Things to Do in Romsey — The Local Guide

Romsey is a small market town in Test Valley, Hampshire, sitting on the River Test between Southampton and the New Forest. For its size it has an unusual concentration of history and things to do — a Norman abbey, a great country house, and one of the finest gardens in England all sit in or around the town. Here is the local guide.

Romsey Abbey

The centrepiece of the town is Romsey Abbey — the Abbey Church of St Mary and St Ethelflaeda — one of the best-preserved Norman churches in England. Its origins reach back to a nunnery founded in the early 10th century, and the present building was largely raised between about 1120 and 1250. Inside you can see two rare Saxon rood carvings, a 16th-century painted reredos, and the grave of Earl Mountbatten of Burma, whose family home was nearby Broadlands. The Abbey is open to visitors most of the day (Monday to Saturday from 7.30am, Sundays from 11am), though visitors are asked to avoid service times.

Broadlands

On the southern edge of the town is Broadlands, a Palladian country house set in parkland landscaped by Capability Brown, and the former home of Lord Palmerston and later Earl Mountbatten. The house and grounds open to the public on selected dates through the year and host events in the estate parkland.

Sir Harold Hillier Gardens

Just outside Romsey at Ampfield are the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, a 180-acre garden and arboretum holding one of the largest collections of hardy plants in the world, including national plant collections and the Winter Garden. It is open year-round and is one of the region's premier garden attractions.

Romsey War Memorial Park

In the town itself, the War Memorial Park is a well-kept green space with gardens, a play area, and open lawns, a short walk from the Market Place — a good spot for families and a break from shopping.

Romsey Rapids

For active days, Romsey Rapids Sports Complex on Southampton Road, run by Places Leisure, has a swimming pool with a flume and leisure water, a gym, and family swim sessions.

The Market and the Town Centre

Romsey holds a market in the Corn Market and Market Place on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, part of a tradition dating back over 400 years. The compact town centre — The Hundred, Bell Street, and Market Place — mixes independent shops, cafés, and pubs, including Bradbeers department store and the historic White Horse coaching inn.