Why Romsey I hear you ask? Because it is flipping’ gorgeous! Romsey is a beauty, full of Instagram worthy corners, pretty streets, green spaces, indie cafes and boutiques. Romsey was once famous for three things: Strong and Company brewery, its abbey, and as the home of the late Lord Mountbatten of Burma, the last Viceroy of India.

The brewery was well known for its “Youʼre in the Strong Country” signs, and excellent beers. Both came to an end in 1981 after 123 years, when Whitbread decided to centralize its brewing.

Romsey has also pulled off the tricky balancing of centuries of beautifully preserved history with a bustling, modern feel. Add to that welcoming locals, dog friendly everywhere, streets strung with bunting and plenty of pretty neighbouring villages to visit.

There are lots of reasons to visit us here in Romsey, but here are just a handful:

1. Romsey Abbey

Or, to give the old place its full title The Abbey Church of St Mary and St Ethelflaeda. That doesn’t exactly trip off the tongue though, does it? Whatever you want to call it, this site has been home to a stone church and/or a nunnery since circa 1000 AD. It’s survived civil war, black death and long periods of neglect.

Today it’s a lovely place to explore, inside and out. Admission free, donations welcome.

2. Historic Buildings

Romsey Abbey is a beauty, but it’s by no means the only historic building worth a look. Romsey is full of them. Many of them beautifully preserved and kindly repurposed- like the former Corn exchange, which until recently used to be a branch of Barclays Bank.

Elsewhere in Romsey you’ll find Medieval homes, a Tudor cottage, a Victorian era former gun shop, a mill, a highly embellished terraced home that was used as a showcase for a local stonemason. Wander the streets, wander through time. Take your camera, you won’t regret it.

3. Delicious Food

We’re incredibly lucky to boast several delicious eateries within a stone’s throw of the main square. Romsey holds a regular market on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays throughout the high street as well as the Hampshire Farmers Market which takes place on the first Sunday of every month selling fresh fish, local veggies and artisan cheese amongst other things. Finally, I couldn’t go without mentioning Dish Deli & Kitchen who may or may not provide us with Friday morning’s bacon sandwiches!

4. River Walks

Pretty streets are all well and good but if you want to be by the water, it’s an easy stroll down to the river via the handsome Saddlers Mill. Lovely place to walk, some great access to the water if you have a dog with you. FYI, Romsey dog walkers are a friendly bunch. If you meet over the dogs at the river, you’ll likely be chatting for an age.

5. War Memorial Park

Created out of meadowland and funded out of money collected for a WW1 War memorial, this place is everything a traditional town park should be. Highlights include a war memorial which includes the War Horse memorial, a restored Victorian bandstand and a Japanese field gun.

The War Horse memorial was created by Hampshire born sculptor Amy Goodman, and was unveiled in 2015. This is Romsey’s tribute to the war horses of the First World War.

During WW1, the land just outside the town held a vast Remount camp. Over three years, the camp trained 120,000 horses to prepare them for service on the battlefield. Post war, the camp was demolished and the rubble used to prepare the ground of the War Memorial park. In a really lovely touch, four horse shoes recovered from the battlefields of France are set below ground within the footings of the statue.

6. Great Neighbours

There’s plenty to do and explore in Romsey, but should you wish to venture a little further, our neighbouring towns and villages are also lovely.

Mottisfont, with its world-famous collection of old-fashioned roses that flower once a year annually, is only a 12 minute drive away. If you’re looking to explore a small city, both Winchester and Salisbury aren’t far away either. They have great theatres and beautiful cathedrals to investigate. Finally, if you prefer to be beside the seaside, it’s less than an hour’s drive to Lepe Beach and the New Forest is just a stone throw away.