Open-air theatre near Winchester

Sherlock Holmes & The Hound of the Baskervilles at The Barn at Avington

3 June 2026
In this family-friendly production of Sherlock Holmes & The Hound of the Baskervilles, detective duo Holmes and Watson discover the deadly secret of the Baskerville family curse. Sit back, dig into your picnic, and get ready for live music, audience interaction and a marvellous mystery.

Open-Air Theatre at The Vyne, Basingstoke

6 June, 20 June, and 12 July 2026
Nestled in the heart of the Hampshire countryside, National Trust's The Vyne is an idyllic spot to enjoy a season of outdoor theatre. On 6 June, star-crossed lovers take the stage in a bold reimagining of Romeo & Juliet. 20 June will see the critically-acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre take on The (Almost) Complete History of Britain, a show that tells the entire story of Britain in under 2 hours. Then return for some more Shakespeare on 12 June as the north lawn is transformed into As You Like It's infamous Forest of Arden.

Summer of Shakespeare at Chawton House

7 June and 11 July 2026
Prepare for a Summer of Shakespeare at Chawton House, the grand estate owned by Jane Austen's brother. on 7 June, The HandleBards will be pedalling to perform As You Like It with all of their set, props and costumes on the back of their bikes. Then on 11 July, The Lord Chamberlain’s Men present Othello with an all male cast and Elizabethan costumes, music and dance.

Image: The Lord Chamberlain's Men

Macbeth at The Great Hall, Winchester

28 June 2026
Settle down on the cobbles in the courtyard of The Great Hall, Winchester for a hilariously high-octane production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth like you’ve never seen before. Brought to you by The Handlebards, this Macbeth is chock full of mishaps, mayhem and mirth. Suitable for all ages and apparitions!

Much Ado About Nothing at Wolvesey Castle, Winchester

14 to 18 July 2026
Experience a side-splitting performance of one of the Bard's most popular comedies. Chesil Theatre reimagines Much Ado About Nothing at the end of WWII, as a group of soldiers stop for a few days' rest, recreation and a little romance.

Open-Air Theatre at The Hospital of St Cross, Winchester

18 July and 22 August 2026
The Hospital of St Cross is putting on a brilliant programme of outdoor theatre on their medieval site. And where better to be immersed in Shakespearean drama? On 18 July, Oddsocks Theatre returns with their new take on the famous star-crossed lovers, Romeo & Juliet. Cap off the summer with Gilbert & Sullivan's beloved operetta, HMS Pinafore, setting sail on 22 August.

Image: The Handlebards

Outdoor cinema near Winchester

Outdoor Cinema at The Vyne, Basingstoke

16 - 19 July 2026
Visit the sweeping lawns of National Trust's The Vyne to watch your favourite movies on the big screen. Enjoy the 2005 adaptation of Pride & Prejudice at the house Jane Austen herself visited; step into the adventures of the Gruffalo and Stick Man; dance the night away to Mamma Mia!; and Experience Andrea Bocelli's incredible celebration concert. Prepare for a summer night you won't forget!

Outdoor Cinema Nights at Lainston House, near Winchester

6 - 29 August 2026
Settle in for a sunset screening of your favourite family classics, romantic throwbacks and marvellous musicals at Lainston House's Outdoor Cinema Nights. Snuggle up with your blanket, a picnic or a delicious woodfired pizza from the Wellhouse, Lainston House's onsite woodfire kitchen. Make it a sleepover by booking a room or suite at Lainston House. As a cinema goer, you’ll get 10% off your stay! Get in touch with the hotel team to redeem the offer.

Image: The Vyne

Outdoor music and festivals near Winchester

Wickham Festival, Near Fareham

30 July to 2 August 2026
Wickham Festival is a 4-day music and arts festival held on a country farm near the historic village of Wickham. With live music on four stages plus a host of other entertainment, Wickham is rated by many as one of the safest, most relaxed and family-friendly festivals in the UK. This year’s lineup is a vibrant mix of folk, rock, and world music, featuring legends like The Saw Doctors, The Proclaimers and Curtis Stigers.

Jazz & Fizz at Hambledon Wine Estate

1 August and 8 August 2026
For two consecutive weekends, come to the Vineyard for a relaxed afternoon filled with music, food, and fizz, with the sensational Amy Baker (1st August) and the dynamic Brass Breakout Jazz Orchestra (8th August). A selection of food stalls and local produce will be on hand to perfectly pair with your complimentary glass of Hambledon's Finest English Sparkling Wine.

Boomtown

12 August to 16 August 2026
Boomtown returns to Winchester this year for another spectacular year of music, theatre, and creativity. You can expect a lineup that dances across musical genres, including reggae, punk, electronic, folk, and more. Enjoy thousands of performers and over 500 musical acts including Scissor Sisters, Skrillex and Shaggy.

Image: Wickham Festival