Exploring Andover: A Budget-Friendly Adventure (Hampshire, England)
We were staying nearby in Ludgershall and decided to head into Andover to check out the Age of Iron Museum. After our museum tour, we stumbled upon a flyer for the Andover Heritage Trail. It looked like a great way to explore the town, so we decided to give it a go.
Andover is a picturesque market town in the Test Valley, with a rich history dating back to Saxon times. During the 18th century, it was an important stop for stagecoaches traveling between London, Salisbury, and Exeter.
Our video of Andover:
Andover Heritage Trail Highlights
Andover Town Mills
Our journey started at the Andover Town Mills, which dates back to the Domesday Book of 1066. Originally used for wheat and wool, it’s now a pub—a perfect spot to grab a pint and soak up some history. We snapped a photo of the building to remember our visit.
Bridge Street
Next, we wandered over to Bridge Street, which runs along the Anton River. There’s a cool Viking memorial here, complete with a Viking ship sculpture. It’s a nice spot to take in the views and imagine the town’s Viking past.
London Street
It’s, ya know, a street. With shops and stuff. There are a few listed buildings in this area; London Street is so named because at one point it was part of the London-Exeter Turnpike. The Andover Bypass routed traffic out of the old town and most modern travelers between London and Exeter would take the M4-M5 and miss Andover by miles but we’re glad we didn’t miss it.
High Street & The Time Ring
High Street is where things get really picturesque. It’s lined with Georgian buildings, though you’ll spot some modern touches here and there. The real highlight is the Time Ring—a series of mosaic panels that take you through Andover’s history from 43 AD to the 1900s. We counted ten panels, though the descriptions say there are twelve.
The Angel Inn
This historic landmark (once the College Inn) was built at a major crossroads and is probably more impressive if you go in and have a pint. We didn’t. They do list out some famous folk who’ve used the facilities and it is a pretty cool old building.
Norman Arch
Examples of this type of Norman architecture can still be found all over England. Originally part of the Andover Church, this arch has been relocated a couple hundred feet and now serves as the entryway to the Garden of Remembrance where you will find a WWI era cenotaph and a WWII Memorial wall. Although the garden isn’t part of the Heritage Trail, it’s worth taking a little time to explore it.
St Mary’s Church
St Mary’s Church is a stunning 19th-century building designed to look Gothic. It reminded us of Ely Cathedral, and it’s definitely a must-see. We spent about an hour just admiring the building, wandering the grounds and the graveyard.
Chantry Street and Marlborough Street
Noted for 17th century construction and the relocated Chantry Cottage we somehow managed to lose any evidence of having been here. I distinctly remember taking photos; no idea what happened to them.
Andover Museum
The trail ends at the Andover Museum which is also the home of the Museum of the Iron Age or the Age of Iron Museum, depending who’s promoting it. See the videos linked below to learn more about it
Andover Heritage Trail Quick Facts
- Takes about an hour to complete the walk
- It’s mostly flat and paved
- Wheelchair and stroller friendly
- Andover Heritage Trail (Cultural Trust website)
Attractions Beyond the Trail
- The Lights: This modern arts venue hosts a variety of performances, from comedy to dance and theatre.
- Hawk Conservancy Trust: A must-visit for nature lovers, with over 150 birds of prey.
- Finkley Down Farm: Great for families with interactive farm activities.
- Thruxton Motorsport Centre: For those who love speed, it offers thrilling motorsport events
- Anton Lakes Local Nature Reserve: A 33.1-hectare reserve features a diverse range of habitats, including wooded areas, wetland meadows, and chalk grasslands.
Seasonal Delights
Andover hosts a street market “Andover Artisan Market” every every third Sunday of each month from 10am – 2pm from March to December (except April), offering a lively atmosphere and local goods.
Budget Tips for Expats:
- Stay Nearby: Consider staying in towns like Ludgershall for more affordable accommodation options.
- Walk It: The best way to see Andover is on foot.
- Eat Local: Enjoy traditional English fare at local pubs like the one at the Town Mills.
- Free Activities: The Andover Heritage Trail is free, making it perfect for budget-conscious travelers.
Andover turned out to be a hidden gem, full of history and charm. Whether you’re an expat, a history buff, or just looking for a fun day out, this town has something for everyone.
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👋 New Here? We’re Jeff and Sandra, American expat and senior nomads, living abroad, on a budget, one country at at time. Most days, we’re just doing what we’ve always done— making ourselves a home, working on projects, cooking, and running errands, wherever home might be at the moment. Sometimes that means checking out local activities and visiting museums and historical sites; other times, it means finding out which local restaurant has the best pizza or empanadas and which grocery store sells peanut butter.
This life isn’t always glamorous; but it’s ours—and we’re here to share with you what we learn.
