Romsey has a new tourism information point in the King John's House café, the first of 10 planned across Test Valley. The Army Flying Museum is next.

Romsey has a new tourism information point, installed in the café area of King John’s House museum, the first of 10 that Test Valley Borough Council plans to put up across the borough. It points visitors to the Visit Test Valley website for ideas on attractions, places to visit and things to do.

It follows the closure of the tourism information centre in Romsey, which is about 10 miles south-west of Winchester. The next point is due at the Army Flying Museum by the end of November, the council said, with further sites to follow shortly after.

What is on the board

The point is a wall board headed “Visit Test Valley: Historic. Scenic. Tranquil.” It carries a printed map of the borough, a touchscreen showing the Visit Test Valley website, and racks of leaflets, including ones for King John’s House and Museum and Literary Test Valley.

The council said the idea reflects “the changing way people look for information and inspiration when planning days out”. By putting points at popular destinations, it wants people already visiting one attraction to find others across Test Valley.

“Stay longer”

Councillor Terese Swain, the council’s portfolio holder for community, leisure and tourism, said: “Test Valley has so much for visitors to discover, from our historic market towns and beautiful countryside to museums, attractions and places to eat and drink.

“These new information points are about making it easier for people to discover what is on offer while they are already out and about. We can showcase attractions and experiences right across the borough and encourage people to explore further, stay longer, and support our local visitor economy.”

A spokesperson for King John’s House said: “We’re delighted to be the first location in Test Valley to host one of the new tourism information points. People who visit King John’s House are often keen to find out what else they can see and do locally, so this is a great way to help them make the most of their time in the area.”

The council says the project supports the ambition in its Corporate Plan to work with partners to promote Test Valley as a culture and tourism destination. It set out the scheme in a news release on 10 November.

Where the points are

  • Open now: King John’s House, Romsey, in the museum café area.
  • By the end of November: the Army Flying Museum.
  • Later: eight more sites, which the council has not yet named.

The same information is online at visittestvalley.org.

What it means for you

  • Planning a day out from Winchester: the Visit Test Valley website covers attractions, places to eat, shop and stay across the borough, so you can plan before you set off rather than relying on a staffed desk.
  • Visiting Romsey: the tourism information centre has closed, and the new point at King John’s House has a borough map, a touchscreen and leaflets for local attractions.