Test Valley is a local government district and borough in Hampshire, named after the River Test which flows through it, encompassing the towns of Andover and Romsey along with numerous villages within an area of outstanding natural beauty including the North Wessex Downs AONB and the Test Valley. This predominantly rural district features one of England's finest chalk streams, historic market towns, and attractive downland countryside. The climate is typical of southern England with mild temperatures, moderate rainfall, and warmer, drier conditions than UK average, with the Test Valley creating sheltered microclimates. Culturally, Test Valley maintains strong identity with Romsey's magnificent Norman abbey (one of England's finest Romanesque churches, with royal connections), Broadlands (historic home of Lord Mountbatten, now open to visitors), and Andover's historic market town character with its medieval church and Georgian buildings. The area preserves important heritage including Mottisfont Abbey (National Trust, with its medieval priory, Georgian house, and famous rose garden), Danebury Ring (one of Britain's most important Iron Age hillforts), and the remains of the Roman and medieval landscape. The River Test is world-famous for its trout fishing and chalk stream ecology, attracting anglers and conservationists while its valley offers beautiful walking and cycling. The North Wessex Downs AONB provides spectacular downland scenery while the villages feature traditional Hampshire character with brick and flint cottages, village greens, and country pubs. Andover's modern development as a London overspill town adds postwar character while the district's proximity to Salisbury, Winchester, and Southampton provides urban amenities. Boundary GIS data for Test Valley Borough Council is available for download in GeoJSON and KML formats, supporting chalk stream conservation, heritage preservation at Romsey Abbey and Mottisfont, and management of the North Wessex Downs AONB.

📍 Administrative boundary of test valley local authority district

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