Romsey

A historic Test valley town

Romsey - the River Test

Romsey, an ancient market town, developed at a strategic crossing point of the River Test, a chalk stream renowned for the excellence of its fly fishing. (The town makes an excellent base for exploring the many nearby, charming river valley villages).

Romsey - distance from Lyndhurst
10½ miles (17 kilometres)

Romsey - did you know?
Romsey Show, billed as 'a real agricultural show with something for all the family', takes place at Broadlands, usually on the second Saturday in September.

Shopping therapy – yes, considerably so

Romsey market days - Tuesday and Friday

Pubs and bars - oh yes

Restaurants - most definitely

Theatre - Plaza Theatre

Concerts - Plaza Theatre, Broadlands, Mottisfont and Romsey Abbey

Parks and gardens - yes

Children's play parks - yes

Open spaces for football, cricket, rounders and relaxing - yes

Romsey Abbey

Romsey Abbey
Said to be one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in southern England, the Abbey traces its origins back to 907AD, although work did not begin on the present building until c.1120 - 1140. The main Sunday service is the 10am Sung Eucharist.

Romsey Heritage Centre
A museum spread over three buildings - King John's House, Tudor cottage and the Victorian museum - the Heritage Centre is located close to the Abbey in Church Street, one of Romsey's oldest thoroughfares.

Mottisfont Abbey
Three kilometres (2 miles) north-west of Romsey, Mottisfont Abbey, owned by the National Trust, is set in glorious grounds.

Broadlands House
On the edge of the town, the historic home of the late Earl Mountbatten of Burma, re-opens to the public in 2012 after undergoing refurbishment.

Leisure Centres
Romsey Rapids and Sports Centre

(Image - River Test, Romsey (Andrew McDonald) / CC BY-SA 2.0 ).