Local Attractions
Bombay Sapphire
Discover the artistry and heritage behind Bombay Sapphire at the state-of-the-art distillery, set astride the banks of the crystal clear River Test. Go behind the scenes and discover how they infuse ten exotic botanicals from around the world into their gin.
Hawk Conservancy
The Hawk Conservancy Trust is a visitor centre and conservation charity that works in the fields of conservation, education, rehabilitation and research of birds of prey. The park is set among 22 acres of stunning woodland and wildflower meadow. Daily flying demonstrations take place and give visitors a chance to see a variety of owl, kite, hawk, vulture and eagle flying in a natural setting. Feathers Restaurant offers a wide selection of local and homemade produce and refreshments in unique surroundings.
Hilliers Arboretum
The award winning Sir Harold Hillier Gardens is famous the world over. In 1977 Sir Harold left the Gardens under the sole trusteeship of Hampshire County Council. It is now run as a charity under the remit of horticulture, conservation, education and recreation. 180 acres of seasonal planting makes it a must for the horticulturist.
Longstock Park Water Garden
Created by the Beddington family in the 1930’s and further developed by John Spedan Lewis in the 1940’s as a place to reflect and relax. The garden is a true spectacle, hosting an array of plants from around the world. Check current opening time.
Mottisfont Abbey
Originally founded as an Augustinian priory in 1201, the house has seen a number of transformations over the last 800 years, shaped by its many and varied owners. They hold exhibitions in the house (try not to miss the Whistler Room), there are glorious grounds to wander round and their rose garden hosts the National Rose Collection. There is also a small tearoom and NT shop.
The Museum of Army Flying
The Museum holds an extensive collection charting over 100 years of the British Army in the air. With over 35 fixed wing and rotary aircraft on display, the Museum is the perfect place to explore the fascinating history of army aviation. The museum and Apache Café is open daily – no Museum admission is required to use the café.
The New Forest
The New Forest National Park is known for its heathland, forest trails and native ponies. In the southeast, the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu houses F1 race cars and vintage motorbikes. Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway is home to exotic trees, plus colourful rhododendrons and azaleas.
Romsey
Romsey is one of the principal towns in the Test Valley Borough and lies on the River Test. Romsey Abbey, the largest parish church in Hampshire, dominates the centre of the town. Broadlands, the home of Lord Mountbatten is close to the town centre. Discover King John’s House and Heritage Centre opposite Romsey Abbey. This is an oasis: 750 years of history in three buildings – King John’s House, dating from the 13th century, a Tudor cottage and Victorian museum.
Salisbury
A vibrant and interesting city, with less parking problems than Winchester, it is full of interesting shops and places to eat. The Cathedral, with the tallest spire in the country, is a wonderful place to pause and admire. Historically a centre of the cloth industry, Salisbury – the county town of Wiltshire – lies at the point where the Rivers Nadder and Bourne flow into the River Avon. The city is most famous for its beautiful cathedral, a masterpiece of the early Gothic style that dates to 1220, when the building’s foundation stone was laid and is now home to a copy of the Magna Carta. Separated from the rest of the city by three gateways, Salisbury’s wonderful Cathedral Close is well worth taking the time to explore. Old Sarum and Stonehenge are a few miles away, the latter being served by the most wonderful visitor centre. It’s worth a drive along the A303 to admire the views of the road coming East from Stonehenge.
Whitchurch Silk Mill
Whether you’re machine-mad, an admirer of silk fabrics, a child learning about the Victorians, or just looking for a delightful day out in Hampshire, Whitchurch Silk Mill has something for you: the original mill wheel and Victorian machinery; fabulous fabrics on the looms; a shop to indulge in silk products from the Mill, in a peaceful setting by the River Test, with tearoom for lunch and refreshments.
Sandham Memorial Chapel, Burghclere
Home to what is arguably the most important series of paintings by the modern British artist, Sir Stanley Spencer (1891-1959), the chapel is a temple to the genius who wanted to express in paint his military experience during the Great War. The chapel garden, inspired and created by volunteers, provides a place to reflect, and you can follow a walk around Burghclere village where Stanley Spencer lived and loved.
Winchester Cathedral
Winchester, eleven miles away has one of the largest cathedrals in Europe, with the longest nave and greatest overall length of any Gothic cathedral in Europe. Dedicated to the Holy Trinity, Saint Peter, Saint Paul, and before the Reformation, Saint Swithun, it is the seat of the Bishop of Winchester and centre of the Diocese of Winchester. The cathedral is a Grade I listed building.
