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Places of Interest in the Locality. Romsey is an excellent centre from which to visit many local attractions.

N.B. Entrance fees and opening times are liable to change and have not been included in the details below. The Tourist Information Centre has the most recent information about individual places.

Romsey Abbey

Romsey Abbey was built as the church for the nuns of the Benedictine Abbey, which was dissolved in 1539. The present building dates from the early 12th century and retains its essentially Norman character. It is at least the third stone church on the site and it is still possible to see some remains of an earlier, Saxon, church.

Special arrangements for group tours, by prior arrangement with the Vicar, Reverend Timothy Sledge. Telephone: (01794) 513125

Romsey Heritage Centre

Romsey Heritage Centre is run by the King John’s House and Tudor Cottage Trust and is supported by Test Valley Borough Council. On a single site, it comprises The Moody Museum, a Victorian shop leased from the Borough, King John’s House, which was given to the town by Miss M.A.M. Moody, and Tudor Cottage. In the 13th-century King John’s House, visitors may see medieval graffiti and the remains of a rare bone floor, as well as many other features and displays. Tudor Cottage is a timber-framed building with a delightful tearoom, while The Moody Museum features life in Victorian and Edwardian Romsey with a recreated shop and parlour amongst other attractions. (Groups welcome by appointment all year round/Bookings for private functions arranged) Telephone: (01794) 512200 [answerphone out of hours]

King John’s House Garden

King John's House Garden, around the house, was purchased by Test Valley Borough Council in 1992, and leased to King John’s House & Tudor Cottage Trust. Opened to the public in 1995, and cared for by volunteers, it offers pleasant linked gardens with historical references, set against a surviving wall of 18th-century cottages. It is bordered by the Holbrook stream that once powered the Town Mills. [Free access from Lortemore Place car park via oak bridge over the Holbrook, or from Church Street, Monday to Saturday, 10am-4pm.]

Broadlands House,

Broadlands House lies on the south side of the town in Romsey Extra. It is now the home of Lord Brabourne, grandson and heir of the late Lord Mountbatten. Lord Brabourne is High Steward of Romsey. [Broadlands opens to the public for a short season.] Telephone: (01794) 505010

The Rapids

The Rapids complex was completed in Spring 1990. Refurbished in 2005, facilities include activity and leisure pools; giant flume; health & fitness suite; cafe; children’s poolside parties (by arrangement). Telephone: (01794) 830333 or visit the website:- www.the-rapids.co.uk

Romsey Signal Box.

The old signal box has been preserved and renovated to operational condition. Located behind Plaza Parade, Winchester Rd. Open first Sunday of each month (except January), and suitable for adults and children alike. No charge. Telephone: (01794) 500526

TOWARDS THE NEW FOREST

Paultons Park

The 140 acres of Paultons Theme Park is about ten minutes from Romsey on the A3090 south-westwards. It is at the village of Ower and is well signposted. The Park offers various rides and attractions to suit all ages. Telephone: 023 80 814455 (24hrHotline)

Eling Tide Mill

Eling Tide Mill is 10 miles south of Romsey off the Southampton-Totton road with interesting walks nearby. The mill should be contacted for demonstration times. Telephone: (023 80) 869575

Longdown Activity Farm

Longdown Activity Farm is to be found at Longdown, well signposted off the A35 near Ashurst, with the Otter & Owl Park close by. Dairy Farm Telephone: (023 80) 293326 Otter & Owl Park Telephone: (023 80) 292408

East Wellow church (St Margaret’s)

East Wellow church (St Margaret's) famed for having Florence Nightingale buried in the churchyard, also has a charm of its own.

TOWARDS WINCHESTER

Sir Harold Hillier Gardens

Sir Harold Hillier Gardens may be found just off the A3090 road to Winchester. After about 3 miles look for a ‘brown’ signpost pointing left along Jermyns Lane. The entrance is about 3⁄4 mile along the lane on the right. Enjoy 180 acres comprising the gardens and the outstanding collection of trees and shrubs established by Sir Harold Hillier of Hillier’s Nurseries. The site is now a registered charity administered by the Hampshire County Council. Telephone: (01794) 369317

Hursley Church

Hursley Church, a little further along the A3090, had a renowned 19th-century vicar, John Keble, for whom Keble College, Oxford, is named.

Farley Mount

Farley Mount is a Hampshire country park, signposted left just beyond the far end of Hursley village. It offers unspoilt countryside and many walks through varied woodlands and open viewpoints.

Marwell Zoological Park

Marwell Zoological Park is reached by skirting Winchester to the south and following the Bishops Waltham road. (well sign-posted). Telephone: (01962) 777406 / 777407

NORTHWARDS UP THE TEST VALLEY

A pleasant circular route may be followed by making the outward journey via the A3057 on the east bank of the River Test and returning via the minor roads on the west bank.

Mottisfont Abbey

Mottisfont Abbey is in the small village of Mottisfont off the A3057 road. It was founded in the 13th century as a priory of Austin Canons, but has long been a secular dwelling. It is now a National Trust property, a mellow amalgam of Tudor and Georgian influences and particularly renowned for the Rex Whistler room and for its rose gardens. Telephone: (01794) 340757

Test Way

Test Way can be joined by walking the disused railway line after parking the car at Stonymarsh on the A3057. [Just beyond the left turning to Mottisfont look out for the Stonymarsh ‘Test Way’ car park, also on the left. [Access to the car park is limited by a height barrier.] N.B. Leaflets about this and other walks in the area are available at the Tourist Information Centre.

Stockbridge and Stockbridge Down

Stockbridge and Stockbridge Down lie at the end of a pleasing drive further up the A3057. Stockbridge Down (around Woolbury Ring) is a National Trust conservation area to the north of the Stockbridge-Winchester road (A272). Parking is on the south.
Longstock Water Gardens are open to the public on behalf of a charity on 1st and 34d Sunday of the month from April to September inclusive (2.00pm – 5.00pm) For more information visit website: www.longstockpark.co.uk

Danebury Hill Fort

Stockbridge and Stockbridge Down is to the west of Stockbridge on the A30. At the top of the dual carriageway hill turn right as the main road bends left. The hill fort, sometimes called Danebury Ring, is on the left of the lane after a mile or so, and has great scenic as well as archaeological value. Finds from the extensively excavated site are exhibited in The Museum of the Iron Age in Andover.

WITHIN 1/2 HOUR’S CAR DRIVE OF ROMSEY - Southampton (and ferries to the Isle of Wight), Winchester, Salisbury and the New Forest (including Beaulieu)