Test Valley

About

Test Valley is one of the loveliest areas of Hampshire. Nestled between Winchester, Salisbury and the New Forest, Test Valley boasts beautiful countryside, chocolate box villages, the famous River Test and the market towns of Andover, Stockbridge and Romsey.

Test Valley runs from the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty right down to the New Forest National Park in the south.  Walkers, cyclists and horse lovers can enjoy parts of the 44-mile Test Way, which follows the course of the tranquil River Test, while the annual Test Valley Tour is a challenge for mountain bikers.

The River Test itself, famous for its chalk streams, trout and salmon, is a lure for fishermen and nature lovers alike.  

Test Valley has a fantastic collection of places to eat and drink, from top quality restaurants to cosy tearooms. There are also numerous attractions for lovers of gardens, heritage and the arts, from the Andover Museum and Danebury Hill Fort in the north to Romsey Abbey in the south.

Things to do

Discover the beauty and inspiration at the gardens, woodlands and walks of the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, established in 1953 by distinguished plantsman Sir Harold Hillier or Mottisfont Abbey with its stunning rose collection and riverside walks.   While Longstock Park Water Garden, Romsey Heritage and Visitor Centre, Highclere Castle, Whitchurch Silk Mill, the Army Flying Museum and the Hawk Conservancy Trust also provide an enjoyable day out in memorable Test Valley.  

If you are looking to capture the Test Valley on canvas why not take a break in the beautiful rural setting occupied by Yew Tree Arts. You can take advantage of this idyllic location complete with artist studio.

Why not visit Bombay Sapphire and take in the crystal clear water and beautiful natural surroundings as you walk along the River Test. Step back in time to uncover the fascinating history behind Laverstoke Mill in the Heritage Room. Discover the ten exotic botanicals in Bombay Sapphire gin in the Glasshouses and Botanical Dry Room and then join the hosts as they take you behind the scenes of the unique Vapour Infusion distillation process in the Dakin Still House.

See what's on in Hampshire for things to do this weekend in the Test Valley.