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Nestled in the Test Valley, Romsey is a small market town which boasts some amazing attractions. Use Romsey as a base to explore the wider area, with gorgeous walks and cycle rides from your doorstop, plus easy access to Southampton and the New Forest.
We’ve put together our top picks of things to do in Romsey.
Romsey Abbey
Right in the heart of Romsey, you will find Romsey Abbey. The Abbey can be traced back to 907 AD. Work began on the present building around 1120-1140 with the choir, transepts, a Lady chapel at the east end and first three bays of the nave. Over the years it has been extended further.
Download a free audio tour ahead of your visit to learn more about the Abbey’s fascinating history or pre-book a guided tour.
Broadlands
Set behind imposing brick walls, you will find the Broadlands estate. Originally belonging to Romsey Abbey, Broadlands was sold shortly after the Dissolution of the Monasteries.
Broadlands was later the country estate of the 19th century Prime Minister, Henry John Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston and in the 20th century home of 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma.
Learn about Broadlands’ history, including some of its famous guests over the years on a guided tour.
Broadlands is also the venue for several events including the annual Romsey Show.
Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
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Over 180 acres of stunning Hampshire countryside await you at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens. On the edge of Romsey, these gardens with their famous arboretum features over 600 champion trees and 14 National Collections.
Explore the different areas of the gardens, with colours throughout the year.
Younger visitors will love the wibbly wobbly bridges and outdoor play areas, where nature is at the heart of exploration.
Look out for a busy events calendar with art exhibitions, concerts, school holiday sessions and a Christmas illumination trail.
Romsey Rapids
Popular with children of all ages, Romsey Rapids is a tropical water wonderland with flume, pirate ship water feature and of course, the rapids themselves.
The site also has a small soft play area and café.
The Romsey Heritage Trail Walk
Follow this short walk as it takes you through the heart of Romsey’s historic centre. Highlights along the way include Romsey Abbey, Sadler’s Mill and the Market Place.
Download the walk now and gen up on Romsey’s history as you stroll around.
Mottisfont Abbey House & Gardens
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Just a few miles out of Romsey, you will find the National Trust’s Mottisfont Abbey & Gardens. Explore Mottisfont Abbey with its extraordinary trompe l'oeil drawing room by Rex Whistler.
Take a wander through the gardens, the famous Rose Garden comes to life in June with colourful hues and some amazing scents! Follow along the River Test and spot trout swimming in the clear waters or sample some good old National Trust cake in one of the on-site tea rooms.
Romsey Signal Box
Restored to full working order, Romsey Signal Box is a working museum that can be enjoyed by all, regardless of whether you are interested in railways or not. Visitors are invited to operate the point and signals, and to observe the signal box in operation, plus demonstrations are given to explain the workings of the signal box.
I Wanna Be
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Preschool children will love spending time at I Wanna Be play café. Set just outside Romsey, this role play café sparks imaginative play, exploration and discovery. Doctor, firefighter, hairdresser, whatever their calling, you can expect lots of fun making memories here.
Flourish Pottery Painting and Craft Studio
Spend some time getting creative at Flourish’s studio. Whether it’s for a gift for someone else or a treasured piece to keep in your home, the choice is yours.
Find out more about Romsey
Find places to stay in and around Romsey
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Romsey Abbey is situated in the centre of Romsey and is the largest Parish Church in Hampshire. It’s home to a number of treasures, open daily and fully accessible. You will receive a warm welcome from the Abbey Stewards. Self-guiding leaflets and children’s trail available.
This beautiful house, set in the rural town of Romsey remains a family home. The original manor and area known as Broadlands had belonged to Romsey Abbey since before the time of the 11th century English Norman Conquest. After the Dissolution of the Monasteries, Broadlands was sold and passed through several owners before being bought by Henry Temple, 1st Viscount Palmerston in 1736.
The magnificent Sir Harold Hillier Gardens is world famous for its arboretum and gardens – set over 180 acres of rolling Hampshire countryside; this garden is stunning whatever the season.
Experience a world of water fun and adventure. An all-year-round tropical water wonderland. The Rapids - fantastic fun for all the family.
The Romsey Heritage Trail is a short circular walk around the historic market town of Romsey. The Heritage Trail highlights the towns buildings, streets and waterways that have played a part in the heritage of the town which you will see has continued to evolve to create today's thriving market town bursting with shops, businesses and events. The trail takes in some many of the town's best tourist attractions such as Romsey Abbey, King John's House and the Town Hall and there's so much to explore in this exquisite market town.
Ancient trees, babbling brooks and rolling lawns frame Mottisfont's 18th-century house with a medieval priory at its heart. There’s space to run, jump and play, and always something for families to do, with activity trails in school holidays and a special family exhibition every summer.
Romsey Signal Box is a working museum, to be enjoyed by all generations, with or without an interest in railways. Romsey Signal Box has been restored to full working order, with all the equipment and furniture to have been found in a traditional signal box.
We have created a stimulating and fun environment which sparks imaginative play, exploration and discovery. From tiny tots to children of around 6 years old, all children are welcome to attend our sessions. Accompanying adults are welcome to join in the the role play fun or just relax with a cuppa, happy in the knowledge that role play teaches emotional intelligence, co-operation and problem solving, boosts self-esteem and stimulates creativity.
Welcome to Flourish, a place for you to unwind and enjoy a restful and restorative time painting pottery in our Romsey studio. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be a Leonardo Da Vinci to enjoy - it’s not about achieving perfection, it’s about having a break from the world, experimenting and having fun. You’ll discover there is so much joy to be had in either thoughtfully designing a new plate, or simply sitting down with an open mind and seeing where inspiration takes you.
