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You are here: Places To Visit > Test Valley

Test Valley

Type: Towns & Villages

Tel: +44 01794 512987

Test Valley is one of the loveliest areas of Hampshire. Nestled between Winchester, Salisbury and the New Forest, Test Valley boasts beautiful countryside, chocolate box villages, the famous River Test and the market towns of Andover, Stockbridge and Romsey.

Test Valley runs from the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty right down to the New Forest National Park in the south.  Walkers, cyclists and horse lovers can enjoy parts of the 44-mile Test Way, which follows the course of the tranquil River Test, while the annual Test Valley Tour is a challenge for mountain bikers.

The River Test itself, famous for its chalk streams, trout and salmon, is a lure for fishermen and nature lovers alike.  

Test Valley has a fantastic collection of places to eat and drink, from top quality restaurants to cosy tearooms. There are also numerous attractions for lovers of gardens, heritage and the arts, from the Andover Museum and Danebury Hill Fort in the north to Romsey Abbey in the south.

Things to do

Discover the beauty and inspiration at the gardens, woodlands and walks of the  Sir Harold Hillier Gardens , established in 1953 by distinguished plantsman Sir Harold Hillier or Mottisfont Abbey with its stunning rose collection and riverside walks.   While Longstock Park Water Garden, Romsey Heritage and Visitor Centre, Highclere Castle,  Whitchurch Silk Mill , the Army Flying Museum and the  Hawk Conservancy Trust  also provide an enjoyable day out in memorable Test Valley.  

If you are looking to capture the Test Valley on canvas why not take a break in the beautiful rural setting occupied by Yew Tree Arts. You can take advantage of this idyllic location complete with artist studio.

Why not visit  Bombay Sapphire  and take in the crystal clear water and beautiful natural surroundings as you walk along the River Test. Step back in time to uncover the fascinating history behind Laverstoke Mill in the Heritage Room. Discover the ten exotic botanicals in Bombay Sapphire gin in the Glasshouses and Botanical Dry Room and then join the hosts as they take you behind the scenes of the unique Vapour Infusion distillation process in the Dakin Still House.

See  what's on in Hampshire  for things to do this weekend in the Test Valley.

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What's Nearby

Danebury Ring

A fine example of an Iron Age hill fort and an excellent vantage point. Many finds shown…

Houghton Lodge Gardens

A haven of peace above the tranquil beauty of the River Test. Grade II* Gardens with…

Stockbridge Down Wildlife and History Walk

Explore this isolated island of characteristic chalk downland set in a sea of intensively…

Andover Golf Club

The Andover Golf Club is a Members' Club. Established in 1907, it is a 9 hole parkland…

Holbury Lane Trout Fishery

Holbury Lakes Trout Fishery covers 40 acres of Test Valley countryside, and has been…

Hawk Conservancy Trust

The Hawk Conservancy Trust is a full day out for the whole family. Come see our brilliant…

The Lights Theatre

The Lights, Andover's professional arts and entertainment venue is the hub of creative…

Andover Museum and Museum of the Iron Age

Housed in a Georgian town house built in the 1750s, Andover Museum tells the story of the…

Farley Mount Country Park

A large area of beautiful downland and woodland, including West Wood. The Park is ideal…

Thruxton Race Circuit

Thruxton is one of the fastest circuits and one which has hosted many varied events.

Finkley Down Farm

Finkley Down Farm is the place to go! There is always so much to see and do. You can join…

Sir Harold Hillier Gardens

Discover the beauty and inspiration at the Gardens, woodlands walks and breath-taking…

Romsey Abbey

Romsey Abbey is situated in the centre of Romsey and is the largest Parish Church in…

King John's House & Heritage Centre

Three historic buildings, a tearoom and period garden.

Experience a world of water fun and adventure. An all-year-round tropical water…

Theatre Royal Winchester

Beautiful and intimate Edwardian-style Theatre venue

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Hampshire's Beautiful Test Valley

The River Test runs through western Hampshire from the village of Ashe, near Basingstoke, to the Channel at Southampton Water, a distance of roughly 40 miles.

The Test Valley is home to idyllic villages, historic market towns, and some of the best fly-fishing in the world. The upper section of the river is fed by chalk streams, and its clear, shallow waters are a haven for avid fishermen. The river's course is best described as a meander, with water meadows ranged beside wide, sweeping curves of the river.

Much of the valley's charms lies in its villages; places like Wherwell, Nether Wallop, and Longstock, where picturesque thatched cottages line the ancient roadways. The 44-mile long Test Way leads walkers through some of the most picturesque landscape in England.

The river featured in Richard Adams' popular novel Watership Down, where the rabbits escaped from their enemies in a shallow-bottomed punt.

The Test Valley is centred around 4 main towns, each offering something slightly different to visitors.

Whitchurch is the smallest town in the valley, indeed, it is the smallest in all of Hampshire. Whitchurch is known for its early 19th-century silk mill astride the River Test, where you can see silk being made using historic Victorian machines.

In the north of the valley is Andover, a busy market town with a history dating back to the Saxon period. Andover has several popular museums, including the Museum of the Iron Age and the Andover Museum, while outside Andover at Middle Wallop is the museum of Army Flying, exploring the area's strong ties to the RAF.

At the southern end of the Test Valley lies Romsey, known for its superb abbey church . The church was built in the 12th century on the site of a Saxon nunnery and is one of the great Norman buildings of England. Opposite the church is King John's House , a restored timber-framed building dating to the 13th century and now housing a museum of local heritage.

Outside Romsey is Mottisfont Abbey , a stately home built from the ruins of a 12th-century Augustinian priory by Henry VIII's Lord Chamberlain. Alsop near Romsey is the Sir Harold Hillier Garden , one of the most popular visitor attractions in Hampshire. The gardens cover 166 acres and hold over 40,000 plants, including a Gurkha memorial garden with Nepalese plants and trees. South of Romsey is the country house of Broadlands , once home to Lord Mountbatten.

In the very heart of the valley, halfway between Romsey and Andover, lies Stockbridge. It the Test Valley can be said to have a capital, this is it. Look for the 12th-century ' Old Church ' with its curious wall paintings and medieval door. The Grosvenor Hotel on the High Street is home to the Houghton Fishing Club, the oldest fishing club in the world. The town was once a famous 'rotten borough', sending two MPs to Parliament despite having a small population.

In the hills above Stockbridge is Danebury , an Iron Age hillfort offering spectacular views over the valley below. There are 5 acres of wonderful historic gardens at Houghton Lodge , an 18th-century Gothic cottage on a rise above the river.

I've been fortunate enough to visit the Test Valley on several occasions, including a wonderful week-long stay in the middle of June. Though I visited numerous historic attractions, it is the small villages I recall; places like Chilbolton, where thatched cottages come almost to the water's edge, and Wherwell, with its war memorial on a small village green, looking across to a picturesque row of thatched timber-framed cottages.

Some places are made to enjoy and move on, but the Test Valley is a place to linger, enjoy walking beside the river, stop at a riverside pub, put your feet up, and watch the water slide by.

Accommodation

Andover - Hotels | Self Catering Romsey - Hotels | Self Catering Stockbridge - Hotels | B&Bs Whitchurch - Hotels | B&Bs | Self Catering

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16 Amber Wood Lodge Milford-on-Sea Sleeps 6, from £454.00 19 Windsurfing Place Hayling Island Sleeps 5, from £475.00 24 Baldwin Close Hartley Wintney Sleeps 5, from £619.00 2A The Mews Langstone Sleeps 4, from £475.00 Amethyst Lodge Milford-on-Sea Sleeps 6, from £631.00 More self catering in Hampshire

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Top 20 Hikes and Walks around Test Valley

Test Valley

Hiking around Test Valley

Want to go hiking around Test Valley to explore more of this corner of Hampshire? In this guide, we’ve reviewed our full collection of hikes and walking routes around Test Valley to bring you the best hiking routes in the region. To see which of our walks around Test Valley is the right one for you, browse real tips and photos uploaded by other hikers—and see what they had to say about each walk.

Plan. Save. Navigate. Your best adventures await.

Start today with a free komoot account.

Faccombe & Ashmansworth loop — North Wessex Downs AONB

Mottisfont estate loop.

Let us show you the way with the komoot mobile app

Emer bog & baddesley common loop, lower test nature reserve & testwood lakes loop, fishlake meadows nature reserve loop from romsey station, chilbolton cow common loop from stockbridge, ampfield woods loop, the test way loop from romsey around broadlands estate, hurstbourne tarrant & doles wood loop — north wessex downs aonb.

Our Tour recommendations are based on thousands of activities completed by other people on komoot.

Popular around Test Valley

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Explore the most popular tours around test valley, discover the most popular attractions around test valley.

Didn’t find what you were looking for? Check out more Hikes throughout Test Valley below and find the perfect Tour in your destination.

• Sherfield English
• East Tytherley
• Valley Park
• Penton Grafton
• West Tytherley
• Hurstbourne Tarrant
• Goodworth Clatford
• Vernhams Dean
• Nether Wallop
• Michelmersh And Timsbury
• Romsey Extra
• Enham Alamein
• Braishfield
• Penton Mewsey
• Nursling And Rownhams
• Upper Clatford
• Over Wallop
• Kings Somborne
• Stockbridge
• Little Somborne
• Barton Stacey
• Shipton Bellinger
• Abbotts Ann
• Melchet Park And Plaitford
• North Baddesley
• Harewood Forest

Explore more of Hampshire : Browse the best Hikes in other regions.

• East Hampshire
• Basingstoke And Deane

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You are here > Home > Things to Do > Things to do in the Test Valley > Attractions in the Test Valley

Attractions in the Test Valley

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The Test Valley region is home to a number of amazing attractions, ideal for all ages. You’ll find fascinating museums, historic buildings, stately homes with royal connections, family fun parks and farms, theatres and vineyards.

Family Attractions in the Test Valley

From rollercoaster rides, animal encounters to getting up close and personal to flying machines, the Test Valley has an array of family attractions suitable for all ages. If your children dream of meeting Peppa Pig or concurring new roller coasters, they’ll love Paultons Park Home of Peppa Pig World .

Enjoy a day out at the farm and some cuddles animals at Finkley Down Farm or enjoy an exhilarating bird of prey show at the Hawk Conservancy Trust .

For young explores head to Mottisfont and discover the house and gardens or explore the grounds of Sir Harold Hiller Gardens . The Museum of Army Flying offers a day out like no other and the chance to see aircraft taking off and landing on the active Army Air Corps airfield.

Stately Homes and Gardens in the Test Valley

If you enjoy a gentle stroll through a country garden or exploring a stately home you will love what’s on offer in the Test Valley. The region is home to one of the National Trust’s most popular properties, Mottisfont Abbey Garden, House and Estate , which is famous for its walled rose garden with 500 varieties of roses.  

Just down the road from Mottisfont you’ll find Sir Harold Hiller Gardens with its world acclaimed water garden and collection of 42,000 plants from all over the world.

If it’s a royal connection you’re looking for head to the Broadlands where Prince Charles and the Princess of Wales spent their honeymoon. The estate and house is only open at certain times of the year so do check before you visit.

Houghton Lodge Gardens near Stockbridge is recognised as one of Hampshire’s finest gardens. Explore the ancient orchard, peony walk, themed herb garden and much more.  

Attractions in Romsey

The market town of Romsey is full of history waiting to be explored. The historic Romsey Abbey is home to a number of interesting features including the original Bill of Sale signed by Henry VII and Earl Mountbatten’s tomb. In a nearby street you’ll find King John’s House and Heritage Centre , which is a Tudor cottage in a former Victorian gun shop with a tearoom and cottage garden.

Discover Romsey’s railway heritage at Romsey Signal Box . This unique working museum is open twice a month to the public and has been restored to operational order. During your visiting you will be encouraged to have a go at pulling the various levers to see how the signal box operates.

For an evening out in Romsey be sure to check out the programme of shows at the Plaza Theatre .

Attractions in Andover

The town of Andover is located north of the region and is home to the Andover Museum and Museum of Iron Age . Inside the museum you’ll learn about the story of the town and see archaeological finds including a Bronze Age hoard and Saxon grave goods.

In the centre of Andover the Lights Theatre offers a jammed pack programme of activities, workshops, concerts and performances throughout the year.

Surrounding Andover you’ll find a number of attractions including Hawk Conservancy Trust , Finkley Farm and Thruxton Motor Centre .  

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A first-timer's guide to Napa Valley

Apr 28, 2024 • 11 min read

Get to know Napa Valley with our first-timer's guide © Cassiohabib / Shutterstock

Napa Valley is synonymous with luxury. Posh hotels, chef-driven restaurants and extravagant tasting fees cemented that reputation decades ago.

But at its core, Napa is farm country— a place where people dig in the dirt and make a living from the land. Despite all odds, this gives Napa a grounded feeling, even in its swankiest spaces. At the end of the day, visitors come to Napa Valley because they love food, wine and beautiful scenery. It’s a passion shared by the community of this incredible locale. 

The five towns of Napa Valley (St Helena, Yountville, the city of Napa , Calistoga  and American Canyon) are home to 16 wine appellations and more than 400 wineries. The options can be daunting to first-time visitors but we’re here to help. From mud baths in Calistoga to tips for visiting wineries, our first-timer’s guide to Napa Valley will give you everything you need to know to plan a trip here, including the best hotels, wineries, restaurants and activities.

When is the best time to visit Napa? 

It’s always a good time to visit Napa in our book, however, the timing of your trip will impact your experience. Peak tourist season is in summer when the average high temperature is 82°F. If you plan to visit this time of year, you’re unlikely to find any bargains. Make your reservations for lodging, restaurants and wineries as far in advance as you can.

Spring and fall are the next busiest times of the year. Spring brings average high temperatures of 68°F while in fall, high temperatures average 78°F. The lower, but still pleasant, temps are especially appealing for visitors who plan to hike, bike or engage in other outdoor activities. 

Winter temperatures reach an average high of 60°F. This season gets the most rain (although this is California so there will still be plenty of dry, beautiful days). Since winter is the least crowded, it is the most affordable time to visit Napa with many hotels, resorts and spas advertising special packages and discounts off their regular rates.

How much time should I spend in Napa? 

Set aside three to four days for your Napa Valley itinerary. This allows enough time to visit your top wineries and restaurants, plus time for other activities like spa treatments, hiking, lounging by the pool or riding the wine train.

What are the top things to do in Napa Valley? 

Most people come to Napa to visit wineries – more on that later – but don’t overlook Napa’s exceptional culinary, wellness and recreation opportunities.

You can get filthy (in the best possible way) at the north end of the county in Calistoga. Calistoga is recognized around the world for mud made with a mixture of mineral-packed volcanic soil and water drawn from local hot springs. The two most common treatments involve painting it on your body or soaking in a tub of warm, nurturing mud. At least seven spas offer Calistoga mud experiences including the luxurious Spa Talisa at the Four Seasons Resort and Residences and the do-it-yourself mud bar at MoonAcre Spa and Baths . 

Calistoga is also home to two of Napa Valley’s most unique natural attractions. The Old Faithful Geyser is a smaller, but still impressive version of Yellowstone’s most famous jet spout . In Calistoga, Old Faithful shoots hot water 30–80ft towards the sky every 10 to 20 minutes. Just outside of Calistoga at the Napa/Sonoma border, a three million-year-old petrified forest with 1.5 miles of hiking trails provides a fascinating glimpse at geological history. 

No trip to the valley would be complete without a trip to downtown Napa’s Oxbow Public Market ,  a 40,000-sq-ft marketplace packed with locally sourced culinary delights. From California-grown olive oil at the Olive Press to artisan cheeses at the Oxbow Cheese and Wine Merchant , this is the place to stock up for a picnic or edible souvenirs. You’ll also find a bookstore, distillery, bakeries and restaurants. After you’ve finished browsing, find a seat on the riverfront deck out back to sample fresh oysters on the half shell from Hog Island Oyster Bar .  

With menus centered around locally-grown ingredients, Napa is almost as famous for fine dining as it is for wine. Food this fresh is revelatory. A dish, such as fermented soy dip served with raw vegetables pulled from the ground at the Charter Oak , will ruin you forever for grocery store veggies. Other bucket-list dining experiences include the six-course prix-fixe chef’s tasting menu at La Toque , the daily tasting menu at the French Laundry , and Kenzo Napa , where seafood is flown in daily from the finest fish market in Japan. Please note that reservations at these restaurants are coveted, and should be made as far as possible in advance. 

Don’t let these vaunted names fool you into thinking you need to spend a fortune to get a good meal in Napa. The valley is filled with scores of reasonably-priced restaurants including Heritage Eats in Napa where you can feast on comfort foods like a smoked ham bowl or white cheddar mac and cheese for less than $15 a person. For tasting menus, Thomas Keller’s ad hoc offers a daily tasting menu currently priced at $56 a person for lunch or $69 a person at dinner. The  Gate House Restaurant at the Culinary Institute of America offers three courses prepared by student chefs for $35 at lunch or four courses for $45 at dinner (please note that restaurant prices are always subject to change). 

For nightlife, the Blue Note Napa Jazz Club hosts an exciting mix of live performances ranging from household names to rising stars and tribute bands. It also holds the Summer Sessions outdoor concert series and the Black Radio Experience at the Meritage Resort and Spa . If you’re on the hunt for a good dive bar, Ana’s Cantina in downtown St Helena is the place for a game of pool, tunes from the jukebox and a stiff drink.

Other top activities in Napa Valley include hiking or biking the 12.5-mile  Napa Valley Vine Trail , which will eventually extend 47 miles from Vallejo to Calistoga.

Tips for visiting wineries in Napa 

Gone are the days when you can walk into virtually any Napa Valley winery and ask for a tasting without an appointment (or even a fee). Although there are a few wineries like Hall Wines in St Helena, where walk-ins are welcome, reservations are required at most wineries in Napa Valley. This helps ensure the wineries have adequate time to guide you through your tasting. From the guest's perspective, appointments are helpful when it comes to budgeting, arranging transportation and planning your Napa itinerary.

The average wine tasting fee in Napa Valley is $40 per person but it isn’t unusual for prices to climb to $200 or even more. Most wineries have a menu of tasting options, with standard tastings at the low end and premium experiences with food pairings, library wines, or guided tours commanding a higher price. Please note that the tip is not included in the tasting price so it will need to be factored into your budget. 

Expect to spend at least 90 minutes at each winery (often longer for premium experiences). For this reason, it’s best to stick to no more than two or three tasting room visits a day. We recommend clustering each day’s reservations in the same area so you won’t have to rush between wineries. For instance, in the Stag’s Leap District, Cliff Lede Vineyards and Baldacci Family Vineyards are only a mile apart. Cliff Lede’s Backstage Lounge Tasting Room Experience offers an elevated tasting with premium wines in a room filled with rotating art and rare rock memorabilia. At Baldacci, the Cave Tour and Tasting Experience includes a cave tour and barrel tasting followed by a seated tasting paired with seasonal appetizers. 

In the Rutherford area, Sullivan Winery is only half a mile from the Prisoner Wine Company . At Sullivan, the Merlot Mastery Tasting starts with a tour of the gardens and grounds before moving on to a seated tasting with two flights of its prized merlot accompanied by light bites. At Prisoner, you’ll find many culinary pairings including the Wine and Dim Sum Experience. 

Attire is wine country casual. A pair of nice jeans, golf shirts, sundresses or casual blouses are the norm in Napa Valley. Do wear comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to walk through the vineyards or participate in a tour.

Expert tip: The Covet Pass offers complimentary tastings at seven Napa wineries and seven Sonoma wineries, plus additional discounts for a one-time fee of $150. 

How to get around in Napa without a car

Napa Valley is 30 miles long and stretches at most 5 miles wide. In this sense, Napa is small and easy to navigate, but driving can be tricky in a destination centered around wine. Luckily, if you don’t have a designated driver there are several ways to get around Napa without a car. 

The Napa Valley Wine Train offers several tasting journeys including a 36-mile roundtrip through gorgeous scenery to disembark for seated tastings at Charles Krug Winery and V. Sattui Winery . A four-course lunch is served onboard. You can also hitch a ride to three tasting rooms in an open-air San Francisco cable car on the Napa Valley Wine Trolley . 

Many tour operators provide transportation to Napa wineries. Several, like Napa Valley Wine Country Tours , offer a choice between public group tours, which are less expensive, or private tours with a customized itinerary. 

If you prefer to get around by foot, base yourself in the cities of Napa or Yountville. Napa has more than 50 downtown tasting rooms and there are 14 walkable tasting rooms in downtown Yountville. 

Where to stay

If there was ever a place to treat yourself to a nice hotel, it’s Napa Valley. The region is home to some of the best hotels in the country, with grounds and accommodations so astonishingly beautiful you might not want to leave to go wine tasting (but definitely leave to go wine tasting). If you’re in the position to splurge our top picks are: 

The Poetry Inn is an exclusive property with only five guest rooms and a small, on-site spa. The all-suite hotel is the epitome of privacy and luxury with huge guest rooms featuring private sitting areas, outdoor patios, and indoor and outdoor showers with stunning hillside or vineyard views. A gourmet multicourse breakfast is included with each stay. Poetry Inn is the only hotel in the Stag Leap district. 

Meadowood Napa Valley in St Helena is set on a magnificent 250-acre estate with mature, oaks and native plants surrounding 36 suites and guest rooms with soaking tubs and private outdoor sitting areas. Hiking trails, tennis courts, swimming pools, a Wine Center and a tranquil spa ensure you’ll never lack activities during your stay. 

Carneros Resort and Spa offers standalone cottages and homes surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards in Napa. Amenities include a luxurious onsite spa, two swimming pools, pickle ball courts with an adjacent Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar and Lounge, a complimentary buffet breakfast, and access to Cadillac Luxury Vehicles during your stay. 

If a mid-range hotel is better suited for your budget we recommend the Meritage Resort and Spa or Silverado Resort . The Meritage offers perks like a complimentary shuttle service to downtown Napa and a verdant lawn surrounded by tasting rooms and an upscale market. At the Silverado Resort, amenities include golf courses, bocce ball courts, a pool and a fitness center.

The most affordable lodging options in Napa Valley are generally found in American Canyon, which offers several reliable, reasonably-priced chains such as the DoubleTree by Hilton Napa Valley American Canyon and Holiday Inn Express and Suites Napa Valley American Canyon .

My favorite thing to do in Napa 

When I come to Napa I love to take a class to enhance my appreciation of food and wine or learn a fun, new skill. I’ve never been anywhere else where classes are so varied and accessible, so I take advantage whenever I can. Often, these classes are offered directly through my hotel. The Wine Center at Meadowood Napa Valley runs classes ranging from introductory tutorials on Napa wine to advanced courses on subjects like the history of the wine label. Carneros Resort and Spa has a dazzling array of daily classes focusing on everything from sabering champagne bottles to pickleball. 

The Culinary Institute of America is my hands-down choice for cooking classes with options for group or private instruction. I’ve also found classes offered at Napa Valley wineries. Bouchaine Vineyards regularly hosts an exciting roster of sessions on topics like pairing wine and cheese, blending wine and even falconry. 

How much do you need to budget for a trip to Napa?

The amount you’ll need to spend on a trip to Napa is highly variable depending on your itinerary and even the season you choose to visit. Although it is generally considered a luxury destination, you can still plan an affordable trip to Napa with the tips and tricks in this first-timer’s guide. The numbers below are not definitive but will provide a general idea of how much it costs for budget-conscious, midrange, and luxury travelers to visit Napa.

• Hotel room for two: $100–1200 a night 
• Rental home/Airbnb for two: $200–1000 a night 
• Wine tasting fees: $25–250 per person at each winery (not including tip) 
• Lunch for two: $30–100 per person
• Dinner for two: $100–300 per person (or more)
• Glass of wine: $13–50 
• Bottle of wine: $108 average
• Group shuttle to wineries: $125 per person
• Private transportation to wineries: $600 (and up) 
• Spa treatment: $100–400 per person (and up)

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Touropia Travel

Discover the World

17 Top Tourist Attractions in Moscow

By Alex Schultz · Last updated on November 3, 2023

The capital of Russia is an incredible place to explore. Visitors to Moscow come away spellbound at all the amazing sights, impressed at the sheer size and grandeur of the city. Lying at the heart of Moscow, the Red Square and the Kremlin are just two of the must-see tourist attractions; they are the historical, political and spiritual heart of the city – and indeed Russia itself.

A fascinating city to wander around, stunning cathedrals, churches, and palaces lie side-by-side with bleak grey monuments and remains from the Soviet state. In addition to its plethora of historical and cultural tourist attractions, Moscow is home to world-class museums, theaters and art galleries.

Renowned for its performing arts, fantastic ballets and amazing circus acts, catching a show while in Moscow is a must. The wealth of brilliant restaurants, trendy bars, and lively nightlife means there is something for everyone to enjoy.

See also: Where to Stay in Moscow

17. Tsaritsyno Palace

Once the summer residence of Catherine the Great, the stunning Tsaritsyno Palace is now a museum-reserve. The architecture is magnificent and there is a lovely park surrounding it for visitors to explore.

Located in the south of Moscow, the palace was commissioned in 1775 and recent renovations mean its lavish interior looks better than ever before with its elegant halls and beautiful staircases.

The exhibits on display look at the life of the empress as well as the history of Tsaritsyno itself. The huge palace grounds are also home to some other delightful buildings with the elegant opera house and wonderful brickwork of the Small Palace being particularly impressive to gaze upon.

Starting out in 1935 as the ‘All-Union Agricultural Exhibition’, VDNKh has slowly morphed over the years into the fascinating open-air museum of today. Remarkably, over 400 buildings can now be found within its confines.

The huge park complex has numerous pavilions representing former Soviet republics on show, such as those of Armenia and Turkmenistan and the distinctive architecture of each of the buildings is always interesting to gaze upon. In addition to this there is the fascinating Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics which is dedicated to space exploration and the fun Moskvarium aquarium even offers you the chance to swim with dolphins.

With lots of eateries scattered about and numerous entertainment options such as horse-riding and zip-lining, there is something for everyone to enjoy; the Friendship of Nations fountain truly is wonderful.

15. Kremlin Armoury

One of the oldest museums in the city, the Kremlin Armoury has a wealth of treasures; highlights include the ornate Grand Siberian Railway egg, the historic Cap of Monomakh and the stunning Imperial Crown of Russia which often has a crowd of tourists around it, jostling to take a photo.

Once the royal armory, there are loads of fascinating objects on display. Perusing the many sabers, jewelry, armor and more is as interesting as it is educational and entertaining and the swords are so finely crafted that you’ll almost wish you could pick up one and wield if yourself.

Established in 1851, the museum is situated in the Moscow Kremlin.

14. GUM Department Store

Standing for ‘Main Universal Store’ in Russian, GUM is stunning. Its wonderful skylights and beautiful facades mean it doesn’t look out of place alongside its illustrious neighbors on Red Square.

With over 200 shops, boutiques and upmarket eateries inside, it is a shopaholic’s heaven and concerned partners will be glad to find more affordable options alongside luxury brands such as Dior and Prada.

The main department store in the city, GUM was opened in 1893. The stunning architecture makes it well worth a visit even if shopping isn’t your thing.

13. Moscow Metro

It’s not often that public transport looks like a work of art. So many stops on the Moscow Metro will astound visitors with their beauty and elegance.

Decked in marble and with frescoes covering the walls, the stations are amazing to gaze upon and are part of one of the longest metro systems in the world, with the first stations opened in 1935.

Using the metro is the quickest and easiest way to get around Moscow and braving the crowds of commuters is well worth it for the beauty all around you.

12. Arbat Street

An elegant yet lively street, Arbat is full of impressive architecture and was once a popular place to live for aristocrats, artists, and academics.

A historic place, it is down Arbat Street that Napoleon’s troops are said to have headed on their way to capture the Kremlin.

Nowadays, there are many cafes, restaurants, and shops, as well as various monuments and statues to former residents such as Alexander Pushkin who was reputed to be a lover of the Russian Empress due to his massive influence in court.

11. Novodevichy Convent

Drenched in history, the Novodevichy Convent is located in a striking building that was once a fortress. This captivating place is well worth visiting when in Moscow.

Founded in 1524, the convent houses four cathedrals; Smolensk Cathedral is the undoubted highlight due to its delightful 16th-century frescoes.

Wandering around the grounds is like stepping back in time. The Novodevichy Cemetery is where many famous leaders of the Soviet Union are buried, such as Yeltsin and Khrushchev.

10. Pushkin Museum

Despite its name, the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts actually has no connection at all to the famous poet other than that it was named in his honor after his death. A delight to visit, its extensive collection focuses on European art with masterpieces by Botticelli, Rembrandt, and van Gogh all featuring.

Sculptures, graphic art, paintings and more can be found in its beautiful galleries; various sections look at themes and epochs such as the Renaissance, the Dutch Golden Age, and Byzantine art.

Among the many highlights are the clownish characters which can be found in Cezanne’s Fastnacht (Mardi Gras) and the twirling ballerinas who look so elegant in Degas’ Blue Dancers. Picasso’s Young acrobat on a Ball is also well worth checking out for its interesting use of shapes and colors.

9. Christ The Savior Cathedral

This gorgeous Russian Orthodox cathedral is located on the banks of the Moskva River, just a stone’s throw away from the Kremlin.

The church as it stands today was consecrated in 2000, as the original church that stood here was destroyed on the command of Josef Stalin in 1931 due to the anti-religious campaign.

With its delightful golden dome, spires and dazzling white facades, the Christ the Savior Cathedral is stunning. The interior is just as captivating to wander around, with its beautifully tiled floors and impressive altar.

8. Lenin Mausoleum

Opened to the public in 1924, Lenin’s Mausoleum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Moscow. The red granite structure is located at the heart of the city in Red Square.

Lenin’s embalmed body lies in a glass sarcophagus; it is a somewhat eerie experience walking past the former leader of the Soviet Union but is well worth doing as you understandably can’t do it anywhere else in the world.

After visiting the mausoleum, head to the Kremlin wall right next to it for more graves of important communist figures such as Stalin and Brezhnev.

7. Tretyakov Gallery

Home to the most extensive and impressive collection of Russian fine art in the world, the State Tretyakov Gallery is definitely worth visiting when in Moscow for the wealth of amazing art pieces that it has on display.

Having started out as the private art collection of the Tretyakov brothers, there are now over 130,000 exhibits. Highlights include the iconic Theotokos of Vladimir which you will almost certainly recognise despite probably not knowing the name and Rublev’s Trinity which is considered to be one of highest achievements in Russian art.

An absolute must for art lovers, the State Tretyakov Gallery will delight visitors with all that is has to offer.

6. Kolomenskoye

Once a royal estate, Kolomenskoye is now a museum-reserve and lies a few kilometers outside of the city center. A captivating place to visit, there is a plethora of history on show and the site overlooks the Moskva River.

Consisting of four historical sites, there are extensive gardens for visitors to explore, as well as loads of interesting old buildings, the former village of Kolomenskoye itself and the impressive Palace of the Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich – once considered the Eighth Wonder of the World by contemporaries.

Among the many stunning sights, it is the brilliantly white Ascension Church that is the undoubted highlight – dating back to 1532.

5. Gorky Park

Lying alongside the Moskva River, the huge Gorky Park is a lovely place to visit. Its extensive gardens are home to numerous cultural institutions and visitors should definitely check out the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art and while the eclectic exhibits may not always feature such incredible sights as a balloon-covered rider on a zebra; they certainly always succeed in pushing back the boundaries of art.

Pop-up exhibitions and festivals can be found from time to time in the park itself and there is an open-air theatre and numerous eateries alongside a plethora of leisure activities.

Whether it’s cycling, table tennis or yoga that you are after or beach volleyball and rowing, Gorky Park certainly has it. In winter, there is a huge ice rink for visitors to enjoy.

4. Bolshoi Theatre

The Bolshoi Theatre is the main theater in the country. The amazing opera and ballet performances it has put on over the centuries go a long way in explaining Russia’s rich history of performing arts.

While the Bolshoi Ballet Company was established in 1776, the theater itself was opened in 1825. The glittering, six-tier auditorium is lavishly and decadently decorated; it is a fitting setting for the world-class performances that take place on its stage.

Spending a night watching a performance of such classics as The Nutcracker or Swan Lake at the Bolshoi Theatre is sure to be a memorable experience and the beauty all around you only adds to the sense of occasion.

3. Moscow Kremlin

This famously fortified complex is remarkably home to five palaces and four cathedrals and is the historic, political and spiritual center of the city. The Kremlin serves as the residence for the country’s president. It has been used as a fort, and this fact is made clear by its sheer size. The Kremlin’s outer walls were built in the late 1400s.

Under Ivan III, better known as Ivan the Great, the Kremlin became the center of a unified Russian state, and was extensively remodeled. Three of the Kremlin’s cathedrals date to his reign that lasted from 1462-1505. The Deposition Church and the Palace of Facets were also constructed during this time. The Ivan the Great Bell Tower was built in 1508. It is the tallest tower at the Kremlin with a height of 266 feet (81 meters).

Joseph Stalin removed many of the relics from the tsarist regimes. However, the Tsar Bell, the world’s largest bell, and the Tsar Cannon, the largest bombard by caliber in the world, are among the remaining items from that era. The Kremlin Armory is one of Moscow’s oldest museums as it was established more than 200 years ago. Its diamond collection is impressive.

The Kremlin’s gardens – Taynitsky, Grand Kremlin Public and Alexander – are beautiful. The Kremlin has also served as the religious center of the country, and there is a tremendous number of preserved churches and cathedrals here. The collections contained within the museums include more than 60,000 historical, cultural and artistic monuments. Those who enjoy the performing arts will want to consider attending a ballet or concert at the State Kremlin Palace. Completed in 1961, it is the only modern building in the Kremlin.

2. Red Square

Lying at the heart of Moscow, Red Square is the most important and impressive square in the city. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions due to its wealth of historical sights and cultural landmarks.

Drenched in history, the huge square is home to incredible sights such as the Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral and Lenin’s Mausoleum, among others. Consequently, it is not to be missed when in Moscow as it really is home to the city’s most stunning monuments.

It is here that many important moments in Russian history took place; the former marketplace has hosted everything from Tsar’s coronations and public ceremonies to rock concerts and Soviet military parades. Wandering around the massive square is a humbling experience and undoubtedly one of the highlights the city has to offer.

1. Saint Basil’s Cathedral

Located in the impressive Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral is gorgeous; its delightful spires appear as if out of a fairytale. The most recognizable building in the country, the cathedral is very much a symbol of Russia. No visit to Moscow is complete without having taken in its unique and distinctive features.

Ivan the Terrible ordered the cathedral’s construction in the mid-16th century, and legend holds that Ivan put out the architect’s eyes so that he would be unable to build another cathedral more glorious than St. Basil’s. Designed to resemble the shape of a bonfire in full flame, the architecture is not only unique to the period in which it was built but to any subsequent period. For various reasons, both Napoleon and Stalin wanted to destroy the cathedral but fortunately did not succeed.

Known for its various colors, shapes and geometric patterns, St. Basil’s Cathedral houses nine different chapels that are all connected by a winding labyrinth of corridors and stairways. On the lower floor, St. Basil’s Chapel contains a silver casket bearing the body of St. Basil the Blessed.

Throughout the cathedral are many beautiful murals, frescoes, wooden icons and other art works and artifacts. Outside the cathedral is a lovely garden with the bronze Monument to Minin and Pozharsky, who rallied an all-volunteer Russian army against Polish invaders during a period of the late 16th century known as the Times of Troubles.

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Tourism Web Portal

About the portal.

A technological tool for effective communication between the leading players in the Moscow tourism market and representatives of the foreign/regional tourism industry through online events. OBJECTIVES: • Building long-term cooperation with foreign/regional representatives • Raising awareness among foreign/regional representatives of the tourism industry of the tourism opportunities, measures and attractiveness of the city of Moscow in the field of tourist infrastructure development

Moscow City Tourism Committee

The Tourism Committee, or Mostourism, is the executive body of the Moscow City Government that oversees tourist activities in the capital. The Committee is responsible for legislative initiatives, congress and exhibition activities, and event and image projects. As the brand manager for an attractive tourism image for Moscow, Mostourism constantly analyses global trends, offers Russian and foreign tourists what they want, and also uncovers new opportunities for the capital in terms of interesting and rewarding leisure activities.

ANO «Project Office for the Development of Tourism and Hospitality of Moscow»

Syundyukova Yulia [email protected] Mezhiev Magomed [email protected]

Video materials about Moscow

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Test Your Sea Legs in These 5 Floating Homes, All Priced at $500K or Less

You can enjoy life on the water for a lot less cash than you might think. You don’t need to spend eight (or nine!) figures on a yacht.

Consider a floating home , most of which are a little bigger than tiny homes and allow you the convenience of catching dinner right off your front porch.

Amazingly, there are such bargains to be found, even in some higher-priced cities.

We’ve found five floating homes priced at or below $500,000—they’re in areas such as Portland, OR ; Fort Lauderdale, FL ; and the San Francisco Bay Area . Let’s dive in!

535 NE Bridgeton Rd Slip 1, Portland, OR

Price: $299,000 Rollin’ on the river: We don’t have time to list all of the extras that come with this colorful floater docked in the Columbia River.

First off, you get a one-bedroom floating home as well as the boathouse next to it. That boathouse has a spacious boat well for your get-around vessel, a sleeping loft, and a full bath.

The vessel itself is full of character. Interior walls are canted (slanted in), and the roof is vaulted with skylights. French doors open to a wooden deck, and the kitchen was recently renovated with slab granite countertops, a peninsula, and full-sized stainless appliances.

Although this floating home was built in 1971, almost everything in it is new, including the air-conditioning unit and most of the furnishings, which are included in the sale.

1900 Stenmark Dock Dr # 4, Richmond, CA

Price: $500,000 Three-story luxury: Ideal as a full-time home, a weekend getaway, or a studio/office, this three-story, one-bedroom, two-bathroom floating home has 1,580 square feet of living space. There’s also a garden on the wraparound deck, plus an al fresco dining area up top.

The open floor plan includes a living room, dining area, and galley kitchen. The third level has a spacious multipurpose room with wood paneling and a vaulted ceiling.

It’s docked in Point San Pablo Harbor in the San Francisco Bay, which is part of a vibrant artist community. Built in 1971, the home has been fully renovated.

Commodore Marina Unit B, Mill Valley, CA

Price: $500,000 Floating condo: This is one of three units that comprise a single floating home, which was built in 1966. The home has been renovated. Each unit features water views, and all three share rooftop solar panels.

Sonos speakers are built into the walls and ceilings of the living area of this one-bedroom, 542-square-foot unit. Soundproofing elements include poured concrete subfloors and triple-insulated walls.

This unit comes with a washer/dryer, a kitchen with stainless appliances, a built-in platform bed, and a bathroom with heated flooring. It comes with a climate-controlled storage space.

8 Isle of Venice Dr, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Price: $229,900 Floats anywhere: The spiffy floating homes in these listing photos are model units. The sellers are “seeking motivated homeowners with unique dock and yard space.”

This means one of these custom-built homes can be delivered to your body of water. They feature low-maintenance aluminum construction, which holds up to inclement weather. Right now, they’re situated on the water in the Hendricks and Venice Isles area.

These units have one bedroom with a deck and a spacious rooftop for open-air living, dining, relaxing, and entertaining. Other highlights include butcher-block countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms with unique showerheads and wall treatments.

1837 N Jantzen Ave, Portland, OR

Price: $345,000 Precious in Portland: Clad in cedar shingles, this one-bedroom, 740-square-foot floating home allows you to own your own slip as part of the deal.

Built in 1940, it’s been updated with a new roof, stainless appliances, and composite decking with a platform for your kayak.

The floating home comes with an adjacent shingled shack. It could work as office space, a studio, a yoga room, or storage.

It’s located on the Columbia River’s Hayden Island, in the Jantzen Beach Moorage, which features gated parking, on-site management, and a full-time maintenance staff.

(Realtor.com)

Lisa Johnson Mandell is an award-winning writer who covers lifestyle, entertainment, real estate, design, and travel. Find her on ReallyRather.com

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Historic.  Scenic. Tranquil.

Visit Test Valley

Test Valley Vineyards

Why Test Valley is good for vineyards

The River Test is famous across the world for the gentle art of fly fishing. The gin clear water owes its character to the Hampshire chalk over which it flows.

The 300-foot thick layer of upper chalk, laid down 100 million years ago, extends under the English Channel to northern France - home to Champagne and Chablis and also makes Test Valley the perfect place for another interesting local product – the grapes to make sparkling white wine and sparkling pink Rosé.

This leaflet celebrates wine growing and wine making in Test Valley and encourages you to come and sample its delights by visiting its many beautiful villages and exploring its lovely countryside. Enjoy a souvenir bottle from one of the local outlets or markets.

As the chalk characterises so much of Hampshire it is no surprise that the county plays host to dozens of vineyards from very small family-owned enterprises right up to some of the best-known English wineries.

Test Valley has 11 different vineyards and devotes more acres to wine growing (some 250 acres) than anywhere else in Hampshire.

The main grape varieties are:

Seyval Blanc

Reichensteiner

www.nyetimber.com

020 7734 8490

Of Nyetimber’s eleven vineyards, two of these are in Test Valley – Chalk Vale, near Stockbridge and Hazeldown, near Longstock. In 1988, Nyetimber pioneered the style of English Sparkling Wine we know today by planting the first Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier vines in the UK purely for the production of traditional method sparkling wine. Over the years, Nyetimber has won countless awards and accolades at international tastings and competitions. Perhaps most notably, their Head Winemaker Cherie Spriggs was named ‘Sparkling Winemaker of the Year’ at the International Wine Challenge in 2018 - she was the first person outside of Champagne and the first ever woman to be awarded this prestigious title! Quality is key to everything at Nyetimber, so they only use the finest, hand-picked estate-grown fruit to craft their sparkling wines. Today they own 327 hectares of vineyards across West Sussex, Hampshire and Kent.

Wines produced:

Nyetimber Classic Cuvee MV, Nyetimber Blanc de Blancs, Nyetimber Rosé MV

Nyetimber Cuvee Chérie MV, Nyetimber Tillington Single Vineyard, Nyetimber 1086 and Nyetimber 1086 Rosé

Grapes grown:

Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir

Helvetica Light is an easy-to-read font, with tall and narrow letters, that works well on almost every site.

Danebury Vineyards

www.danebury.com  

01264 781851

Established in 1988, Danebury Vineyards is on a privately owned estate near Stockbridge on the paddocks of what was a famous 19th Century racehorse training yard. The vineyards cover seven acres of sheltered south facing fields on chalk and flint soil, producing award-winning sparkling and still white wine which can be found in top establishments and independent wine merchants in the area. Please visit their website www.danebury.com for their on-line shop and further information on bookable events. Danebury are not open to the public. The vineyard is named after the nearby Iron Age hill fort, one of the most famous in the country.

Auxerrois Blanc, Madeleine Angevine,

Rulander, Schonburger

Cossack Brut, Madeleine Angevine,

Schonburger, Reserve

Coach House Vineyard

Salisbury Road, West Wellow, Romsey, SO51 6BW 

01794 323345

A small vineyard of one acre established in 1987. The wine is made at Setley Ridge Vineyard in Brockenhurst and is a dry white from the Bacchus and Reichensteiner grapes.

Wine GB Wessex is the region of Wine GB (the national association of growers and wine producers) that covers Test Valley. It provides help to existing and prospective vineyard owners and through competitions and events helps to increase the quality of the wines produced in the area and to promote sales.

Any questions about the vineyards of the area or the prospect of starting up, please call the Wine GB Wessex Secretary, currently Roger Marchbank at The Coach House Vineyard or email [email protected] .

Coach House Dry White

Black Chalk Wine

Black Chalk Wine, The Old Dairy, Fullerton Road SP11 7JX

www.cottonworth.co.uk

01264 860440

Black Chalk Wine lies between Stockbridge and Andover near the picturesque village of Wherwell. Thirty acres of prime Test Valley chalkland plays host to 45,000 Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir vines. A brand new state-of-the-art winery was finished in 2020 and produces world-beating English wines. Black Chalk have won a plethora of gold medals and trophies at both domestic and international competitions. Tour bookings are available on www.blackchalkwine.co.uk and will give you a glance at the beautiful vineyards and a rare chance to see how English wine is produced.

Black Chalk ‘Classic’, Black Chalk ‘Wild Rose’, Black Chalk still rosé, Black Chalk still Chardonnay

Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir

Leckford Estate

www.leckfordestate.co.uk

01264 810270

The Leckford Estate, in the heart of Test Valley, is owned by the John Lewis Partnership, having been bought by the founder, John Spedan Lewis in 1928.

The River Test runs through the estate, which includes a farm, water garden, plant nursery and farm shop.

In 2009, Waitrose became the first retailer to plant its own vineyard. The estate covers 2,800 acres. It has 17 acres of vineyards, with 25,000 individual vines of the three classic Champagne varieties of grape – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. The estate aims to generate enough grapes for around 40,000 bottles of wine a year. Grapes have been harvested since 2011, producing vintage Leckford Estate branded sparkling wine.

Harvested in October the sparkling wine was blended and matured at Ridgeview, Sussex. It is available in selected Waitrose branches and from the Leckford Estate Farm Shop.

Leckford Estate Brut

Somborne Valley

www.sombornevalley.com

[email protected]

01794 388547

Somborne Valley Vineyards lie on the slopes about King’s Somborne on Hoplands Estate.

The three vineyards, Cow Common, Garlick Lane and Home Vineyard were planted in the Millennium, 2016 and 2017 respectively, totaling some 30 acres. Home Vineyard had its first harvest in 2019 producing both a Bacchus and Sauvignon Blanc.

Somborne Valley produces award-winning still and sparkling wines which are popular and available in Stockbridge and various local village shops together with independent wine merchants.

Wines Produced:

Still white: Bacchua, Sauvignon Blanc, Red: Estate Reserve, Sparkling: Blanc de Blancs, Blush Rose.

Grapes Grown:

Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, Rondo, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, Bacchus, Sauvignon Blanc.

Chalkdown Wines

Hampshire Downs Fine  Cider Company Limited,  Harewood Farm, Andover Down,  Hampshire, SP11 6LJ

www.chalkdowncider.com

A new range of sparkling wines from the Test Valley from the producers of Chalkdown Cider – a multiple award winning champagne-method cider. The first release is expected in 2022.

Where to buy Test Valley wines

All local Waitrose stores

Chilbolton Village Store

Village Street, Chilbolton, Hampshire, SO206BE

01264 860231

Stone, Vine and Sun

No.13 Humphrey Farms, Hazeley Road, Twyford, Hampshire, SO21 1QA

01962 712351

The Rockingham Arms

Canada Road, West Wellow, Hampshire, SO51 6DE

01794 324798

Wine Utopia

High Street, Stockbridge, Hampshire, SO20 6EX

01264 25208 0

The Leckford Estate Farm Shop and Cafe

Longstock Park Nursery, Stockbridge, SO20 6EH

Abbotts Ann Village Shop and Post Office

Duck Street, Abbotts Ann, Andover, Hampshire, SP11 7AZ

01264 71023 0

Fickle Pickle

The Old Dairy, Fullerton Road, Cottonworth, Hampshire, SP11 7JX

07724 117497

Dish Deli and Kitchen

16 Latimer Street, Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 8DG

01794 513663

Hampshire Farmers Market, Romsey

First Sunday of every month from 10am to 2pm

Alma Road Car Park, Romsey, SO51 8ED

01420 588671

T &  M Convenience Stores

7-9 Viney Avenue, Romsey, SO51 7NR

01794 521019

The Little Whiskey Shop

Lillies, High Street, Stockbridge, SO20 6HF

01264 811566

Cross Stores

Winchester Road, King's Somborne, Stockbridge, Hampshire, SO20 6N Y

01794 388341