23 June 2023
Fiesta at Winchester Science Centre – until 3 September
Welcome to Fiesta, an exciting mini children’s festival of curiosity. Free with general admission this summer! As well as all the usual Science Centre indoor fun, join us as we adventure outside. Enjoy festival tents, mini stages and live science all set against the stunning backdrop of the South Downs National Park. Get tickets.
Picnic and Movies by Moonlight at Lainston House – July to September
Lainston House is offering outdoor cinema for the first time this summer, with nine dates on offer in August and September. Guests can bring a picnic to enjoy with a fabulous film line-up, including Mamma Mia, Here We Go Again, A Star is Born, Dirty Dancing and The Greatest Showman. Get tickets.
The Secret Garden by Chapterhouse Theatre Company – 29 July
Join family and friends for what promises to be the most splendid evening of the summer as you picnic in the historic surroundings of Winchester Cathedral’s Lower Deanery Garden and lose yourself in this tale of secrecy and curiosity. Get tickets.
The Tale of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny at Gilbert White’s House – 8 August
Quantum Theatre are back with an enchanting new adaptation of two of Beatrix Potter’s best-loved Tales, The Tales of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny. Michael Whitmore’s charming adaptation will have you spellbound so why not grab the kids, a blanket and a picnic and join Peter and Benjamin on their hair-raising adventures – a magical afternoon of fun for all the family. Get tickets.
Shakespeare in the Garden – Romeo and Juliet at The King Charles – 22 August
The Bard’s famous tale of two houses, both alike in dignity, drawing swords and battling it out on the streets of Verona, while young love develops in an unexpected place.Experience Shakespeare as it was intended, interactive, informal and in the surroundings of a beautiful pub garden with a glass of beer or wine in hand. Whether this will be your first night of Shakespeare or you are a lifelong fan of the bard you are sure to not be disappointed with this spectacular performance promising an evening of romance, theatre and plenty of humour! Get tickets.
Encanto & Honey I Shrunk the Kids at Winchester Science Centre – 27 August
Celebrate the end of the summer holidays in style and join Winchester Science Centre for their Starlight Cinema. The magic and music of the family Madrigal will play out into the evening as an Encanto Sing Along gets everyone warming up their voices and tapping their feet. Then the mini adventures of Szalinski family will play out on the big screen as Honey I Shrunk the Kids plays out under the twinkling stars. Get tickets.
The Greatest Showman at Chawton House – 28 August
Join Chawton House for an evening of summer fun on the South Lawn, with a screening of the 2017 box office smash The Greatest Showman. Bring along a chair or picnic rug, find your perfect spot on the South Lawn and escape to the spectacular world of P.T. Barnum’s imagination, featuring musical numbers and spectacular feats! Starring starry ensemble cast including Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron and Zendaya.
From sparkling English wine and award-winning apple juice, to artisan breads and carbon negative ice creams, the Winchester district offers a fresh abundance of local flavours to add to your picnic which can be bought from one of the district’s delicatessens, farm shops or independent retailers. Our Visitor Information Centre also stocks a variety of local food, drinks and gifts. Don’t forget to include our local leaf (watercress) in your salad…
To see some of our local flavours and how they are made watch our Made in Winchester video ‘The sharp and the sweet‘.
Shop for local food in our market towns with the help of our maps:
You can also download the BID’s map of Independent retailers in the city centre.
After an evening of entertainment why not enjoy a stay in one of our hotels or guest houses. Take a look at our ‘Where to stay‘ pages to find your perfect bolthole.
