Family fun in Winchester this summer

22nd July 2011

Winchester is bursting with fun this summer and is the perfect destination for families planning on staying in England for their holidays. There’s a wealth of activities and events to entertain visitors from watching the magic of Kipling's ‘Jungle Book’ Theatre Production at Marwell Wildlife Park to riding with 'Thomas the Tank Engine’ and his friends 'Diesel' and 'Henry'! Further events are listed below and more can be found online at www.visitwinchester.co.uk. 

A visit to Marwell Wildlife Park (28 July - 27August) this summer holiday will have families watching and learning about more than 200 species of animals including the rare Snow Leopard, Red Panda and the critically endangered Alaotran Gentle Lemur.

• From 28 July until 3 August visitors can check out the resident Meerkats’ new home near Café Graze and enjoy some animal magic as these cute creatures get up to their usual mischief.

• From 14 to 27 August (excluding 22 August) guests to Marwell Wildlife Park will be treated to the magic of Kipling's ‘Jungle Book’ Theatre Production set in a truly unique location. Join ‘Mowgli’ as he travels with his friends ‘Baloo’ and ‘Bagheera’ on a quest to discover the secret of man’s red flower, closely followed by ‘Shere Khan’ the Tiger.
Prices (July) Adult: £16, Child: £12; (August) Adult: £18, Child: £14 www.marwell.org.uk.
Artbox Summer Art (1 - 5 August) is a fun and imaginative workshop where children can make fantastic and original creations to take home. Would-be artists can show off their creative flair and make fabulous cloth cupcakes, funky felt jewellery, designer aprons and crazy crockery! The Colourfactory run the workshops from 9.30am – 12.20pm. Ages 8 to 14 years £18 per session www.thecolourfactory.org.uk.

Day Out With Thomas (6 - 14 August) is the last chance to see ‘Thomas’ and friends at the Watercress Line this summer. Fans can travel all day behind large steam engines such as ‘Thomas’, 'Henry', ‘Diesel’ and 'Murdoch'. Passengers can board the train at either Alton or Alresford to ride with ‘Thomas’, ‘Percy’ and ‘Toad’, meet ‘Sir Topham Hatt’ and ‘The Fat Controller’, enjoy live entertainment with Mr. Wizard Shows and free face painting. Adult £16, Child £10 www.watercressonline.co.uk.

This summer children will love exploring Winchester Cathedral (9- 18 August), the world-famous medieval cathedral known for its hidden treasures and spectacular architecture. As well as a fun and educational children’s trail throughout the year there will be the following creative arts and design workshops throughout August:
• 9 August – Making banners – 10am-12noon
• 11 August – Making embossed photo frames – 10am-12noon
• 16 August – Making secret boxes & secret books – 10am-12noon
• 18 August – Making Masks – 10am – 12noon
Activities are aimed at children aged between 7 and 14 years old. All workshops are £2 per child and include a drink and biscuit. www.winchestercathedral-org.uk.

At Hinton Ampner Family Fun Day (14 August) guests can explore the beautiful setting of Hinton Ampner House and Garden. There will be amazing falconry displays and face painting aswell as a family trail that encourages visitors to explore the magnificent gardens and enjoy stunning views to the south. Families can bring their own picnic or buy one from the Tea Room. Open from 10am - 5pm. Free event (normal admission charges apply) www.nationaltrust.org.uk.

Teddy Bears Picnic (29 August) at Lainston House will be a fabulous afternoon of music and fun for all the family at this charming 17th Century property set in beautiful Hampshire parkland. Visitors can relax and enjoy delicious afternoon tea as well as garden games, creative arts and crafts. Guests will also be wowed by the impressive resident birds of prey display. Doors open at 3pm and afternoon tea served at 5pm. Free event www.lainstonhouse.co.uk.  

Hidden Heroes Trail (Running all year) is a fun trail at the Great Hall in Winchester Castle that kids can follow to discover more about historic heroes such as ‘Robin Hood’ and ‘King Arthur’. There are many other important figures to learn about along the way, making it a great day out as well as being exciting and educational. Admission is free; trail packs cost 50p with a prize for each completed trail. http://www3.hants.gov.uk/greathall.
 
The Winchester City Museum and Westgate Museum (Running all year) are packed with  fun activities designed for children to have fun viewing the exhibits and learning from them. There are Spotter quizzes, encouraging kids to identify the artefacts on display, colouring stations, brass rubbing, and a wardrobe busting with costumes to try on from the Roman, Saxon, Tudor and Edwardian periods. The brass rubbing at Westgate Museum costs £2 - £6. www.winchester.gov.uk/heritage.

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