A TEST Valley village has been named one of the “15 most charming places in Britain”.

The surprise accolade was awarded to Broughton by Canadian travel company, Flight Network.

The village was one of 15 locations across Britain selected on the list, alongside blissful Bradford-onAvon and iconic cathedral town, Arundel.

Praising the village, Flight Network described it as “charming and naturally beautiful”.

Special mentions were also awarded to The Tally Ho pub and restaurant, as well as Broughton Water Buffalo, a sustainable buffalo farm where visitors can pick up fresh meat or tour around the grounds.

Broughton Parish Council leader, Edward James, said: “We are always proud to win awards.

“It’s particularly nice to be recognised by another country. “Broughton has a diverse population who all have one thing in common, the love of our village.

“It’s a picturesque welcoming village with a strong sense of community.”

The award coincides with final plans being made to open 14 of the villagers’ gardens to public view for four hours on the afternoon of June 25.

Each of the gardens has been crafted with the individual flair of the owners, with some containing a stunning array of flowers and others having stunning views across the Wallop Valley.

Chris and Betty Hewlett, on Salisbury Road, will open up their garden, which contains prize-winning vegetables.

Open Garden committee chairman, Mike Hoskins, said: “Gardens have been grown, quite literally, to suit the houses which occupy them – from small Beatrix Potter cottages to Capability Brown landscapes.”

When Broughton last opened its gardens two years ago, half of the 220 visitors came from the village itself.

But Mr Hoskins hopes to attract 300 this year, including visitors from Andover, Winchester and Romsey.

The event, which runs from 2pm to 6pm, is priced at £10 for adults, while accompanied under 16s go free.

Tickets can be bought for £8 in advance from the village shop.

Afternoon teas will be on sale on the village hall from 3pm and the village bus will be operating a free shuttle service round the area for the afternoon.

All money raised will go towards the parish churches.