Test Valley

In the picturesque landscape of the Test Valley in west Hampshire, the River Test meanders through ancient woodlands, tranquil water meadows and rolling chalk hills.

Thatched cottages and welcoming pubs in the Test Valley's picturesque villages add to the area's charm and there are attractions for all ages, such as The Hawk Conservancy Trust, the rose gardens at Mottisfont and Whitchurch Silk Mill.
 

Countryside in the Test Valley

Opportunities for walking, horse riding and cycling are abundant in the Test Valley with highlights being the 44-mile Test Way and the annual Test Valley Tour.

The Test Valley is most famous for its fly fishing and the clear chalk streams of the River Test and its tributaries yield up brown trout, grayling and salmon.

There are also many beautiful churches in the Test Valley which can be explored on a countryside walk. Download a handy guide and explore the architecture and history of the parish churches of the Test Valley.
 

Market Towns & Villages in the Test Valley

The regions peaceful rural setting is dotted with pretty villages, lovely countryside and the market towns of Andover and Romsey.

In the pretty town of Romsey you can explore King John’s House and Heritage Centre, the magnificent Norman Romsey Abbey, and Broadlands, the former home of the late Lord Louis Mountbatten.

Andover is a lively market town dating back to Saxon times and here you can visit the nearby Iron Age settlement of Danebury Hill Fort and the Andover Museum and Museum of the Iron Age.

Don't forget to visit lovely Stockbridge, once noted for the sheep and cattle driven through the town on the way to Wales, which now boasts attractive independent boutiques, art galleries and tea rooms. It is also home to the Houghton Club, the oldest fishing club in England.

The Wallops are attractive villages skirting a small chalk stream and one of them, Middle Wallop, is home to a World War II airfield that is still actively used by the Army Air Corps and the Army Flying Museum.
 

Attractions in the Test Valley

Other attractions in the Test Valley include Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Longstock Park Water Garden, Highclere Castle, Houghton Lodge, Romsey Abbey and Romsey Signal Box.

Many visitors also flock to the small church of St Margaret's in East Wellow near Romsey, where Florence Nightingale was buried. Florence's family owned nearby Embley Park, now a school, and at the church you can see artefacts relating to her life.

Full guide to Things to do in the Test Valley

Full guide Attractions in the Test Valley
 

Places to Eat and Drink in the Test Valley

The Test Valley in the west of Hampshire possibly has more pubs and restaurants than any other area of the county.

The clear chalk streams of the River Test are famous for the Test Valley trout and there are many producers of quality local food in this area.

From locally-produced wines and real ale to oak-smoked trout, cheeses, meats and vegetables, there’s something to tantalize the taste buds.

Many of Test Valley’s tea rooms, inns and restaurants serve locally-sourced produce and the many independent shops and delicatessens also sell speciality and gourmet food.

Stockbridge has become a magnet for lovers of good food and its high Street was voted ‘Best Foodie Street’. Visit the delicatessen, traditional butchers and grocers, tea rooms, pubs and restaurants.

Weekly street markets can be found at Romsey and Andover, where you can stock up on locally-produced foods. The popular Hampshire Farmers’ Markets take place in Romsey once a month.

Full guide to Food & Drink in the Test Valley
 

Events in the Test Valley

The annual Romsey Agricultural and Horse Show, in September, celebrates the best of the British countryside. Here you’ll find over 80 stalls selling game, jams, chutneys, cheeses, pies, pastries, cakes, cider, beer, wine, fruit and vegetables, along with cookery demonstrations and hands-on activities.

Trout and About, which takes place in Stockbridge in August, celebrates the best of local produce, including the famous Test Valley smoked trout and many more specialist foods.

Full guide to Events in the Test Valley

Places to stay in the Test Valley

With so much to see and do in the Test Valley and surrounding areas you may want to stay a little longer. There’s plenty of places to stay in the Test Valley with a selection of hotels, quaint B&B’s and superb self catering.

Guide to Accommodation in the Test Valley