Photo: Ralph Greig, CC BY-SA 2.0Romsey is a market town on the River Test, with Romsey Abbey at its centre and the New Forest close by.
Romsey is a market town on the River Test, with Romsey Abbey at its centre. The abbey says it has had a worshipping community for over 1,000 years, and it is open daily to visitors who want to explore its history. The town is close to the New Forest, so it works well as a stop on a day in the forest. The abbey's website also invites visitors to take part in its events.
Romsey station is managed by South Western Railway and has some step free access to all platforms, with no lifts. Test Valley Borough Council runs pay and display car parks in Romsey, from short stay tariffs of up to two hours to all day parking. Eight of the car parks offer free parking after 4pm every day, and parking is free all day on Sundays. Overnight parking is free from the end of the charging period until 8.30am the next morning. The charges apply between 8.30am and 4pm daily, except on Sundays and recognised public holidays.
Checked 19 October 2026.
Photo: Peter Trimming, CC BY-SA 2.0An abbey church in the centre of Romsey, a market town in the Test Valley. The abbey has a programme of recitals and concerts, and visitors can explore the architecture and the gardens.
A Hampshire County Council garden and arboretum near Romsey, covering a large area of trees and shrubs from around the world. It is a family day out in every season.
A family-run theme park opened in 1983, with more than 70 rides and attractions in 140 acres of parkland on the edge of the New Forest, aimed at families with children under 14. It is home to Peppa Pig World, with nine rides for children aged 1 to 6, alongside other themed lands such as Valgard, Tornado Springs and Lost Kingdom, plus an animal collection.
Sir Harold Hillier Gardens runs family pumpkin carving sessions on the last two days of October half-term. Each child carves their own pumpkin.
Ampfield Golf and Country Club holds its annual fireworks night, with food and drink from 5pm and the display from 7.30pm. Guests can win the chance to set off part of the display.
Photo of Romsey: Ralph Greig, CC BY-SA 2.0Paultons Park dresses its theme park and Peppa Pig World for Halloween from 9 October to 2 November 2026. Shows include The Great Halloween Mystery, and Valgard, the Viking land, has its own Halloween programme.
Photo of Romsey: Ralph Greig, CC BY-SA 2.0Paultons Park on the edge of the New Forest opens for Christmas with illuminations, a decorated Peppa Pig World and a large number of rides running. Santa appears in the stage shows until Christmas Eve, and families can book a separate grotto visit.
Photo: Peter Trimming, CC BY-SA 2.0An abbey church in the centre of Romsey, a market town in the Test Valley. The abbey has a programme of recitals and concerts, and visitors can explore the architecture and the gardens.
Maud Russell's 1930s neo-classical interiors sit in an 18th-century house with medieval origins, set in gardens known for the Rose Garden, the Winter Garden and snowdrops. The gallery hosts changing art exhibitions.
