Things to do in Andover
The charming market town of Andover, nestled in the Test Valley, boasts a rich history dating back to Saxon times. Its picturesque high street, lined with narrow walkways, is adorned with elegant 18th-century architecture—a reminder of its prominence as a key coaching stop for travelers journeying between London, Southampton, and Oxford.
A must-visit is The Town Mills, located beside the tranquil River Anton, which serves as the starting point for the town's various trails. Along the high street, the Andover Time Ring highlights significant moments from the town's past, brought to life through 10 intricate mosaic panels.
For poetry enthusiasts, Andover offers two delightful poetry trails: one running along the bustling high street and another meandering beside the scenic River Anton. Along these routes, discover poetry immortalized in stone, metal plaques, and etched glass, creating a harmonious blend of art, history, and nature.
Family Activities in Andover
Explore Andover’s Historic Market Town
Andover’s High Street showcases elegant Georgian architecture and historic landmarks. Former coaching inns like The Globe, which has retained its name since 1742, stand as a testament to the town’s rich history. Notable landmarks include the Neoclassical Andover Guildhall, dating back to 1825, and the Angel Inn, a timber-framed structure built in 1425 and one of Hampshire’s most significant medieval buildings. Nearby, Chantry Street and Medieval Street feature 15th-century houses, while the Norman archway leading to the Garden of Remembrance is all that remains of the 12th-century Andover Church.
The town’s origins lie in the wool industry and its role as a key stop on the 18th-century coaching road between London and Salisbury. To the west, the Salisbury Plain—a vast 150-square-mile military training area—is a nod to Andover’s modern role as a hub for the Ministry of Defence. Military history enthusiasts can visit the Museum of Army Flying to delve deeper into this heritage.
For archaeological insights, head to the Museum of the Iron Age, showcasing artefacts from the nearby Danebury Hillfort, a significant Bronze and Iron Age settlement excavated in the 20th century.
Outdoor Activities
A short walk from Andover’s town centre leads to the tranquil source of the River Anton, where springs flow through historic watercress beds and into a series of lakes formed by old gravel quarries. These serene waters are a haven for birdlife like the great-crested grebe, with its striking summer plumage, and butterflies such as the marbled white in the surrounding chalk grasslands. The area is also home to a stunning colony of southern marsh orchids, which bloom in midsummer, adding vibrant beauty to the flooded fen meadows.
Whether it’s history, leisure, or nature, Andover offers a rich blend of experiences to enjoy.
Things to do in Andover for Grown Ups
Danebury Hillfort and Museum Highlights
Located southwest of Andover, Danebury Hillfort, established around 550 BC, stands as one of the UK’s most thoroughly excavated Iron Age sites. Excavations from 1969 to 1988 unearthed a wealth of artefacts, many of which are now housed in a beautifully preserved Georgian townhouse-turned-museum.
The fort reveals evidence of advanced craft and industry, with displays featuring tools for weaving and leatherworking, alongside fascinating human remains.
One of the museum's standout attractions is a meticulously recreated roundhouse dwelling, providing a glimpse into Iron Age daily life. Display cases feature pottery fragments from the hillfort, while exhibits explore ancient bread-making techniques and the enigmatic role of druids in Iron Age society.
Another treasure is a stunning Romano-British mosaic, discovered in the nearby village of Fullerton, showcasing the region’s rich history from the Roman era.
This museum offers a captivating journey into the ancient world, blending history, archaeology, and cultural insights.
Museum of Army Flying
Located at the Army Air Corps Airfield in Middle Wallop, this fascinating museum delves into the history of army aviation, tracing its origins back to the 18th and 19th-century balloon sections of the Royal Engineers.
Housed in two expansive hangars, the museum boasts an impressive collection of nearly 40 rotary and fixed-wing aircraft. Among the highlights is the Westland Lynx, which set two world helicopter speed records in 1972, and a rare ZSU-23-4 Soviet anti-aircraft system captured during the First Gulf War.
The museum offers a range of engaging exhibits, including simulators, interactive displays, and an extensive array of artefacts such as photographs, medals, bombs, missiles, and uniforms. These are complemented by firsthand accounts from service personnel, including a captivating narrative from a Royal Flying Corps captain who served in the First World War.
After exploring the exhibits, visit the Apache Café, where you can enjoy refreshments while watching the airfield's activity through large panoramic windows—a perfect way to round off your visit.
This museum is a must-see for history buffs and aviation enthusiasts alike, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of army flying.
Rooksbury Mill
Situated just off the A303, south of Andover's town center, Rooksbury Mill Nature Reserve is a serene retreat steeped in history. The site features a 17th-century water mill on the main channel of the River Anton, surrounded by picturesque streams, woodlands, and two lakes formed from post-World War II gravel extraction.
While the current mill structure dates back to the 1600s, the site's history likely extends to the Domesday Book of 1086, when a mill is thought to have existed here. The tranquil views of the mill reflected in the water evoke the charm of a John Constable painting, making it a favorite spot for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
The reserve has been recognized for its exceptional upkeep, receiving the Green Flag Award for over a decade. Its diverse habitats support a range of wildlife, while Mill Lake is popular with anglers, offering species such as pike, perch, roach, carp, and tench, with fishing available on a day-ticket basis.
Whether you’re seeking a peaceful walk, a glimpse of local history, or a spot of fishing, Rooksbury Mill is a delightful escape into nature.