A Walking and Outdoors Break at Michelmersh Farm, Test Valley, Hampshire

Michelmersh Manor Farm is a historic family farm set in idyllic surroundings in the heart of the Test Valley, Hampshire close to the world-famous and beautiful chalk stream River Test. The farm has a range of accommodation for visitors to the area with all kinds of opportunities to explore farm life at its best and enjoy walking, as well as other outdoor activities such as fly fishing on the Test, cycling, game and clay pigeon shooting or visiting gardens.

There’s lots on offer close to the farm, with plenty of walking routes leading straight from the farm. And Fran Drake, who co-runs the farm, has created a booklet for visitors, celebrating the very best of the Test Valley, made famous by the beautiful chalk stream River Test, the birthplace of fly fishing.

Walks in the guide include gentle ambles, full day walks, walks to a range of pubs and back and local places to visit by car. The walks take in paths and ancient roads, and some join long distance routes such as the Test Way, the Clarendon Way and the Monarch’s Way, which was the escape route taken by King Charles 2nd after being defeated in the Civil War at Worcester in 1651. Visitors can look forward to plenty of history and wildlife along the way!

Interesting facts are pointed out in the guide, too, like the former home of Sir David and Lady Frost, the fishing beat once fished by Eric Morecombe, a semi buried icehouse in Mottisfont’s ancient churchyard, the brickyard where the famous Michelmersh bricks were made and more. There are ancient sunken roads, a church dating back to the 12th century, gravel workings where 1000 flint axes were discovered in the 1900s. and lovers of nature and wildlife will appreciate the pointers to the flora and fauna of the area, too.

Gardens nearby include the world-renowned Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, with its year-round displays of plants, flowers and trees set in 180 acres, National Trust gardens and historic house at Mottisfont, Houghton Lodge Gardens and Longstock Water Gardens.

Visitors wanting a spot of fishing can make use of local organisations such as Fishing Breaks, Whinwhistle Coarse Fishery and more. Clay pigeon is available at The Big Shoot and Game shooting can also be found through local companies.

The farm itself provides plenty of distraction – there are some 300 cows which are milked using 5 state-of-the-art milking machines, 200 sheep as well as chickens, guinea fowl, peacocks, and horses. A new addition is a rare breed of English goat called Mini. Various crops are grown throughout the year providing a mosaic of scenery. Visitors can help with the lambing – a real favourite – and watch the cows being milked. The farm sells the milk that it produces and provides it in vending machines. This delicious fresh whole milk is also made into milkshakes – popular with everyone!

Accommodation at Michelmersh Manor Farm includes self-catering options – Bluebells, Foxglove and The Manor, set within the medieval farmhouse, 2 shepherd huts, and 2 barn conversions.

For more information about Michelmersh Manor Farm visit https://michelmershmanorfarm.com and for more about the area visit http://www.testvalley.gov.uk/communityandleisure/tourism