Take a walk around Andover’s Historic Market Town

A Town Steeped in History –

Andover’s history stretches back over a thousand years. In AD 994, the Viking leader Olaf Tryggvason was confirmed as a Christian at St Mary’s Church by Bishop Alphege, with King Ethelred “the Unready” acting as his sponsor. Olaf paid 16,000 pounds in silver coins and vowed never to return to Britain. He went on to become king of Norway, converting his citizens to Christianity and founding the city of Trondheim—a remarkable connection linking Andover to European history.

The town also experienced Norman influence in the Middle Ages, and later, the Andover Workhouse scandal drew national attention in the 19th century, highlighting harsh conditions that even caught the eye of Charles Dickens, who was a vocal advocate for social reform. For history enthusiasts, Andover lies along the Trafalgar Way, the route used to carry news of Admiral Nelson’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 to London—a tangible link to one of Britain’s most celebrated naval victories.

Andover’s High Street is flanked by lots of handsome Georgian properties, and among them are many former coaching inns, like the Globe, which has had the same name since 1742. The Neoclassical Andover Guildhall on the High Street dates to 1825, while the Angel Inn at the top of this thoroughfare is one of Hampshire’s most important timber-framed buildings, built in 1425. There are more 15th-century houses on Chantry Street and Medieval Street, while the circular Norman archway to the Garden of Remembrance is all that survives of the Andover Church, from the 12th century.

Andover is a town that grew up around the woollen industry and became an important stop on the coaching road between London and Salisbury in the 18th century. To the west lies the chalk plateau of the Salisbury plain, which is the largest military training area in the UK, encompassing 150 square miles. So it’s no mystery why Andover’s largest employer today is the Ministry of Defence (MOD). You can investigate some of this heritage at the Museum of Army Flying. Almost all of the surrounding chalk hills in the North Hampshire Downs were home to settlements in the Bronze and Iron Age. One, Danebury was excavated in the 20th century, yielding a haul of artefacts for Andover’s excellent Museum of the Iron Age.

Find out more about Andover’s Heritage trail here or download a free Heritage Trail Guide and Audio Accompaniment here

Events & activities

Though Andover, Hampshire, is a relatively small town, it boasts a vibrant array of leisure activities and a music scene that’s truly second to none! We’re home to our own Odeon Cinema, the Lights Theatre, Riverside Activity Zone, High Score Arcades, and a calendar full of large town events, including gardening fairs, a lively carnival, and a spectacular Christmas festival.

Young people are warmly invited to enjoy fun-filled activities at High Score Arcades or Riverside Activity Zone, while smaller children might love Tot City or a music class at Lullababy. Our town also offers an abundance of social groups catering to all ages, abilities, and interests.

Andover’s live music scene is phenomenal. We’re proud to host some of the finest talent in the country, and visitors are likely to catch live performances at various venues throughout the town. You can often find these advertised on the INANDOVER social pages or on our businesses pages.

Nature Lovers

Andover is blessed with three stunning lakes, each offering its own unique charm. Whether you’re feeding the ducks at Rooksbury Mill, enjoying watersports and family activities at Charlton Lakes, or exploring the tranquil wildlife habitats of Anton Lakes, you’ll never be far from beautiful open spaces and opportunities to connect with nature. These treasured local beauty spots are just one more reason why Andover is such a wonderful place to visit and call home. In walking distance of Andover’s town centre is the source of the River Anton. The river rises from springs before coursing through historic watercress beds and entering a string of lakes that are flooded gravel quarries. The lakes are an oasis for birdlife, such as the great-crested grebe, which has stunning brown, orange and white plumage in summer. Butterfly species like marbled white float over the reserve’s chalk grasslands in summer, while the flooded fen meadow has a magnificent colony of southern marsh orchids, blooming in midsummer.

Shopping

Alongside well-known retailers, visitors can discover independent shops, cafés, and businesses that give the town its unique character. We also have a twice weekly town market and a monthly artisan makers market. You can find inforamtion about our diverse and welcoming retailers on the Shopping pages.

Food and Drink

Andover is home to a vibrant and diverse food scene. Traditional pubs, cosy cafés, and family-run restaurants serve everything from classic British fare to international cuisine, reflecting the town’s welcoming multicultural community. Visitors can enjoy flavours from across the globe, from Indian and Mediterranean dishes to modern fusion creations.

For those who appreciate locally crafted beverages, or handmade treats, Andover boasts a growing number of artisanal producers. Small-batch spirits, gins, and liqueurs are brewed right here in town at the Andover Tap.  The Travelling Cupcake are one of the few cafes in Hampshire to make their own gelato from scratch and many of our restaurants are award winning for their recipes and service!