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Or enjoy lingering on the photos below. Same content as the video with the addition of Pippi the Norfolk Terrier, who is too cute! |
During the summer of 2026, I took care of homes and pets in Great Britain when their people were on vacation. One of my favorite pet sits was in Odiham, a charming village southwest of London, whose High Street has exceptional historic buildings.
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My responsibility was the most adorable Norfolk Terrier, Pippi. She and I had so much fun together! We played in her garden and walked multiple times a day in downtown Odiham, where I took the photos in this post.
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Odiham was first settled in 1086 and became an important market town during the middle ages. Today, villagers are still surrounded by history. Many of the buildings on High Street were constructed between the 14th and 18th centuries and are listed as having historical architectural significance.
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One of these buildings, Bel & The Dragon, was built in 1473 as a residence and has been an inn since 1585. It has comfortable rooms and a restaurant that offers seasonal and locally sourced foods.
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All Saints Church was constructed in the early 1200s. It has been preserved with multiple restorations and upgrades, and continues to be an active Anglican church.
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The Red Lion was an ale house and inn that became a grocery store in 1700. In 1992 the building was reconverted to an inn and restaurant. The Red Lion offers boutique hotel rooms and a classic British menu.
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The Sweet Shop building was constructed about 1775 as a residence. It was later adapted for use as a shop and today it's a traditional sweet shop. The owner is a lovely lady who stocks the very best old-fashioned sweets. I bought small bags of licorice, caramels, and some treats I'd never heard of.
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These three buildings, although connected, were constructed centuries apart. The Hovis building on the left was a bakery beginning in 1800. It's now Odiham Clinic. The small center building has timbers that date to 1317-1336. The red brick building on the right was built about 1410 as residences.
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The Waterwitch was built in the 1500s as a residence. Over time it became an inn and public house that served travelers. Today it continues as a pub and restaurant.
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A number of High Street buildings were designed with shops and offices on the lower level and residences above, which was typical of the era.
Many of Odiham's buildings from the 14th to 16th centuries were constructed with timber frames infilled with wattle and daub and finished with lime plaster. In the 18th century, many were remodelled and refronted in brick.
These handsome traditional red clay "fish scale" tiles were another construction material used in the 1800s. I thought these buildings were particularly attractive with the tiles used as siding!
Odiham boasts historic, inviting cottages. I'd love to stay in one for a week!
Odiham's history is well-represented by the various styles of doors that grace buildings on High Street.
Along with its history, Odiham is a vibrant, modern village that was a wonderful visit!
