The valley of the River Test is serene and peaceful, a land where reeds and water meadows line the river’s banks. Footpaths fringe the river for miles although some stretches are reserved for private fishing. the Test is a renowned for its trout, particularly on its upper reaches although there’s plenty of salmon further downstream near Redbridge and Romsey. the valleys are home to rural villages and thatched cottages, while the surrounding hills features barrows and Iron Age remains such as forts and tumuli.
Ashe A peaceful, quiet village that lies at the source of the River Test. It features a charming little church, situated in a green hollow fringed by yew trees. Jane Austen was born 4 miles to the south east in Steventon.
Broughton This village is set on the Wallop Brook, one mile north of a Roman road that linked Salisbury and Winchester. To the south, a Saxon warrior was found buried with his shield. Broughton consists of timbered houses and traditional, thatched farmhouses. A 13th century Norman church is located near the centre of the village with a churchyard that features a brick dovecote.
Bullington A town that is located on a tributary of the River Test and which boasts a grand Elizabethan House and an idyllically set 12th century church. Bullington is surrounded by agricultural land which remains largely unspoilt. Iron Age burial chambers can be found two miles to the south near Barton Stacey.
Chilbolton This charming village is typical of the region and features a collection of old farmhouses, thatched cottages and a well-preserved Tudor house. There’s also a church that dates from the 13th century.
Laverstoke The paper mills, where the paper for British bank notes was made can be found nearby. they were founded in the 18th century by Henri de Portal whose family resided at the classically influenced Laverstock House. the parish church dates from the late 19th century.
Longstock This is one of the most picturesque villages in Hampshire, with one main street fringed with a collection of period houses including timber framed and thatched buildings.
Mottisfont A village that features a small gathering of houses that sit on the River Test flood plain. its most distinctive landmark, Mottisfont Abbey, is a large 18th century house that features the remains of a Augustinian priory that can be traced back to the 12th century.
Romsey An old market town that grew up around its abbey. there also an 18th century country house set amongst fine parkland. It was the home of Lord Palmerston and was where the Queen and Prince Phillip spent some of their honeymoon.
Stockbridge The nearby River Test offers excellent trout fishing although rod hire can be quite expensive. the town has a broad main street and a distinctive town hall, built in the 19th century and featuring a clock in a turret. Marsh Court is located about a mile to the South and is one of the only chalk-built houses in the United Kingdom. This is good rambling country with fine walks to be had over Stockbridge down, which can be found to the East.
The Wallops Three villages set on the Wallow Brook which all boast a wonderful collection of thatched cottages. Nether Wallop features a raised 14th century church and an Iron Age fort can found a mile north east. Over Wallop has a well-preserved 15th century font and perhaps the most attractive of the three, Middle Wallop, connects the other two.
Whitchurch A large village situated on the upper Test, with a riverside silk mill as well as an old corn mill that was mentioned in the Domesday Book. the hamlet of Tufton with its handsome manor house and Norman Church is located close-by.
