Enjoy a break in this beautiful corner of Hampshire and discover a retreat that will leave you relaxed and refreshed. The Test is the birthplace of modern day fly-fishing and famous the world over for its gin-clear waters.
Enjoy walking and cycling in spectacular countryside, visit historic houses and wonderful gardens, lively market towns and ancient hill forts, discover local arts and crafts and taste delicious local food and drink – especially wine from a number of different vineyards as well as home-grown gin and real ales.
History, Heritage and Nature:
Sir Harold Hillier Gardens will be opening a new restaurant in the historic Jermyns House as part of a £1.3 million scheme. These award-winning and world-renowned 180-acre gardens have been busy refurbishing Jermyns House in the heart of the gardens, and installing the restaurant in order to serve the growing number of visitors. The restaurant is expected to open in spring 2021, providing both indoor and outdoor seating and adding to the visitor experience. It will also offer customers an alternative to the self-service café and the tea-room at the Gardens, which will both remain. The improvements are part of a new project at the Gardens, focusing on the future of gardening in a changing world. Garden designer, Tom Stuart-Smith, will be leading the creation of a ‘frontier garden’ featuring plants at the limits of outdoor conditions in the British Isles. https://www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/hilliergardens
The Hawk Conservancy Trust has been adapting to the challenges presented by COVID 19. Their Sky Hunters at Sunset event has been changed to allow guests to enjoy a safe evening watching the birds fly with plenty of social distancing measures in place – to enjoy when the situation allows. Owls, vultures, kites and falcons soar across the sky as the sun sets gently behind them. A brand new podcast has also been unveiled – Nature’s a Hoot. This monthly wildlife podcast hosted by Tom Morath (Bird Team) and Hannah Shaw (Conservation and Research Team) is packed with loads of interesting information and discussions about birds of prey and nature. In the first episode they featured what inspires them about nature, how COVID-19 might have impacted wildlife across the world and the first top tip for helping nature to thrive where you live. Subscribe to the podcast via all major podcast platforms. Find out more on the website. In May 2020 two new members were welcomed to the team – Black Kites Attenborough and Irwin. The pair hatched in May and both kites are both really inquisitive. Now fully grown, the fun and the training begin! shttps://www.hawk-conservancy.org/
The Army Flying Museum, which has an extensive collection charting over 100 years of the British Army in the air, has developed a number of Lockdown Lectures online on various themes around military aviation history and Army Flying. The lectures are followed by a live Q&A and are then archived and remain available to watch on the website. Lockdown Lectures series 1 and 2 are available to buy as box sets. The lectures have proved extremely popular with audiences around the world. The Museum has also offered virtual outreach sessions to give groups the opportunity to find out more about Army Flying over the last 150 years. Magnificent Mini Medals, a Remembrance Art Installation has recently gone on display. Knitters and crochet enthusiasts were invited to create a mass display of mini medals inspired by the Museum’s collection which was added to form an installation around the aircraft in time for Remembrance Day 2020. The Museum also invited individuals and community groups to create their own pieces of poetry inspired by the Museum’s stories of courage, bravery and comradeship to display alongside the Magnificent Medals Remembrance art installation. All submitted pieces have been published in a collection of works for people to view online as part of a collection of community works. You can view them at: https://www.armyflying.com/outreach/remembrance-poetry/ – The Museum also invited people to help create a mini squadron of knitted and crochet helicopters. For more details go to: https://www.armyflying.com/outreach/heroic-helicopters/ The ‘Heroic Helicopters’ will go on display in the Museum as part of its ‘Sky High’ art series of installations, which will include a graffiti art project. The project also involves embroidery and sewing enthusiasts, design graduates and experts who are using the Museum’s stories, collections and aircraft as inspiration for military inspired fashion jackets. Find out more at: https://www.armyflying.com/outreach/sky-high-fashion-community-display/Wallop Wheels and Wings 2021 – From Aston Martins to Tiger Moths (3 July, 9am – 6pm) will be taking place in the grounds of the Army Flying Museum and the Army Air Corps airfield at Middle Wallop and it will showcase some of the finest classic aircraft and vehicles in the UK. A jam-packed military and civilian site will host a whole range of activities including a Kids Zone, Military Area, Corporate Village and Catering Bar Area. Check website for further events https://www.armyflying.com/events/There are various online exhibitions on the Museum’s website including ones to mark the 75th anniversaries of VJ Dayand Victory in Europe, also Operation Varsity and Operation Market Garden anniversaries, D Day Aviators and more. https://www.armyflying.com/
2021 marks the 40th anniversary of the opening of Andover Museum. The museum is a great place for the whole family to enjoy. Discover the history of Andover from the Neolithic era to the current day in a fun and family-friendly way. Galleries reveal the importance of the local geology and natural history of the area, the all-important chalk streams and the abundance of flint used to form stone tools. Learn also about the origins of Andover, its royal connections, its development through the medieval period and its reputation as a riot town during the Industrial Revolution. The temporary exhibition gallery displays work by local people and groups including amateur and professional artists and craftspeople. Grade II listed, the museum building started life as a Georgian townhouse in the mid 18th century. In the 1840s, the building was purchased by local philanthropist Martha Gale who gifted it to Andover Grammar School. The brick extension that houses the Museum of the Iron Age was added in the 1880s. Take a glimpse of the fascinating history of the museum with gardening volunteer David Lindsell Andover’s Historic Buildings: The Museum (cultureoncall.com), https://www.hampshireculture.org.uk/andover-museum
Sampling local food and drink
Award-winning English wine producer Black Chalk is expanding significantly giving visitors and consumers of their wine a really great experience. The Hampshire-based winemaker launched recently offering small-batch English sparkling wine and the capital investment in the business is being used to create the first Black Chalk winery and tasting room and shop (which has already been completed and opened) as well as expanding the team. The buildings and vineyard are leased on a long-term contract from the picturesque Fullerton Estate – near Stockbridge in the heart of the Test Valley. Black Chalk will take bookings for tours and tastings or tours, tastings and lunch when the COVID situation allows. The sites are all located within a one-mile radius of the Black Chalk winery and cover a combined total of 12 hectares. The vineyard is flanked by a new development of luxury treehouses, operated by Wild Escapes. Black Chalk has been crowned Newcomer of the Year in the 2020 WineGB Awards. It was also awarded a Gold Medal for its 2016 Black Chalk Classic. The award came on the eve of the 2020 harvest, the first for Black Chalk since it acquired its four vineyards at the beginning of the year. The WineGB Awards takes place annually; this year’s competition saw 281 wines entered from 100 producers, representing 27 counties. https://www.blackchalkwine.co.uk/
Places to Stay:
Black Chalk winery has opened up 4 fabulous treehouses from Wild Escapes, a company which creates beautifully designed sustainable tree houses offering guests understated luxury in unspoiled environments. Black Chalk’s vineyard offers an idyllic wine tasting experience on your own private deck whilst you watch the sunset over the vines. Unwind with a drink and enjoy one of Hampshire’s best views and biggest skies. With privileged access to the farm, guests staying in the treehouses will be able to savour the best of the surroundings. Explore the estate on foot, following trails that take you through vineyards, along the river and beyond. There are walking paths, wine tastings, seasonal truffle hunting and plenty of opportunities to sit, read, relax and generally take in the goodness of life. Fullerton Farm, where Black Chalk is based, embraces diversification and a more responsible form of farming. The outstanding vineyard, where vines are nestled upon the South Facing slopes, produces some of the finest sparkling wine in England. www.wildescapes.com
The Meadow Glamping will be adding a new experience – a narrow boat called The Magic Rat! This idyllic 2-acre site set close to the typical English country village of Broughton is currently restoring a 23 foot narrow boat with recycled funky touches ready for opening in the Spring. There are already 2 glamping units at the site – Wild Billy’s, an original showman’s caravan dating from around 1890, and Mary’s Place, a boutique, sumptuous retreat full of colour. The Magic Rat will be a romantic retreat for 2 and will have a fire pit, outdoor wooden shelter and all facilities provided for a wonderful break. A hot water shower is just a 2-minute walk away. Solar fairylights complete the night time ambience. There will be a double bed, cooking facilities outside and some electric facilities on board. A compost toilet will be situated next to the boat. https://www.themeadowglamping.co.uk/
The historic Grosvenor Hotel in Stockbridge has undergone a multi-million pound refurbishment using a local designer, lovingly restoring it to its former glory. The rooms have undergone complete refurbishment with the aim of creating the atmosphere of a private country house. The overall feeling is one of tranquillity, where antiques are placed with a contemporary twist and the colourful rooms feel luxurious and restful. The newly decorated Danebury Room has become the bastion of relaxation where velvet sofa meets vibrant brocade arm chair. Tap Cottage is a recently renovated property adjacent to the hotel with three double bedrooms, all en-suite, a kitchen and a sitting room, as colourful as its history as a drinking establishment known as The Tap Inn in the 19th Century. A new outside eating area and a courtyard with newly created raised beds is the final stage in the new garden design, with stunning walled garden surrounds, lawn and a water feature. June heralds a Garden Open Weekend at The Grosvenor when guests will be welcome to drop in and enjoy a glass of champagne and other delights – date to be confirmed. Look out for special deals, themed breaks and events, including shooting and fly fishing packages by visiting the website at www.thegrosvenorstockbridge.com The hotel is also licensed for weddings, from champagne receptions, intimate dining and decadent wedding breakfasts to dancing and late night feasts.
Chilworth Manor Hotel, a luxurious Edwardian Manor House Hotel offering charming accommodation and a state-of-the-art health club and spa has undergone extensive refurbishment. It has now completed work on the Restaurant, Bar, Reception and adjoining function rooms. A new Library has been created off the main Bar for residents to enjoy. Chilworth Manor Hotel has 97 guestrooms and amenities include massages and facials, indoor pool, spa pool, sauna and fitness centre. Enjoy Special offers like the Afternoon Tea Break, Great British Break Off, Wellbeing breaks and Spa Days. www.chilworth-manor.co.uk
The historic stately home Amport House, which dates back to 1857, is opening up as the latest hotel in the Another Place Collection. Unique in character, rich in heritage and with formal gardens designed by Edwin Lutyens and Gertrude Jekyll, vast grounds and views second to none, it offers a great space for guests to relax in. The renovation will reflect the estate’s history, celebrate its attributes and make the most of its space and spirit. It will have 50 bedrooms, restaurants and a bar as well as a Swim Club and an Ofsted-registered Kids’ Zone. If the development goes as planned guests could also enjoy everything from a yoga studio and riding lessons to a reed pool experience too. The hotel is scheduled for development from 2021, with an ambition to open in early 2022 and will be an exciting addition to accommodation in the Test Valley. The hotel has been acquired by the team behind Another Place in the Lake District and Watergate Bay Hotel in Cornwall. https://another.place/introducing-another-place-the-garden
The Dukes Head pub, Romsey is set to be developed and opened once more with 12 B&B rooms, all in keeping with its rural location. The Dukes Head will be refurbished and brought alive once more as a high quality restaurant with rooms. The rooms will be part of a linked extension to the rear. Guests will also be able to enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner in the public house as part of their stay. https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/18170074.plans-transform-dukes-head-romsey-bed-breakfast-rooms-approved/
A new holiday let has been added to the Gambledown Farm holiday experience, which up to now has included luxury barn conversions and African-style safari tents on a rural working farm. The new addition to the holiday lets is The Staddlestone Barn, a delightful barn conversion that has a bedroom and open plan mini kitchen and a bathroom with an electric shower. There is a TV with free view and free satellite channels and Wifi will also be available. There is outdoor seating which completes this very sweet little bolthole. It’s compact yet equipped with the all the essentials for a night or two away. You can purchase home grown produce from the farm shop including eggs, bacon, sausages, beef steaks, burgers and other seasonal food. You can also order a breakfast hamper or BBQ box which you can add to your booking. Guests are welcome to join in Gambledown’s popular Pizza Nights during high season and Yoga retreats and the Farm’s Supper Clubs which celebrate freshly available produce with each dish can also be booked through the website when available. More information from https://www.gambledownfarm.co.uk/
New attractions
The family theme park, Paultons, is set to launch its most ambitious project yet – a multi-million pound 1950’s Americana themed world of attractions called ‘Tornado Springs’, due to launch in May. It’s a creative imagining of a Midwest desert resort town set in the American heyday of the 1950’s, covering over four acres and featuring over eight different rides and attractions, aimed at a range of audiences aged 3-14. The new attractions at Tornado Springs include the Storm Chaser rollercoaster – a free spinning ride, taking trains of carriages to an exhilarating height of 20 metres above ground and the only rollercoaster of its type in the UK. Another attraction is the Cyclonator – a Gyro Swing spinning pendulum ride, rising to around 25 metres – which is expected to become the most thrilling ride at Paultons Park. Tornado Springs will also feature Al’s Auto Academy – a garage-themed driving school ride which uniquely gives parents the opportunity to hop on board and help guide more novice younger drivers around the track – while slightly older children can take a classic American car out for a spin by themselves. Two exciting Windmill Towers family drop rides, the Buffalo Falls water raft ride, and Trekking Tractors will complete the line-up of rides available at Tornado Springs. In addition Tornado Springs will offer Al’s Garage, a confectionery based shop; Route 83 Diner, a family restaurant and two new playgrounds, Parking Lot Tots and Junkyard Junction, catering for differing age ranges. Tornado Springs will become the fifth themed world at Paultons Park, joining the UK exclusive Peppa Pig World, Critter Creek, Little Africa and the Jurassic-themed attraction of Lost Kingdom. For more information, visit the official website, www.visittornadosprings.com and follow @tornadosprings on Twitter. Paultons was awarded the Tripadvisor Traveller’s Choice Award for the UK’s best theme park attraction for the 5th year running in July 2020. The park was also awarded a place in the top ten theme parks in the world in the same awards and 4th in Europe. More information www.paultonspark.co.uk
Arts and Culture
Test Valley 2020 Borough of Culture was to be a year- long cultural celebration across the Test Valley with concerts, workshops, exhibitions, fetes and events , aiming to inspire creativity, innovation, joy, emotion and expression everywhere! The festival has been on hold since March 2020 due to Covid-19 restrictions so the organisers, Test Valley Arts Foundation decided to extend the programme into 2021 to allow for the rescheduling of events and for the momentum to build once more, when it is safe to resume activities. Many of the programme’s larger events, including two Gala Nights, ‘Andover Celebrates’ street festival and a summer garden party for Test Valley Creatives are hoped to be rescheduled this year https://testvalley2020.org/
For further information about staying in the Test Valley visit https://www.testvalley.gov.uk/communityandleisure/tourism/places-to-visit