Animals and nature

 From meerkats and red pandas to snow leopards and rhinos, Marwell Wildlife is home to over 250 species of animal. It houses the largest collection of hoofed animals in the UK, seven different species of cat and popular favourites like giraffes, pygmy hippos and meerkats. A visit to this world-famous zoological park, set in 140 acres of beautiful Hampshire countryside is both fun and educational with something for everyone. See giraffe, zebra, waterbuck and ostrich roaming wild in the newly opened African Valley. Discover the secrets of the rainforest in Tropical World. Marvel at wallabies and kookaburra on the Australian Bush Walk. Dive beneath the surface with the underwater views in Penguin World. Experience the wonders of South East Asia with their new home for Siamang gibbons

Make your way to the top of St Giles' Hill. Offering idyllic bird's eye views over the city, this is a great spot for picnics, playing ball games and flying kites.

Winchester is near to several country parks and nature reserves including the Yew Hill Farm Butterfly Reserve, Winnall Moors, or you can follow in the tracks of Hazel, Fiver and Bigwig at the scenic Downlands - the inspiration for Richard Adams' much loved book Watership Down. In the centre of the city there is a much-loved children's play area in the public Abbey Gardens, with space to picnic and plenty of ducks to feed.