Andover Museums
The historic market town of Andover Boasts two great museums - the Museum of the Iron Age and the Andover Museum. What's more, they are both in the same building! This listed building stated out as an eighteenth century Georgian town house. Both museums offer an engaging, family-friendly day out that perfectly balances ancient mystery with local charm.
Museum of the Iron Age: A Journey to Danebury
Step back over 2,000 years to explore the fascinating world of Danebury Hill Fort, located just southwest of the town. As one of the most extensively excavated and best-studied sites of the British Iron Age (with major digs occurring between 1969 and 1988), the findings here have redefined our understanding of ancient Britain.
The museum brings this era to life through:
Authentic Artifacts: View genuine objects unearthed during the Danebury excavations.
Immersive Reconstructions: Walk among life-size models and reconstructions that illustrate daily survival.
Daily Life: Explore the complexities of Iron Age farming, religious rituals, skilled crafts, and the harsh realities of tribal warfare.
A Taste of History: Visitors can get up close to a typical cooking cauldron, though you might find the "menu" of the era a bit different from today’s fish fingers!
Andover Museum: From Neolithic Roots to Modern Arts
The Andover Museum provides a sweeping narrative of the town and its surrounding landscape, tracing its evolution from the Neolithic period right through to the present day.
Local Origins: Discover the geological foundations of the area and the natural history that shaped the region.
A Radical Past: Explore Andover’s surprising reputation as a "riot town" during the Industrial Revolution, a turbulent chapter of social change that stands in stark contrast to the town’s peaceful atmosphere today.
Artistic Flair: On the ground floor, the temporary exhibition gallery serves as a vibrant showcase for the talent of modern-day local artists and craftspeople, ensuring there is always something new to see.
Address
Andover Museum and Museum of the Iron Age, 6 Church Close, Andover, Hampshire SP10 1DP
Directions from The Swan Inn, Barton Stacey
The road journey from The Swan Inn, in Barton Stacey to the Andover Museum of the Iron Age spans approximately 8.1 miles and primarily involves heading northwest through the village to join the A303 dual carriageway. After traveling roughly 6 miles on the A303, you take the A3057 exit toward Andover, navigating through the town center via Eastern Avenue and London Street to reach Church Close. General delays are most frequent at the Bullington Cross interchange where local traffic merges onto the A303, and again upon entering Andover town center, particularly near the Folly Roundabout and the various pedestrian crossings leading toward the historic museum district.
Useful Links
Hampshire Cultural Trust: Museum of the Ironage (Opens in new window) Provides essential visitor information for exploring the history of Danebury Hill Fort, including details on its archaeological excavations and immersive exhibits like the replica roundhouse and the Roman Fullerton Mosaic. It offers practical travel guidance, admission pricing and lists on-site facilities such as a café, gift shop, and dedicated school workshop programs.
Hampshire Cultural Trust: Andover Museum (Opens in new window) Offers a guide to the town’s heritage from prehistoric times to the 20th century, highlighting key exhibits like the Andover Workhouse scandal and the Taskers of Anna Valley industrial collection. Visitors can find practical details such as admission details, opening hours, and accessibility features, as well as information on family-friendly activities like dressing-up corners, craft workshops, and a ground-floor gallery for local artists.
Facebook: Museum of The Iron Age & Andover Museum (Opens in new window) Provides real-time updates on family workshops, seasonal events, and new exhibitions. It features historical trivia about Danebury Hill Fort, behind-the-scenes photos of artifacts, and serves as a direct channel for visitor inquiries and current holiday opening hours.
Instagram: Andover Museum of the Iron Age (Opens in new window) Offers a visual showcase of the museum's collections and local community life, featuring high-quality photography of historical artifacts, local art exhibitions, and the building's Georgian architecture. It provides visitors with "behind-the-scenes" glimpses of museum work, highlights from family craft workshops, and aesthetic snapshots of the café and gift shop, serving as an engaging, image-led way to stay updated on current displays and events.
Previous Stop: Swan Inn Barton Stacey A traditional Hampshire pub featuring cozy interiors with oak beams and open fires. It specializes in locally sourced seasonal food and real ales, offering both a refined dining experience and comfortable boutique guest rooms for a classic country escape.
Next Stop: Danebury Hill Fort A 2,500-year-old Iron Age stronghold and one of Europe's most extensively studied archaeological sites. Occupied for 500 years, it now offers free access for visitors to explore its massive earthworks and enjoy panoramic views, while its significant historical finds are showcased at the Museum of the Iron Age.
