Andover’s history can be discovered in a variety of places: in museums devoted to the town and the Iron Age, at churches and historic buildings, and in a mosaic circle divided into twelve periods. There is also the cultural programme at The Lights and the River Anton Way, a longer walking route through Andover. A good starting point for planning is therefore to decide what you would like to focus on during your stay.

Museums devoted to the town and the Iron Age

Andover Museum tells the story of the town and its surroundings. It is housed in a Grade II-listed building that was formerly a Georgian town house. Admission is free, and advance booking is not required. Check opening days and times before travelling.

The Museum of the Iron Age focuses on the Danebury hillfort. Artefacts and reconstructions offer insights into defence, domestic life, farming and religious beliefs. You can visit a reconstructed roundhouse and handle real Iron Age artefacts. Alongside the history of the hillfort, the programme therefore offers practical insights into different aspects of life at the time.

The Museum of the Iron Age is within walking distance of Andover railway station—a useful point of reference when planning your journey.

Historic traces in the townscape

The Church of St Mary preserves a 12th-century crypt and significant 17th-century memorials. At Iron Bridge, Ladies Walk crosses the old main road in Andover. The church and bridge reveal different aspects of the historic heritage: sacred architecture and funerary art at one, and a bridge associated with a named path at the other.

The Andover Time Ring adds another feature: the mosaic and granite circle consists of twelve sections representing periods from Roman times to the Victorian era. The present-day mill at Town Mills dates from 1764; inside, you can see a replica of the mill wheel. The Angel Inn was rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1435 and remains one of Hampshire’s most significant timber-framed buildings. These places differ in form and history, giving a town walk a range of historical themes.

Cultural programme and walking route

The Lights offers a professional programme of music, theatre, comedy and dance, as well as arts-related education and training. The Lights also hosts performances by community groups, exhibitions and gigs. The venue includes a raked auditorium with 249 seats and a large Arena Hall with outdoor areas, including a covered terrace. Alongside the cultural offerings, there are therefore specific event spaces with different features.

If you would like to add a walk to your stay, the River Anton Way is a scenic ten-mile route. It runs from Charlton Lakes through Andover to Chilbolton. The stated distance gives you a clear measure for planning your time; as a walking option, the route is distinct from museum visits and cultural events. You can therefore consider Andover’s history, its events programme and the route as different focuses for your stay.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Tadley, Thruxton, Hamble-Le-Rice, Sherfield On Loddon, Stroud, Gosport, Eversley, Lee-On-The-Solent

For the wider travel overview: Hampshire.