Activities in Andover

You might hear Thruxton Motorsport Centre before you see it, such are the throaty roars emitted from the cars, bikes and trucks on the UK’s fastest race circuit just a few miles west of Andover along the A303. A mainstay in the automotive world for 35 years, the track offers plenty of driving experiences which allow you to get behind the wheel of a McLaren 570S, Aston Martin or Ford Mustang. Alternatively, head down to one of their regular race meetings running through the summer including the Touring Car and Superbike Championships.

Take a literal step back in time at the Museum of the Iron Age. Centred around the remains of the Danebury hillfort, it’s become one of the best-studied UK Iron Age sites since it’s excavation 40 years ago. The town centre museum has plenty to discover including a replica roundhouse where you can handle real Iron Age artefacts, the excavated hillfort and the impressive Fullerton mosaic floor. The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday and has an on-site cafe and shop.

As well as being a leading conservation charity caring for damaged or ill birds, Hawk Conservancy Trust host regular flying and feeding displays. Spread over 22 acres of woodland and wild meadows, the park houses over 150 birds of prey including kites, vultures and ‘burrowing’ owls with new additions including a playground and meerkat enclosure. The Hawk Conservancy Trust is located a mile west of our Andover hotel and is open daily.

With a fully-equipped gym, studio, sports hall, soft play area, full-size swimming pool, splash pad, sauna and steam room, Andover Leisure Centre is a great place to get active. Open daily, this modern centre is located to the north end of the town centre near The Lights theatre. 

 Covering more than 100 years of military aviation, the Army Flying Museum has an impressive collection of 35 fixed-wing and rotary aircraft on display including a restored Westland Lynx that was used to set the helicopter speed record in 1972. The museum has plenty for kids to explore including several flight simulators and an aviation-themed play park.

A firm family favourite, Finkley Down Farm has plenty to entertain kids both big and small. As well as plenty of hands-on farm experiences, including their new Meerkat Mansion exhibit, the park has a large play barn, crazy golf course, zip wire, trampolines, pedal go-karts, swings, slides and even a water fight area if the weather is right.