On the Real Watership Down
A guide to the real life locations featured in the classic novel and animated film Watership Down.
If you’ve ever read Watership Down I’m sure you’ll realise it’s entirely based in the English countryside and you can almost say that the English countryside was another character in the book.
The route the rabbits took in the story, it’s all quite real, it’s all there for anyone to see. In fact several people have actually amused themselves by walking the route of the rabbits from south of Newbury to Watership Down.
Richard Adams, author of Watership Down, 2014.
The Locations
From Sandleford Warren through Watership Down and on to Efrafa, all of the locations from the book and film are here.
Please be aware that many of the entries contain plot spoilers.
Latest Additions
This web site is regularly updated!
2 December 2025: New entry added; Ladle Hill House.
1 December 2025: New photos added to Beacon Hill page.
27 November 2025: New article on Shepherd’s Cottage & Richard Adams within O Frith on the Hills.
26 November 2025: New photos added to Richard Adams’ Grave entry and Miscellaneous Photographs page.
24 November 2025: New entry added; From the Copse to Caesar’s Belt.
O Frith on the Hills!
Key Locations in the Book
On Watership Down
The rabbits make their new home on Watership Down, a remote hilltop with beautiful views in north Hampshire.
Read more >
Nuthanger Farm
Seeking does to secure the future of their home on Watership Down, the rabbits conduct a raid on Nuthanger Farm.
Read more >
Sandleford Warren
The novel begins in peaceful Sandleford Park, near Newbury, just as the young seer Fiver has a vision of imminent doom.
Read more >
Efrafa
The home of the tyrannical General Woundwort, close to Overton on the North Wessex Downs.
Read more >
About This Website
Some background as to how On The Real Watership Down came into being.
Complete with that trip to the cinema.
Get In Touch!
Please send any observations, thoughts or corrections my way!