities for the local community. The Fleet Pond Restoration Project is run in partnership between Hart District Council, Fleet Pond Society, Natural England and the Environment Agency. To help restore Fleet Pond Nature Reserve to a healthier and more valuable amenity for wildlife and people. The sites main car park is situated just off of Cove Road (A3012) it is FREE to park here. There is a height restriction of 2.1m. Fleet Train Station car park can also be used and has quick access to the site. However this is charged Monday-Saturday. Fleet Pond also has a designated picnic area. Surfaced paths make access easy for wheelchairs, pushchairs and bicycles.
Hart District Council website
