Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Andover, Hampshire

Located in the picturesque Test Valley, Andover has historical roots embedded in the woollen industry and served as a significant stop along the coaching road connecting London and Salisbury during the 18th century.

To the west, the expansive chalk plateau of Salisbury Plain, encompassing 150 square miles, serves as the UK’s largest military training area.

This fact notably contributes to the presence of the Ministry of Defence (MOD) as Andover’s major employer today. Visitors can delve into this rich heritage at the Museum of Army Flying.

Throughout the surrounding chalk hills of the North Hampshire Downs, numerous settlements thrived during the Bronze and Iron Ages.

One notable site, Danebury, was excavated in the 20th century, revealing a significant collection of artefacts showcased at Andover’s esteemed Museum of the Iron Age.

Let us now explore the notable attractions in Andover:

1. Museum of the Iron Age

Located southwest of Andover, Danebury hillfort, established in 550 BC, stands as one of the UK’s most thoroughly excavated Iron Age sites. Artefacts unearthed during archaeological efforts from 1969 to 1988 are now housed in this Georgian townhouse museum.

The site reflects a vibrant community with evidence of craft and industry, showcasing an impressive collection of weaving and leatherworking tools, alongside human remains.

Moreover, the museum features an accurate reconstruction of a roundhouse dwelling which displays pottery fragments from the hillfort, elucidating the bread-making processes and the intriguing role of druids in Iron Age culture.

Among its artefacts, visitors can view a remarkable Romano-British mosaic that was discovered in Fullerton village.

2. Hawk Conservancy Trust

The Hawk Conservancy Trust is a renowned bird of prey sanctuary operated by a conservation charity, which concurrently oversees the National Bird of Prey Hospital situated on the premises.

Visitors can choose from various engagement opportunities at this attraction.

The most economical option involves touring the aviaries and attending an extensive array of flight demonstrations.

Seating is available in the grandstand for an engaging viewing of vultures, eagles, woodland owls, secretary birds, herons, sea eagles, and more as the keeper provides insightful information about each species.

Additionally, personalized one-on-one or small group experiences are offered, with options ranging from full-day encounters to species-specific handling sessions designed for children and bird photography workshops.

3. Museum of Army Flying

Located at the Army Air Corps Airfield in Middle Wallop, this museum focuses on the history of military aviation, starting with the use of balloons by the Royal Engineers during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Within its two spacious hangars, an impressive collection of nearly 40 rotary and fixed-wing aircraft is displayed.

Among its highlights is the Westland Lynx, which set two world helicopter speed records in 1972, alongside the rarely exhibited ZSU-23-4 Soviet anti-aircraft system, captured during the First Gulf War.

The museum features simulators, interactive displays, and a vast array of artefacts, such as photographs, medals, munitions, and uniforms.

These exhibits are complemented by narratives from personnel, including a captain who served in the Royal Flying Corps during World War I.

Be sure to visit the Apache Café, where you can enjoy views of the airfield’s activities.

4. North Wessex Downs

Andover is adjacent to an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that spans four English counties, encompassing part of the North Hampshire Downs.

The undulating chalk hills of the North Wessex Downs are part of the Southern England Chalk Formation, with many of the highest hilltops serving as ancient hillforts during the Bronze and Iron Ages.

For a scenic walk, head east to the village of Longparish, situated along the Test Way, a 49-mile trail stretching from Walbury Hill in the downs to the Test Estuary in Eling.

The trail features Combe Gibbet, prominently positioned on Gallows Hill, a site of public executions since 1676 intended as a deterrent to crime.

Additionally, Andover offers easy access to Watership Down, renowned as the backdrop for Richard Adams’ novel, which was adapted into an animated film.

5. Andover Heritage Trail

Visitors can download a guide from the Test Valley Council’s website for a self-guided walk through the town center, highlighting captivating sights that may go unnoticed.

The High Street of Andover is lined with charming Georgian architecture, including numerous former coaching inns, such as the Globe, which has maintained its name since 1742. Notable buildings include the Neoclassical Andover Guildhall, dating back to 1825, and the Angel Inn, one of Hampshire’s most significant timber-framed structures, established in 1425. The area features a number of 15th-century houses along Chantry Street and Medieval Street, while the Norman archway leading to the Garden of Remembrance is the last remnant of Andover Church, dated to the 12th century.

6. Rooksbury Mill

Situated off the A303 south of the town center, Rooksbury Mill is a nature reserve surrounding a 17th-century water mill.

The mill was constructed along the main channel of the River Anton, which feeds into two lakes created post-World War II through gravel extraction.

While the current structure dates back to the 1600s, the site likely housed a mill during the time of the Domesday Book in 1086. The scenic locale features charming streams, woods, lakes, and picturesque views of the mill across the water.

This idyllic setting closely resembles a scene from a John Constable painting, and Rooksbury Mill nature reserve has earned the Green Flag award for its exemplary maintenance over the past decade.

Mill Lake hosts abundant species of fish, including pike, perch, roach, carp, and tench, with fishing allowed on a day-ticket basis.

7. Finkley Down Farm Park

This family-friendly attraction offers a diverse range of farm animals and activities that cater to children’s interests.

Facilities include pedal go-karts, a large indoor play barn, trampolines, a sandpit, and tractor rides.

The park also features a crazy golf course and habitats for goats, meerkats, donkeys, chickens, and more, along with a packed schedule of animal-related activities.

Children can interact with rabbits, groom ponies, observe sheep racing, and get close to friendly reptiles.

Finkley Down Farm Park also hosts exciting seasonal events during Halloween, Christmas, and Easter, with additional opportunities through K&H Falconry for birds of prey encounters on weekends and school holidays.

8. Anton Lakes Local Nature Reserve

Within walking distance from Andover’s town center lies Anton Lakes Local Nature Reserve, a tranquil natural area located at the source of the River Anton.

The river emerges from springs and meanders through historic watercress beds before flowing into a series of lakes formed from flooded gravel quarries.

The lakes serve as a sanctuary for various bird species, including the striking great-crested grebe known for its impressive plumage during the summer months.

In the warmer seasons, the chalk grasslands of the reserve also attract butterfly species such as the marbled white, while a fantastic collection of southern marsh orchids adorns the flooded fen meadow in midsummer.

9. Danebury Iron Age Hillfort

The noteworthy Danebury hillfort is located just east of the Army Air Corps Airfield.

Occupied from approximately 600 BC to 100 AD, it represents one of the finest examples of Iron Age hillforts in the country.

It suffered significant devastation around 100 BC, with evidence of over 100 bodies found in excavated pits bearing injuries from weapons.

Open to the public, Danebury is designated as a nature reserve, featuring a story trail that vividly recounts the threats faced by its inhabitants over 2,000 years ago.

The earthwork ramparts and main gateway remain discernible, with excavations providing insights into its defensive structures.

At the summit of the hill (143m), you can stand where significant meetings and religious ceremonies took place during the Iron Age, with shrines revealed by archaeological efforts, indicating its use by the social elite of that era.

10. The Lights Theatre

A vibrant cultural center in the Test Valley, The Lights Theatre offers a dynamic space for live performances, catering to a wide array of audiences.

Its 250-seat auditorium hosts touring theater productions, musicals, dance performances, stand-up comedy, and music acts, with events scheduled throughout the week.

Additionally, The Lights Theatre engages with the Andover community by offering educational programs, community theatre performances, local music gigs, and exhibitions.

During school holidays, families can enjoy interactive storytelling sessions, workshops, and performances designed for younger audiences.

11. Ludgershall Castle

The small town of Ludgershall, located seven miles from Andover, was a significant settlement during medieval times, even having representation in Parliament until 1832. The castle, now an English Heritage Site, is believed to have been constructed by the Sheriff of Wiltshire on the site of an earlier Iron Age hillfort.

King John expanded the stone walls, utilizing the castle as a hunting lodge during the early 13th century, as did his son Henry III.

Having remained abandoned for over 600 years, visitors can still explore the ruins which include the site’s walls, earthworks, and the ghostly remnants of the tower.

On the town’s main thoroughfare, the shaft of a 14th-century market cross intricately carved with scenes from the Passion can also be found.

12. Thruxton Motorsport Centre

The track located just west of Andover is frequently labeled as the “fastest circuit in the UK,” characterized by its circular layout, minimal tight turns, and a single chicane.

During Formula One testing in 1993, driver Damon Hill achieved an average speed of 147 mph in his Williams car on this track.

Thruxton hosts several national championship events during the summer, including British Formula 3, the British Superbike Championship, and the TOCA British Touring Car Championship.

Furthermore, a significant portion of the venue is dedicated to various driving experiences.

Racing enthusiasts can opt for experiences in single-seater race cars or high-performance sports cars, such as the McLaren 570S, Ferrari 458 Spider, Audi R8, or Aston Martin Vantage, all within a safe environment.

Thruxton also features three karting circuits and offers “Arrive and Drive” sessions starting at £20.

13. Longstock Park Water Gardens

On the Leckford Estate, owned by the English retailer John Lewis/Waitrose, these enchanting water gardens welcome visitors on Sundays during the summer months.

Featuring an intricate network of ponds and canals bordered by specimen trees and informal gardens, the water gardens were laid out in the early 1900s. John Spedan Lewis, founder of the John Lewis group, significantly developed them in his later years.

Home to plant species from across the globe, the ponds boast 40 distinct varieties of water lily.

Following a delightful visit, guests can wander through the Longstock Park arboretum, explore the farm shop and café, and visit the nursery known for cultivating a national collection of buddleia and clematis.

14. Cholderton Charlie’s Farm

Recognized by the Rare Breed Survival Trust (RBST), Cholderton Charlie’s Farm is dedicated to raising rare domestic breeds that allow for hands-on interaction such as feeding and petting by children.

The farm features an array of animals including rabbits, ducks, geese, sheep, pigs, donkeys, ponies, goats, chickens, and even a fluffy Highland cow named Agnes.

For inclement weather, children can enjoy climbing and sliding in the three-storey Play Barn, while outside, a 150-meter tree-top trail awaits, reaching heights of up to ten meters, along with structures for a nest swing, treehouse, and zip-line.

The Ewe Tree Café & Bar offers wholesome meals alongside indulgent treats, and serene water gardens and woodlands provide areas for relaxation.

15. Cottonworth Vineyard

The favorable conditions in Hampshire, marked by rolling downs, chalky soil, and a mild climate, closely resemble those of France’s Champagne region! The Romans initiated vine cultivation in this area, leading to a thriving sparkling wine industry today.

Cottonworth Vineyard specializes in producing wines, including its Classic Cuvée and Rosé Sparkling, utilizing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, often blended with Pinot Meunier for the cuvée.

From June through October, the vineyard welcomes visitors on Fridays and Saturdays to gain insights into the intricacies of sparkling wine production, including the fascinating process of secondary fermentation that imparts effervescence to the wines.

The experience culminates with a “Winemakers’ Lunch” featuring a delightful spread of baguettes, charcuterie, salads, cheeses, and fruits.