Discover Nature at Sandham Memorial Chapel this summer

Zoe Gater

Sandham Memorial Chapel offers a wonderful day out where art, history and nature come together in a truly special setting.

Just off the A34, Sandham Memorial Chapel offers far more than its world-famous paintings. While many visitors come to admire Sir Stanley Spencer’s extraordinary murals or explore another National Trust treasure, there’s another reason to visit – the beautiful natural landscape that surrounds this unique place.

From the moment you arrive, it’s easy to appreciate the peaceful beauty of the setting. Beyond the chapel, the view stretches towards Watership Down, a landscape Stanley Spencer loved so much that it features in his painting The Resurrection.

Step through the lychgate and follow the same brick path Spencer once walked, and you’ll find tranquil wildflower meadows, mature trees and a historic orchard, much of which has remained part of the chapel’s setting since it was created in the 1920s.

The orchard is home to a wonderful collection of traditional apple varieties, including Bramley’s Seedling, Prince Albert and Newton Wonder. Native hedgerows planted with hawthorn, dog rose, holly and berberis – originally sourced from the nearby Carnarvon Estate, now better known as Highclere Castle – continue to provide food and shelter for wildlife throughout the year.

Near the entrance stands a magnificent oak tree, planted in 1960 by the West Berkshire Branch of the Salonika Reunion Association in memory of Stanley Spencer. Benches beneath its branches offer the perfect place to pause, enjoy the birdsong and simply take in the surroundings.

This summer marks an exciting milestone for the gardens as the wildflower meadow will be managed using traditional scything. One of Sandham’s garden volunteers has trained with the team at The Vyne to learn this historic skill.

The meadow will only be cut once the wildflowers have set seed, with the cut grass left briefly to allow seeds to fall and wildlife time to move safely before it is removed. This traditional approach helps maintain a rich habitat for insects, birds and small mammals while encouraging an even more diverse display of flowers in years to come.

The work reflects the National Trust’s People and Nature strategy, which aims to restore nature, make it accessible to everyone and inspire more people to care for the natural world.

Whether you come for the art, the history or simply a peaceful walk, Sandham Memorial Chapel offers the chance to slow down, reconnect with nature and enjoy one of Hampshire’s most tranquil settings.

If you’d like to explore even further, join one of the popular Walking in Stanley’s Footsteps guided walks. Covering around three miles, they explore the landscapes that inspired Spencer and reveal more about the history of Sandham and the surrounding countryside.

The next walks take place on Tuesday 22 July at 10.30am and Friday 19 September at 12.30pm. Booking is essential by calling 01635 278394 or emailing sandhamevents@nationaltrust.org.uk.

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