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Have a right royal half term in the Winchester district

City Walk advert
City Walk advert

Celebrate the Jubilee at Winchester Cathedral

Steeped in royal history the glorious Winchester Cathedral is the perfect place to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. On Sunday 5 June walk through the nave of the cathedral and soak in the atmosphere as purple and gold lights shroud the space while popular hymns and royal ecclesiastical music play. Bring your family and friends and enjoy Jubilee themed activities including tours, crafts and more – why not explore the Royal Blood family trail and enrich your knowledge of Winchesters fascinating royal past.

String of Union Jack flags in front of Cathedral

A right royal trail to celebrate the Jubilee

Celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee as you explore Fort Nelson and discover the royal connections in their amazing collection of artillery. Before journeying along the Royal Trail be sure to make a crown or a sword and shield to take with you as you explore the massive Victorian Fort.

Aerial view of Fort Nelson

Catch a live show

This half term take the whole family for a fun filled trip to the theatre. Whether you enjoy a new twist on a classic tale like Oldilocks and the Three Bears at the ARC Winchester or Interg8 Dance’s interpretation of Cinderella at the Theatre Royal Winchester, or some childrens TV favourites like Fireman Sam and Twirlywoos Live there is something for everyone. While visiting the ARC be sure to make some time to create a textile tree or to weave a survival bracelet.

Image of Twirlywoos

Create your Army rank insignia

You are warmly invited to delve into the collections at the Rifles Museum – one of the best Regimental Museums in the country. During your visit it’s time to craft badges feature either real army ranks or come up with your own design. There is so much to discover.

A Statue of Riffleman Harris holding his riffle inside the Royal Green Jackets (Rifles) Museum

Lights, camera, science

Visit the Winchester Science Centre before 3 July and be wowed by real magic as Harry Potter’s spells explode into life, discover how the famous Star Wars light-sabers can uncover the secrets of the light spectrum and be prepared for a spooky encounter with a special light demo that would leave Scooby Doo trembling in Lights, camera, science.

Science experiment

 Take a walk on the wild side

Take a walk on the wild side at Gilbert White’s House from 28 May until 5 June as you explore the beautiful gardens. Hunt for pictures of creatures from all over the world hidden around the garden and learn about the threats they face in the wild. Can you find them all?

Outside of Gilbert White and The Oates Collections

Explore a prehistoric walking safari

Step back in time at Marwell Zoo until 22 September and discover all your favourite dinosaurs in BRICKOSAURS! Evolution. Your favourite dinosaurs are showcased throughout the zoo sculpted from over 2million toy bricks. There are 55 dinosaurs to discover from 20 species leaving you in awe as you embark on this immersive adventure.

BRICKOSAURS! at Marwell Zoo

Have a day out with Thomas

Hop on the Watercress Line from 28 May until 5 June and take a ride on Thomas the Tank Engine. Thomas and his friends are there to pack your day with fun. Meet your favourite characters including Sodor Station Sweepers Rusty & Dusty for a trainload of excitement! Why not take a picnic and enjoy a brilliant day with Thomas and his friends.

Thomas the Tank Engine

Take a trip through time
Journey back in time at the Beaulieu National Motor Museum this half term. Delve into over 800 years of history, from medieval, Tudor and Victorian eras, to the early days of motoring and World War II, up to the latest James Bond gadgets and vehicles, you’ll be amazed by how many different time zones there are to explore.

Looking through an archway at Beaulieu

Celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Borrowers

The Borrowers are returning to Chawton House – the ideal home for this much loved family. Mary Norton’s much-loved children’s book The Borrowers is celebrating the seventieth anniversary of its publication and what better place to celebrate. Imagine what life would be like if you were only five inches tall with the Borrower experience. Stills from the television series will be on display along the Servants Passage so you can compare how Chawton House looks today with its appearance in the series.

Photo of snowdrops in front of Chawton House