21st July - 15th September

The Test Valley Rambler, a new route for this year, takes a scenic route from Romsey to Andover passing through small villages and visiting plenty of landmarks and attractions along the way. Whether you're looking to discover a new place, head out on a walk or have a tipple in a quaint pub, this is the route for you.  

It is easy to connect with this service either at Romsey Bus Station with the Bluestar 4, Romsey railway station, or in Andover from the railway station and other local bus services.

PDF map/timetable available to download here. Leaflets will soon be available to collect from our travel shop.

To give you an idea of what a day out on the Test Valley Rambler could look like, we have put together a list of route highlights that can be accessed along the route.

Mottisfont Abbey

Hop off at Mottisfont Abbey and discover a country home set on a picturesque estate with riverside gardens and acres of woodland. Highlights include the 18th century house, an art gallery, the seasonal gardens, a wild play area and spots to shop and eat during your visit. There’s space to run, jump and play, and always something for families to do.

Mottisfont Abbey

Houghton Lodge Gardens

Just 5 minutes from Stockbridge, Houghton Lodge Gardens is home to an 18th century cottage set above the River Test with views across the valley with gardens and lawns sheltered by beautiful trees. Enjoy over 15 acres of meadows and walks along the River Test - you may even come across the resident alpacas, Tom, Dick, Harry and Herbert. Enjoy light lunches, cream teas and homemade cakes with teas and coffees available in the tea rooms and the art gallery set in the Orangery full of work from local artists.

Houghton Lodge Gardens

Stockbridge High Street

Stockbridge High Street lies in the heart of the Test Valley with the river flowing under and through the street where you can catch a glimpse of the trout that reside there - especially if you feed them a tasty snack available from local shops. There is a range of independent shops including tea rooms, art galleries, craft and gift shops, clothing shops, a delicatessen and butchers and many pubs and restaurants. You could time your visit with the annual "Trout 'N About" festival where the town comes alive with local traders showcasing the very best of local food, produce and crafts.

Stockbridge High Street

Danebury Iron Age Hill Fort

Built 2,500 years ago, this Iron Age Hill Fort was occupied for over 500 years and now all that remains is a ring showing where it once was. This is a great location to head out for a walk from and to take in panoramic views of the Test Valley from above.

Danebury Iron Age Hill Fort

Army Flying Museum

Discover the story of British Army Flying at the Army Flying Museum. Discover their collection of aircraft from helicopters to gliders, a great museum to visit for all ages!

Army Air Flying Museum

Hawk Conservancy Trust

Tour this Birds of Prey Sanctuary with talks from the experts, flying displays and more. Set within 22 acres of stunning countryside, the Hawk Conservancy Trust offers a great day out for all ages which is not only fun, but educational too.

Hawk Conservancy Trust, man with a bird sat on each arm

Walk a section of the Test Way 

True to its name, the Test Valley Rambler follows sections of the River Test making it the ideal route to travel on if you'd like to walk a stretch of the Test Way. There are sections footpath accessible along the route from Romsey, Mottisfont, Horsebridge, Houghton and Stockbridge. Why not plan a walking day out and get there and back by bus?

Have a tipple...!

There are many pubs to stop at along the way whether it's a stop at the end of a long walk for a pint and a snack or a relaxed pub lunch whilst you wait for your return journey. 

This route is included under the £2 single fare cap.

The Test Valley Rambler runs only on Sundays between 21 July and 15 September and will run 3 trips per day. It will also run on Bank Holiday Monday 26th August. This route is created in partnership between Hampshire and Three Rivers Community Rail Partnerships, South Western Railway and Bluestar.

Plan a journey here