The Test Valley in the heart of Hampshire is an area I have lived in for most of my life, and its many pretty villages with picture-book perfect thatched cottages and fabulous countryside are very familiar to me.
The Test Way is a 44 mile long walking route which takes you from its dramatic start, high on the chalk downs at Inkpen, following much of the course of the River Test to Eling where its tidal waters flow into Southampton Water. The route passes through some of the most picturesque villages in Hampshire, strewn with listed buildings, historic churches and houses. It is well sign posted, and horse-riders and cyclists can also use some parts.
Each village has it’s own character with village shops and churches and of course each has a cosy village pub or two! Some of my favourites are The Abotts Mitre at Chilbolton, The White Lion in Wherwell, The Plough in Longparish and The Bourne Valley Inn at St Mary Bourne – but there are many others as well, too numerous to mention here.
One place with a very special place in my heart is Stockbridge – the chalk streams of the River Test flow through this delightful Hampshire town, renowned the world over for it’s fantastic fly-fishing. it’s wide street has an abundance of art galleries, gift shops, restaurants and of course fantastic tea rooms. The houses are mainly brick and flint, each one unique and full of character.
Two ancient roads meet and cross at Stockbridge, one running east to west between Winchester and Salisbury, and the other running north and south along the valley of the Test.
I often meet friends here for afternoon tea and a gossip! Try Lillies Tearoom, Thyme and Tides or Stokes for yummy treats. I’ve had delicious meals in the pubs – The Three Cups and the Greyhound are particular favourites. My house if full of things I’ve bought in the shops there – a particularly good shop for flowers and garden related products in Garden Inn, and Broughton Crafts always had interesting gifts and cards for birthdays and special occasions.
Another place worth a visit is Houghton Lodge – a picturesque 18th century Grade II house, surrounded by extensive grounds of formal topiary, informal planting, orchards, a lake and of course the beautiful River Test running through the garden. Houghton is a pretty village and there are lots of footpaths and walks along the Test.
If you love gardening as much as I do then you will love the National Garden Scheme gardens open for charity in the Test Valley. This year I have been to visit gardens in Stockbridge, Longstock, Crawley and Barton Stacey. They all have such variety of planting and fascinating histories, and I always come back from a garden visit full of ideas! I never tire of living here – it’s beautiful.
Comfort and Joy 