Whether you’re planning a winter getaway here to experience the city’s iconic Christmas markets or a summer break to make the most of all the lush greenery on offer, you won’t be disappointed. Here, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite things to do in Winchester including cultural highlights, days out near the city and plenty of free adventures that are packed with fun.
Take a tour of the cathedral
For first-timers or even frequent visitors, a trip to the city’s world-famous cathedral is normally the first port-of-call. Dating back to the 11th century, Winchester Cathedral is one of the largest in Europe. Walk through the length of the cathedral’s vast nave, marvelling at the impressive vaulted ceiling and Romanesque sections of wall.
Make a beeline for The Great Hall
The only surviving remains of Winchester Castle, The Great Hall stands proud as one of the few finest examples of a 13th century hall. Hidden behind the marble columns and stained glass windows lie historical discoveries and battle secrets. The hall is also home to the greatest symbol of medieval mythology King Arthur’s Round Table.
Eat your way through the city
Winchester has a rising restaurant scene with equally independent and well-known restaurateurs setting up shop in the historic city. With a nod to Cornish heritage, the eponymous Stein’s brings mouth-watering seafood to the heart of Winchester with globally-inspired flavours. For modern British dining, the Michelin Starred The Black Rat is the place to be, notorious for its innovative menu centred on local produce.
Channel your inner detective with a real-life Cluedo game
Ready to channel your inner detective and try to crack a murder case? Then this murder mystery evening will provide hours of fun. Sit down and enjoy a three-course dinner as a “whodunit” mystery unfolds before your eyes. Cross-examine the actors to unravel the story and piece together the vital clues to determine who’s guilty.
Drink like a local
Widely regarded as the best pub in Winchester, the award-winning The Wykeham Arms has a cosy yet vibrant feel. The menu offers a seasonal mix of ingredients, paired with an extensive selection of wines and ales. Another highly recommended place for a pint is The Black Boy. A traditional back-street boozer, the pub has a real focus on local beers, which can be enjoyed by an open fire in the winter or in the beer garden in the summer.
Go on a guided tour of the historic Winchester College
One of the world’s most famous and distinguished schools, Winchester College maintains 11 acres of formal gardens and more than 80 listed buildings. Most notable is the Seventh Chamber which is allegedly the oldest schoolroom in the country. A guided tour will take you to the school chapel which is complete with a vaulted ceiling.
Be fascinated by Winchester’s Military Museums
Situated on the historic site of the Peninsular Barracks, Winchester’s Military Museums is a grouping of six important county military museums. Each offering a unique experience, their stories are told through unique collections of artefacts on display. It’s particularly worth paying a visit to the Royal Green Jacket (Rifles) Museum which exhibits a variety of uniforms and medals.
Become a coffee master
Upgrade from a modest coffee drinker to a talented coffee brewer in the space of just a few hours, courtesy of The Winchester School of Coffee. Following guidance from industry professionals, learn how to make cafe quality coffee at home including how to extract espresso and texture milk.
Spark your imagination at Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium
There’s nowhere quite like a day out at Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium. Founded in 2002, the globe and pyramid structures that make up this attraction are hard to miss. The largest of its kind in the UK, the 168-seat Planetarium hosts daily performances showcasing our growing knowledge of the universe. The centre features an extensive range of hands-on displays and exhibits, covering a variety of topics.
Get to know Winchester at the dedicated museum
Spend some time delving into the rich history of the city at the Winchester City Museum. Telling the story of England’s ancient capital, the museum traces Winchester’s history from its origins as an Iron Age trading centre to the last journey of Jane Austen and beyond. You can even see a spectacular scale model of the city in Victorian times.
Experience poetry in motion on a stroll
The Keats’ Walk maps out the daily stroll that famed poet Keats walked daily while he was in Winchester. The two mile route starts at Winchester Tourist Information Centre, loops through the Cathedral Close before ending at St Cross.
Taste divine cuisine at Brasserie Blanc
One of the finest chefs in the world, Raymond Blanc’s gastronomical influence has been monumental and you can experience it all with a two-course meal in Winchester’s Brasserie Blanc. Expect hearty and homely French dishes carefully curated with fresh ingredients that are local, seasonal and tasty. Your fantastic food will be paired with a glass of house wine to round things off in style.
Two Course Meal with Wine for Two at a Brasserie Blanc
Taste the simple, yet divine dishes of Brasserie Blanc. The celebrated TV chef Raymond Blanc has won many awards over the span of his career, including an OBE. Brasserie Blanc was conceived because he wanted to create a menu full of hearty, homely French dishes, reminiscent of his childhood. Blanc’s gospel is to use fresh ingredients that are local and seasonal as well as tasty, and so the menu changes throughout the year.<br /> <br /> Take your seats and enjoy a lovingly prepared two-course lunch or dinner, from a specially selected set menu, in one of 14 warm and welcoming brasseries; four in London. Take your pick from Southbank, Chancery Lane or Threadneedle Street, Walton Street in Oxford and Sovereign Street in Leeds and enjoy a 125ml glass of wine with your meal. You can choose a starter and main or main and dessert, from at least three options for each course.
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Catch a show at the Theatre Royal
Becoming a theatre in 1912, the Theatre Royal is the only surviving cine-variety theatre in the country. With a jam-packed programme of events ranging from drama to dance to comedy, the theatre has become one of the town’s best-loved landmarks and plays a key role in Winchester’s Hat Fair.
Visit Europe’s biggest Farmer’s Market
Held fortnightly, Winchester hosts Europe’s biggest farmer’s market of more than 80 producers. Stalls vary from organic meat to dairy products to baked goods and of course plenty of beautiful flowers. The market can be found in the green space at the front of Winchester Cathedral and offers a prime opportunity to get a taste of fresh Hampshire produce.
Marvel at England’s oldest almshouse
A stone’s throw from Winchester’s thriving city centre lies The Hospital of St Cross, England’s oldest almshouse. Founded by William the Conqueror's grandson, the grade I listed building is renowned for the tranquility of the setting and its marvellous architecture.
Reset your mind with Synergy Experiences
Winchester’s tranquil surroundings lends itself very well to reconnecting with yourself and that’s where Synergy Experiences come in. Their mindfulness day retreat involves experienced teachers sharing mindfulness techniques like yoga and meditation. Refreshments are provided throughout and by the end of the retreat, you’ll be left feeling entirely revitalised.
Mindfulness Day Retreat with Lunch for Two
Sometimes you just need some time out, and that’s where Synergy Experiences comes in. Get away from it all and reconnect with yourselves with this Mindfulness Day Retreat with Lunch for two at a choice of 11 locations. Offering a gentle and contemporary approach to mindfulness, your experienced teachers will guide you through everything from yoga and meditation to affirmation art, sound healing and mindfulness activities.
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Days out near Winchester
If you’re planning to spend a few days in Winchester, it’s worth checking out the numerous activities that are available at just a hop, skip and jump from the city. Winchester’s excellent transport links give you the freedom to explore nearby attractions with ease.
Become a master chocolatier
Just a 10 minute drive from Winchester, a chocolate lover’s paradise awaits at Chocolate Craft. There’s something sweet in the air with this 2 hour 30 minute workshop led by professional chocolatiers. Taste, craft and decorate your own cocoa-based works of art with the best decoration winning a prize and plenty of chocolate to take home.
Be at one with nature in Blackwood Forest
Celebrate the great outdoors with a trip to Blackwood Forest. With a range of paths running through the woodland, it’s the perfect place to get some fresh air, hike across the downs and be charmed by quaint village pubs. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even spend a night in a cosy cabin, courtesy of Forest Holidays.
Take a day trip to Highclere Castle
Downton Abbey fans will be enthralled to learn that Highclere Castle is a short drive away from Winchester. The castle was used as a primary filming location for the award-winning period drama series and visitors can explore the castle and its grounds owned by the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon.
Take the kids to Marwell Zoo
8 miles south of Winchester is one of Hampshire’s most popular attractions, Marwell Zoo. Home to hundreds of animals including giraffes, tigers, penguins and more, the 140-acre zoo has so much to see and do. There’s even adventure playgrounds to keep the little ones entertained while adults take a break.
Harness your inner racer with TeamSport Indoor Karting
A heart-raising go-karting adventure can be found in Eastleigh, which is just a 15 minute drive from Winchester. Tackle hairpin bends, double apex corners and open up on the throttle on numerous lengthy straights. With open-timed race sessions to hit your personal best to competitive race events for groups, TeamSport Indoor Karting has it all.
Spend a day at Paultons Park
Hop in the car for just 23 minutes and you’ll reach Paultons Park, the UK’s number 1 family theme park. With over 70 thrilling rides and attractions situated in 140 acres of beautiful Parkland, a day here promises something for everyone. Enjoy roller coasters, family rides, play areas, entertainments and even the UK’s only Peppa Pig themed World.
Meet some friendly alpacas and walk on the wild side
Animal lovers will relish the one-of-a-kind opportunity offered by the family-run business Alpacas at Hensting. Just shy of Winchester in Eastleigh, you can take one of the resident alpacas for a walk with a beautiful wildlife rich setting. Walks are available throughout the year with added extras on special occasions such as Valentine’s Day, Easter and Christmas.
Admire the Hinton Ampner
Owned by the National Trust, the Hinton Ampner’s exterior is decorated with formal kitchen gardens. Once you step inside the house, you’ll find even more characterful garden areas as well as a classic Georgian style throughout, carefully designed by the owner who restored the house following a fire.
Enjoy a magical day out at Watercress Line Railway
Whatever time of year, there’s always so much to see and do at the Watercress Line. The site hosts family-friendly events like Days Out with Thomas and dining experiences through the Hampshire countryside. You can even educate yourself on the county’s heritage and railway history.
Cycle through the Farley Mount Country Park
A beautiful area of woodland, Farley Mount Country Park is ideal for cycling. The park is named after the famous monument ‘Beware Chalk Pit’, referencing the horse that carried its owner to a racing victory in 1734. The monument itself can be seen from a great distance, particularly when the sun reflects off the white walls.
Picnic in the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
World-famous, the award-winning Sir Harold Hillier Gardens is a must-visit attraction, stretching over 180 acres and accommodating thousands of trees and shrubs. There’s even a sculpture garden where many renowned artists have chosen to exhibit their work. You can picnic in the gardens, taking a moment to soak up the tranquility of this outdoor sanctuary.
Step back in time at Jane Austen’s House
Slightly further afield but well worth the trip if you’re a literary fanatic, Jane Austen’s House is situated in Chawton. It was in this very house that one of the world’s best-loved novelists Jane Austen published all six of her cherished novels including Pride and Prejudice. Follow in Jane’s footsteps, discovering her daily life and admiring artefacts from the museum’s unmatched collection.
Have a spa day at Norton Park
Rejuvenate your mind, body and soul with a spa day at Norton Park, located north of Winchester. Nestled in a blissful 54 acres of lush parkland, the elegant 16th century manor house promises an idyllic place to unwind. Make the most of the spa’s leisure facilities which include a sauna and steam room or let the therapists work their magic with one of their indulgent treatments.
Head for the heights with a high ropes course
Hampshire is truly magnificent from the ground but up high pitches unparalleled views. Thanks to Geronigo, you can experience it all with a high-ropes adventure. Head for the treetops to conquer a fun yet demanding aerial assault course, complete with tightropes, traverse rope bridges and climb ladders. End the experience in style with a 100m zipline.
Get ready for a striking day out at Hollywood Bowl
If bowling is up your alley, Hollywood Bowl is the perfect place to create some happy memories with loved ones. With 20 hi-tech lanes to bowl along, an American-themed diner, a relaxing bar and a buzzing amusement area, this centre really does have it all.
Free things to do
The great thing about Winchester is you don’t have to break the bank in order to have a fun day out. Here we’ve rounded up some of our favourite free activities in the heart of the city.
- Wander along the River Itchen. Stroll along the River Itchen and within seconds, you’ll feel instantly at peace. The various paths will lead you to some of the city’s most charming old properties, notable statues and monuments.
- Walk around Winchester’s winding streets. There’s a discovery to be made at every corner of Winchester’s streets from beautiful architecture to an eclectic mix of independent and established stores.
- Explore College Street. For excellent views, set your sights on College Street. Behold the medieval wall that encloses the cathedral precincts and the remains of a bishop’s palace.
- Wander the ruins of Wolvesey Castle. Widely regarded as one of the best free things to do in Winchester, English Heritage’s Wolvesey Castle is what remains of the “Old Bishop’s Palace.” Serving as the main residence of the Bishops of Winchester during the Middle Ages, you’re free to tour the castle which is open daily April to October.
- Discover the Winchester City Mill. A rare survival of a working corn mill, Winchester City Mill is powered by the River Itchen. Now a tourist attraction, the site provides a unique opportunity to see one of Britain’s only urban otter populations.
- Hike South Downs. Winchester City Mill has the official gateway to the South Downs Way, a 100-mile path and bridleway stretching all the way to Eastbourne. Head out on a hike and immerse yourself in the undulating chalk hills and take note of the numerous points of interest along the way.
- Immerse yourself in the beauty of St Catherine’s Hill. Frequently considered to have one of the best views in the city, St Catherine’s Hill is a 58-hectare nature reserve. Brimming with stunning wild flowers, there’s over 25 different species of butterflies here.
- Browse the shops in The Square. Home to some of Winchester’s best retailers, you don’t have to spend money to soak up the atmospheric buzz of this spot. Simply admire all the buildings that have stood the test of time.
- Soak up some culture at The Minster Gallery. A small but popular creative space, the Minster Gallery is free to enter. Showcasing artwork from various British “core” artists, the gallery also hosts one-off exhibitions for acclaimed international artists and up-and-coming British talent.
- Say hello to Alfred. Unsurprisingly Winchester is home to an extensive collection of statues including the most famous of Anglo-Saxon kings, King Alfred. You can see his statue at the end of Winchester High Street and marvel at the man who strongly defended the Kingdom of Wessex against the threat of the Vikings.
- Enjoy a treasure hunt trail. If you’re looking for a treasure hunt that’ll take you past some of the city’s most enchanting hidden gems that you may have otherwise missed, this is it. Visitors can download a free, specially-designed trail that’ll challenge you to uncover the location of buried treasure.
- Educate yourself at Winchester Discovery Centre. A library, exhibition space, art gallery and performance venue all rolled into one, the Winchester Discovery Centre really does have something for everyone. With a diverse programme of events on offer, it’s worth checking out.
- Follow the unique story of the Gurkhas. Taking you on a journey through Gurkha history, the Gurkha Museum begins with their Nepalese origins before tracking the over 200 year relationship between the Gurkhas and the British Armed Forces.
- Reconnect with nature at Winnall Moors Nature Reserve. A stone’s throw from the city centre, the 64-acre Winnall Moors Nature Reserve is an idyllic grassland. The 5-mile walking route features reed beds, small streams and is a haven for wildlife.
- Go up St Giles’ Hill for a view of the city. For a unique vantage point of the city, St Giles’ Hill overlooks the high street, Cathedral and Burma. Although the hill is a little steep, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views at the top.
- Get into the holiday spirit at the iconic Christmas markets. One of the UK’s most popular Christmas markets, you don’t have to spend anything to soak up the festivities. Simply browse the stalls and you’ll feel the spirit of the holiday season in seconds.
- Reflect on your time in Winchester at Saint Lawrence Church. The only surviving parish church of the Norman foundation in Winchester, St Lawrence is a haven of peace and offers an escape from the city’s vibrant centre.
- Make your way around Westgate Museum. Uncover the city’s Tudor and Stuart past in the beautifully refurbished Westgate Museum, the last of the main medieval gates into the city.
- Inspect a Site of Special Scientific Interest. North of Winchester, the Common hosts an array of wildlife including the largest recorded population of the rare great crested newt.
Frequently asked questions
Do you have to pay to visit Winchester Cathedral?
Winchester Cathedral is not free to enter, charging £9.95 for adults, £8.00 for concessions, students £6.50 with children under 16 (if with family) free. The cathedral defends the fee as a way to help defray maintenance and running costs.
What is the oldest street in Winchester?
Jewry Street is allegedly the oldest street in Winchester, believed to have come into existence in the late 9th century. Back in the day, many major ecclesiastical monuments were built here including the Cathedral.
