#VisitTestValley

BEAUTY AWAITS IN THE TEST VALLEY

Nestling between Winchester,Salisbury and the New Forest, Test Valley occupies a tranquil corner of Hampshire boasting lush water meadows, charming chocolate box cottages, stylish village inns and Hampshire’s longest river, the famous River Test with its crystal-clear waters. The beautiful countryside is home to the market towns of Andover, Stockbridge and Romsey, each with their unique identity and all offering a warm Test Valley welcome.Test Valley is an outstandingly beautiful area and the idyllic setting for a riverside amble or picnic on the riverbank. It’s also an angler’s paradise; famous for its clear chalk streams the tranquil River Test is one of the most renowned fly fishing rivers in the world.Steeped in captivating stories of times gone by and boasting an abundance of historic architecture, it has more Iron Age forts than anywhere else in Hampshire. The earliest record of Andover’s watermills dates back to the Domesday Book.Trace the area’s rich history through the selection of works in the many art galleries found in the Test Valley.

If you have a nose for fine wine the region is ripe with vineyards. Start your journey with a wine-tasting tour at award-winning Cottonworth Vineyard or sample the award-winning sparkling and still white wine at Danebury Vineyard.If you have an appetite for locally grown, mouth-watering food, fine wines and casked ales, you’re going to enjoy a taste sensation. Enjoy a traditional country pub such as the Three Tuns in Romsey, or a taste of the test at The John O’Gaunt located between Stockbridge, Kings Somborne and Romsey.The beauty of Test Valley’s wonderful landscapes means there is no end of outdoor fun to be had. Explore by bike and cycle your way around the woodlands and winding country roads or tee off at one of the number of golf courses. There are many horse riding schools waiting to offer you horse trekking experiences through the many miles of tranquil bridleway, and there are play parks aplenty which offer something for every age.As well as history and culture, glorious gardens and stunning landscapes, amazing restaurants and local breweries, Test Valley provides a fantastic range of attractions including, Finkley Down Farm, The Hawk Conservancy Trust, and Paultons Park.

Riverside Bowl in Andover is operated by the charitable organisation Valley Leisure Ltd.With (8) Ten Pin Bowling lanes, Glo-Golf, Small Arcade with Pool Tables there’s plenty to do. Our American Diner serves a variety of food including Burgers & Sausages from Weyhill Farm Shop.Visit www.riverside-bowl.co.uk for more information.

HOUGHTON LODGE GARDENS

It is a family home that has been described by visitors as ‘a little piece of heaven’ with gardens, which provide colour and delight throughout the seasons.

Houghton Lodge Gardens is situated in the heart of the Test Valley and only five minutes from the local market town of Stockbridge. Built in 1793 and probably intended as a fishing lodge, Houghton Lodge is a Grade II* listed Cottage Orné. It is idyllically set above the tranquil waters of the River Test with untouched views across the valley and water meadows with glorious gardens sheltered by beautiful trees and swathes of lawn sweeping down to the River Test.With both formal and informal gardens, including the traditional Kitchen Garden enclosed by Chalk Cob walls with espaliers, apple orchard and a wonderful Orchid House with many rare species. In early summer the fragrant peonies line the stunning rose arbor path leading to hidden corners of the garden.Explore over 15 acres of meadow walks with mown paths along the picturesque River Test and meet resident Alpacas and find the topiary snorting dragon!Enjoy the peaceful and picturesque setting of Houghton Lodge Gardens from the Honesty tearooms and orangery.

Action packed day out

Sitting in an enviable position, adjacent to the busy Army Air Corps airfield at Middle Wallop, the Museum of Army Flying consists of two large hangars which house exhibits that tell the powerful and exciting story of British Soldiers in the air from the pioneering days of balloons and kites in the late 1800s right through to the contemporary helicopters that can be seen flying at Middle Wallop.

Visitors can get up close to over 35 fixed wing and rotary aircraft, see medals, photographs, clothing and artefacts from throughout the history of the British Army in the air. To keep themselves fuelled up visitors can treat themselves to a delicious meal or home-made cake from the Apache Café.For children there are trails, activities, dress-up stations and puzzles as well as a playpark, and ball pit for younger children.Behind the scenes the Museum continues its work on raising funds for the three phases of Project Eagle, the first of which will see the delivery of The British Army Flying Memorial in September. Visit the website to find out more at armyflying.com