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Romsey and the Test Valley

In the stunning 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 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.

Enjoy the countryside

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.

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

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

Villages

Don't forget to visit lovely Stockbridge, with its shops, tea rooms and restaurants, and the Houghton Club, the oldest fishing club in England.

In the pretty town of Romsey you can explore the Romsey Heritage and Visitor Centre, the magnificent Norman 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.

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

Attractions

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

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.

Three of the best attractions in the Test Valley have teamed up to offer a fantastic discount to visitors. Find out how you could save over £15 when you visit the National Trust's Mottisfont Abbey, The Hawk Conservancy Trust and the Museum of Army Flying.

This summer there is also a free bus service every Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday in the Test Valley to attractions such as Mottisfont Abbey. Take a look at the timetable and plan your day out.

For more information on the Test Valley download the e-brochure.