Open each evening from 10 until 18 February, where Middle Brook Street and Kings Walk will be filled twinkly lights, stars, planets, swirling galaxies and even the Northern Lights.
Access to see the lights is free of charge, the best time to see the lights will be after night falls, but daytime visitors will still be able to enjoy the planetary installations.
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Winchester has plenty of opportunities to create a whole galactic day out. Space enthusiasts or those looking to immerse themselves in all things science should visit the Winchester Science Centre, just outside the city. Once in the city, head into the Visitor Information Centre and complete a colouring in sheet or the child-friendly quiz. You could also visit Hearth at the Arc, or Festival of the Moon at Winchester Cathedral. The city and district also boast exceptional outdoor spaces for stargazing.
Festival of the Moon art installation by artist Luke Jerram is coming to Winchester Cathedral from 5 February until 18 February and is included with admission. Wander the majestic nave by moonlight and feel amazed by this breath-taking installation. There is the rare opportunity to visit the cathedral at night on Monday 12 February. Why not book the Silent Disco for families on Saturday 17 February to dance away under the stars for a couple of hours.
🚀 Discover out-of-this-world science at Winchester Science CentreBetween Saturday 27th January and Monday 19th February, there’ll be all the usual Science Centre fun, plus even more to excite all ages with the return of Zero Degrees – and it’s all included with admission.
Plus over in the Planetarium, space adventurers will blast off into the stars in the exciting presenter-led show, Beyond the Moon. Families will fly around the solar system learning more about the constellations, planets and moons that surround us as they go. And in Astronaut, a subtitled film show, visitors will find out what it takes to become a real-life spaceman.
The Amazing Bubble Man is back on 11 February, followed by the award-winning Encore Youth Theatre’s 2024 production of Guys and Dolls is brought to life by “talent personified in ‘youth sized’ packages of brilliance”.
Next door at The Arc, kids from 3 – 8 years can construct their adorable snail companion during The Sensory Sock Snail workshop taking place on 13 and 15 February.
The Arc is also the hub for COWfest 2024 (The Children of Winchester Festival) on 10 February. There are free activities for babies, toddlers and parents. Everything from baby massage sessions to story time and exciting & creative competitions across the city. There is also has an onsite café at The Arc that caters for the family.
☕ Experience Winchester’s café culture in The SquareWinchester is known for an extraordinary variety of family-friendly independent cafes and restaurants to keep all taste buds very happy. If patrons eat at The Square, the City Museum is a few steps away. Visitors can take advantage of the Winchester Trio Ticket which also covers their entrance to The Westgate Museum and 878 AD and is valid for a full year.
Explorers at 878AD can take part in the half term event ‘Bready, Set, Dough’ to help the townsfolk prepare for a feast fit for King Alfred!
Other historic venues within easy reach of Winchester are Chawton House where you can visit their current exhibition: Treasures of Chawton House and stroll around their fabulous garden and parkland.
For those in love with nature, the famous Natural History pioneer Gilbert White’s House and Gardens are blooming with and activities this half-term. Plus they celebrates snow drops with half price admission on the 10 and 11 of February.
Nature lovers can also visit Marwell Zoo too where lots of little animal babies are being born just before the spring. Take advantage of their special offer – 30 days of FREE visits with every ticket booked online via their website. Offer starts on January 1 and is valid for all tickets bought until February 23.
Winchester is surrounded by beautiful market towns and countryside so holiday makers could have plenty to occupy them on a mini-break in a cosy family-friendly inn or self-catering space with the kids. Parents can rest easy whether it comes with a spa treat at Holiday Inn Winchester or watching the little ones play in the dedicated play room at Wallops Wood Cottages, perfect for families to enjoy a break together.
As the cost of living rises, the government has extended the £2 single fare price cap on most routes, helping families to save money and make greener travel choices. The offer runs until June 2024.
Visitors can get details here:
