Romsey
Attractions and places to visit | Travel and visitor information
Situated eleven miles South West of Winchester. Area 493 hectares, with a population of nearly 13,000. Romsey developed where the routes between Southampton, Salisbury and Winchester cross the Test, the lowest point at which the river can be conveniently bridged. Here in A.D. 907 Benedictine nuns established a community and the massive Norman Abbey still dominating the town stands on the remains of their Saxon church. Romsey has been granted two Charters, one in 1607 by James I and another in 1698 by William III.
The prosperous wool trade enjoyed by the town in earlier times declined during the 19th Century but was followed by a thriving brewing industry. The swift flowing streams of the Test provided a source of energy utilised from earliest times, and at one of the remaining mills salmon can be seen leaping on their journey upstream to spawn.
There are examples of most styles of architecture in the town, and the Market Place, which dates from soon after the establishment of the Abbey, retains much of its original shape.
Attractions and Places to Visit
Broadlands - The prestigious stately home of the
late Lord Mountbatten
Farley Mount Country Park - Possibly the finest
views in central Hampshire, and local walks lead to the villages of Farley Chamberlayne and Ashley
Houghton
Lodge Gardens, Stockbridge - Idyllically set on the River Test
Longstock
Water Gardens - One of the finest water gardens in the world
Mottisfont
Abbey Garden - The walled gardens are internationally-renowned for the national collection of
old fashioned roses
Paulton's Park - The South's premier family fun
park
Romsey Abbey - A marvellous example of Norman and Early English
architecture
Sir Harold Hillier Gardens - One of Britain's finest
collections of hardy trees and shrubs from around the world
The Clarendon
Way - Winchester to Salisbury via Houghton and King's Somborne (24 miles)
The
Test Way - Inkpen Beacon to Totton via Romsey and Stockbridge (46 miles)
Cinemas, Theatres and Arts Centres in the South West Hampshire area.
Travel Information for Visitors
Tourist and Other Information sources
Local Tourist Information
Tourist
Information,
13 Church Street,
Romsey,
Hampshire SO51 8BT
Telephone: (01794) 512987
Local Information Point
Romsey
Library,
Station Road,
Romsey,
Hampshire SO51 8DN
Telephone: (01794) 513299
Local Council
Test
Valley Borough Council,
Beech Hurst,
Weyhill Road,
Andover,
Hampshire
SP10 3AJ
Telephone: (01264) 368000
Parking in Romsey
Public car parks are situated around the town centre with easy access to the High Street.
Refreshments
A good variety of pubs and places to eat.
Access by Public Transport
Romsey has a BR Station (service from Waterloo, Salisbury, Southampton, Winchester). Public Bus Services operate to Romsey from Winchester, Southampton and Salisbury.