Winkle Street

Winkle Street (otherwise known as Barrington Row) can be found in the picturesque village of Calbourne on the Isle of Wight.

It is high on our list of 'must see' Isle of Wight attractions: indeed, everyone who has visited us has been taken there at some time or another - and we have numerous photographs to prove it!

Pretty, terraced cottages overlook the Caul Bourne in Winkle Street

Calbourne is situated just eight kilometres west of Newport on the B3401. The village is named after the Caul Bourne, a clear stream that once powered five water mills for the milling of local grain into flour. Today, just one functional mill remains, Calbourne Water Mill, which is open to the public from March to October each year.

Winkle Street itself is a cul-de-sac and is accessed on foot only, so if visiting it is perhaps best to leave the car in the public car park at the end of School Lane. Alternatively, if you care to enjoy luncheon at The Sun Inn in the village, it may be possible to leave your car there for a short while.

Opposite The Sun Inn you will see the recreation ground where the local cricket team can sometimes be seen playing or practising on summer days. And as you walk down Lynch Lane you will pass the village church which, established in 826 AD, stands proudly in a slightly elevated position on a triangular village green.

Shortly after the church you will see the gated entrance to Westover Park, a magnificent, privately owned manor house which stands majestically in spacious grounds at the entrance to Winkle Street (Barrington Row).

Westover Park, Calbourne, Isle of Wight

Look up at the eaves of the flint-built gatehouse, Westover Lodge, as you pass - you may see nesting swallows.

Swallows nest in the eaves of Westover Lodge

Rounding a slight bend in the narrow road, you will find yourself in Winkle Street. Here, depending on when you visit, you may find wild flowers along the banks of the Caul Bourne, and climbing roses and other creepers adorning the walls of the pretty little terraced cottages.

And in summer, growing in the crisp, clean water of the babbling brook, you will see great clumps of Mimulus in full bloom.

Mimulus in full bloom: Caul Bourne, July 2008

At the end of the lane you will find a bench to sit on and an interesting notice board outlining and illustrating the history of Calbourne. From this point, you can either retrace your steps or take the footpath which follows the Caul Bourne through the woods towards Calbourne Water Mill.

Winkle Street is just one of our favourite places to visit. We hope you enjoy your visit. For more ideas on where to go and what to do, return to our Isle of Wight Attractions main page.

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