Discover Andover: History, Culture and Nature

Andover brings together historical attractions, cultural offerings and natural areas. If you’re looking for a hotel in Andover, you could start by thinking about whether you’d like to focus your stay on the town’s history, events or time by the lakes. The attractions are quite different: museums and mosaics tell stories of the past, The Lights offers art and entertainment, while nature and fishing take centre stage at the lakes.

Museums and local history

Andover Museum tells the story of the town and surrounding area. The Museum of the Iron Age in Andover, on the other hand, focuses on the history of the nearby Danebury hillfort. Together, they offer two historical perspectives: the development of Andover and its surroundings, and the history of a particular hillfort. The Andover Museum building also has its own historical connection: it was once the premises of Andover Grammar School, founded in 1571.

You’ll find more historical points of interest around the town. The Andover Time Ring marks important events from the town’s past with ten mosaic panels along the High Street. Another way to explore buildings and streets in the town centre is the Andover Heritage Trail; a printable brochure is available. The Time Ring panels highlight individual historical events, while the trail takes you past buildings and streets in the centre.

Andover Museum is within walking distance of Andover railway station. If you’re travelling specifically to visit the museum, check the latest visitor information before your trip.

Cultural events and market days

The Lights is a contemporary venue for art and entertainment. Its programme includes comedy nights, dance, theatre and music. Check the latest programme and event arrangements before your trip so you can plan around what’s on.

A street market is held on the High Street every Thursday and Saturday. As market dates may change, check the latest dates before travelling.

Andover Museum regularly offers family-friendly craft days, with drop-in activities and bookable workshops. The drop-in activities and bookable workshops are different formats for families looking to include activities in their stay. Check the latest event listings before your trip.

Lakes, habitats and activities

The nature reserve at Anton Lakes includes meadows, wet woodland and disused watercress beds. The circular path around the lakes is accessible to wheelchairs and pushchairs. In wet conditions, access to the separate fields north of the lakes may be affected.

A wide path along the left-hand edge passes two small artificial islands, where a kingfisher is often seen. If you’re interested in birds, you can look out for one here, though a sighting can’t be planned.

Fishing is permitted at Mill Lake in Rooksbury Mill Local Nature Reserve under the Test Valley Borough Council’s day-ticket system. The nature attractions are therefore distinct: fishing is the specific activity mentioned at Mill Lake, while the path, habitats and kingfisher at Anton Lakes are the main points of interest.

Discover more destinations: Upavon, Edington, Ludgershall, Lyneham, Chippenham, Calne, Ashton Keynes, Purton.

For the wider travel overview: Wiltshire.