There are so many great places to visit in our lovely town, we thought that we should compile a list of some favourites.
Whether you are a life-long Romsonian, or a visitor, we hope that this list will encourage you to show some love and appreciation for our wonderful Hampshire town.
1. Romsey Abbey
Romsey Abbey has been opening its doors daily to the community for more than 1,000 years. Its mission is to gift 'Living, Loving, Serving' at the heart of Romsey.
Being entirely self-funded, the Abbey looks to donations and fundraising events to help keep the place running.
Free admission is a bonus to this attraction, with donations appreciated, and the stewards are around to answer any questions.
Concerts are a great part of the Abbey and one of the best ways to help them keep the Abbey up and running. The next concert is on June 8 with the Southampton Philharmonic Choir.
For a list of services, go to romseyabbey.org.uk/
2. Plaza Theatre
If you have a love for theatre and are located or visiting in the Romsey area, then this is the place to go. Run by Romsey Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society (RAODS), the theatre in Winchester Road serves the town with entertainment and art, from pantomimes to dance.
In 2023 it won the Travellers Choice and has proceeded to live up to expectations by selling out tickets for nearly every show.
Relying on the goodwill of the public there are many ways on their website in which you can help support the theatre.
So, whether you are visiting, it’s a rainy day or you want something to do on your weekend why not watch a thrilling theatre production accessible for all ages?
Its main stage is closed from mid-May to October due to building work, but it remains open with shows in other venues and on other stages.
The next being Proof? by Trudie Shutler, a RAODS production taking place in the Green Room Studio, on Tuesday, July 16. The show will run until Saturday, July 20.
For more go to plazatheatre.com/
3. War Memorial Park
A beautifully maintained park situated on the west side of town. Surrounded by River Test, there is a lot to take in when going through this park.
Perfect for a stroll or a picnic the park has facilities which include a café, lawn bowls club, fishing, formal gardens, toilets, seating and an all-inclusive children’s playground.
However, even surrounded by incredible scenery you are still reminded of the war scars left behind. A Japanese field gun is seated in the park and is also gifted with a Romsey War Horse statue from the First World War.
4. Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
An award winning gardens and arboretum in Jermyns Lane, Ampfield, which is run by Hampshire County Council.
There are 72 hectares accommodating over 42,000 trees and shrubs, notably a collection of oaks, camellia, magnolia and rhododendron.
If you're looking for something even more special and can wait until winter, its Light Up Trail Christmas event is spectacular. Each year the event management look to make the lights brighter and bigger.
An award-winning producer, Light up Trails returned in 2023 with new installations leaving the public speechless.
The Winter Wonderland experience is brought to Romsey with passion and grappling design it births a new venture for the area.
Tickets for the experience are available now on its website.
Tickets for the gardens cost £15.50 adults, £4.50 children. Concessions and family tickets also available. Go to hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/hilliergardens
5. Golden Gecko Climbing
Based in Romsey Industrial Estate, Golden Gecko is not just about climbing it is about sharing an experience. New climbers are welcome and the centre also gives climbers the opportunities to reach new heights.
Built around the community, visitors are welcomed and support goes out to youth climbers they are ready to give support to anyone willing to give the sport a go.
Memberships are on offer as well as day passes for adults and those under 18.
Parties are out for offer to old or young and at the Golden Geckos they will provide for any age, making this rock-climbing adventure hanging on their minds.
It is open 10am until 10pm Monday to Friday, 10am until 7pm on Saturdays and midday until 7pm on Sunday.
An unsupervised session costs £14, and a supervised session costs £17. Cheaper tickets available off peak. For more go to ggclimbing.com/
6. Paultons Park
Paultons Park is a stone's throw away in Ower and is one of the best theme parks in the country.
Best known as the home of Peppa Pig World, the family theme park has more than 70 rides and attractions and draws in crowds from across the UK - and even overseas.
Home to a world first and UK exclusive, Peppa Pig World has nine rides and attractions including, Peppa's Big Balloon Ride, George's Dinosaur Adventure an indoor soft play zone.
Other rides and attractions at Paultons include, the dinosaur theme park Lost Kingdom, the Edge and Cobra roller coasters, the Water Kingdom splash park, adventure golf, a 4D cinema, The Raging River Ride and many smaller rides for young children.
Tickets cost £43.50 in advance from paultonspark.co.uk/. Children under one metre in height go free.
7. King John’s House and Heritage Centre
Located at the heart of Romsey near the Abbey, these medieval, Tudor and Victorian buildings are surrounded by a beautiful period-style garden.
One part, known as King John’s house, was in use for more than 800 years.
Afternoon tea is on offer with the incredible English Miss Moody’s Tea room open from 10am until 4pm.
Open from Monday to Saturday each week, tours are led from 11am and 4pm. Why not take the chance to learn about Romsey’s history and sneak in a quick tea and cake afterwards?
There is also a programme of talks and events this summer, including an open arts exhibition.
Tickets cost £5 adults, £2 children, with under fives going free.
For more go to kingjohnshouse.org.uk/
8. Lemon and Jinja
Romsey is home to one of the UK’s largest independent refill shops. Lemon and Jinja, in Belbins Business Park, Cupernham Lane, focuses on plastic-free and sustainable goods.
Its plant-based café has also built its reputation and came second in the Best Café in Hampshire 2024 in the Muddy Stilettos awards. It also won Best Sustainable Lifestyle Business in Hampshire and Isle of Wight 2022 and 2023, and Best Sustainable Lifestyle Business for England 2023.
With over 3,000 products it is one of its kind and looks to other cafes to follow its lead to make a better community.
Freezer foods are being developed this year to give more options to their customers.
Vegan markets, menopause meetings, wreath making, and pottery painting are some of the events Lemons and Jinja has to offer.
You can shop for your lifestyle or your pantry, so why not pop in and get a feel of what changes are out for offer?
For more go to lemonandjinja.uk/
9. The Attic
Located in the centre of Romsey, Panic in the Attic, the second escape room in Romsey, is due to open in June. It's being billed as a high-adrenaline-filled, theatrical escape room with interactive challenges and games to put your mind to the test.
This is a great opportunity as a birthday gift or a weekend activity - and is definitely one to add for your diary for later this summer.
Whether you want to take part with family or friends escape the attic is promised to give you a thrill, so why not have a go and see whether you can make it out in time.
It is being run by the couple behind Romsey shop Fig & Fox, itself a success story. The shop, in The Hundred, collaborates with local designers and independent companies that share their passion for creativity, sustainability and thoughtful gifting.
For more go to theatticromsey.co.uk/
10. Mottisfont
A list of Romsey places wouldn't be complete without a mention of Mottisfont, an 18th-century house with a medieval priory surrounding.
Eight centuries are buried deep within its heart. The garden attracts visitors throughout the years with its stunning walled garden and collection of old-fashioned roses which only bloom once a year annually.
With a café, shop and plant centre, this is a great place to visit with family and friends.
It is run by the National Trust, and is famous for its beautiful grounds, especially its rose gardens.
The estate holds events throughout the year, including a popular Christmas display.
Tickets cost £21 for adults, £10.50 for children. Family tickets also available. Entry is also included with a National Trust membership.
For more go to nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/hampshire/mottisfont
- This article was written by Sophia Wale, from the University of Bournemouth.
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