The River Test is one of England’s finest chalk stream rivers. It rises near the village of Ashe, to the west of Basingstoke, and flows southwards for 40 miles to Southampton Water. It has one of the richest fauna and flora of any lowland river in England, including salmon and trout, and is important for wetland birds including kingfishers, grey wagtails and little grebes.

Living in the Test Valley

Life in the Test Valley brings beautiful scenery and friendly communities. With good transport connections and London just over an hour away by train, it provides all the benefits of countryside living with the advantages of major towns and cities on the doorstep. It’s also world-famous for fly fishing and offers an array of other outdoor activities.

Andover, Romsey and Stockbridge are the main towns in the Test Valley, offering, among other things, a mix of quaint marketplaces, historical buildings and beautiful gardens. Romsey is known for its abbey which originates from the Norman era and is an outstanding feature of the town. Filled with boutique shops, cafés and green spaces, Romsey is a popular destination for residents and visitors alike with an excellent selection of schools.

Stockbridge sits beside the River Test and offers a flourishing high street with river channels flowing through the town and surrounding countryside. With award-winning pubs and fly-fishing spots aplenty, it’s a real favourite for the locals.

Andover sits on the River Anton, a major tributary of the Test, and is the largest town in the region. It was developed as a centre for grain milling and wool processing and offers great transport links and good schools.

Surrounding chocolate box villages include Houghton, Chilbolton, Mottisfont and Amport, and the area is also home to Whitchurch – Hampshire’s smallest town.

Attractions and Activities

The Test Valley has an array of activities and attractions for all the family. Whether looking for a quiet spot for afternoon tea, exploring manicured gardens and historic houses or seeking a fun family day out, there’s options for everyone. Some top choices are Paultons Park, Mottisfont National Trust house and gardens, Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Thruxton Circuit, Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm, Romsey Rapids and Houghton Lodge & Gardens.

Food & Drink

The villages and towns of the Test Valley serve up an array of eating establishments with everything on the menu from afternoon teas, to pub lunches and fine dining. There’s also a variety of independent coffee shops, as well as chains, in Andover, Romsey and Stockbridge – and a sprinkling of pubs along the river which promise waterside dining in a more casual setting.

Education

The area is home to independent schools such as Embley, Rookwood School and Farleigh School as well as top state schools including The Romsey School, The Mark Way School and St John the Baptist Catholic Primary School.

Property

Homes within the Test Valley have an average house price of £419,693 which is 8% more than the wider county of Hampshire. While house prices have softened over the last year or so, average prices in the Test Valley have seen an increase of 8% over the last five years, which is more than Winchester and the New Forest. The county average overall has increased by 12% since 2020. Here is a selection of homes passing the test in the area: