Winchester offers an array of artistic inspiration for a weekend away.
Whether you have young children to keep entertained, are looking for something romantic, want to enjoy activities as a group or are looking for something altogether different, look no further.
Fantastic for families
While away the hours at the Arc. Whether you want to spend a few hours reading a book in the library, grab a bite to eat in the café, take in some fantastic art in a gallery or enjoy a family friendly performance or workshop, the Arc is a great way to start your artistic family visit to Winchester!
The Nutshell regularly host family friendly theatre shows, from jazz and opera for babies to incredible puppetry and home-grown productions featuring local talent. Check their website to see what’s on and plan your trip.
Pizza Express is the perfect pit stop for families of all sizes. Their kids’ menu offers three courses of delicious food (Dough Balls, pizza, pasta or salad, dessert and Bambinoccino) for £8.50! Alongside their delicious pizza and pasta ranges are a selection of wines, beers, cocktails and mocktails to suit any taste.
At voco Winchester Hotel & Spa, up to two children under 18 can stay for free when sharing their parents' room, and children under 13 eat free from the children's menu when dining with their family. Rest your heads on a comfy bed and get 40 winks before heading off on your next adventure.
The next day head over to BellaCrafts for daily craft activities, browse the charming shop full of crafty treasures and under 5's can have fun in the soft play area. You can also tuck into yummy lunch, brunch and cakes from their Tea Rooms.
Perfect for couples
Spend your morning browsing Winchester’s delightful selection of art shops and galleries - The Minster Gallery shows figurative and abstract paintings and sculpture by contemporary British and international artists. Castle Fine Art have an ever-expanding portfolio of limited edition prints, original artworks and sculptures. The Winchester Gallery host a continuous programme of temporary exhibitions and related activities, inviting interaction with artists and the artistic process, creating opportunities for dialogue about issues and ideas that affect us all.
For lunch, head to Jewry Street which has everything from New York pizza to Japanese Teppanyaki. From there make your way across to the Theatre Royal Winchester and catch a matinee performance - theatre, comedy, dance are often on offer, or head across to the Railway Inn for an evening of music and merriment.
Pre or post-performance head to Cabinet Rooms for classic cocktails, wines, coffee & tea in a relaxed, traditional setting. They make all their own cakes, run special art and tasting events, have a secret cinema and are the brains behind Cocktail Week!
Spend a romantic night at Hotel Du Vin, a quintessential boutique hotel nestled in the heart of Winchester. A charming Georgian building where every room is individual and unique. Alternatively, head over to Lainston House, a beautiful heritage bricked house that greets you atop a long avenue of lime trees. The Avenue restaurant crafts culinary delights in an elegant dining room, The Wellhouse serves aromatic creations uniquely cooked on woodfire and smokers, and the walled kitchen garden, provides much of the produce that appears on your plate!
After a great night’s sleep and a delicious breakfast, head across to Winchester Makers for a silversmithing workshop, learn to make a pendant, bangle or ring. You can even spend some time making your own wedding rings if you have upcoming nuptials.
After your workshop, head through the cathedral grounds and make your way to Kingsgate Village. Here you will discover a selection of independent shops selling prints, art, gifts, one of the oldest bookshops in the country, P&G Wells, and traditional British pub, featuring an open fireplace, The Wykeham Arms.
Ideal for groups
Get a group together and head across to The Colour Factory Studios, a vibrant, creative not-for-profit organisation based in the heart of Winchester. The Studios are home to five independent artists, and they host a selection of workshops in a variety of creative subjects – painting, silversmithing, copper sculpting, mixed media and more!
Winchester plays host a wide variety of events and festivals throughout the year, from food to music, performance to poetry and everything in between. Check our festivals and what’s on pages to find the best fit for your group.
In the evening, why not head over to Overdraft for beer, cocktails and Tacos. Resident DJs play every Friday and Saturday, spinning an eclectic range of funk, soul, hip hop and beyond. Private hire is also available if there are more than 15 of you!
After dinner and drinks, head over to Avington Estate where you can choose between a variety of houses and lodges which sleep 6 people. Kitted out with bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, decks and firepits, and surrounded by beautiful countryside, it’s the perfect location to relax and unwind before your next exciting day.
Taking on a group activity with Experience Hampshire is the perfect way to round out your visit to Winchester. Activities on offer include (but are not limited to): private cookery lessons with a celebrity chef, willow weaving, pottery painting, sea shanty singing, perfumery, chocolate making, jazz events, photography classes; there are over 220 experiences, with something for everyone!
Great for experience seekers
Spend the day at Design Junction, an artistic adventure across two inspiring floors. Upstairs, dive into a pottery studio, where you can learn the art of glazing and throwing your own unique ceramic pieces. Then, head downstairs to the tufting studio, where your imagination takes shape as you design your very own cosy rug.
At Incognito, cocktails are more than drinks — they’re performances. From cascading fogs to edible illusions, each serve is a multi-sensory spectacle crafted to astonish. This isn’t just mixology — it’s cocktail alchemy, redefined.
Then, head out of the city to a secluded meadow surrounded by an ancient bluebell wood, and find the Huts and Tiny Houses at Wallops Wood. Cleverly designed and beautifully decorated with a vintage touch; they have wood-burning stoves to cook on and keep you warm, snug beds with deluxe linen, and everything you need for a relaxing and memorable holiday!
The next day, take an unforgettable vineyard and winery tour at Hambledon, where you’ll explore the stunning estate, go behind-the-scenes in the winery and enjoy a tutored tasting of three of their award-winning sparkling wines in their beautiful Tasting Room.
Looking for a twist on the traditional?
- An escape room within otherwise inaccessible areas of the Hospital of St Cross?
- A silent disco at the iconic Winchester Cathedral?
- A murder mystery at the Great Hall?
Many of our venues offer unique experiences, check our what’s on pages and start planning your trip now!
