It has an acreage of 3,457 acres (13.99 km2), which lies on comparatively low ground, south of the high country round the surrounding villages of Farleigh Wallop and Nutley, and north-west of that which rises to Wield and beyond to Bentworth.

The name derives in part from the Candover Brook which rises from springs just to the south of the village, and from a religious community which flourished here before the Norman Conquest.

At one time Preston Down was joined to those of Brown and Chilton Candover, and this made it an ideal route for the drovers and their herds.

In dry summers it was much used by farmers from Wield and Ellisfield, while the brick steps became a favourite spot for visiting Methodist preachers to conduct meetings and for pedlars to display their wares.

A memorial was erected in 1919 in honour of the 16 men of the parish killed in action during the Great War.

The Candovers are now today a main crossing point to New Alresford and Basingstoke, but still the three villages still remain in peaceful countryside.

It is also part of the Upton Grey and the Candovers ward of Basingstoke and Deane borough council.