Saturday 25 May – Sunday 2 June
Need some inspiration for May half term family days out? Look no further than the historic city of Winchester for a week of family fun. Discover all the best days out in the area bound to entertain both parents and kids!
Winchester is easy to reach by rail and coach. Just an hour from London, it’s ideally placed for a day out (or a short break). Once you’ve arrived, moving around on foot is the perfect way explore this historic city. Our getting here page has details on how you can book your train tickets.
Take a trip back in time to 878 AD with the new immersive experience transporting you to Alfred the Great’s victory over the Vikings. 878 AD is a pioneering collaboration between the heritage sector, the gaming industry and technology innovators, creating a history-defying audio-visual projection and live interactive performance. Winchester’s Anglo-Saxon history will be brought to life before your very eyes.
If you purchase their ‘super explorer ticket’ it will allow you to visit all four historic attractions in the city centre (878 AD, City Museum, The Great Hall and Westgate Museum plus you can visit as many times as you like within a year!
Step further into the medieval history of the city at Winchester Cathedral, where located in the South Transept is the Kings & Scribes exhibition which traces the story of Winchester Cathedral from its Anglo-Saxon origins to the present day.
If you visit between 27 – 30 May you will be able to see The Misericords as they will be lifted on the morning of 27 May and you’ll be able to see the exquisitely carved ledges that once allowed the monks of St Swithun’s Priory to perch, half sitting and half standing, during their long hours of worship. Please note that you will need to visit before 4.00pm on 30 May to see them.
Book your annual pass online, saving you time on the day so you have more time to explore this great cathedral.
Mysteries & Mayhem at Winchester Science Centre is on until 3 June. Join in the fun at the Science Spy School live show and help use light to uncover the secrets contained in the mystery safe. Plus you can put your forensic skills to the test in an indoor and outdoor Hide and Seek activity trail.
On 26 May the ever popular movie night is back where the original Karate Kid will play out under the stars of the Planetarium.
Did you know that you can save 25% on general admission by booking 7 or more days in advance.
You don’t want to miss the Day Out with Thomas at The Watercress Line, running from 25 May until 2 June. Take a train ride with Thomas, meet some of your favourite characters and join Sodor Station Sweepers, Rusty & Dusty, for a trainload of excitement and activities. Your ticket gives you access to the railway for the whole day, so come early and enjoy unlimited travel on the big trains, fun-size rides on the miniature railway, vintage fairground rides, and more! All aboard? Book your tickets here.
Marwell Zoo is home to hundreds of animals on a beautiful 140-acre park, it’s your chance to get close to the natural wonders of the world in the heart of Hampshire’s countryside. Have a read of the Zoo News before your visit, where you can find all the latest updates, including any new furry friends arriving in time for your visit.
Book your family tickets online to save up to £40 with their amazing 5 for £85 offer (terms and conditions apply).
Cheese and Chilli FestivalThe Cheese and Chilli Festival returns on 1-2 June at the North Walls Recreation Ground. Returning for its 9th year, the line-up is full of festival favourites including cooking demonstrations, taste tents, circus performers, live music, and chilli-eating competitions are just a few of the fabulous festivities to get your tastebuds tingling. Even better – kids enter free! Click here to find out what else is in store and pre-book your tickets.
For a greener way to travel, have a look at the Stagecoach Bus timetable.
For visits to Winchester Science Centre, see the 64 from Winchester to Alton, stopping at the Science Centre.
For visits to The Watercress Line, see the 64 from Winchester to Alton, stopping at Alton Station, then pick up Watercress Line from Platform 3 (where you can also purchase your tickets).
For visits to Marwell Zoo, if you’re travelling via Bluestar Z00 or Stagecoach 69 you can get £11 zoo tickets! See their website for further details.
