Visit Winchester > Blog > 5 things to do this week in the Winchester district (23 Apr – 1 May)
5 things to do this week in the Winchester district (23 Apr – 1 May)
Are you looking for inspiration on what to do this week in the Winchester district and beyond? Here are our top 5 things…
1.Be captivated by the Chamber Music Festival (28 Apr – 1 May 2022)
Winchester Chamber Music Festival
A vibrant and eagerly anticipated event on Hampshire’s cultural calendar, Winchester Chamber Music Festival features the acclaimed London Bridge Trio and guest artists. The LBT cellist, Kate Gould, is the Festival’s Artistic Director. Since its foundation in 2007 the Festival has grown and become more ambitious in its programming whilst staying true to bringing top quality chamber music to as wide an audience as possible.
Events will take place in various locations within Winchester including Theatre Royal Winchester, The Arc, Winchester College Music School, St Paul’s Church and The Nutshell.
Photo of House with people outside
2. Walk in Jane Austen’s footsteps with the Chawton Village Walk (30 Apr)
This fun, relaxed guided walk will take you back in time, to discover the village Jane Austen knew and loved. Walk in Jane’s footsteps and learn about her love of nature, village life, houses and views she knew, and the importance of village life in shaping her writing. Throughout the walk, short readings from Austen’s letters and novels will bring her world to life.
3. See the hilarious H.M.S Pinafore(21-28 Apr)
HMS Pinafore presented by Regan De Wynter Williams
The award-winning team that previously brought you The Pirates of Penzance and Iolanthe take you below deck, where World War II troops set out a distraction from the goings on above board, with Gilbert and Sullivan’s fourth collaboration and first blockbuster: HMS Pinafore, or The Lass That Loved a Sailor, H.M.S. Pinafore.
With infectious tunes and a beautifully constructed libretto it deals with the age-old conundrum of love between social classes.
Joyful, witty and fun for all the family!
4. Cycle along the Viaduct Way and enjoy a pit stop at the HandleBar Cafe
(c) Gilbert Yates Photography
Walk or cycle along Winchester’s restored historic railway
Opened in 1891, the Hockley Viaduct was part of the Didcot to Southampton railway.
It closed to passengers in 1960, and to freight in 1966 as part of the national programme of closures proposed by Dr Richard Beeching.
The viaduct has now been repaired to begin a new life as part of the National Cycle Route Network Route 23, for walkers and cyclists to enjoy. Take the Viaduct Way and enjoy some scenic views from a lovingly restored landmark.
Look out for new interpretive artwork by Nicola Henshaw that reflects the history of Hockley Viaduct and marks the restoration of Viaduct Way using wood and other media.
The Handlebar Café is a community cafe and small bike workshop on the Viaduct Cycle Path at the foot of St Catherine’s Hill, south of Winchester.
Designed to look like railway carriages it sits on the old Didcot to Southampton Railway line.
Come and enjoy an amazing array of gorgeous cakes, teacakes, healthy snacks; as well as locally sourced sausage rolls, pies and pastries plus vegetarian and vegan options, all topped off with their triple certified coffee, tea or cold drinks. They also stock Jude’s Ice cream and much more! They offer healthy breakfasts of porridge, yoghurts with granolas, along with our very popular bacon rolls.
5. Meander along the Wickham Water Meadows
Naturally formed water meadows form a tranquil oasis in the middle of the village, offering a peaceful place to walk, picnic or simply spend some time by the water’s edge.
A picnic area is situated by the water meadows to allow you to take in the scenery before returning to The Square for refreshments.
