Things to do in Winchester
Winchester offers an array of activities, blending historical charm with modern attractions. From iconic landmarks to scenic countryside, there’s plenty to explore both in and around the city.
Wander through Winchester's medieval streets, soaking in the rich history of landmarks like Winchester Cathedral, the impressive Wolvesey Castle, and the Winchester City Mill. Afterward, take a peaceful stroll along the River Itchen, leading to the picturesque Hospital of St Cross. For your evening entertainment, Winchester’s cultural quarter is perfect for a night of theatre, ballet, or opera.
Consider extending your stay to fully enjoy the beautiful countryside and quaint villages surrounding Winchester. Whether you’re seeking an active getaway or a romantic weekend, the area has something for everyone. Explore the scenic trails of the South Downs National Park, either by bike or on foot, where you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Hampshire landscape.
For family-friendly fun, venture outside the city. Fort Nelson, a unique Victorian fort with the Royal Armouries’ collection of artillery, offers a fascinating (and free) day out. Take a nostalgic trip on the Mid Hants Railway, a restored steam train that stops at the charming market town of Alresford. Animal lovers can head to Marwell Zoo and meet an array of exotic creatures from across the globe.
Whether you’re drawn to history, culture, or the great outdoors, Winchester and its surroundings promise an unforgettable experience.
Things to do in Winchester for Adults and Families
Start with Winchester Cathedral
Visiting Winchester Cathedral is like stepping into fifteen centuries of English ecclesiastical history. Once the heart of Anglo-Saxon England’s royal church, it was later rebuilt by the Normans and evolved into the grand structure seen today. Don’t miss the Winchester Bible, a stunning 12th-century manuscript renowned as the finest surviving English Bible.
Visit The Great Hall and Other Historic Buildings
Though much of Winchester Castle is gone, its Great Hall remains, celebrated as one of the finest aisled halls from the 13th century. Inside, you'll find the legendary King Arthur’s Round Table, though it was later dated to the 13th century. Also, visit the Hospital of St Cross, a medieval almshouse set in beautiful grounds, featuring a Norman church and Tudor cloister.
Discover Winchester’s Landmarks
Winchester’s streets are filled with historic landmarks. Spot the bronze statue of King Alfred the Great, who made Winchester his capital. Look for the City Cross (Butter Cross), a 15th-century monument with figures like King Alfred and William of Wykeham.
Explore the Forts
Climb St Catherine’s Hill for panoramic views of Winchester and its surroundings. The hill features the ramparts of an Iron Age fort and Norman remains. For a more expansive Iron Age fort experience, head to Danebury Hill Fort near Nether Wallop.
Discover the Legend of St Swithun
Winchester is home to the story of St Swithun, a bishop whose name is associated with the weather. Legend says that if it rains on St Swithun’s Day (July 15), it will continue for 40 days. His shrine once attracted medieval pilgrims, though today a modern memorial marks the spot in Winchester Cathedral where his remains lay.
Experience Poetry on a Scenic Walk
Take the Keats’ Walk and immerse yourself in the natural beauty that inspired Romantic poet John Keats. In September 1819, Keats composed his famous ode, "To Autumn," while staying in Winchester. This peaceful two-mile trail highlights key locations that moved him, and you can download a map to guide you along this poetic journey.
Discover Winchester’s Literary Icon, Jane Austen
Jane Austen, one of England’s most beloved authors, was buried in Winchester Cathedral at the age of 41. Initially, her gravestone didn’t mention her literary contributions, but a brass plaque and memorial window were later added. Thousands of visitors now come to see her grave. A short drive from Winchester, in Chawton, lies Jane Austen’s House Museum, where she lived and wrote her famous novels. You can also follow the Winchester Jane Austen trail by downloading a guide that highlights key locations connected to her life.
Explore Famous Film and TV Locations
Winchester’s historic beauty has attracted filmmakers for major productions. The city is prominently featured in the BBC’s 2015 series Wolf Hall, as well as in the film adaptation of Les Misérables. Winchester City Council and the Tourist Guides Association have launched several tours, including the Winchester Tudor Trail, allowing fans to explore filming locations from these popular shows and films.
Enjoy a Night at the Theatre
The Theatre Royal Winchester has a rich history. It was originally built as a hotel in 1850 before being transformed into a theatre in 1914. It stands as the only surviving cine-variety theatre in the UK, after narrowly escaping demolition in the 1970s. Today, the theatre hosts a diverse program, including drama, music, dance, comedy, children's shows, and pantomime, as well as contributing to the annual Winchester Hat Fair. Additionally, Blue Apple Theatre, founded in 2005, gives individuals with learning disabilities the chance to perform. With two to three productions each year, it's worth checking their schedule during your visit.
Take Part in Winchester's Celebrated Festivals
Winchester is home to several lively festivals, including the Hat Fair, the UK’s longest-running outdoor arts festival. Founded in 1974 as a busking event, it now showcases a broad range of performances across the city each July, in association with the Theatre Royal Winchester. Beyond the Hat Fair, Winchester’s festival calendar includes events celebrating film, fashion, and food. Nearby, the market town of Alresford hosts the Watercress Festival each May, paying homage to the area’s famous crop with a day of food stalls, cooking demonstrations, and entertainment.
Bar-Hopping in Winchester
If you're after a unique wine experience, The Black Bottle offers the novelty of buying wine by the glass via a vending machine! Simply load money onto a card (provided for free), browse through the wine selection on an iPad, and choose from 32 different wines. Each glass is served at its ideal temperature, and if one becomes a favourite, you can purchase a full bottle to take home. Their sister pub, The Black Boy, provides a completely different vibe with its backstreet-boozer feel and quirky collection of art and taxidermy. Focusing on real ale from local brewers, this is the perfect spot to enjoy a pint in front of a crackling fire or outside in the garden, depending on the season.
For a classic pub experience, head to St James Tavern (or "SJT")—a self-proclaimed “proper pub” offering a solid range of traditional beers and hosting themed food nights, such as pie or curry nights. Beer lovers will also appreciate The Queen Inn, which boasts its very own microbrewery. If you’re after a blend of coffee and wine, check out Black, White, Red, owned by former England Rugby captain Chris Robshaw, where you can indulge in both.
For the Gin Lovers!
If gin is more your thing, the Bombay Sapphire Gin Distillery, located just outside Winchester, provides a deep dive into the gin-making process. Explore the distillery’s ten botanicals housed in beautiful glasshouses at Laverstoke Mill, where you’ll learn about their Vapour Infusion process that gives Bombay Sapphire its unique flavor. Afterward, visit the Botanical Dry Room, and wrap up your visit with a complimentary gin cocktail at the Mill Bar beside the River Test. The distillery itself has a fascinating history as a former paper mill that produced banknotes for over 200 years, which you can learn about during your visit.
Savour the Gourmet Scene
For fine dining, start with the Michelin-starred Black Rat, part of the same group that runs The Black Boy and The Black Bottle. Their seasonal menu highlights local produce, often sourced from their kitchen garden, while keeping a relaxed, informal atmosphere. Another standout is The Chesil Rectory, housed in a stunning Grade II-listed medieval building, making it a perfect spot for a romantic evening with an award-winning menu showcasing Hampshire's best ingredients.
For a more casual yet charming experience, visit The Old Vine, located in an 18th-century building where you can enjoy meals from breakfast to dinner. The Kyoto Kitchen brings authentic Japanese cuisine, with excellent sushi and sashimi. Alternatively, just outside Winchester, you’ll find The Bugle Inn in the picturesque village of Twyford, offering gourmet pub food and comfortable accommodation.
Visit Europe’s Biggest Farmers' Market
Every fortnight on Sundays, Winchester hosts Europe's largest farmers' market. With more than 80 producers offering local meats, dairy, and baked goods, it’s a food lover’s paradise. Check Winchester City Council's list for other markets happening throughout the city for a full shopping experience.
Go Shopping in Winchester
Winchester’s High Street offers all the big-name brands, but for something unique, explore the independent shops on St George’s Street or Parchment Street. If you're in the mood for high-end shopping in a quaint setting, Kingsgate Village is a must-see. This charming area, with its historic buildings, is perfect for those who love a blend of heritage and boutique shopping.
Things to do in Winchester for Children
Experience the Magic of Christmas in Winchester
Winchester’s Christmas Market has become a must-visit destination since its inception in 2006. Held in the beautiful grounds of Winchester Cathedral, this market features charming wooden chalets inspired by traditional German Christmas markets. Visitors can also enjoy an open-air ice rink that adds to the festive atmosphere. Running from late November to just before Christmas, the market is accompanied by a series of carol concerts, some of which are free. For more details on Winchester's Christmas events, including lights and shopping, the Christmas in Winchester hub is your go-to resource.
Go Wild in the Countryside
A short drive from Winchester brings you to the famous Marwell Zoo, where you can experience a slice of Africa in Hampshire. The zoo, run by Marwell Wildlife, spans 140 acres and is home to hundreds of animals, including giraffes, snow leopards, and tigers. It's an ideal family destination, featuring three adventure playgrounds and a train that takes you around the park. Marwell Zoo also offers helpful tips for visitors planning their day to ensure you get the most out of your experience. For a more local wildlife encounter, head to Winnall Moors Nature Reserve, where rare dragonflies and birds can be spotted.
Explore a National Park
Winchester is a gateway to the sweeping beauty of the South Downs National Park. Whether you're an avid walker or cyclist, the South Downs Way offers a fantastic 100-mile trail that starts in Winchester and stretches all the way to the white cliffs of Eastbourne. As the only National Trail entirely within a National Park, it offers a perfect escape into nature, with stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife along the way.
Discover Winchester’s Waterways
For a relaxing day out, explore the Itchen Navigation Heritage Trail. Originally built for transporting coal and timber by barge, this trail now offers picturesque towpaths ideal for walking and spotting local wildlife. You can cover parts of the 30-mile route and rely on buses or trains to return to your starting point. Don’t miss the Winchester City Mill, a working watermill run by the National Trust, where you can watch the waterwheel in action and buy freshly milled flour. With a history dating back to Saxon times, the mill was even owned by Henry VIII at one point. For something more unusual, visit Twyford Waterworks on one of its special open days in summer and explore this Edwardian pumping station.
Dive into Winchester’s Heritage at a Museum
Start at the City Museum, where you can trace Winchester’s history from Iron Age origins to the present day. The Westgate Museum offers great views from its rooftop, while Winchester’s military history is honoured in museums like the Royal Green Jackets Museum and The Gurkha Museum. For family fun, visit the Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium, packed with interactive exhibits.
Winchester combines rich history with natural beauty, offering something for everyone—from historic landmarks and cultural sites to scenic outdoor trails and family-friendly attractions.
Spot All 19 Bollards
In Winchester’s city square, colourful bollards feature designs inspired by iconic artists like Klimt, Picasso, and Hockney. Installed as part of a public art project in 2005, these decorated bollards add a playful, artistic touch to the city’s streets.