Totton Tourist Information

Totton is a small town in Hampshire, separated from Southampton by the River Test. It is often linked with Eling, the adjoining area just across the railway line. Totton is on the eastern edge of the New Forest National Park and before the forest boundary was fenced, wild ponies would frequently roam the streets of the town.

The oldest of Totton's several churches is the Church of St Mary. A Celtic Cross found on the site dates back to possibly the 6th century and indicates this has been a place of worship since that date. Built in 850AD, it is one of the oldest churches in England.

The church has an interesting mix of traditions with modern seating within Saxon architecture. It has some beautiful paintings, various family coat-of-arms and a fine wooden screen in memory of the fallen of World War I. There is also a memorial to those who drowned aboard the Titanic, which included 500 seamen from the Southampton area who were working as crew on the ship.

The graveyard holds some interesting gravestones including the epitaph of William Mansbridge who was clearly shot by thieves in his home.

Another strange tale from the past surrounds the offices of Testwood House. They are said to be haunted by a man in a top hat. It is thought to be the coachman who killed the cook of the house and dumped her body in what became known as Cooks Lane, half a mile away.

Present Day Totton

Until 1974 Totton boasted it was the largest village in England, but it was then made into a town. It is still made up of several smaller villages which have gradually merged with the building of new housing between them. This has resulted in the town having a number of local shopping areas which once upon a time each served a specific village community.

Totton has a good mix of housing and a low crime rate. It is served by two secondary schools and Totton College, formerly the Grammar School.

The town has a small Industrial Estate providing local employment and a railway station on the South Western Main Line with trains to London Waterloo, Southampton, Bournemouth and Poole.

The Totton Cricket Club is highly successful within the Hampshire area and became the North Gear 2020 National Champions in 2007. Totton Football Club is also well supported and plans to build a new ground in the near future.

Things to do in Totton

Totton borders the New Forest National Park which provides excellent recreational opportunities for walking, horse riding and cycling.

The area behind the Calmore Industrial Estate has been regenerated to provide recreational lakes for boating and fishing. Walkers will enjoy the Test Way which stretches northwards for about 37 miles from Totton to Inkpen Beacon in Berkshire.

Lyndhurst is an attractive town nearby with narrow streets, an impressive church and charming local pubs. On the outskirts are several thatched cottages at Swan Green, a local beauty spot.