Happy Halloween promises to be the friendliest, most frightful fun fest in the UK. (13 Oct – 31Oct) Visitors can expect Peppa Pig World’s spooky Halloween makeover, Halloween decorations at Tornado Springs, The Legend of Paultons Manor all singing and dancing show, Ghoulish fun with Pickles the Pumpkin and others and Rides in the Dark (on late night openings – see website) Come and discover a magical celebration of Christmas at Paultons (running on selected dates 3 -23 Dec). See Peppa Pig World decorated for Christmas, Santa’s Christmas Wish Show with singing, dancing and fun, including the man himself, Father Christmas. There’ll be Frosty’s snowtime and Santa’s Storytime, Magical Illuminations around the Park, the Marvellous Musical Christmas Tree – with its own light show every 15 minutes, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Reindeer and Billy and Belinda Elves. Tornado Springs will be open for Christmas along with rides in Lost Kingdom and Critter Creek and a selection of rides and attractions will be open for Christmas. (See the Christmas Park Map on the website) https://paultonspark.co.uk
Romsey Abbey dates back to 907 AD and is one of the most imposing churches in Southern England, full of historical and architectural interest. From April to October, the Abbey offers tours which include its fascinating treasures. Musical events take place through the year including wonderfully atmospheric Christmas services and concerts. (see website for updates on these). The Abbey’s treasures include the ‘reredos’, the Rood (crucifix) in St Anne’s Chapel, the tomb of the Earl Mountbatten of Burma, Prince Charles’ great uncle, the St Barbe memorial and the Romsey Rood in the South Garth, or garden. Finish any visit to the Abbey by enjoying the tranquillity of this pretty garden. https://www.romseyabbey.org.uk
The Lights arts and entertainment centre, Andover has lots to offer in the way of events this Autumn and Winter, including theatre, tribute bands, comedy, music and ballet. Visit https://www.thelights.org.uk for more information.
And The Plaza in Romsey also has a range of entertainment from tribute bands, theatre and a comedy club,
At Mottisfont eight centuries of history are buried within this National Trust property’s walls. An Augustinian priory was founded here in 1201, laying the foundations for the 18th-century structure that’s now visible. Today, hints of Mottisfont’s medieval past live alongside the stylish redevelopment that took place in the early 20th century. There’s plenty of space for children to run, jump and play here, and always something for families to do – rain or shine. Mottisfont marks harvest time in autumn by celebrating seasonal produce in the Kitchen Garden and beyond, from humble apples to glorious gourds. Late summer blooms give way to autumn splendour in the National Trust property’s gardens; trees, including the magnificent Great Plane, transform the grounds with canopies of colour from October onwards. Families can help gather leaves to add to Mottisfont’s home-grown compost. And as the nights draw in, Mottisfont looks to local tales and folklore for an October half-term trail. The magic continues in the art gallery, where from 24 September – 5 November you can find original artworks from the world of Narnia by Pauline Baynes, in her centenary year. From 26 November – 8 January, the winter world of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe will be brought to life with decorations around the house and grounds, and a festive trail for families. During the festive season you can also enjoy Christmas shopping and eating. All National Trust shops feature traditional and contemporary Christmas ranges for all ages, from stocking fillers and cosy winter accessories to artisan products made exclusively for the National Trust, inspired by the collections it cares for. Cafes are serving warming treats from a new winter menu. Keep an eye on the website for further announcements.
At Whitchurch Silk Mill, a working silk mill dedicated to the survival of winding and weaving using traditional machinery and methods, you can explore the mill and its machinery, the shop which has exclusive, seasonal ranges and items created from silk woven on the Mill’s historic machinery, enjoy the gardens which have stunning views over the River Test and relax in the Riverside café. In December there will be a pop-up pub at the Mill – The Weavers Arms (2 Dec, 6-10, free with admission, adult event) and will form part of the Christmas at the Mill programme. There will also be a Christmas market with a full weekend of wonderful stalls in the Mill grounds. (3 and 4 Dec, free with admission, 10.30 – 4pm)
Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm offers lots to see and do, with the farm packed full of animals and some fabulous play areas to excite children. There’s also a daily timetable of activities .Celebrate Hallowe’en with Cholderton Scare Breeds Farm (22-30 Oct, 10-5.30pm), with a spooky trail to try and find freaky friends down on the farm, or a Family Hallowe’en Party (28 Oct, 7-11pm, adults £8, children £7, under 2’s free), with the amazing Disco Dion, fancy dress, games, dancing , drinks and food available to buy. And there’s a Christmas Craft Fair (26 and 27 Nov, 10-4pm) to enable you to buy special gifts for the festive season.
Finkley Down Farm was one of the first ever farm parks in the country. It’s now open all year round, with huge indoor play barn with different areas for different age ranges. There’s lots of outdoor play as well, including the Little Farmers Driving School. Throughout the day there are animal handling and feeding activities for children to get involved in. Meerkat Mansion is the latest addition. This year the Farm will be holding a Hallowe’en event (22-30 Oct, details coming soon) and a Christmas at Finkley event (3 – 24 Dec, details coming soon).
And there are lots of special breaks, events and offers to be had from the area’s accommodation and eateries.
The Greyhound on the Test in Stockbridge has links back to the 1800s and the name dates back to the use of greyhounds to hunt. It offers a special break called The Greyhound Getaway, with Dinner, Bed and Breakfast from £155 per night. You can enjoy a 3 course dinner in the restaurant or courtyard (weather permitting) from Head Chef Phil Bishop’s a la carte menu. Breakfast is included each day including both continental and hot offerings served in the restaurant area. Outdoor pursuits like fly fishing, game shooting and clay pigeon can also be arranged.
The Grosvenor Hotel in Stockbridge has been lovingly restored to its former glory and offers outdoor pursuits which can be arranged for visitors. There is also a new Treatment Shed offering massages. Festive celebrations will also ensure a relaxing, elegant and fittingly gastronomic end to 2022.
The Potters Heron Hotel, a lovely thatched hotel in a woodland setting, is hosting a Wine Tasting in the Dark for the RNIB (20 Oct, 7-9pm check website for more details). This is a fun and challenging event – sample a selection of wines, blindfolded and see what it’s like to live with sight loss. There will also be a Tea for RNIB party (3 Nov 1-3pm, more details to follow), a perfect time to celebrate National Sandwich Day! As well as these events staycation packages are offered from £150 including dinner, bed and breakfast. Christmas will see Festive Party nights on offer with a choice of the Classic (3 course festive meal followed by a disco with resident DJ – £45.95 on Fri and Sats), the Vegas (everything in the Classic night plus 2 Casino Tables – 49.95 on Thurs) or the Relaxed option (a lunch or quieter meal without the disco – £38.95 daily). There will also be a Big Christmas Day lunch and a New Year’s Eve Party.
At the Palmerston Rooms, a historic B&B in Romsey, you can stay throughout the Autumn and Winter, including Christmas and New Year (subject to availability) or enjoy a group get together for you and your work colleagues or a family party. The Palmerston Rooms offers a room and onsite catering to the highest standard for up to 30 people in this Grade 2 listed building, including Christmas parties in the run-up to the day itself, catering for up to 24 people. There will be 3-course meals and festive treats to indulge in.
The Crown Inn at Upton will be hosting an Oktoberfest in mid October (keep checking website for details) and will be bringing back its tasting menu at the beginning of November. The pub can accommodate outside dining all year round in its HIgloos (Hampshire Igloos) – cosy spaces for private dining, with wood-burning stoves and blankets. The menu changes regularly and is top quality. Festive menus will be available for private dining and groups in the run-up to Christmas, offering a wonderful gastronomic experience. https://crownupton.co.uk/
There are many quality places to stay to ensure your break’s one to remember – choose from B&Bs, farmhouses, pubs-with-rooms and country houses as well as glamping and more. For more information about breaks in the Test Valley – visit https://www.testvalley.gov.uk/communityandleisure/tourism/places-to-visit
For further information, interviews or images, please contact: Rachel Shimell, [email protected], 02380 732981